grade 6 - division of language arts/reading
TRANSCRIPT
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 1
Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.3 - use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words (9, 11, 22, 41) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
9 LA.6.1.6.3 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence from the passage. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds. What does the word clutched mean in the sentence above?
11 LA.6.1.6.3 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence. Persian writings a thousand years ago warned that using too rough an abrasive could harm the teeth.
Abrasive means the same as
22 LA.6.1.6.3 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence. Jones continued to work primarily as a mechanic, and his knowledge of cars helped in developing his inventions.
In the sentence, primarily means
41 LA.6.1.6.3 Marmalade - Literary
Read these sentences. Of course, his predicament served him right. There was no question that he’d been rummaging around in someone’s garbage. What does the word predicament mean?
Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings (17, 45, 47) (3 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
17 LA.6.1.6.8 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence. Toothpaste has come a long way from dried flowers and crushed eggshells rubbed onto the teeth with a stick. What is the meaning of come a long way in the sentence above?
45 LA.6.1.6.8 Marmalade - Literary
When the author states “. . . Mother took pity on him,” she means that his mother
47 LA.6.1.6.8 Marmalade - Literary
Read this sentence from the passage. He stared for a long time, and then, finally, he gave us a big toothy grin before scampering away into the rain. What does the word scampering suggest about the skunk in the sentence above?
Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 – determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings (10, 19, 48, 50) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
10 LA.6.1.6.9 A Journey of Ten
Thousand Miles –
Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence from the passage. “What disgraceful behavior!” he exclaimed in a mocking tone so familiar that it made her teary. Which sentence below uses tone in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
19 LA.6.1.6.9 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence from the article. Manufacturers today make toothpaste foamy by using synthetic detergents that taste even worse than regular soap; mint or other strong flavorings are added to cover the taste of the detergent. Which sentence below uses the word mint in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
48 LA.6.1.6.9 Marmalade - Literary
Read this sentence from the passage. We scrambled down the steps.
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 2
Which of the following is the closest meaning to scrambled as it is used in the sentence above?
50 LA.6.1.6.9 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
Read this sentence from the article. This will serve as a weight to keep your yarn from floating around the glass. Which sentence below uses the word serve in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
Category 2 – Reading Applications Benchmark LA.6.1.7.2 – will analyze author’s purpose and perspective (18, 23,26, 32) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
18 LA.6.1.7.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Why did the author MOST LIKELY write this article?
23 LA.6.1.7.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Why did the author MOST LIKELY write the article “Frederick M. Jones, Inventor”?
26 LA.6.1.7.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
The author of the article would PROBABLY agree that
32 LA.6.1.7.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which word BEST describes the author’s attitude toward being alone in “The Dark”?
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message (4, 25, 29, 40) (4 pts. possible)
4 LA.6.1.7.3 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence. As the wheels of the train clacked along the tracks, they seemed to chant—Four more days, just four more days . . . Three days, just three days . . . Only two, only two, only two . . . Tomorrow, tomorrow . . . Today!
At this point in the story, Mother and Shirley are counting the days because they are
25 LA.6.1.7.3 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Which activity did Jones enjoy most as a child?
29 LA.6.1.7.3 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
What is the poem “The Dark” MOSTLY about?
40 LA.6.1.7.3 Marmalade - Literary
Which statement gives the BEST summary of the story?
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 – identify cause-and-effect relationships (14, 16, 24, 30, 42,44) (6 pts. possible)
14 LA.6.1.7.4 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Why was fluoride added to toothpaste?
16 LA.6.1.7.4 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Borax powder was added to toothpaste to
24 LA.6.1.7.4 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
How did the changes Jones made to his movie projector change the moviegoers’ experiences?
30 LA.6.1.7.4 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
In “The Dark,” which is MOST LIKELY the result of evening temperatures?
42 LA.6.1.7.4 Marmalade - Literary What happened when Waldo and Rob set out the cups of marmalade?
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 3
44 LA.6.1.7.4 Marmalade - Literary
According to the story, what is the MAIN reason the skunk does not spray the boys?
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 – analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5, 49, 52) (3 pts. possible)
5 LA.6.1.7.5 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
The author organized the events in the passage by
49 LA.6.1.7.5 Marmalade - Literary
The information in the passage is MOSTLY organized by
52 LA.6.1.7.5 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
The information in the article is MOSTLY organized by
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 – compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (3, 13, 38, 39) (4 pts. possible)
3 LA.6.1.7.7 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
How are Shirley and Mother different in the story?
