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 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator 1. Develop comprehension skills by reading a variety of self-selected and assigned print and non-print informational texts, including electronic media

Objective a. Read, use, and identify the characteristics of nonfiction materials such as textbooks, appropriate reference materials, personal narratives, diaries, and journals, biographies, newspapers, letters, articles, web sites and other online materials, other appropriate content-specific texts to gain information and content knowledge

Assessment limit: Grade-appropriate informational texts

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item
Read the article about toys from the past 'Schoolyard Toys'. Then answer the following.

Explain how you know "Schoolyard Toys" is nonfiction. In your response, use information from the article that supports your explanation. Write your answer on your answer document.

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Resources for Objective 2.A.1.a:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |