Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2019, Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering

Question 16: Constructed-Response

Reporting Category: Life Science
Standard: Sci.8.LS.4.05 - Synthesize and communicate information about artificial selection, or the ways in which humans have changed the inheritance of desired traits in organisms. Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the influence of humans on genetic outcomes in artificial selection (such as genetic modification, animal husbandry, and gene therapy).
Item Description: Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of selecting traits artificially in a species.

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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
2	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the ways in which humans have changed the inheritance of desired traits in organisms by artificial selection. The response clearly describes one advantage and one disadvantage of selecting traits artificially in horses.
1	The response demonstrates a partial understanding of the ways in which humans have changed the inheritance of desired traits in organisms by artificial selection.
0	The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Grade 4 Mathematics

Question 3: Number and Operations-Fractions

Question 4: Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Question 4: Measurement and Data

Question 4: Technology/Engineering

Question 5: Earth and Space Science

Question 5: Functions

Question 6: Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Question 6: Technology/Engineering

Question 6: Measurement and Data

Question 8: Expressions and Equations

Question 8: Language and Writing

Question 8: Reading

Question 8: Language and Writing

Question 9: Language and Writing

Question 9: Number and Quantity

Question 12: Ecology

Question 12: Waves and Radiation

Question 12: Expressions and Equations

Question 13: Number and Operations in Base Ten

Question 14: Statistics and Probability

Question 15: Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Question 15: Statistics and Probability

Question 16: Language and Writing

Question 16: Life Science

Question 17: Physical Science

Question 17: Language and Writing

Question 18: Earth and Space Science

Question 18: Language and Writing

Question 23: Motion and Forces

Question 23: Anatomy and Physiology

Question 30: Geometry

Question 32: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Question 32: Motion and Forces

Question 35: Algebra and Functions

Question 44: Heat and Heat Transfer

Question 44: Evolution and Biodiversity

Question 45: Electromagnetism

Question 45: Genetics

Return to the MCAS 2019 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: May 5, 2020