Understanding Math Sample Questions

Multiple Choice
Sample multiple-choice math questions are designed to assess CCLS math standards and incorporate both standards and math practices in real-world applications. Math multiple-choice questions assess procedural and conceptual standards. Unlike questions on past math exams, many require the use of multiple skills and concepts. Answer choices are also different from those on past exams. Within the sample questions, all distractors will be based on plausible missteps.

Constructed Response
Math constructed response questions are similar to past questions, asking students to show their work in completing one or more tasks or more extensive problems. Constructed response questions allow students to show their understanding of math procedures, conceptual understanding, and application.

Format of the Math Sample Questions Document
The Math Sample Questions document is formatted so that headings appear below each item to provide information for teacher use to help interpret the item, understand alignment with the CCLS, and inform instruction. A list of the headings with a brief description of the associated information is shown below.

Key: This is the correct response or, in the case of multiple-choice items, the correct option.

Aligned to CCLS: This is the NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standard to which the item is aligned.

Mathematical Practices: If applicable, this is a list of mathematical practices associated with the item.

Commentary: This is an explanation of how the item aligns with the listed standard.

Rationale: For multiple-choice items, this section provides the correct option and demonstrates one method for arriving at that response. For constructed response items, one possible approach to solving the item is shown followed by the scoring rubric that is specific to the item. Note that there are often multiple approaches to solving each problem. The rationale section provides only one example. The scoring rubrics should be used to evaluate the efficacy of different methods of arriving at a solution.