NM-MSSA Summative Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the mean of the data set: 4, 8, 6, 10, 2?

8
4
10
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

Mean = sum of values / number of values = (4+8+6+10+2)/5 = 30/5 = 6.

Question 2: Solve for 𝑥: 5x+3=23.

x=7
x=4 (Correct answer)
x=6
x=5

Correct answer: x=4

To solve for x, first subtract 3 from both sides of the equation: 5x + 3 - 3 = 23 - 3, which simplifies to 5x = 20. Next, divide both sides by 5: 5x / 5 = 20 / 5, resulting in x = 4.

Question 3: What is the most effective study technique according to research?

Highlighting text
Active recall with spaced repetition (Correct answer)
Listening to music while studying
Re-reading notes multiple times

Correct answer: Active recall with spaced repetition

Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.

Question 4: What is the difference between 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?

They all mean the same thing
'They're' is past tense of 'they'
'There' is possessive, 'their' is location
'Their' is possessive, 'there' is location, 'they're' is 'they are' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'Their' is possessive, 'there' is location, 'they're' is 'they are'

'Their' shows possession (their book), 'there' indicates location (over there), and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are.'

Question 5: What does a pie chart represent?

Parts of a whole as percentages (Correct answer)
Changes over time
Comparisons between groups
Scatter patterns

Correct answer: Parts of a whole as percentages

Pie charts display data as proportional slices of a circle, showing how individual parts contribute to the total.

Question 6: How should you manage time during a timed test?

Spend equal time on every question
Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
Rush through the entire test
Only work on hard questions

Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones

Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.

Question 7: What is correlation?

A statistical relationship between two variables (Correct answer)
A type of graph
Proof of cause and effect
An average value

Correct answer: A statistical relationship between two variables

Correlation measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables, without implying that one causes the other.

Question 8: What is the value of 7×(3+2)?

35 (Correct answer)
49
17
24

Correct answer: 35

To solve 7×(3+2), you must follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). First, calculate the expression inside the parentheses: 3 + 2 = 5. Then, multiply this result by 7: 7 × 5 = 35.

Question 9: Which economic system is based on private ownership and the free market?

Feudalism
Socialism
Communism
Capitalism (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and distribution. In a capitalist system, economic decisions are largely driven by supply and demand in a free market, with the goal of generating profit.

Question 10: If a pattern starts with 2 and doubles each time (2, 4, 8, 16...), what is the 6th term in the pattern?

64 (Correct answer)
32
128
256

Correct answer: 64

To find the 6th term, we start with the first term (2) and double it repeatedly. The sequence is: 1st term = 2, 2nd term = 4, 3rd term = 8, 4th term = 16, 5th term = 32, and finally, the 6th term = 64.

Question 11: What does a pie chart represent?

Parts of a whole as percentages (Correct answer)
Scatter patterns
Changes over time
Comparisons between groups

Correct answer: Parts of a whole as percentages

Pie charts display data as proportional slices of a circle, showing how individual parts contribute to the total.

Question 12: Which sentence uses correct grammar?

The dog wagged its tail excited when it seen the boy.
The dog wag its tail excitedly when it saw the boy.
The dog wags its tail excitedly when it sees the boy. (Correct answer)
The dog wags it’s tail excitedly when it saw the boy.

Correct answer: The dog wags its tail excitedly when it sees the boy.

Sentence B, 'The dog wags its tail excitedly when it sees the boy,' uses correct subject-verb agreement for singular subjects in the present tense ('dog wags,' 'it sees'). It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' (belonging to the dog). The other options contain grammatical errors such as incorrect verb tenses, lack of subject-verb agreement, or misuse of 'it's' (which means 'it is').

Question 13: What is the mode of: 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 6?

3 (Correct answer)
4
2
5

Correct answer: 3

The mode is the value that appears most frequently. The number 3 appears three times, more than any other value.

Question 14: What is the area of a rectangle with a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm?

13 cm²
26 cm²
80 cm²
40 cm² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40 cm²

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. In this case, 8 cm multiplied by 5 cm equals 40 cm². The unit for area is square centimeters (cm²).

Question 15: How should you manage time during a timed test?

Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
Spend equal time on every question
Rush through the entire test
Only work on hard questions

Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones

Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.

Question 16: What is the mode of: 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 6?

2
4
3 (Correct answer)
5

Correct answer: 3

The mode is the value that appears most frequently. The number 3 appears three times, more than any other value.

