@KevinEBairdA/B Question Stems

Revised November 2014Source: SBAC, PARCC, AIR Assessments

The following questions are provided as examples of assessment items primarily targeting Depth of Knowledge Two – application of skills and concepts. Learning to use these questioning strategies allows teachers to provide Depth of Knowledge Two tasks for their students.

In some cases, we have provided “generic” question stems. In others, we have left the actual text from the assessment so that educators may see exactly what the question looks like. In the latter case, you will need to change the question to fit your content.

The questions are grouped by grade levels.

Grade 3

A. Choose the sentence that BEST explains what the use of dialogue show about the relationship between [Character A] and [Character B].

B. Which sentences from the passage BEST support your answer in part A?

A. Which sentence BEST describes the lesson of the passage?B. Which sentence from the passage BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. Click on the sentence that gives the best conclusion about the people who [describe a task from the text].

B. Click on two sentences from the passage that best support your answer in part A.

A. Choose the sentence that best describes what the information in the paragraph shows about the author’s point of view.

B. Which two sentences from the passage BEST support your answer in part A?

A. Which statement is supported by the presentation? [Four possible choices which accompany a video, slide show or graphic.]

B. Which sentence from the presentation best supports your answer in part A?

A. What does [multi-meaning vocabulary word] mean as it is used in paragraph [#]? B. Which statement best supports the answer in part A?

A. What does the phrase [key phrase] in paragraph [#] show about [character]?B. Which detail from [“entire text”] shows another example to part A?

A. What is happening in the illustration? B. What does the picture add to our understanding?

A. How do [character’s] actions lead him to be [future event / result with character]? B. Which detail from the text supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the bottle erupted like Mount Vesuvius mean as used in the paragraph?B. Which detail from the paragraph supports the answer to part A?

A. Why does Derrick cover his mouth with his hands?B. Which detail from paragraph 15 best supports the answer to part A?

A. Derrick and the narrator start making fish faces. How does this affect what happens next in the story?

B. Choose two details from paragraphs 28-33 that support the answer to part A.

A. What is the central message of the story?B. Which sentence from the story best supports the answer to part A?

A: How has learning from distant places changed over time?B: Select one sentence that supports the answer in part A.

A: How does the author support the idea that students who live far away from each other can learn together?B: Select two sentences that support the answer in part A.

Grade 4

A. Click on the statement that best explains how the characters’ actions show their relationship in the passage. [Four statement choices]

B. Click on ALL the sentences of the passage that best support your answer in part A.

A. Which sentence BEST describes the author’s main idea in paragraph 1?B. Which detail from the passage BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. Which conclusion about the author’s purpose is supported by the passage?B. Which sentence from the passage BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. What is the most likely reason the author made the presentation?B. Which detail from the presentation BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. What is the meaning of the word drift as it is used in paragraph 18 of “Just Like Home”?B. Which detail from the story helps the reader understand the meaning of drift?

A. In “Just Like Home” what can be learned about Priya from her statement, “It looks like home”?

B. Which detail supports the answer to part A?

A. What is the meaning of the phrase from lines 37-38 of “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”? B. Which lines from the poem best demonstrate the answer to Part A?

A. Which sentence summarizes the speaker’s thoughts in “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me”? B. Which lines from the poem show evidence of the answer to Part A?

A. What does the word “adapted” mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which statement from the “Wild Horses of Assateague Island” best supports the answer

to part A?

A. Which statement best provides the best explanation of why the Assateague horses have survived on the barrier island for so long?

B. Which sentence from the “Wild Horses of Assateague Island” best supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the phrase get a glimpse of mean as it is used in paragraph 12 of “Wild Ponies of Chincoteague”?

B. Which detail from Wild Ponies of Chincoteague” best supports the answer to part A?

A. Which statement best explains why the peonies travel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island?

B. Which detail from “Wild Ponies of Chincoteague” best supports the answer to part A?

A. How does the author mainly organize the information in “Wild Ponies of Chincoteague”?

B. Which sentence from the article supports the structure in the answer to part A?

A. Watch the section from 0:40 to 1:48 of the video. What is the meaning of the word “channel” as it is used in this section of the video?

