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Section 8: CSET: Art Subtest II
Sample Constructed-Response Questions

Extended Assignment Directions

For the following questions, you are to prepare a written response of approximately 250 to 350 words.

Read each assignment carefully before you begin to write. Think about how you will organize what you plan to write.

Sample Extended-Response Assignments

Assignment 1

Use the information below to complete the exercise that follows.

Art has been used throughout history to represent, establish, reinforce, and reflect group identity and ethics or values.

Using your knowledge of visual arts, prepare a response of approximately 250–350 words in which you address each of the following points:

Assignment 1

Use the reproduction below of the photograph Near Olive Branch, Mississippi (1971) by William Eggleston to complete the exercise that follows.

photo of a red brick building and a white abandoned building

The color photograph depicts parts of two buildings, each taking up roughly the two halves of the composition. The building on the left is made of brick. The bricks are painted white on the top half of the building. A large window takes up most of what can be seen of the building. Immediately in front of it is a kind of wooden chest with an advertisement for a type of soft drink on the front of it. That detail, the window, and a concrete slab at the base of the building suggest the building was at one time a store. There is a long crack in the concrete slab. The paint on the brick is faded and the building looks otherwise abandoned. The building on the right side of the composition also appears to be abandoned. It is in poor structural shape with a sagging wall and roof. Two trees near the building also appear to be in poor physical shape, the bark on their trunks missing in many places and some of their branches broken. A narrow dirt road or path runs between the two buildings. Patchy green grass can be seen on either side of the dirt road. A small patch of sky in the background indicates that the photograph was taken during the day. The color of the sky is milky.

Using your knowledge of visual art, prepare a response of approximately 250–350 words in which you address each of the following points:

Examples of Strong Extended Responses

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Extended-Response Assignment Performance Characteristics

The following performance characteristics will guide the scoring of responses to the constructed-response questions.

Purpose The extent to which the response addresses the constructed-response assignment's charge in relation to relevant CSET subject matter requirements.
Subject Matter Knowledge The application of accurate subject matter knowledge as described in the relevant CSET subject matter requirements.
Support The appropriateness and quality of the supporting evidence in relation to relevant CSET subject matter requirements.
Depth and Breadth of Understanding The degree to which the response demonstrates understanding of the relevant CSET subject matter requirements.

Extended-Response Assignment Score Scale

Scores will be assigned to each response to the constructed-response questions.

Score Point Score Point Description
4 The "4" response reflects a thorough command of the relevant knowledge and skills as defined in the subject matter requirements for CSET: Art.
  • The purpose of the assignment is fully achieved.
  • There is a substantial and accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is sound; there are high-quality, relevant examples.
  • The response reflects a comprehensive understanding of the assignment.
3 The "3" response reflects a general command of the relevant knowledge and skills as defined in the subject matter requirements for CSET: Art.
  • The purpose of the assignment is largely achieved.
  • There is a largely accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is adequate; there are some acceptable, relevant examples.
  • The response reflects an adequate understanding of the assignment.
2 The "2" response reflects a limited command of the relevant knowledge and skills as defined in the subject matter requirements for CSET: Art.
  • The purpose of the assignment is partially achieved.
  • There is limited accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is limited; there are few relevant examples.
  • The response reflects a limited understanding of the assignment.
1 The "1" response reflects little or no command of the relevant knowledge and skills as defined in the subject matter requirements for CSET: Art.
  • The purpose of the assignment is not achieved.
  • There is little or no accurate application of relevant subject matter knowledge.
  • The supporting evidence is weak; there are no or few relevant examples.
  • The response reflects little or no understanding of the assignment.
U The "U" (Unscorable) is assigned to a response that is unrelated to the assignment, illegible, primarily in a language other than English, or does not contain a sufficient amount of original work to score.
B The "B" (Blank) is assigned to a response that is blank.

Acknowledgments

Eggleston, William (b. 1939) © Eggleston Artistic Trust. Near Olive Branch, Mississippi. 1971. Dye transfer print, 8 x 11 3/4" (20.4 x 29.9 cm). Purchase. Location: The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, U.S.A. Photo Credit: Digital Image © The Museum of Modern Art/Licensed by SCALA / Art Resource, NY.

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