Question 17: What does it mean to make an inference while reading?

To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
To identify the author's background and credentials
To summarize the main ideas in your own words
To copy information directly from the text

Correct answer: To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

Making an inference means using clues from the text combined with prior knowledge to draw a conclusion that isn't directly stated.

Question 18: When should you use a semicolon?

To join two closely related independent clauses (Correct answer)
To end a question
Before every conjunction
To introduce a list

Correct answer: To join two closely related independent clauses

Semicolons connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning, without using a conjunction.

Question 19: What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing?

Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds (Correct answer)
Removing your first answer
Eliminating questions you don't know
Skipping every other question

Correct answer: Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds

Process of elimination involves identifying and removing clearly wrong answers, increasing the probability of selecting the correct answer from remaining options.

Question 20: What should you do when encountering a difficult question?

Stare at it until you figure it out
Mark it, move on, and return to it later (Correct answer)
Guess immediately without reading
Skip it permanently

Correct answer: Mark it, move on, and return to it later

Mark difficult questions and move on to avoid wasting time. After completing easier questions, return with fresh perspective and remaining time.

Question 21: Which reading strategy involves making predictions about what will happen next in a text?

Questioning
Summarizing
Visualizing
Predicting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Predicting

Predicting involves using clues from the text to anticipate what will happen next, which keeps readers engaged and supports comprehension monitoring.

Question 22: Which sentence is a run-on?

I went to the store.
I went to the store, and I bought milk.
I went to the store I bought milk. (Correct answer)
After going to the store, I bought milk.

Correct answer: I went to the store I bought milk.

A run-on sentence joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Question 23: Why is reading the question carefully important?

To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked (Correct answer)
It doesn't matter
To memorize the question
To waste time

Correct answer: To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked

Many wrong answers result from misreading questions. Key words like 'NOT,' 'EXCEPT,' 'BEST,' or 'MOST' can completely change what's being asked.

Question 24: What is the mean of the data set: 4, 8, 6, 10, 2?

10
6 (Correct answer)
8
4

Correct answer: 6

Mean = sum of values / number of values = (4+8+6+10+2)/5 = 30/5 = 6.

Question 25: Which of the following best explains the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To end slavery in the colonies
To create the U.S. Constitution
To establish a new form of government
To declare freedom from British rule (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To declare freedom from British rule

The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, served as a formal statement by the American colonies asserting their right to be free from British rule. It articulated the grievances against King George III and declared the colonies' intention to form an independent nation.

Question 26: How should you manage time during a timed test?

Only work on hard questions
Spend equal time on every question
Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
Rush through the entire test

Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones

Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.

Question 27: What type of figurative language is used in the following sentence? "The thunder roared like a lion in the jungle."

Metaphor
Personification
Hyperbole
Simile (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Simile

A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as.' In the sentence 'The thunder roared like a lion in the jungle,' the thunder's sound is explicitly compared to a lion's roar using the word 'like.' This direct comparison is the defining characteristic of a simile.

Question 28: What is the range of the data set: 3, 7, 1, 9, 5?

7
8 (Correct answer)
5
9

Correct answer: 8

Range = maximum value - minimum value = 9 - 1 = 8.

Question 29: How should you manage time during a timed test?

Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
Rush through the entire test
Spend equal time on every question
Only work on hard questions

Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones

Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.

Question 30: Which branch of the U.S. government is responsible for making laws?

Executive
Military
Judicial
Legislative (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Legislative

The Legislative branch, composed of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (collectively known as Congress), is constitutionally responsible for creating and enacting federal laws. This separation of powers ensures checks and balances within the government.

Question 31: What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To conclude the author's argument
To provide supporting details
To introduce the central idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To summarize the entire essay

Correct answer: To introduce the central idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence introduces the central idea of the paragraph and tells readers what the rest of the paragraph will discuss.

Question 32: What is the synonym of the word “benevolent” as used in the sentence? "The benevolent teacher donated books to the library."

Generous (Correct answer)
Hesitant
Strict
Knowledgeable

Correct answer: Generous

The word 'benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly, often characterized by generosity or charity. In the context of a teacher donating books to a library, 'generous' is the most fitting synonym, as it describes someone who is willing to give freely and unselfishly. The other options do not align with the meaning of 'benevolent' in this context.

Question 33: Which of the following is a renewable resource?