B. Which detail from this part of the video supports the answer to part A?

A. Which of these statements best expresses a main idea from the video?B. Which statement from “Chincoteague Ponies Make Annual Swim” best supports the

answer to part A?

A. Which is the best summary of the story?B. Which two from the story best support the answer to Part A?

A. Which statement best describes the main character between paragraph 4 and paragraph 10 in the story?

B. Which statement from paragraphs 4 through 10 supports the answer to part A?

A. Based on the events in the story, which phrase best describes the main character at the end of the story?

B. Which detail from the story best supports the answer to Part A?

A. Which is the main theme from the story? B. Which statement from the story best supports the answer to Part A?

Grade 5

A. Which of these inferences about [main character] is supported by the text?B. Which sentence from the text BEST supports your answer in part A? Select one option.

A. Select the statement that best describes what the information in the paragraph shows about the author’s point of view.

B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A? Choose one option.

A. What does the word misery mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which detail from the story provides the best clue for the meaning of the word misery?

A. How does the narrator’s apology to the neighbor’s contribute to the theme of the story?

B. Which detail from the story best supports the answer to Part A?

A. What does the phrase few and far between mean as it is used in paragraph 2?B. Which detail from the story helps the reader understand the meaning of the phrase few

and far between?

A. Which pair of sentences provides the best summary of the story from Moon over Manifest?

B. Which sentences from the story best support the answer to Part A?

A. In the story Moon Over Manifest, how do paragraphs 2 and 3 contribute to the overall structure of the story?

B. Which detail from the story best supports the answer to Part A?

A. What does the word transformed mean as it is used in paragraph 15 of the article by Lauren Tarshis?

B. Which detail from the article best supports the answer to Part A?

A. What are two main ideas of the article by Lauren Tashis? B. Which detail from the article best supports the answer to Part A?

A. What does the word vocal mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which sentence from the article best helps the reader understand the meaning of vocal

in Part A?

A. Select the best summary of the article by Dyan DeNapoli. B. Which two quotations from the article best support the answer to part A?

A. How does the author, Dyan DeNapoli, support the idea that cleaning the penguins was a difficult task?

B. Which paragraph in the article by Dyan Denapoli best supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the word preening mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which detail from the story helps the reader understand the meaning of the phrase few

and far between?

A. Based on the video titled “Endangered Penguins Caught in Oil Spill”, which statement supports the idea that the oil spill was a serious problem?

B. Which detail from the video supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the word rankles mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which words from paragraph 4 best support the answer to part A?

A. At the beginning of the story, how is Johnny’s view about his trees different from Paul’s? B. Choose two details, one from Johnny and from Paul, that support the answer to part A.

A. How do paragraphs 9, 12 and 15 contribute to the overall structure of the story? B. Which paragraph best supports the answer to part A?

Grade 6

A. Click on the statement that BEST describes what the reference to tornadoes shows about waterspouts. [This is a non-fiction example and can be used with any non-fiction by changing the subject of the task.]

B. Click the sentence from the text that best supports your answer in part A.

A. Select the statement that best describes how the relationship between the narrator and [character] develops in the paragraphs.

B. Which statement from the text BEST supports your answer in part A? Select three options.

A. Which conclusion is BEST supported by the information in the presentation? B. Which detail from the presentation BEST supports your answer to part A?

A. Which conclusion is best supported by evidence from the presentation?B. Which details from the presentation BEST support your answer in part A? Select three

options.

A. What does the word unencumbered mean as it is used in the sentence? B. What sentence from the passage best supports the answer to part A?

A. How does the sentence help develop the plot of the excerpt? B. Which detail from the passage best supports the answer to part A?

A. In the passage from Boy’s Life, how does the narrator’s attitude towards Mrs. Neville gradually change?

B. Which two sentences from the passage best support the gradual change in the answer to part A?

A. As used in paragraph 1, what does the word confining suggest about the walls? B. Which detail from the fable best supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the word plight mean as it is used in paragraph 4 of “The Stripes Will Survive”?

