Content Benchmark E.8.C.3
Students know Earth is composed of a crust (both continental and oceanic); hot convecting mantle; and
dense, a metallic core. E/S
Sample Test Questions
1st Item Specification: Given a model, identify the major structural elements of the Earth (i.e.
continental and oceanic crusts, mantle, core).
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
1. Use the model of Earth below to answer the following question.
(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_sectioni18.png)
What is the number of the layer representing the mantle of Earth?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 7
2. The primary cause of crustal movement is
A. conduction.
B. convection.
C. magnetism.
D. radiation.
3. A major difference between continental crust and oceanic crust is
A. density.
B. gravity.
C. pressure.
D. temperature.
4. Which of the following is MOST similar between the inner and outer core of Earth?
A. Composition
B. Pressure
C. Movement
D. Density
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
5. Use the map of Earth’s Major Plates to answer the following question.
(From http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Continents.shtml)
What do the black lines on the map represent?
A. They represent continental borders.
B. They represent the boarders of countries.
C. They outline the major ocean basins.
D. They outline the crustal plate boundaries.
6. Use the following diagram of a tectonic plate boundary to answer the following question.
(From http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Ch1CMB/Content1.html)
Analyzing the diagram above, what can you infer the about the type of plate boundary being shown
here?
A. Divergent boundary
B. Convergent boundary
C. Transform boundary
D. Static boundary
7. Which of the following is possible evidence that the Earth’s core has both a solid and liquid portion?
A. The Earth has a strong magnetic field that periodically fluctuates.
B. The Moon is held in orbit around the Earth by the gravitational attraction.
C. The Earth’s oceans experience 2 high tides and 2 low tides a day.
D. The visible light from the Sun is deflected by the Van Allen Belts.
8. Use the diagram showing liquid in a container being heated to answer the question that follows.
B
A
(From http://food.oregonstate.edu/learn/energy.html)
In what way can this diagram serve as a model for what is occurring in the interior of the Earth?
A. The interior of the Earth is composed of water.
B. The interior of the Earth is also heated with fire.
C. Both have circular movement of fluids due to convection.
D. Both have circular movement of fluids due to conduction.
9. Use the diagram below showing a model of a cross section of the Earth to answer the question that
follows.
(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_sectioni18.png )
Which characteristics of the Earth’s interior are most likely being represented by this model?
A. Compositional as there are more than three layers
B. Compositional as the Earth is shown in layers.
C. Physical as there are depths indicated.
D. Physical as the core is divided into two sections.
Constructed Response E.8.C.3
1. Use the diagram to answer the following questions. The diagram is a cross-section model of Earth with
several layers labeled with numbers.
(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_sectioni18.png )
A. Label the names of layers 1, 2, 6, and 7 on the diagram.
B. Describe the differences between continental and oceanic crust.
C. Provide an explanation for the process occurring within the Earth that drives plate tectonics.
Content Benchmark E.8.C.3
Students know Earth is composed of a crust (both continental and oceanic); hot convecting mantle; and
dense, a metallic core. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
1. B, DOK level 1
2. B, DOK level 1
3. A, DOK level 1
4. A, DOK level 1
5. D, DOK level 2
6. B, DOK level 2
7. A, DOK level 2
8. C, DOK level 2
9. D, DOK level 2
Constructed Response Answer and Score Rubric
1 point
Response addresses all parts of the question clearly and correctly.
Part A is a list of, Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, and Inner Core.
Part B will include; density and rock type (Granite for Continental,
Basalt for Oceanic). Continental crust (primarily granite) is less dense
than Oceanic crust (primarily basalt).
Part C will include; The core is the source of heat (from radioactive
decay) that drives the convection currents in the mantel. Heated
magma rises through the mantel, as it rises the magma cools as it
nears the surface / crust. The magma moves horizontally pushing the
crustal plates then sinking back into the mantel.
Response addresses all parts of the question and includes only minor
errors.
Response does not address all parts of the question.
0 points
Response is totally incorrect or no response provided.
3 points
2 points