MAP Reading (Grades 6-8) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the MAP Growth Reading test, what does a RIT score measure?
- The percentage of questions answered correctly
- A student's reading grade level only
- An equal-interval scale of learning regardless of grade (Correct answer)
- The number of words read per minute
Correct answer: An equal-interval scale of learning regardless of grade
RIT (Rasch Unit) scores use an equal-interval scale that measures academic achievement independent of grade level, allowing comparison across years.
The RIT (Rasch Unit) scale is an equal-interval scale used by NWEA MAP Growth. Unlike percentage scores, RIT scores measure achievement on a stable scale where a point gained at any level represents the same amount of growth. This allows educators to track individual student growth across multiple years and grades, not just compare to grade-level norms.
Question 2: A 7th grade student reads a passage arguing that social media has both benefits and drawbacks for teenagers. What type of text structure is most likely being used?
- Sequence and chronological order
- Problem and solution
- Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Compare and contrast
When a text discusses both the benefits and drawbacks of something, it is using a compare and contrast structure.
Text structure refers to how an author organizes information. When a passage presents two sides — benefits vs. drawbacks — it uses compare and contrast structure. Signal words include 'similarly,' 'on the other hand,' 'in contrast,' and 'however.' Recognizing text structure on the MAP Growth Reading test helps students locate specific information and understand the author's organizational choices.
Question 3: Which context clue strategy involves using surrounding sentences to infer the meaning of an unknown word?
- Structural analysis
- Definition clue
- Inference clue (Correct answer)
- Synonym substitution
Correct answer: Inference clue
An inference clue requires the reader to use context from surrounding text — not a direct definition — to deduce the meaning of an unknown word.
Context clue strategies include: Definition clues (the word is defined directly in the text), Synonym clues (a similar word is provided), Antonym clues (an opposite is given), and Inference clues (the reader must use surrounding sentences and logic to determine meaning). Inference clues require the highest level of thinking and are commonly tested on MAP Growth Reading at grades 6-8.
Question 4: A student reads a biography of Marie Curie. The author writes: Though the scientific community repeatedly overlooked her, Curie persisted. What inference can be made?
- Curie gave up on science eventually
- Curie faced discrimination but remained determined (Correct answer)
- Curie was not a real scientist
- The scientific community eventually accepted all women
Correct answer: Curie faced discrimination but remained determined
The text implies Curie faced barriers (being overlooked) yet she persisted, indicating determination despite discrimination.
Making inferences means reading between the lines. 'Overlooked' suggests she was not given recognition she deserved — a common experience of discrimination. 'Persisted' means she continued despite this. Together, the sentence implies Curie faced discrimination but remained determined. This kind of inference question is common on MAP Growth grades 6-8 Reading assessments.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a central idea in a nonfiction text?
- To entertain the reader with vivid details
- To state the most important point the author is making (Correct answer)
- To list all the facts presented in the passage
- To describe the author's personal experiences
Correct answer: To state the most important point the author is making
The central idea (or main idea) is the most important point the author is trying to convey throughout the text.
In nonfiction texts, the central idea (also called main idea or thesis) is the overarching point the author wants the reader to understand. It is broader than a supporting detail and more specific than the topic. On MAP Growth, students are often asked to identify or state the central idea and distinguish it from supporting details. The central idea is typically supported by evidence, examples, and explanations throughout the text.
Question 6: When evaluating an author's argument, which question best helps determine the credibility of the evidence used?
- Does the author use interesting vocabulary?
- Is the source recent, relevant, and from an expert? (Correct answer)
- Does the text have many paragraphs?
- Does the author include personal opinions?
Correct answer: Is the source recent, relevant, and from an expert?
Credible evidence comes from reliable sources: it should be recent, relevant to the claim, and authored by someone with expertise in the field.
Evaluating argument quality is a key skill on MAP Growth grades 6-8. Strong evidence is: Recent (current data), Relevant (directly supports the claim), and Credible (from an authoritative source such as a scientist, government agency, or peer-reviewed study). Weak arguments often rely on anecdotes, outdated information, or sources with obvious bias. Students should ask: Who wrote this? When? Do they have expertise?
MAP Reading (Grades 6-8) 1
On the MAP Growth Reading test, what does a RIT score measure?