B. Which sentence from the article supports the answer to part A?

A. What is the author’s main purpose in “The Stripes Will Survive”?B. Which sentence from the article supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the word endangered mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which detail from paragraph 14 of the passage supports the answer to part A?

A. Which detail from the passage “The Zoos Go Wild” support the idea that Willie changed after being moved into his new home?

B. Which paragraph from the passage best supports the answer to part A?

A. In the passage “The Zoos Go Wild”, how does the author show that animals’ surroundings affect their actions?

B. Which sentence from the passage supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the word terrain mean as it is used in the sentence? B. Which quotation from the video best supports the answer to part A?

A. How does the quotation contribute to the development of ideas in the video?B. Which detail from the video supports the answer to part A?

A. Select a central idea that is developed in all three texts. B. Select a sentence from “The Stripes Will Survive” that supports the central idea.

A. Which statement best states a theme in the passage? B. Which detail from the passage best supports the answer to part A?

A. How does Sally’s attitude change during the passage? B. Which two sentences from the passage, when taken together, best support the answer

to part A?

A. Which option describes the main purpose of paragraph 8 in the passage? B. Which detail from paragraph 8 best supports the answer to part A?

A. How does paragraph 4 contribute to the setting?B. Which other paragraph best contributes to the setting in the same way as the answer to

part A?

Grade 7

A. Which of these inferences about the author’s point of view is BEST supported by the text? [Four possible inferences]

B. Which sentence from the text supports your answer in part A?

A. What is most likely the authors’ intent by recounting the techniques Scott and Brad use to run the race? [This question can be used with non-fiction and fiction by simply changing the subject of the question.]

B. Which sentence from the text BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. Click on the statement that BEST provides an inference about Brad that is supported by the text.

B. Click on the sentence from the text that best supports your answer in part A. Choose ONE option.

A. Click on the statement that best explains how the characters’ interactions develop over the course of the text.

B. Click on all of the sentences from the text that best support your answer in part A.

A. Which statement best describes how an archeologist chooses a site to study?B. Which detail from the presentation BEST supports your answer in part A?

A. What is the meaning of recurrence as it is used in paragraph 16 of The Count Of Monte Cristo?

B. Which evidence from The Count Of Monte Cristo supports the correct answer in part A?

A. In The Count Of Monte Cristo, how does the noise in the wall affect Edmond Dantes? B. Which evidence from The Count Of Monte Cristo supports the correct answer in part A?

A. What is the central idea of The Count Of Monte Cristo?B. Which evidence from The Count Of Monte Cristo best supports the correct answer in

part A?

A. What is the meaning of scale as it is used in line 9 of Blessings? B. Which phrase from Blessings best helps the reader understand the meaning of scale?

A. In paragraph 12 of “Energy Story” what does the word circuit mean?B. Which sentence from “Energy Story” best supports the answer in Part A?

A. Why does the author most likely place the information in paragraphs 1-2 at the beginning of the “Energy Story”?

B. Which sentence from the “Energy Story” best supports the answer in part A?

A. Which sentence best describes the central idea of paragraphs 21-22 in “Energy Story”? B. Which sentence from “Energy Story” best support the answer in part A?

A. In segment 1:14-1:17 of “Hands on Science with Squishy Circuits”, what does the word commercial mean?

B. Which detail from “Hands on Science with Squishy Circuits” best supports the answer in part A?

A. Which sentence best describes the central idea from the video?B. Which two quotations from the video best develop the central idea in Part A?

A. As it is used in the passage, what does the word solution mean?B. Which detail from “Conducting Solutions” provides the best clue to the meaning of the

word solution?

A. Which sentence describes the overall structure of “Conducting Solutions”?B. In “conducting Solutions”, in what way does paragraph 2 contribute to the structure in

part A?

A. In paragraph 1, what information does the setting mainly suggest about Cromwell? B. Which detail from paragraph 1 best supports the answer to part A?

A. Which sentence explains what the word skeptic in paragraph 3 suggests about Howie?B. Which detail from the excerpt provides the best clue to the meaning of the word in part

A?

