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MCAP, Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program

This page shows a list of test questions in the 8th Grade Social Studies public release collection at MSDE. 8th Grade Social Studies
Unit "5 - Civil War and Reunion (1860-1896)," Topic "Reconstruction and Reunion"

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Expand All Official Practice Test

This is a test question that allows you to enter extended text in your response.

Read the excerpt and use it to answer the constructed response question.

After freedom  . . .  we couldn’t make nothing, just overalls and something to eat. Half [your crop] went to the [farm owner]. . . .  A man that didn’t know how to count would always lose . . . .  No matter how good account you kept, you had to go by their account .  . . .  If you didn’t make no money  . . .  they would advance [give] you more. But  . . .  you better not try to leave and get caught. They’d keep you in debt.

—Henry Blake, former enslaved African American, oral interview, 1936 to 1938

  • Identify the system described in this excerpt.
  • Explain how the system denied economic freedoms to African Americans after the Civil War.
  • Use details and examples to support your response.

Enter your answer in the space provided.

Score Point 4

The response demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is insightful and completely integrates knowledge to thoroughly answer the question.

  • Addresses all aspects of the question. All bullets are answered with details.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of United States history. Minimal misconceptions do not interfere with understanding.
  • When appropriate, applies evidence correctly from the stimulus to support response.

Score Point 3

The response shows adequate understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is satisfactory and integrates knowledge to answer the question.

  • Addresses most aspects of the question. All bullets are answered, although one may be less developed than the other.
  • Demonstrates adequate knowledge of United States history. Minor misconceptions do not interfere with understanding.
  • When appropriate, applies evidence from the stimulus to support response, although connection between evidence and response may be incomplete or slightly flawed.

Score Point 2

The response shows partial understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is general, demonstrates incomplete knowledge, and partially answers the question.

  • Addresses few aspects of the question. One bullet may be omitted or both may be inadequately developed.
  • Demonstrates partial knowledge of United States history. Misconceptions interfere with understanding.
  • When appropriate, applies little evidence from the stimulus or applies evidence poorly.

Score Point 1

The response shows minimal understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is related to the question, but is inadequate.

  • Minimally addresses the question.
  • Demonstrates minimal knowledge of United States history. Significant misconceptions interfere with understanding.
  • When appropriate, applies little to no evidence from the stimulus.

Score Point 0

The response is completely incorrect, irrelevant to the question, or too vague.