This page shows a list of units in the 8th Grade Social Studies public release collection at MSDE. 8th Grade Social Studies
Released Questions in Unit "5 - Civil War and Reunion (1860-1896)"
Select a question from the following list. The content of that question will be shown, and you can interact with it here.
This is a test question that allows you to select a spot or region on a graphic.
Select three challenges that civilians faced during the Civil War.
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.
This is a multiple choice question that allows you to select only one option.
Read the excerpt.
The Conscription [draft] is a necessity; the Conscription is a law; the Conscription is just. It is demanded for the suppression [crushing] of the Southern rebellion; it is needed to fill up our heroic but shattered regiments; the country called for it. . . . It is the justest mode of raising an army—just to the people of every class and condition, poor and rich, black and white.
—“The Conscription Must be Enforced,” New York Times, July 1863
What was one reaction to the situation described in the excerpt?