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AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 1Alabama Reading and Mathematics TestItem SpecificationsforReadingGrade 3Dr. Joseph B. MortonState Superintendent of EducationAlabama State Department of EducationMontgomery, AlabamaBulletin 2005, No. 81Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 2No person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or besubjected to discrimination in any program or activity on the basis of disability, sex, race, religion, nationalorigin, color, or age. Ref: Sec. 1983, Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.; Title VI and VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964;Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Equal Pay Act of 1963;Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972: Title IX Coordinator, P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery,Alabama 36130-2101 or call (334) 242-8444.Published by Harcourt Assessment, Inc.Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of Education.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrievalsystem, without permission in writing from the Alabama State Department of Education, except for theprinting of complete pages, with the copyright notice, for instructional use and not for resale.HARCOURT and the Harcourt Logo are trademarks of Harcourt, Inc., registered in the United States ofAmerica and/or other jurisdictions.Produced in the United States of America.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd10/4/057:45 AMPage iARMT GRADE 3 READINGALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATIONGovernor Bob Riley – PresidentRandy McKinney – District 1Betty Peters – District 2Stephanie W. Bell – District 3Dr. Ethel H. Hall – District 4Ella B. Bell – District 5David F. Byers, Jr. – District 6Sandra Ray – District 7Dr. Mary Jane Caylor – District 8ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONDr. Joseph B. MortonState Superintendent of EducationDr. Ruth C. AshDeputy State Superintendent of EducationFeagin Johnson, Jr.Assistant State Superintendent of EducationDr. Gloria TurnerDirector, Student AssessmentStudent AssessmentMiriam Byers, Education AdministratorCathy Poage, Education AdministratorDorothy DeMars, Education SpecialistSusan DuBose, Education SpecialistKanetra Germany, Education SpecialistShanetha Patterson, Education SpecialistNannette Pence, Education SpecialistSusan Skipper, Education SpecialistMark Ward, Education SpecialistiAlabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage iiARMT GRADE 3 READINGTABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1DEFINITION OF READING MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2CONTENT STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3PASSAGES WITH ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5ITEMS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH A PASSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19ITEMS BY CONTENT STANDARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23ANSWER KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35SAMPLE RESPONSE FORMAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45iiAlabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd10/19/052:34 PMPage 1ARMT GRADE 3 READINGINTRODUCTIONThis bulletin provides specific information about the Alabama Reading and MathematicsTest (ARMT). Educators representing each State Board of Education district as well asboth city and county school systems served on committees to determine the contentstandards on which the ARMT is based. In addition, educators from throughout the stateof Alabama served on committees to review the content of the tests, including selectingreading passages, reviewing specific test items, and determining achievement levels.Teachers must be familiar with the information in this bulletin so that they mayincorporate effective teaching of the reading content standards with classroomassessments. Using classroom assessments with similar test formats from time to time willhelp to enable students to demonstrate proficiency on the various content standards inreading.Two item types are included in the ARMT. Multiple-choice and open-ended items assessstudent performance on the ARMT in reading. Multiple-choice items carry a point valueof one, while open-ended items carry a point value of three. In this document, teacherswill see sample reading selections and representative item types for reading.Content StandardA statement of what students should knowand be able to do by the end of theacademic yearItem TypeMultiple-choice items, open-ended itemsAdditional InformationFurther information about the test items forthe content standardSample ItemsA collection of item types for each contentstandardAnswer KeyAnswers for multiple-choice itemsScoring Rubrics for Open-Ended ItemsScoring guide for open-ended items1Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 2ARMT GRADE 3 READINGDEFINITION OF READING MATERIALSLiterary/recreational reading materials are generally read for pleasure, such as magazinearticles, poetry, novels, and short stories.Informational/textual reading materials are generally read for information, such asmaterials containing charts or graphs and materials found in encyclopedias, textbooks, labmanuals, essays, and news magazines.Functional reading materials are generally read for a precise action, such as directions,maps, schedules, menus, catalogues, instructions, and