Oil
Solar energy (Correct answer)
Coal
Natural gas

Correct answer: Solar energy

A renewable resource is one that can be replenished naturally over a relatively short period of time. Solar energy is derived from the sun, an inexhaustible source, making it a prime example of a renewable resource, unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Question 34: When should you change an answer on a test?

Never change answers
Change every answer you doubt
Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better (Correct answer)
Always change your first answer

Correct answer: Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better

Research shows changing answers is beneficial only when you have a specific reason, such as recalling new information or catching a misread question.

Question 35: What is the range of the data set: 3, 7, 1, 9, 5?

7
5
8 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 8

Range = maximum value - minimum value = 9 - 1 = 8.

Question 36: When an author uses the phrase 'the storm roared like an angry beast,' this is an example of:

Metaphor
Simile (Correct answer)
Alliteration
Personification

Correct answer: Simile

A simile compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as,' and 'roared like an angry beast' uses 'like' to compare the storm to a beast.

Question 37: When should you change an answer on a test?

Never change answers
Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better (Correct answer)
Always change your first answer
Change every answer you doubt

Correct answer: Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better

Research shows changing answers is beneficial only when you have a specific reason, such as recalling new information or catching a misread question.

Question 38: Which detail supports the idea that exercise improves mental health?

Exercise helps improve flexibility and balance.
Exercise requires time and dedication.
Exercise builds physical strength.
Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety.

Mental health refers to a person's psychological and emotional well-being. The statement 'Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety' directly addresses a positive impact on these aspects of mental health. While exercise has physical benefits like building strength and improving flexibility, these are not direct indicators of improved mental health in the same way that stress and anxiety reduction are.

Question 39: Why is reading the question carefully important?

To memorize the question
To waste time
It doesn't matter
To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked

Many wrong answers result from misreading questions. Key words like 'NOT,' 'EXCEPT,' 'BEST,' or 'MOST' can completely change what's being asked.

Question 40: Which text structure presents events in the order they occurred?

Cause and Effect
Chronological Order (Correct answer)
Compare and Contrast
Problem and Solution

Correct answer: Chronological Order

Chronological order organizes information by time sequence, presenting events from earliest to latest as they actually occurred.

Question 41: When should you change an answer on a test?

Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better (Correct answer)
Always change your first answer
Never change answers
Change every answer you doubt

Correct answer: Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better

Research shows changing answers is beneficial only when you have a specific reason, such as recalling new information or catching a misread question.

Question 42: What is the purpose of a topic sentence?

To cite sources
To conclude an essay
To provide transitions only
To introduce the main idea of a paragraph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To introduce the main idea of a paragraph

A topic sentence states the main point of its paragraph, letting readers know what the paragraph will be about.

Question 43: What should you do when encountering a difficult question?

Stare at it until you figure it out
Mark it, move on, and return to it later (Correct answer)
Skip it permanently
Guess immediately without reading

Correct answer: Mark it, move on, and return to it later

Mark difficult questions and move on to avoid wasting time. After completing easier questions, return with fresh perspective and remaining time.

Question 44: What is the most effective study technique according to research?

Re-reading notes multiple times
Listening to music while studying
Highlighting text
Active recall with spaced repetition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Active recall with spaced repetition

Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.

Question 45: What is the most effective study technique according to research?

Listening to music while studying
Active recall with spaced repetition (Correct answer)
Highlighting text
Re-reading notes multiple times

Correct answer: Active recall with spaced repetition

Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.

Question 46: When should you change an answer on a test?

Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better (Correct answer)
Always change your first answer
Change every answer you doubt
Never change answers

Correct answer: Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better

Research shows changing answers is beneficial only when you have a specific reason, such as recalling new information or catching a misread question.

Question 47: The author's purpose in writing a persuasive essay is primarily to:

Entertain the reader with a compelling story
Inform the reader about historical events
Describe a person, place, or event in vivid detail
Convince the reader to agree with a point of view (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Convince the reader to agree with a point of view

A persuasive essay is written with the intent to convince the audience to adopt the author's viewpoint or take a specific action.

Question 48: What type of graph is best for showing trends over time?

Line graph (Correct answer)
Scatter plot
Pie chart
Bar graph

Correct answer: Line graph

Line graphs connect data points over time, clearly showing trends, patterns, and changes in data.

NM-MSSA Summative Assessment

The NM-MSSA (New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement) is New Mexico's statewide summative assessment for grades 3-8, measuring student mastery of Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics across reading comprehension, writing, algebraic thinking, geometry, and data analysis.

Questions

135 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

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