13 LA.6.1.7.7 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Both ancient and modern toothpastes contain
38 LA.6.1.7.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which word BEST describes a characteristic that the narrators of both poems share?
39 LA.6.1.7.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
The two poems are similar because they BOTH
Category 3 - Elements of Story Structure/Descriptive Language / Figurative Language Benchmark LA.6.2.1.2 – locate and analyze the elements of plot structure, including exposition, setting, character development, rising/falling action, conflict/resolution, and theme in a variety of fiction. (1, 2, 8, 43) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
1 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
What is the MAIN setting of this story?
2 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Which word BEST describes the narrator’s father?
8 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
What is the resolution of the story?
43 LA.6.2.1.2 Marmalade - Literary Which word BEST describes the behavior of the skunk in the attic when the narrator sees him?
Benchmark LA.6.2.1.7 – locate and analyze an author's use of allusions and descriptive , idiomatic, and figurative language in a variety of literary text, identifying how word choice sets the author’s tone and advances the work’s theme. (7, 31,33,34) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
7 LA.6.2.1.7 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Which statement BEST describes the mood of the passage?
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 4
31 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which words BEST describe the tone of “The Dark”?
33 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which word BEST describes the mood of the poem?
34 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which line from the poem contains an example of onomatopoeia?
Benchmark LA.6.2.2.1 – locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (35, 46) 2 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
35 LA.6.2.2.1 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
The purpose of the illustration is to show the reader
46 LA.6.2.2.1 Marmalade - Literary The information in italics at the beginning of the passage provides
Category 4 – Informational Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 – explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding (20, 51, 53) (3 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Overall Performance
Passage Question stem
20 LA.6.6.1.1 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
What information does the timeline at the end of the article provide?
51 LA.6.6.1.1 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
What information does the section “What you will need” provide?
53 LA.6.6.1.1 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
The heading “Instructions: Follow these steps to make your crystals.” MOSTLY helps the reader to
Benchmark LA.6.6.2.2 – collect, evaluate and summarize information using a variety of techniques from multiple sources that includes paraphrasing to convey ideas and details from the source, main idea(s) and relevant details. (6, 12, 15, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37) (8 pts. possible)
6 LA.6.6.2.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Which statement is the BEST evidence that Shirley and her family are moving to the United States?
12 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Which toothpaste ingredient would be most important to a person who wants strong teeth?
15 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
People who read this article will learn
21 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
What information can be found in BOTH the article and the timeline?
27 LA.6.6.2.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Based on the information in the article, which sentence is PROBABLY true about Frederick M. Jones?
28 LA.6.6.2.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
What will the reader learn from this article?
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 5
36 LA.6.6.2.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which is the BEST evidence that the speaker in “February Twilight” wanted to make this moment last?
37 LA.6.6.2.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which of the following is BEST supported in “February Twilight”?
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 1
Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.3 - use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words (9, 11, 22, 41) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors Analysis
9 LA.6.1.6.3 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence from the passage. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds.
What does the word clutched mean in the sentence above?
A. changed
B. covered
C. grasped
D. turned
11 LA.6.1.6.3 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence. Persian writings a thousand years ago warned that using too rough an abrasive could harm the teeth.
Abrasive means the same as
A. better taste.
B. clear liquid.
C. harsh polish.
D. smooth movement.
22 LA.6.1.6.3 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence. Jones continued to work primarily as a mechanic, and his knowledge of cars helped in developing his inventions. In the sentence, primarily means
F. mostly.
G. quickly.
H. quietly.
I. regularly.
41 LA.6.1.6.3 Marmalade - Literary
Read these sentences. Of course, his predicament served him right. There was no question that he’d been rummaging around in someone’s garbage.
What does the word predicament mean?
A. connection
B. direction
C. location
D. situation
Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings (17, 45, 47) (3 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
17 LA.6.1.6.8 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence. Toothpaste has come a long way from dried flowers and crushed eggshells rubbed onto the teeth with a stick. What is the meaning of come a long way in the sentence above?
A. changed very little
B. improved over time
C. become more popular
D. become more expensive
45 LA.6.1.6.8 Marmalade - Literary
When the author states “. . . Mother took pity on him,” she means that his mother
A. decided to help the skunk.
B. avoided looking at the skunk.
C. continued to pick a variety of vegetables.
D. returned to the kitchen for more marmalade.
47 LA.6.1.6.8 Marmalade - Literary
Read this sentence from the passage. He stared for a long time, and then, finally, he gave us a big toothy grin before scampering away into the rain.
