(MCAS) ELA Grade 4

English Language Arts
aaSession 3, Open Response Questionan
37
Describe what the reader can learn about Ludwig van Beethoven from Uncle
Karl’s introduction and the letters. Use THREE details from the introduction
and the letters in your answer.
Reporting Category/Learning Standard for Item 37: Literature/Learning Standard 12
aaQuestion 37 Scoring Guide & Responsesaa
Scoring Guide
Score
4
3
2
Description
Response provides a full description of what the reader can learn about
Beethoven from Uncle Karl's introduction and the letters. 3 relevant details from
the introduction and letters are included to support the description.
Response provides an explanation of what the reader can learn about Beethoven
from Uncle Karl's introduction and the letters. 2 relevant details from the
selection are included to support the description.
Response provides a limited description of what the reader can learn about
Beethoven. 1 relevant detail from the letters or the introduction is included.
1 Response provides a vague statement about Beethoven.
0 Response is totally incorrect or irrelevant.
Blank No response.
View Sample Student Work at Each Score Point
Score Point 4 `
1. Beethoven was a very famous composer. People flooded the streets to pay
respects to his death. Also, he was very important, because three priests came to bless
his coffin. Ludwig was also deaf. He always wakes up the twins by stomping his feet.
But it isn’t his fault, he can’t hear what he is doing.
Score Point 3 `
1. Beethoven was a great composer.
2. On Thursday March 29 1827 the people of Vienna flooded into the street.
3. Beethoven was deaf.
THE MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM: 43
Release of Spring 2000, 2001 & 2002 Test Items
Rev. 06/03 srm