Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2019, Grade 10 English Language Arts

Question 18: Essay

Reporting Category: Language and Writing
Standard: ELA.K-12.L.1.01 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Standard: ELA.K-12.L.1.02 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Standard: ELA.K-12.L.2.03 - Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
Standard: ELA.K-12.W.1.01 - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
Standard: ELA.K-12.W.2.04 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Item Description: Write an argument in the form of a letter taking a position based on evidence from two excerpts on a similar topic.

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Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
5	Central idea is insightful and fully developed Skillful selection and explanation of evidence/details Skillful and/or subtle organization Rich expression of ideas Full awareness of the task/mode
5
4	Central idea is clear and well developed Effective selection and explanation of evidence/details Effective organization Clear expression of ideas Full awareness of the task/mode
3	Central idea is general and moderately developed Appropriate selection and explanation of evidence/details Moderate organization Adequate expression of ideas Sufficient awareness of the task/mode
2	Central idea may be present and is somewhat developed Limited selection and explanation of evidence/details Limited organization Basic expression of ideas Partial awareness of the task/mode
1	Central idea is not developed Insufficient evidence/details Minimal organization Poor expression of ideas Minimal awareness of the task/mode
0	The response shows evidence the student has read the text but does not address the question or incorrectly responds to the question.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 5.

Scoring Guide for Standard English Conventions

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
3	Consistent control of a variety of sentence structures relative to length of essay Consistent control of grammar, usage and mechanics relative to complexity and/or length of essay
2	Mostly consistent control of sentence structures relative to length of essay Mostly consistent control of grammar, usage and mechanics relative to complexity and/or length of essay
1	Little control and/or no variety in sentence structure and/or Little control of grammar, usage and mechanics relative to complexity and/or insufficient length
0	Sentences are formed incorrectly with no control of grammar, usage and mechanics and/or insufficient length

Grade 10 English Language Arts

Question 9: Language and Writing

Question 18: Language and Writing

Return to the MCAS 2019 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: May 5, 2020