Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2013, High School Technology/Engineering

Question 11: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Construction and Manufacturing
Standard: 2.5 - Identify and demonstrate the safe and proper use of common hand tools, power tools, and measurement devices used in construction.

The diagram below shows four common tools.

Shows four common tools: an adjustable wrench, needle-nose pliers, a rubber mallet, and a steel hammer.

“Use the right tool for the right task” is an important safety rule in any situation.

Describe a task for which the right tool to use is a wrench but not pliers. Explain your answer.
Describe a task for which the right tool to use is pliers but not a wrench. Explain your answer.
Describe a task for which a rubber mallet is better suited than a steel hammer. Explain your reasoning.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

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

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the safe and proper use of common hand tools used in construction. The response clearly describes an appropriate task for using a wrench and an appropriate task for using pliers, and explains why each tool is appropriate. The response also clearly describes a task better suited for a rubber mallet than a steel hammer and explains the reasoning.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of the safe and proper use of common hand tools used in construction.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of the safe and proper use of common hand tools used in construction.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the safe and proper use of common hand tools used in construction.
0	Response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Technology/Engineering

Question 11: Construction and Manufacturing

Question 23: Fluid and Thermal Systems

Question 33: Fluid and Thermal Systems

Question 44: Electrical and Communication Systems

Question 45: Engineering Design

Return to the 2013 MCAS Sample Student Work: High School Technology/Engineering

Last Updated: March 21, 2023