other materials generallyencountered in everyday life beyond the classroom.2Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 3ARMT GRADE 3 READINGCONTENT STANDARDSGrade 3CONTENT STANDARDPOINTSPOSSIBLE1 – Apply advanced phonetic analysis to multiple-syllable words, includingconsonants, short vowels, blends, long vowel markers, and r-controlledvowels.72 – Demonstrate reading vocabulary knowledge of compound words. Using structural analysis to develop meaningExamples: prefixes, suffixes, root words Drawing semantic maps Learning new synonyms and antonyms Spelling correctly compound words, phonetically regular words,contractions and possessives; using dictionary to check spelling83 – Use a wide range of strategies, including using context clues andpredicting outcomes, to comprehend third-grade literary/recreationalmaterials in a variety of genres.Examples: stories, trade books, poetry, subject texts Identifying literary elements and devicesExamples: characters, similes Determining sequence of events Distinguishing fiction from nonfiction Using sentence structure Drawing conclusions Self-monitoring for understandingExamples: rereading, using context clues, adjusting speed, andaccessing prior knowledge and experiences Using vocabulary knowledge Relating main ideas to specific life experiences Reading fluently at approximately 120 words per minute Adjusting speed/rate Previewing and predicting Utilizing text features Using prior knowledge and experience3Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 0617
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 4ARMT GRADE 3 READING4 – Use a wide range of strategies and skills, including retellinginformation, using general context clues, and making inferences toidentify the main idea, to comprehend third-grade functional andtextual/informational and reading materials. Using sentence structure Distinguishing main idea from details Summarizing passages Using text feature to gain meaningExamples: titles, headings, glossary, boldface print, index, table ofcontents, maps, charts, tables Using vocabulary knowledge Self-monitoring for text understanding Following simple written directions Ordering by importance or chronologyTOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE4Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 062658
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 5ARMT GRADE 3 READINGPASSAGES WITH ITEMSThese are the directions given to students.DIRECTIONS:Read each passage. Then read each question about the passage. For somequestions you will need to choose the best answer and then mark the spacein your answer document. For other questions you will need to write yourresponse in the answer document.5Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 6ARMT GRADE 3 READINGA Visit in the SkyBy Joe WhitecloudMy vacation with Grandma and Grandpa Whitecloud was great! Theyused to live with us in New York, but they moved to Arizona when I wasfive. They are Native American, and Arizona has always been their home.Dad usually visits them, but not this summer! Dad is sending me to staywith them for a two-week adventure.This was my first time to travel alone. On the airplane, I studied thepicture that Grandma had sent me. It was a picture of Walpi, an old Hopivillage where Grandma and Grandpa lived. The village is on top of a tallrock hill. It looked steep, and I wasn’t sure I could climb that high. I alsowondered if Grandma and Grandpa would act differently in this village thanthey had in our apartment in New York. Would I be a stranger there?Grandpa met me atthe airport. He lookedthe same! We picked upmy suitcase and took itto Grandpa’s truck. Aswe drove away from thecity, I stared at thebeauty of the desert. Aneagle flew above us.Soon we headed up thepath to Walpi. Grandpaparked the truck on the edge of the hill. I looked down and gulped. We wereso high up, I felt like a bird! He took me to some stairs that led to a door ofthe building. Ladders were used to get to other rows of doors on the secondand third floors.Grandma was waiting for us. “Joe, this is called a ‘pueblo.’ The buildingsare made from stones and baked clay,” she explained. “We live on the firstfloor, and other people will live above us.”Grandma and Grandpa’s rooms felt cool after standing under the hotArizona sun. Grandma said that the stones kept the rooms cool. Her handwoven rugs covered the walls. After eating beans and cornbread thatGrandpa cooked on the stone fireplace, we took a walk outside. We visitedthe “kiva,” which is a large room where the Hopi go for special events.(continued on next page)6Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 7ARMT GRADE 3 READINGI really liked meeting the Hopi people. One man helped me make a clayvase to take home to Mom. The children included me in their ball gamesand foot races. Sometimes I helped Grandpa and his friends work in thefields. One afternoon a woman showed me how to weave a basket fromgrasses. The whole time I felt as if I were part of a big family in our secretvillage in the sky. It was hard to leave my grandparents when my two weekswere over. I could have lived in Walpi forever!1. You can tell that a reason Joevisited Walpi was to —3. This story would most likely befound in a —A learn about a new placeA big city newspaperB work in the fieldsB student’s journalC enjoy the beautiful desertC book on the Hopi peopleD eat home-cooked foodsD report on the desert2. Joe thinks he might feel like astranger when he —4. Which of these is a simile in thestory?A sees his grandfather at the airportA “This was my first time to travelalone.”B visits the village kivaB “As we drove away from the city,I stared at the beauty of thedesert.”C makes a clay vase for his motherD looks at a picture of the villageC “We were so high up, I felt like abird!”D “I could have lived in Walpiforever!”7Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 8ARMT GRADE 3 READING5. On the airplane, how does Joefeel about visiting Walpi?6. How do the Hopi people treatJoe?Use details from the story tosupport your answer.Use details from the story tosupport your answer.Write your answer in the answerdocument.Write your answer in the answerdocument.8Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 9ARMT GRADE 3 READINGLooking at NatureShore WalkI like to look at forests,The trunks of many trees,Their branches spreading outReaching towards the sky with leaves.Each morning I awakeAnd walk along the shore,To watch the rising sunAnd hear the ocean’s roar.I like to look at meadows,Their flowers moist with dew,Windy grasses bendingAcross the open views.Each morning I awakeTo watch the seagulls fly—They flap their pointed wingsAnd sail into the sky.I like to look at the ocean,Its untamed waves of greenThat splash upon the shoreTo make a lovely scene.Each morning I awakeTo smell the salty sea—The scent is in the windThat blows so wild and free.I like to look at mountainsRising to the sky.Up to their tops I’d goIf only I could fly!Each morning I awakeTo look for shiny shells,And stones, polished smoothBy mighty waves and swells.Nature has so many thingsWonderful to see;Just use your many senses,I’m sure you will agree!At night I go to sleepAnd dream of pleasant seas,Of rising in the morningTo greet the ocean breeze.9Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 10ARMT GRADE 3 READING1. Read this line from “Looking atNature.”3. Based on the poem, what will thespeaker in “Shore Walk” mostlikely do when he wakes uptomorrow?Their flowers moist with dew . . .A Call a friendWhat does moist mean in thepoem?B Hunt for shellsC Go surfingD Pick flowersA PrettyB SoftC WetD Pink4. Read this line from “Looking atNature.”To make a lovely scene.2. Which activity would the speakerin “Looking at Nature” mostlikely enjoy?In which sentence below does theword scene mean the same as inthe sentence above?A Visiting museumsB Taking photographsA Anna got mad and made a sceneat the store.C Playing a board gameD Visiting a big cityB My friend is in the next scene ofthe play.C As we ate our lunch, I looked atthe peaceful scene.D This is my favorite scene of themovie.10Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 11ARMT GRADE 3 READING5. Imagine the speaker in “ShoreWalk” meeting the speaker in“Looking at Nature.” What wouldthey probably discuss? Use detailsfrom the poems to support youranswer.6. Where does the speaker in “ShoreWalk” live?Explain your answer using detailsfrom the poem.Write your answer in the answerdocument.Explain your answer.Write your answer in the answerdocument.11Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 12ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThe Jumping ContestImagine you are in a jumpingcontest. You can probably jump about afoot high. Jumping forward, you canprobably go a few feet. That is prettygood—for a human. Look out though!Animals and insects can enter thisjumping contest. They might just leavehumans in the dust!The Long JumpThe first event is the long jump.The human athlete is Mike Powell. In1991, he jumped nearly 30 feet, whichis the world record for the long jump.That is about the length of two cars, orfive times his own height. Of course,most people cannot jump as well asMike Powell.His competitor in the long-jumpcontest is a frog named “Rosie theRibbiter.” Rosie set the world record forfrogs in 1986 by jumping more than 21 feet. Her record has never beenbroken by any other frog. Compared to Mike Powell, Rosie’s jump is not thatamazing. But wait! Rosie is only about 10 inches long when her legs arestretched to their full length. She can jump more than 25 times her size.Rosie, the frog, wins the long-jump event.The High JumpThe next event is the high jump. Javier Sotomayor holds the worldrecord for the high jump. He can jump a bar 8 feet high. That is about ashigh as the ceiling in most homes.Looking around for someone to challenge his record, Javier might need amagnifying glass. The next contestant is a tiny insect with wonderfuljumping talent. It is called the spittlebug.(continued on next page)12Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 13ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThe spittlebug can jump 28 inches into the air. That is amazing, becausethe spittlebug is only a quarter-inchlong. That is less than the width of apencil. If the spittlebug were the samesize as Javier, it would be able to jump600 feet into the air. That is like ahuman jumping over a building 55stories high! The spittlebug wins thehigh-jump contest.Though the humans lose the“jumping contest,” their competitorswould probably agree that Mike and Javier are still pretty remarkableathletes. If only Rosie and the spittlebug could speak!1. Mike Powell does not win thejumping contest because —2. What does the word competitormean in this passage?A Mike’s jump is shorter thanRosie’s jumpA TeammateB JumperB frogs jump farther than humansC ChallengerC Rosie’s record will never bebrokenD CoachD Rosie jumped 25 times