School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Reading/ELA, Grade 5

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 2.0 Comprehension of Informational Text

Indicator 4. Determine and analyze important ideas and messages in informational texts

Objective d. Summarize or paraphrase

Assessment limit: The text or a portion of the text

Selected Response Item
After reading the article, Fly High, Bessie Coleman, answer the following question.

Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the article.

High above the airfield, a pilot had just finished carving a crisp figure eight in the air.

Which of these statements is the best paraphrase of this sentence?

  1. The pilot completed forming a clear figure eight in the sky.
  2. Over the airfield, a pilot put the last touch on a figure eight.
  3. Tall in the sky, a pilot was done with the figure eight shape.
  4. The pilot recently drew a sharp figure eight at a great height.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_5_059.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item
Read the article titled 'A Brick to Cuddle Up To' and answer the following questions. Circle the letter of the correct answer.

Read this sentence from paragraph 8 of the article.

A blanket draped from chairs for privacy also let the fire's warmth surround the bather.

Which of these is the best paraphrase of this sentence?

  1. A blanket over the chairs kept the bather warm and unseen.
  2. Folding a blanket over the chairs held in the warmth and kept people out.
  3. Placing a blanket over the chairs made warmth and comfort more important.
  4. A folded blanket was like a curtain that made the room warm and comfortable.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_ela_5_074.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Assessment limit:
The text or a portion of the text
Resources for Objective 2.A.4.d:
Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS | Public Release Items |