School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the VSC and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

Standard 1.0 General Reading Processes

Topic D. Vocabulary

Indicator 3. Understand, acquire, and use new vocabulary

Objective b. Use word structure to determine the meaning of words

Assessment limit: Grade-appropriate prefixes and suffixes

Selected Response Item
In this question, there are three words. Decide which word is made up of two words. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

  1. rescue
  2. windowsill
  3. vegetable
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_ela_3_013.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item
Read this question and choose the best answer. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.

In which word does tri mean three?

  1. trip
  2. countries
  3. tricycle
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_ela_3_014.xml

Correct Answer:
C