(MCAS) ELA Grade 4

English Language Arts
aaSession 2, Open Response Questionan
28
In your own words, explain how cotton grows from seed to harvest. Use
specific information from the selection in your answer.
Reporting Category/Learning Standard for Item 28: Literature/Learning Standard 13
aaQuestion 28 Scoring Guide & Responsesaa
Scoring Guide
Score
4
3
2
1
Description
Response demonstrates a clear, literal understanding of informational text and
identifies, sequences, and summarizes main events. Specific, relevant
information from the selection is included.
Response demonstrates an appropriate, literal understanding of informational
text and identifies, sequences, and summarizes main events. General support
from the selection is included.
Response demonstrates a partial understanding of the text. There is limited
support from the selection.
Response demonstrates a vague understanding of the text. There is no support
from the selection.
0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant.
Blank No response.
Score Point 4 `
The way cotton is grown is first farmers plant it in the spring. Two months later
the cotton seeds begins to bloom and the farmer pick it. The color of it at first is
creamy white. Then the flower turns pink, and then red. Three days after it turns red
it dies and turns brown. Out of the tip of the brown flower comes a green boll which is
a seedpod. Several months later it grows to the size of a Ping-Pong boll and inside the
boll moist cotton fibers form around the cotton seeds. The beginning of fall the cotton
seeds are four feet tall and most of the brown bolls have popped open and have cotton
inside them which begins to fluff out and dry up. Then the farmers cut the cotton
taking a long time. Next the cotton gin pulls the cotton fibers away from the seeds.
Finaly the cotton is dried bundled and sent off to be used!
THE MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM: 38
Release of Spring 2000, 2001 & 2002 Test Items
Rev. 06/03 srm