What does the word scampering suggest about the skunk in the sentence above?
A He was quite frightened as he tried to leave.
B. He seemed playful and happy as he ran away.
C. He was moving slowly because of all the marmalade he ate.
D. He seemed reluctant to go and was aware that he was saying goodbye.
Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 – determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings (10, 19, 48, 50) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
10 LA.6.1.6.9 A Journey of
Ten
Read this sentence from the passage. “What disgraceful behavior!” he exclaimed in a mocking tone
F. The viola has a deep, beautiful tone.
G. The large city is known for its busy, upbeat
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 2
Thousand
Miles –
Literary
Nonfiction
so familiar that it made her teary. Which sentence below uses tone in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
tone.
H. The walls no longer had a dull tone after being painted.
I. He surprised me when he began to speak in such a playful tone
19 LA.6.1.6.9 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Read this sentence from the article. Manufacturers today make toothpaste foamy by using synthetic detergents that taste even worse than regular soap; mint or other strong flavorings are added to cover the taste of the detergent. Which sentence below uses the word mint in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
A. The family visited states that mint currency.
B. The baseball cards were in mint condition.
C. The mint in the tea eases digestion.
D. The new game costs a mint.
48 LA.6.1.6.9 Marmalade - Literary
Read this sentence from the passage. We scrambled down the steps. Which of the following is the closest meaning to scrambled as it is used in the sentence above?
F. cooked eggs
G. moved quickly
H. struggled for possession
I. mixed together confusedly
50 LA.6.1.6.9 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
Read this sentence from the article. This will serve as a weight to keep your yarn from floating around the glass. Which sentence below uses the word serve in the SAME way as in the sentence above?
F. The newspaper could serve as an umbrella during a rain shower.
G. My mother will be required to serve on a jury.
H. We will serve lunch promptly at noon.
I. I would like to serve my community.
Category 2 – Reading Applications Benchmark LA.6.1.7.2 – will analyze author’s purpose and perspective (18, 23,26, 32) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
18 LA.6.1.7.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Why did the author MOST LIKELY write this article?
F. to summarize the history of toothpaste
G. to encourage readers to brush their teeth
H. to show how each ingredient in toothpaste works
I. to explain why modern toothpaste is good for you
23 LA.6.1.7.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Why did the author MOST LIKELY write the article “Frederick M. Jones, Inventor”?
A. to present facts about Jones and his work
B. to tell a story about Jones and a chicken farmer
C. to explain how Jones invented refrigerated trucks
D. to offer an opinion about the refrigeration company Jones owned
26 LA.6.1.7.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
The author of the article would PROBABLY agree that
F. small farming communities produce the best inventors.
G. creative ideas are not apparent until the inventors are adults.
H. refrigeration systems were Jones’s most important inventions.
I. race car engines were an invention not worthy of Jones’s attention.
32 LA.6.1.7.2 The Dark – Poetry February
Which word BEST describes the author’s attitude toward being alone in “The Dark”?
F. angry
G. content
H. joyful
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 3
Twilight - Poetry
I. sad
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message (4, 25, 29, 40) (4 pts. possible)
4 LA.6.1.7.3 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Read this sentence. As the wheels of the train clacked along the tracks, they seemed to chant—Four more days, just four more days . . . Three days, just three days . . . Only two, only two, only two . . . Tomorrow, tomorrow . . . Today!
At this point in the story, Mother and Shirley are counting the days because they are
F. afraid of the motion of the train.
G. eager about their reunion with Father.
H. excited to see passengers in line for the train.
I. worried they have arrived too late to see Father.
25 LA.6.1.7.3 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Which activity did Jones enjoy most as a child?
A. working on a farm
B. taking things apart
C. cleaning garages
D. building race cars
29 LA.6.1.7.3 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
What is the poem “The Dark” MOSTLY about?
A. visiting with neighbors on a hillside
B. observing the number of people who live on a hill
C. studying the nighttime activities of wildlife on a hill
D. watching a hillside dim as people turn out their lights
40 LA.6.1.7.3 Marmalade - Literary
Which statement gives the BEST summary of the story? F. A boy plays in the attic.
