Yes, yes, yes. I think sometimes those tests, especially reading tests, are written to test certain kinds of texts and reading strategies. I am in TX, and my friends who teach in public schools complain that much of their professional development centers on strategies for passing the state tests.
I still want to believe that the Kansas exam had a mis-keyed item on the answer key. If not, imagine the consequences if several similarly ambiguous items were on an exam that determines whether a student is working at grade level. Equally frightening would be the possibility that the results come with a diagnostic feature. If the student misses comparable questions on the difference between active and passive voice, then the student could be "remediated." What a waste.
Beth,
I responded more fully to another post, indicating the possibility of its adjectival status. However, in this sentence, the writer could have easily rewritten the sentence to say a shooting star surprised her. I think the question unfair for an 8th-grade multiple choice test.
Jack
I do not care what the dimwits who wrote the Kansas test say: A is certainly correct; although B is possible, I am a grammar nazi and I would have chosen A.
Prof. Scott Catledge
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:06:01 -0500
> From: Shana Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Assessment question
>
> Please help us settle a debate about this sample 8th grade Kansas state assessment question.
>
> Rosa was admiring the moon when ____________.
>
> Which of the following completes the sentence in the active voice?
>
> A. she spotted a shooting star (this what student selected)
>
> B. she was surprised by a shooting star (this is marked as the correct answer)
>
> C. shooting star was spotted by her
>
> D. a shooting star was wished upon by her
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help on settling this debate so we can explain to the student.
>
> Shana
Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/