Developing Quality Open Response and Multiple Choice Items for the Classroom
Appendix D: Open Response Template
Template for constructing an open response question
Teacher MIDDLE SCHOOL
Topic/Unit PROPERTIES OF MATTER
Standard(s)- what standards (Academic Expectations, Program of Studies, Core Content, local
curriculum) are to be assessed with this question?
SC-08-1.1.4
Depth of Knowledge- what DOK level is this question?
DOK 3
Learning Target(s)- what specific learning target does the question assess?
Describe the cycling of elements in living and non living systems.
Content-specific vocabulary- are there any terms that MUST be included in the prompt or
directions to adequately assess the learning target(s)?
Biotic, Abiotic
Question Format- which question format is most appropriate?
Scaffolded
Single Dimension/Component
Student Choice
Response to Provided Information
Two or More Components
Graphic- is a graphic (chart, diagram, graph, map, etc.) part of the question?
A picture of the Nitrogen Cycle
Item Name (title)
Nitrogen Cycle—Essential For Life
Prompt- write a statement to engage the student and/or establish the parameters of the question.
Cycles in nature are essential for life. The Nitrogen Cycle is one example of an essential cycle found in
nature.
Directions- state the specific task the student is to accomplish. Use clear, direct language and specify
exactly what the student needs to do.
A. Identify one biotic and done abiotic factor of the nitrogen cycle.
B. Describe two (2) ways that nitrogen can be transferred.
C. If bacteria is removed out of the cycle, predict what would happen to the other organisms.
Answer:
A. biotic factor---plants or animals
abiotic factor---air/atmosphere
B. Nitrogen can be transferred though:
1. Decomposition of plants and animals
2. Plants
3. Other bacteria
Developing Quality Open Response and Multiple Choice Items for the Classroom
C. If bacteria were removed from this cycle, free nitrogen could not be fixed. Eventually, plants will die.
Since animals eat plants (a nitrogen source) they would eventually die as well. Also, there would be
considerably less nitrogen gas produced or released in the atmosphere so the cycle is broken and
everything dies.