School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Reading/ELA, Grade 6

Reading/ELA | Informational | Literary | Writing | Language | Listening | Speaking

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Standard 1.0 General Reading Processes

Topic D. Vocabulary

Indicator 3. Understand, acquire, and use new vocabulary

Objective a. Use context to determine the meanings of words

Selected Response Item
Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

My father was not moved by my request for an allowance.

In which sentence does the word moved mean the same as in the sentence above?

  1. The dark storm clouds moved quickly across the sky.
  2. Sue moved the chair closer to the fireplace to keep warm.
  3. Doug's father found a new job, and his family moved away.
  4. The sad look on my sister's face moved me to buy her a special treat.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_030.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item
Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

My teacher asked our group to plot a calendar for finishing the project.

In which sentence does the word plot mean the same as in the sentence above?

  1. Before my trip I will use a road map to plot the shortest route.
  2. The play has an unusual plot about the search for a magic cave.
  3. We had to plot against my sister to get her to her surprise party.
  4. My aunt has a vegetable garden on a plot of land near her house.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_031.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item
Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

My sister's new job as store manager begins an important stage in her business career.

In which sentence does the word stage mean the same as in the sentence above?

  1. The city will stage a concert at the theater in the park.
  2. The play will be performed on the stage in the cafeteria.
  3. A butterfly goes through more than one stage as it grows.
  4. There are plans to stage a rally for Mayor Tate at city hall.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_032.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item
As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

It was a hot day, but I felt cooler after a sudden rain doused my clothes.

Doused means —

  1. disguised
  2. drenched
  3. lightened
  4. wrinkled
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_033.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item
As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

Jacob is an ardent piano student who practices every day and plans to study music in college.

What does ardent mean?

  1. devoted
  2. famous
  3. helpful
  4. relaxed
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_034.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item
As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

My brother needs peace and quiet when he studies for a test, so he shuns other people until he is through with his work.

What does shuns mean?

  1. avoids
  2. interrupts
  3. questions
  4. watches
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_035.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item
As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

Terry had been waiting for her favorite singer's concert for months, so it was hard for her to restrain her excitement when the day of the event finally arrived.

What does restrain mean?

  1. work out
  2. look over
  3. hold back
  4. forget about
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_036.xml

Correct Answer:
C
Resources for Objective 1.D.3.a:
Lesson Seeds | Sample Assessments | PUBLIC RELEASE ITEMS |