Standard #: LA.5.2.1.7 (Archived Standard)

Test Item Specifications

Item Type(s): This benchmark may be assessed using: MC item(s)
N/A


Clarification :
The student will identify and interpret the author’s use of descriptive or figurative language and will determine how the author’s use of language impacts meaning in grade-level appropriate texts.

Content Limits :
Grade-level appropriate texts should contain clear examples of descriptive language (e.g., mood, imagery) and figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification). 

Idioms and symbolism should not be assessed.

Content Focus :
Descriptive Language (e.g., mood, imagery)
Figurative Language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification)

Text Attributes :
Texts should be literary and may include, but are not limited to, fiction, nonfiction (e.g., biographies, diary entries), poetry, or drama.

Other stimuli may include, but are not limited to, illustrations with captions, graphics, and charts.

Distractor Attributes :
Distractors may include, but are not limited to


• examples of descriptive language or figurative language drawn from the text but unrelated to the test item;
• inaccurate interpretations of descriptive language or figurative language; and
• plausible but incorrect distractors based on the text.

Note: If two descriptive language distractors are used, they must be balanced with two figurative language distractors. The correct answer determines the content focus for the item. 

Note: Distractors may also include all descriptive language examples or all figurative language examples. 

Note: When assessing the author’s mood (e.g., happy, sad, angry) in a text, whenever possible, distractors should not be a list of words but should include specific examples related to the text.

Sample Test Items (2)