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Sample Items For Elementary School Proficiency Assessment (p. 36)

Sample multiple-choice item
open-ended sample items | page 31 |  page 33 |
multiple-choice sample items | sample 1 | page 34 | page 35 | page 36 |

6.      Tim wants to prove to his little brother that the earth turns.  Which is the best way to show that the earth spins on its axis? 

               a.   Show where the sun is in the morning and where it is in the afternoon.
               b.   Show that the moon can sometimes be seen during the daytime.
               c.   Show that it is dark at night and light during the day.
               d.   Show where the clouds are in the sky, and show how they move.

Answer:                The correct answer is C.

Explanation:         On the ESPA matrix, sample item #6 fits into cell E,8, Problem-Solving/Earth-Moon-Sun.  This 
                               sample item was derived from the ESPA Content/Skill Outlines 5.2.1.2.3.4.5 and 5.11.1.2.3. 
                               On page 6, the Skill Statement for 5.2.1.2.3.4.5 says, "Judge Reasonableness--Decide whether
                               a measurement or answer make sense."  On page 22, the Knowledge Statement for 5.11.1.2.3
                               says, "Time is related to motions within the Earth-Moon-Sun system.