Excerpts from classic novels make great material for standardized tests. A sample English language arts examination, part of a larger set of assessments, mixes excerpts from classic novels and more modern texts. The test includes three sections: multiple choice, source-based argument, and text analysis response. Answer keys provide sample responses to the open-source argument prompt and the text analysis prompt, which is based on an excerpt from a piece by Sherwood Anderson.

Concepts

reading comprehension, test preparation

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Use annotation strategies to mark up the excerpt from Sherwood Anderson, and then model using the annotations to write a response
• Turn the source-based argument into a debate and challenge scholars to use evidence from the texts in their responses

Classroom Considerations

• The assessment suggests a three-hour time limit

Pros

• Includes scoring keys, rubrics, and conversion charts to make scoring easier
• Provides clear instructions for test-takers

Cons

• Uses numbers rather than letters for multiple choice options, which may become confusing

Common Core

RL.9-10.1 RL.9-10.2 RL.9-10.3 RL.9-10.4 RL.9-10.5 RL.9-10.6 RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RL.11-12.3 RL.11-12.4 RL.11-12.5 W.9-10.9.a W.11-12.9.a L.11-12.6