Grade 6 ELA State Test (2017)

They establish Marisa’s problem.

They emphasize Marisa’s hopefulness.

They contrast Marisa’s artistic abilities with Euphemia’s.

They illustrate Marisa’s determination to not let Luke bother her.

“They’re always running wild and free. . .” (lines 2 and 3)

“He also calls me Messy.” (lines 8 and 9)

“Next I roughed in most of the body. . .” (lines 17 and 18)

“I scratched a big X through my earless, macaroni‐legged horse, . . .” (line 26)

They show that some situations take time to change.

They prove that practice can help natural talents to develop.

They suggest that inspiration may come in unexpected ways.

They demonstrate that new ideas will eventually be accepted.

“Everything looked special in that light, even the scraggly horses next door.” (lines 37 and 38)

“I noticed the curves of their muscles, the shadows on their faces, the shine along their backs.” (lines 42 through 44)

An idea began to take shape in my mind, and just then the cinnamon horse turned its head toward me and nodded three times.” (lines 49 and 50)

“I choose a deep brown, pulling it across my paper in the shape of the chocolate horse.” (line 52)

She realizes that Euphemia’s horses do not look realistic, so she decides to try to draw better pictures than her friend.

She decides to try a different way of drawing and is proud of her work.

She realizes she can never be an artist like Euphemia but wants to draw like her anyway.

She finally learns that drawing horses is easier with proper lighting and art supplies.

“‘For this one,’ he said, ‘what is your notation?’” (lines 11 and 12)

“‘For a poor king,’ I said.” (line 16)

“‘With a little care the flaw can be peeled away,’ he said.” (lines 19 and 20)

“I would like to go today.” (line 29)

by signaling a turning point

by providing a solution to the problem

by comparing the characters’ actions

by introducing a new conflict

He becomes concerned about a diver’s health.

He begins to acknowledge Ramón’s maturity.

He becomes frustrated by Ramón’s persistence.

He stops worrying about his family business.

Goats produce stronger silk than spiders do.

Scientists can insert genes into goats but not into spiders.

Spider proteins in goat milk can be spun into silk.

Goats are bigger than spiders and are much easier to raise.

The silk proteins are turned into clumps.

The silk is stretched repeatedly.

Salt is added to the goat’s milk.

Water is added to thin the clumps.

They suggest that the goats are unusual.

They explain how the goats are kept busy.

They explain that the goats are treated well.

They suggest that the goats are like humans.

Nubian goats produce better quality silk than spiders.

Spider silk is a complex substance that takes effort to make.

Nubian goats have been genetically altered to produce spider silk.

Spider silk contains proteins that are similar to proteins in other living things.

Scientists have made an attempt to gather silk from spiders living on farms.

Spider silk has qualities that can be used in many products.

A scientist started a company to research goat silk.

Machines spin spider silk into thin threads.

by suggesting that Ms. Charlemagne is not qualified to teach art

by introducing Nina to a new way to think about art

by showing that Ms. Charlemagne does not understand how artists work

by describing the way Nina usually completes art assignments

to reveal that Ms. Charlemagne has creative ideas

to imply that Ms. Charlemagne is new at teaching art

to demonstrate that Ms. Charlemagne has a cheerful outlook

to show that Ms. Charlemagne easily relates to the art students

by signaling a change in Nina’s thinking

by emphasizing the importance of the setting

by revealing Nina’s strong feelings

by suggesting a new plot development

“Still, I knew she liked the picture and felt proud to see it up on the wall.” (lines 8 and 9)

“I had never seen anything like them.” (line 18)

“Imagine being descended from a medieval French king!” (lines 30 and 31)

“I was the lord of my own picture, wasn’t I?” (line 56)

She is a respected artist.

She has a famous relative.

She has a unique personality.

She is a popular substitute teacher.

Nina’s thoughts about her mother help develop the theme that being honest will make you feel better.

Nina’s interaction with Isobel helps develop the theme that experiencing a new situation is easier with a friend.

Nina’s drawing helps develop the theme that expressing yourself can help you work through your struggles.

Nina’s description of Ms. Charlemagne helps develop the theme that judging others by their appearance is not a good idea.