A. Based on the passage, what is the main reason the author includes Howie as a character in the story?

B. Which two details best support the answer to part A?

A. Which sentence describes a central idea of the passage? B. Which detail from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

A: Which statement describes Bridger’s importance as an explorer? B: Which statement from the passage supports the response in part A?

Grade 8

A. Which of these inferences about the author’s purpose is supported by the text?B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?

A. Select the statement that best describes what the use of Ansel Adam’s worksheets show about his dedication to photography.

B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?

A. Click on the statement that best explains how the use of flashback affects the events in the text.

B. Click on the sentence from the text that best supports your answer in part A.

A. Based on the presentation, which of the following best describes the speaker’s error with using the information in the sentence.

B. Which of the following is the best way to revise the sentence to correct the error?

A. Which of the following statements best describes the central idea of the presentation? B. Which sentence from the presentation best supports your answer in part A?

A. What is the meaning of the word sarcasm as it is used in paragraph 18 of Confetti Girl ?B. Which words from the passage help clarify the meaning of sarcasm?

A. What attitude does the narrator of Confetti Girl when she uses the book as a coaster in paragraph 34?

B. Which quotation from the passage best shows additional evidence of the attitude in part A?

A. How do the phrases stormed off, float far and invisible nothing in paragraph 35 contribute to the tone of the passage?

B. Selecting from paragraphs 32-29, choose the paragraph that most directly reinforces the tone created in paragraph 35.

A. In both passages, what causes the conflict between the narrator and her parent?B. Which paragraphs from the two passages best support the answer to part A?

A. The passage from Confetti Girls begins with the narrator’s memories of her mother in paragraph 1. The passage from Tortilla Sun ends with Izzy’s thoughts about the baseball that belonged to her father in paragraph 46. How do these paragraphs contribute to an understanding of both narrators?

B. What further similarity between the narrators builds on the same idea?

A. The key terms cognition and cognitive are used in paragraphs 1 and 4 of the articles “Elephants Can Lend A Helping Trunk”. What elephant traits do these terms refer to?

B. Which phrases from the article help the reader understand the meaning of cognition and cognitive?

A. How does the photograph help readers understand technical information presented by the article?

B. Which paragraph from the article supports the same understanding as the answer to part A?

A. The word strategy is used in the video. Which phrase defines the word strategy?B. Which part of the video best demonstrates the meaning of the word strategy?

A. The video includes four clips from the experimental trials. How do these clips contribute to the viewer’s understanding of the topic?

B. What aspect of the clips further aids the viewer’s understanding?

A. What does the word restrained mean as it is used in paragraph 4?B. Which word from paragraph 4 has the opposite meaning of restrained?

A. In the explanation of the procedure, the author includes the information that the elephants were released after the mahouts were given a hand signal that the elephants could not see. Why was this step included in the procedure?

B. What other step in the procedure serves the same purpose?

A. How does the chart build on information provided in the passage?B. The chart provides further details for which paragraph in the excerpt?

A. Which sentence states a central idea of the passage?B. Which detail from the passage best states the central idea?

A. How does paragraph 1 help to develop the plot of the passage?B. Which additional quotation from the passage helps to develop the plot in the same way

as paragraph 1?

A. What aspect of Bahauddin Shah’s character is revealed throughout the passage?B. Which two details from the passage provide evidence to support the answer to part A?

A: What is the meaning of the word extravagant as it is used in this sentence from the passage?B: Select two words or phrases from the passage that help readers determine the meaning of the word.

Grade 9

A. Which statement best summarizes the author’s central idea in “The Homeowner’s Salvation: Solar Power”?

B. Which detail from the text best supports your answer to part A?

A. In paragraph 1 of Robert Oppenheimer’s speech, what does the phrase recipient of confidence mean?

B. Besides the sentence that contains the phrase mentioned in part A, select the other sentence in paragraph 1 that helps the reader understand the meaning of the phrase recipient of confidence.