G. A mother works in the garden.
H. A narrator enjoys the taste of marmalade.
I. A mother and son make an unusual friend.
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 – identify cause-and-effect relationships (14, 16, 24, 30, 42,44) (6 pts. possible)
14 LA.6.1.7.4 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Why was fluoride added to toothpaste?
F. Fluoride helps the paste to foam.
G. Many colors are made from fluoride.
H. Fluoride helps to cover the bad taste.
I. Studies show fluoride reduces tooth decay.
16 LA.6.1.7.4 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Borax powder was added to toothpaste to F. help it whiten teeth.
G. give it a good flavor.
H. turn it into a creamy paste.
I. make it foam in the mouth.
24 LA.6.1.7.4 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
How did the changes Jones made to his movie projector change the moviegoers’ experiences?
F. They could see movies in color.
G. They could pay less to see movies.
H. They could hear the sounds in movies.
I. They could watch movies on larger screens.
30 LA.6.1.7.4 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
In “The Dark,” which is MOST LIKELY the result of evening temperatures?
F. lights going out
G. the dust blowing
H. dew becoming cool
I. the barking of a dog
42 LA.6.1.7.4 Marmalade - Literary
What happened when Waldo and Rob set out the cups of marmalade?
F. The skunk hid in the attic.
G. The skunk crawled out the window.
H. The skunk followed the trail outside.
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 4
I. The skunk looked around in the garbage.
44 LA.6.1.7.4 Marmalade - Literary
According to the story, what is the MAIN reason the skunk does not spray the boys?
F. The skunk is busy looking for food.
G. The skunk has a marmalade jar on his nose.
H. The skunk is behind a carton near the chimney.
I. The skunk associates marmalade with kindness.
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 – analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5, 49, 52) (3 pts. possible)
5 LA.6.1.7.5 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
The author organized the events in the passage by A. presenting the thoughts and feelings of Shirley’s parents.
B. describing events that build up to a memorable moment in Shirley’s life.
C. explaining a problem that caused Shirley’s father to be away from his family.
D. making a list of all the things Shirley’s father knew and the things he could repair.
49 LA.6.1.7.5 Marmalade - Literary
The information in the passage is MOSTLY organized by
A. describing a boy’s experiences with a skunk in chronological order.
B. presenting the cause of a boy’s encounter with a skunk and its effect.
C. telling a boy’s stories about a skunk in order of most important to least important.
D. comparing the way the mother treated the skunk to the way the son treated the skunk.
52 LA.6.1.7.5 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
The information in the article is MOSTLY organized by
F. explaining what causes stalactites and stalagmites to form.
G. describing what natural formations look like.
H. listing the materials and steps in a process.
I. comparing stalactites to stalagmites.
Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 – compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (3, 13, 38, 39) (4 pts. possible)
3 LA.6.1.7.7 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
How are Shirley and Mother different in the story?
A. Shirley notices Father’s absence, but Mother does not miss him.
B. Shirley is openly eager, but Mother keeps her feelings to herself.
C. Shirley is excited about America, but Mother wants to return home.
D. Shirley enjoys the journey by train, but Mother dislikes traveling.
13 LA.6.1.7.7 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Both ancient and modern toothpastes contain
A. disinfectants.
B. flavorings.
C. fluoride.
D. chalk.
38 LA.6.1.7.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which word BEST describes a characteristic that the narrators of both poems share?
F. sympathetic
G. observant
H. grateful
I. affectionate
39 LA.6.1.7.7 The Dark – The two poems are similar because they BOTH A. mention another person.
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 5
Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
B. take place in the wintertime.
C. take place on or near a hillside.
D. mention the surrounding sounds.
Category 3 - Elements of Story Structure/Descriptive Language / Figurative Language Benchmark LA.6.2.1.2 – locate and analyze the elements of plot structure, including exposition, setting, character development, rising/falling action, conflict/resolution, and theme in a variety of fiction. (1, 2, 8, 43) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
1 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
What is the MAIN setting of this story?
A. Shanghai
B. California
C. an airport
D. a train station
2 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Which word BEST describes the narrator’s father?
F. cautious
G. courageous
H. knowledgeable
I. talkative
8 LA.6.2.1.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
What is the resolution of the story?
F. The family leaves the train station together.
G. The train ride becomes more quiet.
H. The family returns to Shanghai.
I. The train comes to a stop.
43 LA.6.2.1.2 Marmalade - Literary
Which word BEST describes the behavior of the skunk in the attic when the narrator sees him?
A. angry
B. curious
C. friendly
D. frightened
Benchmark LA.6.2.1.7 – locate and analyze an author's use of allusions and descriptive, idiomatic, and figurative language in a variety of literary text, identifying how word choice sets the author’s tone and advances the work’s theme. (7, 31,33,34) (4 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
7 LA.6.2.1.7 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction
Which statement BEST describes the mood of the passage?
