What types of questions appear on MCAS tests, and how are student responses scored?
Four types of questions are used on MCAS tests: • Multiple-choice questions are included on all MCAS tests except the ELA Composition and require students to select the correct answer from a list of four options. Responses to multiple-choice questions are machine scored. • Short-answer questions are included only on Mathematics tests and require students to generate a brief response, usually a numerical solution or a brief statement. Responses to short-answer questions are scored on a scale of 0-1 points by one scorer at grades 3-8 and by two scorers independently at grade 10. • Open-response questions are included on all MCAS tests except the ELA Composition and require students to generate, rather than recognize, a response. Students create a one- or two-paragraph response in writing or in the form of a narrative or a chart, table, diagram, illustration, or graph, as appropriate. Students can respond correctly using a variety of strategies and approaches. Responses to open-response q