A. In paragraph 1, how does Oppenheimer structure the opening of his speech to advance his argument?

B. Which statement from paragraph one emphasizes the answer to part A?

A. How does Oppenheimer develop his claim in paragraph 7 that “it is not good to be a scientist, and it is not possible, unless you think that it is to the highest value to share your knowledge, to share it with anyone who is interested”

B. Which quotation provides the best evidence for the answer in part A?

A. What is the meaning of the phrase material strength as it is used in paragraph 8?B. What phrase from paragraph 7 clarifies the meaning of material strength?

A. Which sentence provides an accurate summary of the scientists’ request in this letter?B. Which paragraph best supports the answer to part A?

A. Which statement describes a similarity between how Robert Oppenheimer and the writer in “A Petition To The President of The United States” discuss the atomic bomb?

B. Which details supports the answer to part A?

A. Which word is a synonym for ethical as it is used in paragraph 13 of “The Decision to Drop the Bomb”?

B. Which phrase from an earlier paragraph helps the reader understand the meaning of the word ethical?

A. One of the direct result of the decision to drop the atomic bomb was the fact that Japan surrendered and the war ended. What was an indirect result of the decision to drop the atomic bomb?

B. Which sentence from the passage supports the answer to part A?

A. Which circumstance most surprises the narrator in the excerpt?B. Which quotation best supports the answer to part A?

A. What impact does Mr. Skimpole’s remark in paragraph 15 the he wishes to “develop generosity in a new soil and in a new form flower” have on the passage?

B. Which quotation from the passage has a similar impact as the answer for part A?

A. Which statement describes a way in which Mr. Skimpole attempts to obtain the money he needs?

B. Which quotation from the paragraph provides evidence for the answer to part A?

A. What is Mr. Skimpole trying to do when he questions the stranger at the end of the passage?

B. Which phrase provides the best evidence for the answer to part A?

A: What is the central idea of the passage?B: Select all the details from the passage that supports the central idea.

A: Why does the author mention the horror movie Jaws and a nature show about sea creatures? B: Select the detail from the passage that supports the answer to part A.

Grade 10

A. What is the meaning of resonant as it is used in paragraph 3?B. Which quotation from paragraph 3 helps to clarify the meaning of resonant?

A. How are the details about Mie’s interest in the red cranes important to the development of a central theme in the passage?

B. Which paragraph focused on the red cranes provides the best support for the answer to Part A?

A. Which phrase describes the attitude of Mie’s father, Jiro, towards Mie?B. Which sentence best supports the answer to part A?

A. What does the phrase uncertain lines of light in paragraph 2 imply?B. Select another expression from the options in paragraph 2 that further develops the

idea of uncertain lines of light.

A. Which option best captures a central theme of the passage?B. Which quotation is most relevant to a central theme of the passage?

A. Throughout the passage, the author builds suspense. Which structural choice contributes most directly to suspense?

B. Select the highlighted portion of the passage that best supports the answer in part A.

A. What is the meaning of the word permissive as it is used in paragraph 4?B. Which idea referred to in paragraph 4 provides the best context to determining the

meaning of permissive.

A. Which sentence best states the central argument of the majority opinion?B. Which two quotations from the passage directly support the central argument of the

majority opinion?

A. How does the reference to Sparta in paragraph 11 help to advance the argument of the majority opinion as a whole?

B. Which group of people mentioned in the majority opinion is comparable to the rulers of Sparta discussed in paragraph 11?

A. What is the main purpose of the dissenting opinion?B. Which quotation from paragraph 1 of the dissenting opinion supports the answer to

part A?

A. How does the author of the dissenting opinion use paragraph 2 to advance his overall argument?

B. In which sentence does the author of the majority opinion use a similar technique?

A. In the audio clip, Ross claims, “The Supreme Court used this occasion to make a very broad statement and enunciate a rule for protecting the speech rights of students during the school day”. What is the meaning of the word enunciate in this context?

B. Which word from the quotation provides the best context for determining the meaning of enunciate?

A. Which option best states a central idea of the audio clip?B. Which paragraph from the majority opinion makes a point similar to the answer to part

A?

A. Which statement best describes the author’s purpose for including the dialogue between Mr. and Mrs. Harris in paragraphs 2-5?

B. Select a subsequent paragraph that further develops the answer to part A. There are two possible correct answers. Choose one.