her size13Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd10/12/0511:09 AMPage 14ARMT GRADE 3 READING3. Why does the spittlebug win thehigh-jump contest?5. Identify one fact about eachcontestant in either the longjump or high-jump contest.A The spittlebug is 28 inches tall.Use details from the passage tosupport your answer.B Sotomayor does not jump asmany times his own height.C The spittlebug can jump 25 timesits own height.Write your answer in the answerdocument.D Sotomayor needs a magnifyingglass to see.6. Javier Sotomayor might need amagnifying glass to watch thespittlebug’s jump. However, MikePowell would not need one towatch Rosie jump.4. In this passage, a remarkableathlete —A jumps in order to set recordsExplain why this is true.B cannot be beaten by a spittlebugor frogUse details from the passage tosupport your answer.C is one who always wins contestsD shows great talent or skillWrite your answer in the answerdocument.7. In your own words, explain why“Rosie the Ribbiter” would winthe long-jump competition.Use details from the passage tosupport your answer.Write your answer in the answerdocument.14Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 15ARMT GRADE 3 READINGIt’s the 3rd AnnualFamily Fun Fair! Games Crafts Food Apple Pie Contest Face Painting. . . and more! Hay Rides Door PrizesWhat: A chance to celebrate Fall, support our community, and have fun!When: Saturday, October 4th from 9A.M.to 3P.M.,rain or shine!Where: The big field next to Hopedale Elementary SchoolFor more information: Contact Peter Halm at 555-0191Don’t miss the 3rd annual Family Fun Fair!This fair promises to be even betterthan last year’s fair—no kidding!Last year the game booths were a big hit. (Who could forget Principal Snyderwinning a stuffed toy dog that was so big it took four students to carry it to hertruck?) This year we have two new game booths. So get ready to toss those ringsand pop those balloons.Visit our craft tables. They will be better than ever! You can buy items such asclothing, backpacks, and gift baskets.Children ages 5 and under can have their faces paintedfor FREE by Mr. Garcia’s third-grade art class. Theycan also take a FREE hay ride.A big thankyou to JanetMcGwire forthe use ofher tractorand wagon!No fair would be complete without food. We willbe selling hot dogs, ice cream, roasted nuts, and cottoncandy at our booths. For those of you who love to bake, why not enter our newapple pie contest? Just bring your pie to the pie table on the morning of the fair.At 1 P.M., our judges, Coach Carter and math teacher, Mrs. Adams, will choose awinner.Won’t you please support our school by coming to the fair? Tickets are only 2each. Door prizes will be given. You could win sports equipment, a new camera, ordinner for four at Merino’s Restaurant!This will be the best fair ever. Don’t miss it!15Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 16ARMT GRADE 3 READING1. Read this line from the selection.3. The information under the title ismost helpful in showing —Won’t you please support ourschool by coming to the fair?A how to get a free hay rideB what can be found at the fairIn this sentence, supportmeans —C how to win a door prizeD what is at the craft tablesA helpB likeC start4. The author wrote this selectionmainly to —D raiseA sell hot dogs and ice creamB show how to win prizes2. Which of these is free to childrenages 5 and under?C tell about Principal Snyder’s toydogD get people to attend the fairA FoodB CraftsC Hay ridesD Tickets16Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd10/25/0510:54 AMPage 17ARMT GRADE 3 READING5. Read this statement from theselection.6. Read this statement from theselection.What: A chance to celebrate Fall,support our community, andhave fun!For more information:Contact Peter Halm at 555-0191In this statement, contact meansthat Peter Halm will —What does celebrate mean in thisstatement?A expect people to come to hishome before the fairA DecorateB visit people at the fair onSaturday, October 4B EnjoyC talk to people about the details ofthe fairD HelpC PerformD thank people for bringing pies tothe fair17Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 18ARMT GRADE 3 READING7. Read this sentence from theselection.8. The author of this selection wantsyou to come to the fair. List onequestion the author asks andexplain how this question mightmake you want to go to the fair.You can buy items such asclothing, backpacks, and giftbaskets.Use details from the selection tosupport your answer.What does items mean in thissentence?Write your answer in the answerdocument.A GamesB SweetsC PlansD Things9. What actions in the selectionshow that teachers and studentshelp at the fair every year?Describe two examples by usingdetails from the selection tosupport your answer.Write your answer in the answerdocument.18Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 19ARMT GRADE 3 READINGITEMS NOTASSOCIATED WITHA PASSAGE19Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 20ARMT GRADE 3 READINGWORD STUDY SKILLSThese are the directions given to students.DIRECTIONS:Look at the word with the underlined letter or letters. The underlined letter orletters stand for a sound. Decide which of the other three words has the samesound in it. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.1.coast4.A coatsA thirdB pantsB brightC wasteC flash2.start5.A barkA tireB flameB stirC shadowC drift3.thoughttrimA climbB limbC claim20Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06firm