A. But she remembered nothing of what she saw.
B. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds.
C. Leaping off the train, she ran to the dapper man in a bow tie.
D. She started to explain, but suddenly he was still.
31 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which words BEST describe the tone of “The Dark”?
A. happy and merry
B. peaceful and still
C. angry and annoyed
D. hopeful and encouraged
33 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Which word BEST describes the mood of the poem? A. frightened
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 6
Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
B. hopeful
C. peaceful
D. serious
34 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which line from the poem contains an example of onomatopoeia?
F. There are six little windows with light.
G. The little frogs chirp and I hear a dog bark
H. And just for a moment there comes an owl . . .
I. And nothing is left on the hill.
locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (35, 46) 2 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
35 LA.6.2.2.1 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
The purpose of the illustration is to show the reader
A. how the speaker feels.
B. what the speaker sees.
C. where the speaker lives.
D. when the speaker falls asleep.
46 LA.6.2.2.1 Marmalade - Literary
The information in italics at the beginning of the passage provides
F. a description of the illustration that goes with the passage.
G. a reference to a family story on which the passage is based.
H. an example of the relationship the author has with her relatives.
I. an explanation of what marmalade is and how it is spread on toast.
Category 4 – Informational Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 – explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding (20, 51, 53) (3 pts. possible)
Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors
20 LA.6.6.1.1 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
What information does the timeline at the end of the article provide?
F. important dates in the history of toothpaste
G. alternatives to using manufactured toothpaste
H. when preservatives were introduced into toothpaste
I. when studies were conducted on the effectiveness of toothpaste
51 LA.6.6.1.1 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
What information does the section “What you will need” provide?
A a list of materials for the experiment
B. a list of steps to perform the experiment
C. the definitions of stalactites and stalagmites
D. the time it takes for stalactites and stalagmites to form
53 LA.6.6.1.1 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational
The heading “Instructions: Follow these steps to make your crystals.” MOSTLY helps the reader to
A. imagine how to make crystals.
B. locate the directions for creating crystals.
C. understand the different types of crystals.
D. determine what materials are needed to make crystals.
6 LA.6.6.2.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles –
Which statement is the BEST evidence that Shirley and her family are moving to the United States?
F. Leaping off the train, she ran to the dapper man in a bow tie.
G. At last it was the hour when their year-long separation would end.
WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading
Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 7
Literary Nonfiction
H. Home was Brooklyn, New York, but Shirley would not know that for a while.
I. Throughout the journey across the United States, Shirley stared out the window of the train.
Benchmark LA.6.6.2.2 – collect, evaluate and summarize information using a variety of techniques from multiple sources that includes paraphrasing to convey ideas and details from the source, main idea(s) and relevant details. (6, 12, 15, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37) (8 pts. possible)
12 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
Which toothpaste ingredient would be most important to a person who wants strong teeth?
F. calcium
G. detergents
H. disinfectants
I. fluoride
15 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
People who read this article will learn A. that toothpaste has many different ingredients.
B. how to determine which toothpaste is best to use.
C. why toothpaste became an instant success.
D. when the need for toothpaste was decided.
21 LA.6.6.2.2 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational
What information can be found in BOTH the article and the timeline?
A. the flavors added to toothpaste
B. the dyes used in tooth-cleaning products
C. the material used to make toothpaste tubes
D. the material that turned tooth-cleaning powders into creamy pastes
27 LA.6.6.2.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
Based on the information in the article, which sentence is PROBABLY true about Frederick M. Jones?
A. He developed ideas when he saw a way to make money.
B. He did not believe that patents were important to inventors.
C. He did not like working on cars more than working in a movie theater.
D. He turned problems presented to him into opportunities for inventions.
28 LA.6.6.2.2 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction
What will the reader learn from this article?
F. the formation of a unique company
G. the process of applying for a patent
H. the childhoods of famous inventors
I. the details of making a refrigerator
36 LA.6.6.2.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which is the BEST evidence that the speaker in “February Twilight” wanted to make this moment last?
F. I stood beside a hill Smooth with new-laid snow
G. A single star looked out From the cold evening glow.
H. There was no other creature That saw what I could see—
I. I stood and watched the evening star As long as it watched me.
37 LA.6.6.2.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry
Which of the following is BEST supported in “February Twilight”?
A. search for truth
B. interest in the arts
C. love of knowledge
D. appreciation for nature