School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Reading/ELA, Grade 6

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

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 State Curriculum 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 8. Read critically to evaluate literary texts

Objective b. Identify and explain questions left unanswered by the text

Assessment limit: Questions and predictions about events, situations, and conflicts that might occur if the text were extended

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.

Which of these questions is NOT answered by the details and events in this passage?

  1. Why does Hugh want his ocean discovery to be a secret?
  2. How determined is Hugh about ocean watching?
  3. What kind of relationship does High have with Jiggs?
  4. How observant about Hugh's behavior is his mother?
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_029.xml

Correct Answer:
A-Why does Hugh want his ocean discovery to be a secret? is the correct response

Selected Response Item
Read the article titled 'Swamp Talk' and answer the following questions. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

After reading "Swamp Talk," a reader might still want to know—

  1. why Billie Wind walks to the shore
  2. why Billie Wind is camping in the swamp
  3. how Billie Wind chooses her campground
  4. what Billie Wind plans to do in the swamp
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_6_073.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Assessment limit:
Questions and predictions about events, situations, and conflicts that might occur if the text were extended
Resources for Objective 3.A.8.b:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |