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 3.0 Comprehension of Literary Text

Indicator 7. Analyze the author's purposeful use of language

Objective b. Analyze words and phrases that create tone

Assessment limit: In the text or a portion of the text

Selected Response Item
Read this passage from 'The Coastwatcher', a novel that takes place during World War II when the United States was at war with Germany. Then answer the following.

Read what Hugh's mother says in paragraph 12.

"Oh no, you don't" she said. "Go wash off that sand."

Which word best describes the tone of Hugh's mother's words?

  1. concerned
  2. confused
  3. determined
  4. excited
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Correct Answer:
C-determined is the correct response
Resources for Objective 3.A.7.b:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |