"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Sunday, March 25, 2012

8th Grade Citywide ELA Test: Part I

It's almost time to prove to New York City how skillful you are as readers, writers, and thinkers. Don't let the test intimidate you. Be excited by the challenge.

I. Overview

Day 1: Tuesday, April 17
Book 1
7 passages (literary and informational)
39 multiple-choice questions
70 minutes

Day 2: Wednesday, April 18
Book 2
1 listening selection (literary)
5 multiple choice listening questions
3 short-response listening
1 extended response listening
2 reading passages (literary and informational)
13 multiple-choice questioins
60 minutes

Day 3: Thursday, April 19
Book 3
2 paired passages (informational)
4 short-responses
1 extended response
50 minutes

Total:
12 passages
57 multiple choice
7 short answer
2 extended responses

II. Scoring

For short- and extended-response questions, students will write answers to open-ended questions. The extended responses are scored for writing as well as for reading comprehension.

Scores for all of the constructed responses are based on evidence of the following qualities:
Meaning—the extent to which the response exhibits sound understanding, interpretation, and analysis of the task and text
Development—the extent to which ideas are supported through the use of specific, accurate, and relevant evidence from the text
Organization—the extent to which the response exhibits direction, shape, and coherence
Language Use—the extent to which the response exhibits clear and effective use of vocabulary and sentence structure
Writing Mechanics—the extent to which the response exhibits correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation

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