NYSED+Assessment+Sample+Questions

NYS Sample Questions for Grades 3-8

Sample questions developed by ELA Forum participants to address CCSS The passages used are those provided in the Grade Sample Question Set.

from **//Little Women// by Louisa May Alcott** RL.8.2 Which of the following lines best represents the theme that initial impressions can be deceiving? a) Lines 2-4 b) Lines 30-31 c) Lines 16-17 d) Line 7

RL.8.3 Choose the example that does not illustrate how Mr. Laurence sets "about mending matters" with Beth/ a) By playing piano b) By speaking with Mrs. March instead c) By visiting Beth's home d) By offering private piano practice

RL.8.4 In line 33, "boldness" means a) bright in color b) large in size c) rudeness d) courage

RL.8.6 The reader understands that Mr. Laurence most likely assures Beth of privacy because a) she was sick with illness b) he also wanted privacy c) she was shy d) he hated music

from **California Folk Music Project: Collection of Traditional Music in California: Instructions to Workers**

RI.8.6 Which one of these key phrases clearly supports the author’s purpose for writing this article and would respond to conflicting evidence? a) “It is important for the collector to realize that in the mind of a true folk-singer the song is of every importance, the singer of none at all.” (lines 44-45) b) “Your call should always have the aspect of a social visit, not a business one.” (line 63) c.) “It is a good idea to spend much time making friends among the older people who are likely to know songs or to have friends who know them.” (lines 29-30) d) “Never judge a folk-singer by the tonal beauty of his singing.” (line 41)

RI.8.4 Judging by its use in context, performing by rote (line 4) most nearly means performing by a) written message. b) secret language. c) memory. d) writing.

RI.8.5 Why did the author change from a paragraph structure to a numbered list in lines 9 -22? a) to give criteria b) to list steps c.) to prioritize d) to establish etiquette

for paired passages: from **//The Story of My Life// by Helen Keller** and from **//Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave//**

RI.8.2, W.8.2, W.8.9 Write an essay using textual evidence from both passages, developing a central idea about learning.