Ohio Graduation Test for Science – March 2007
Annotated Item 35
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Benchmark:
Earth and Space Sciences
E. Explain the processes that move and shape Earth’s surface.
Multiple Choice Question:
35.
The cross-section below shows the orientation of rock layers in a given area.
What geologic event most likely caused the folding and faulting of these layers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
tectonic activity
glacial advance
magnetic reversal
seafloor spreading
Source: Ohio Department of Education
August 07
Ohio Graduation Test for Science – March 2007
Annotated Item 35
Commentary:
This multiple choice question asks students to examine a geologic cross-section and choose the
geologic event that could have caused the folding and faulting of rock layers. Students should
recall that folding and faulting of rock layers result from heat and pressure. Answer choice A is
correct because heat and pressure capable of folding and faulting rock layers are found in areas
of converging plate boundaries (i.e., tectonic activity). Answer choice B is incorrect because
glacial movement may impact the surficial rocks via weathering and erosion, but would not
cause the folding and faulting of rock layers at depth. Answer choice C is incorrect because the
magnetic reversals of the minerals within the rocks could not cause folding and faulting of rock
layers. Answer choice D is incorrect because sea floor spreading occurs at diverging plate
boundaries. Diverging plates would result in the generation of new sea floor and faulting, but
folding would not occur.
This question is classified as Communicating Understanding / Analyzing Science Information
because the task requires students to analyze the graphic provided and apply their
understandings of geologic processes to determine what caused the folding and faulting of the
rock layers.
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice A for question 35 on the March
2007 Ohio Graduation Test was 72%.
Keywords:
convergent, divergent, plate tectonics
Source: Ohio Department of Education
August 07