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2018 MCAS
Grade 6 English Language Arts
Question 7

Idea Development - Score Point 3

The narrative from the mother's point of view is moderately developed. Appropriate details are selected to develop characters and events, and the narrative includes some original content in the introduction: "There are five pups, each named for their particular actions or appearance. Leader, a very in-control pup, Runner, the fastest little new-born . . . ." Organization is moderate, following the pattern of the passage; some events are related briefly, such as Runt's interaction with Raven. The limited dialogue allows for only generally expressed ideas about how the mother feels about the pups leaving the den. However, her emotional quality is emphasized in the conclusion: "Tears filled my eyes. He really has grown up, my dear Runt." Overall, the narrative demonstrates sufficient awareness of the task and narrative mode.

Standard English Conventions - Score Point 3

The narrative demonstrates sentence structures that are complex and varied. Standard English conventions for grammar, usage, and mechanics are consistently controlled relative to the length and complexity of the writing.
Answer for Idea Development Score Point 3, and Standard English Conventions Score Point 3 When I gave birth to my pups, it was one of the best moments of my entire life. King was by my side the whole time, making sure that I was healthy and well. When the pups were cleaned, they came and crowded around my stomach, fighting for the same teat. They grew fast, as pups do. There are five pups, each named for their particular actions or appearance. Leader, a very in-control pup, Runner, the fastest little new-born I've ever seen, Sniffer, can't get enough of the smells!, Thinker, who spends all day pondering, and Runt, dear Runt, who is smaller than all the others. Soon the pups opened their eyes and wobbled around on their little legs. King often brought me food, I was to busy caring for the pups. When they started prouncing and fighting with each other, King and I nearly cried from the joy. On the day of truth, when the pups would see the outside world, I called my two other children, Helper and Hunter. I asked them to indroduce the pups to the world. They were overjoyed to have a chance to meet their kin, and gladly accepted. Finally, it was time. I led the pups out of the den, and into the bright light of day. I watched them squeal with delight, and jump around. Only Runt stood still. I smiled and nodded at Helper and Hunter. They took the pups, and sung them an introductery song. I walked over to King. "Can you believe this? Our pups are growing so fast!" I said to him. "No, I really can't believe it."He answered, grinning wide at me. Although it meant the pups would be leaving soon, I was relieved. Being in the den for all of those days an nights is awful. I looked back at the pups. "Surely, though, even a srap pup like you has a name." I heard Raven say to Runt. We watched him duck his head and hope for us to respond, but this was a lesson he woul need to learn. I zoned out from the conversation and enjoyed the day, half-hearing the fight between King and Raven.Then I heard Runt spea. "My name is Runt, they call me Runt." He said. Tears filled my eyes. He really has grown up, my dear Runt.



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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Print Now | Close Window