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 21ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThese are the directions given to students.DIRECTIONS:In this question, there are three words. Decide which word is made up of twowords. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.6.largerAchipmunkBsidewalkCThese are the directions given to students.DIRECTIONS:Read each question and choose the best answer. Then mark the space for theanswer you have chosen.7. In the word unhappy, unprobably means —8. The es in elves means the same asthe es in —A notA doesB withB knivesC beforeC address21Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 22ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThese are the directions given to students.DIRECTIONS:Choose the word or group of words that means the same, or about the same, asthe underlined word. Then mark the space for the answer you have chosen.9. To examine means to —A slideB raiseC waitD look22Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 23ARMT GRADE 3 READINGITEMS BYCONTENT STANDARD23Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 24ARMT GRADE 3 READINGContent Standard 1Apply advanced phonetic analysis to multiple-syllable words, including consonants, short vowels,blends, long vowel markers, and r-controlled vowels.Item TypeMultiple-choiceAdditional InformationItems not associated with passagesSample Multiple-Choice ItemsThe items below reference “Items Not Associated with a Passage” on pages 19–22.1.coast4.A coatsA third *B pantsB brightC waste *C flash2.start5.A bark *A tireB flameB stir *C shadowC drift3.thoughttrimA climbB limb *C claim24Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06firm
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 25ARMT GRADE 3 READINGContent Standard 2Demonstrate reading vocabulary knowledge of compound words. Using structural analysis to develop meaningExamples: prefixes, suffixes, root words Drawing semantic maps Learning new synonyms and antonyms Spelling correctly compound words, phonetically regular words, contractions and possessives;using dictionary to check spellingItem TypeMultiple-choiceAdditional InformationItems not associated with passagesSample Multiple-Choice ItemsThe items below reference “Items Not Associated with a Passage” on pages 19–22.1.largerA3. The es in elves means the same asthe es in —chipmunkBsidewalkC*A doesB knives *C address2. In the word unhappy, unprobably means —4. To examine means to —A not *B withA slideC beforeB raiseC waitD look *25Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 26ARMT GRADE 3 READINGContent Standard 3Use a wide range of strategies, including using context clues and predicting outcomes, tocomprehend third-grade literary/recreational materials in a variety of genres.Examples: stories, trade books, poetry, subject texts Identifying literary elements and devicesExamples: characters, similes Determining sequence of events Distinguishing fiction from nonfiction Using sentence structure Drawing conclusions Self-monitoring for understandingExamples: rereading, using context clues, adjusting speed, andaccessing prior knowledge and experiences Using vocabulary knowledge Relating main ideas to specific life experiences Reading fluently at approximately 120 words per minute Adjusting speed/rate Previewing and predicting Utilizing text features Using prior knowledge and experienceItem TypeMultiple-choiceOpen-endedAdditional InformationItems associated with literary/recreational passages and poems will be used.Sample Multiple-Choice ItemsThe items below reference “A Visit in the Sky” on pages 6–7.1. You can tell that a reason Joevisited Walpi was to —2. Joe thinks he might feel like astranger when he —A learn about a new place *A sees his grandfather at the airportB work in the fieldsB visits the village kivaC enjoy the beautiful desertC makes a clay vase for his motherD eat home-cooked foodsD looks at a picture of the village *26Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 27ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThe items below reference “A Visit in the Sky” on pages 6–7.3. This story would most likely befound in a —4. Which of these is a simile in thestory?A big city newspaperA “This was my first time to travelalone.”B student’s journal *B “As we drove away from the city,I stared at the beauty of thedesert.”C book on the Hopi peopleD report on the desertC “We were so high up, I felt like abird!” *D “I could have lived in Walpiforever!”27Copyright 2005 by the Alabama State Department of EducationAll rights reserved.Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06
AL06Spr G3 R ItemSpec.qxd9/30/053:57 PMPage 28ARMT GRADE 3 READINGThe items below reference “Looking at Nature” and “Shore Walk” on page 9.5. Read this line from “Looking atNature.”7. Based on the poem, what will thespeaker in “Shore Walk” mostlikely do when he wakes uptomorrow?Their flowers moist with dew . . .A Call a friendWhat does moist mean in thepoem?B Hunt for shells *C Go surfingD Pick flowersA PrettyB SoftC Wet *D Pink8. Read this line from “Looking atNature.”To make a lovely scene.6. Which activity would the speakerin “Looking at Nature” mostlike
ARMT GRADE 3 READING i Alabama G3 Reading Item Specs Spring 06 ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Governor Bob Riley – President Randy McKinney – District 1 Betty Peters – District 2 Stephanie W. Bell – District 3 Dr. Ethel H. Hall – District 4 Ella B. Bell – District 5
