School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the High School Assessment (HSA) might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the Core Learning Goals and are formatted similarly to those appearing on the HSA.

Goal 3 Controlling Language

Expectation 3.3 The student will use capitalization, punctuation, and correct spelling appropriately.

Indicator 3.3.2 The student will use available resources to correct or confirm revisions and/or editorial choices.

Assessment Limits:

  • Using a resource for all punctuation or capitalization skills not internalized or for rules that may be in flux
  • Using a resource for standard English usage
    • agreement of subject and verb
    • agreement of pronoun and antecedent
    • clear pronoun reference
    • appropriate case of nouns and pronouns
    • appropriate and consistent verb tenses
  • Using a resource to apply other common rules of language usage that are grade appropriate
  • Using a resource for standard English in place of nonstandard English and slang

Selected Response Item - Released in 2003

For her social studies class, Bettina wrote a short report about women who have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Read the introductory paragraph of Bettina's report, “Women Nobel Prize Winners.”. Then answer the following.

Bettina reviewed these rules in a language handbook before editing Sentence 10.

Use a comma
  • before and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet when they link main clauses.
  • following introductory elements (later, on the other hand).
  • to set off parenthetical elements (on the other hand, in fact, therefore).
  • between items in a series (bacon, eggs, and toast).

Then Bettina edited Sentence 10 to read as follows:

All campaigned against war, opposed violence, or fought for human rights.

Did Bettina make an appropriate edit?

  1. yes, because the commas link main clauses
  2. yes, because the commas follow introductory elements
  3. yes, because the commas set off parenthetical elements
  4. yes, because the commas separate items in a series
/share/clg/xml/sample_assessment/english/2003_332_eng40.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item - Released in 2002

Read the draft of Michael's report: “Tenzing Norgay, Mountain Climber.” Then answer the following:

Michael found these suggestions for writing effective sentences in a language handbook.

1. Use planned repetition of ideas.
2. Use strong verbs.
3. Eliminate unneeded repetition.
4. Sequence elements in a series for greater emphasis.

He then combined the ideas in Sentences 13 and 14.

He devoted his entire life to his goal of reaching the top of Mt. Everest.

Which suggestion did Michael follow?

  1. Suggestion 1
  2. Suggestion 2
  3. Suggestion 3
  4. Suggestion 4
/share/clg/xml/sample_assessment/english/2002_332_eng25.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item - Released in 2002

Sandra wrote a paragraph describing her favorite place, “Smithville Beach.” Read the paragraph. Then answer the following:

Sandra reviewed these punctuation rules in a language handbook before editing Sentence 2.

Use a comma
  1. between two or more adjectives that equally modify the same word.
  2. to set off most introductory elements.
  3. to set off parenthetical expressions (fortunately, in other words, all things considered).
  4. to separate main clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, so, but, nor, yet).

Then Sandra edited Sentence 2 to read as follows:

According to a recent survey, this resort is the most popular beach on the Atlantic Coast.

Which rule did Sandra use to edit Sentence 2?

  1. Rule 1
  2. Rule 2
  3. Rule 3
  4. Rule 4
/share/clg/xml/sample_assessment/english/2002_332_eng42.xml

Correct Answer:
B
Resources for 3.3.2:
Public Release Items | SAMPLE ASSESSMENT ITEMS |