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2017 MCAS
Grade 4 English Language Arts
Question 12

Idea Development - Score Point 4

The central idea of how Alex changed as he spent more time with Irene is fully developed in the essay. Details are effectively chosen to show how Alex changed from a parrot who "wouldn't even come out of his cage" to one that learned and invented new words. For example, "He even came up for a word for 'apple' himself. He called it 'banerry.' It was a combination of 'banana' and 'cherry.'" The essay is effectively organized with a clear expression of ideas. There are unified ideas within each paragraph, and a full awareness of the purpose of writing is present.

Standard English Conventions - Score Point 3

The essay contains a variety of complex sentence structures with proper conventions. For example, "If you gave him the wrong thing, he wouldn't be happy." Based on both its length and complexity, the essay demonstrates consistent control of grammar, usage, and mechanics at this grade level.
Answer for Idea Development Score Point 4, and Standard English Conventions Score Point 3 On the day Alex met Irene, he wouldn't even come out of his cage. He stayed put while Irene was waiting for him to get out of his new home. After a few days, Alex was up and running. Also he was perching on his teacher's hand. Alex just needed to get used to his new habitat. By this time, Alex was actually walking in and out of his cage and getting lessons. His lessons were not the type of lessons you would be in. On his first lesson, Alex would be presented with paper told that it was paper and then he would rip and shred it up victoriously and with enthusiasm. He didn't know he was learning. He thought this training was a playful game. Using the "model-rival" method, Alex continued his education. In a few weeks, Alex, a bird, thought to be on of the least smart creatures in the world, had learned many words and was ordering commands. And by being observant, Alex found words for all of his favorite foods. He even came up for a word for "apple" himself. He called it "banerry". It was a combination of "banana" and "cherry". He also needed to be obeyed. If you gave him the wrong thing, he wouldn't be happy. Irene had taught Alex how to talk and now Alex was talking freely as if he always knew how to do it. But somehow Alex got bored even though he got lots of attention and treats every day. He would try to give wrong answers or throw things on the floor or chew up telephone books or even ignore his trainers. One of the main reasons Alex got bored was that he had to take the same test every day. Irene thought this would work because repetition makes the brain remember things better. Irene helped Alex so much. She taught Alex to talk freely, even if there were some tough times. But the breakthrough was that parrots are some of the smartest creatures in the world. They can understand language and speak. Parrots are not dumb. Irene proved that.



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