A. In paragraph 7, Mrs. Harris thinks that Mr. Harris “will spring to Earth on reaching the summit, and lean in a careless and graceful attitude against the machine, waiting for her”. What does this reveal about her point of view?

B. Which quotation from paragraph 7 supports the answer to part A?

A. What is the meaning of bewilderment as it is used in paragraph 7?B. Which option most clearly shows an example of bewilderment in a subsequent

paragraph?

A. Which statement best summarizes a central theme explored in paragraph 11?B. Select an earlier paragraph from the passage that develops the same idea. Choose one

answer from paragraphs 1-7.

A. Which phrase best describes the reaction of the Dutch farmers to Mr. Harris’s situation in paragraph 12?

B. Which two quotation from paragraph 12 support the answer to part A?

Grade 11

A. Based on the text, what conclusion can be drawn about the fashion industry?B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer for part A?

A. Click on the statement that best describes what the use of the cotton t-shirt example shows about the fashion industry’s attempt at becoming a sustainable industry.

B. Click on the sentences that best support your answer in part A.

A. Which central idea is expressed in the excerpt? B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?

A. Select the statement that best describes what is revealed about the narrator in paragraph one.

B. Which set of lines from the text best supports your answer in part A?

A. What does the fact that the Carter Center does not represent The United States government demonstrate?

B. Which detail from the presentation best supports you answer in part A?

A. In paragraph 2, what does the phrase inherent aloneness suggest about Helga?B. Which quotation from the text best shows the narrator moving beyond her inherent

aloneness?

A. How is the discussion of Dr. Anderson in paragraphs 5-6 important to the passage as a whole?

B. What suggestion in paragraphs 5-6 provide a context for understanding the answer to part A?

A. What is the meaning of the word morbid as it is used in paragraph 1?

B. According to the passage, what is responsible for the narrator’s morbid state of mind?

A. In paragraph 1, the author describes the ship passing by an iceberg that “glistened like a mammoth diamond”. What does this description reveal about the narrator’s state of mind at the time?

B. Select the sentence from paragraph 1 that best supports the answer to part A.

A. What is similar about the journeys taken by the main character from Quicksand and the main character from the Autobiography of an ex-Colored Man?

B. Which statements from the passage from the Autobiography of an ex-Colored Man best reflects the answer to part A?

A. What do the words absolute despotism mean as they are used in paragraph 2?B. Which quotation from paragraph 2 directly opposes the idea of absolute despotism?

A. Which statement expresses a general principle that serves as a foundational basis for the argument Jefferson sets forth in the “Declaration Of Independence”?

B. Which quotation from the “Declaration of Independence” best supports the answer to part A?

A. Jefferson begins the majority of his paragraphs in the “Declaration of Independence” with the words “He Has”. Why is this structure effective in helping Jefferson make his argument?

B. Which aspect from the “Declaration of Independence” provides support for the answer to part A?

A. In paragraph 1, Henry says of the colonists, “…we have prostrated ourselves before the throne...”. In this context, what does it mean to prostrate oneself?

B. What points does Henry seek to make in saying that the colonists have prostrated themselves before the throne? Select two correct answers.

A. What is Henry’s overall purpose in his speech?B. Which quotation from paragraph 1 most directly supports the answer to part A?

A. Which two statements best describe Henry’s views about those who continue to strive for reconciliation with the British?

B. Select two quotations from Henry’s speech that most directly support the answers to Part A.

A. The video refers to the fact that the word “subjects” was expunged by Jefferson from an early draft of “The Declaration of Independence”. What does the word expunged mean in this context?

B. Which word from the video best supports the answer to part A?

A. The narrator of the video claims that the discovery “Reveals an important shift in the founders thinking: that the people’s allegiance was to one another” (0:40-0:50). Which quotation from the Declaration of Independence best illustrates this view of “the founder’s thinking”?

B. Which paragraph most directly reflects “the founder’s thinking” as discussed in the video?

A. Based on all three sources, what was a major assumption shared by Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry?

B. Select two questions that best support the answer to part A. Quotation from any of the three sources may be used.