Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) English Language Arts and Literacy

About the Assessment

The MCAP English Language Arts and Literacy assessments focus on the content outlined in the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for each grade level. Students read literary and informational passages and engage in multimedia such as video or audio pieces. Students demonstrate their reading comprehension and literacy skills by responding to text-based questions and writing prompts.


Grades 3-8, and 10

For students in grades 3 through 8, the assessments are administered toward the end of the school year. Assessments in grade 10 are administered after a student has completed most of the required courses.


Content Standards

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards


Blueprints

Grade 3 Overview

Grades 4-8, & 10 Overview


Evidence Statements

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 10


Text Complexity Analysis Tools

Informational Text Analysis Worksheet

Literary Text Analysis Worksheet


Rubrics

​Grade 3​Grades 4 - 5​Grades 6 - 10
MCAP Informative Explanatory Rubric Grade 3
​MCAP Informative Explanatory Rubric Grades 4 and 5
 ​MCAP Informative Explanatory Rubric Grades 6-8 and 10
​MCAP Narrative Rubric Grade 3
​MCAP Narrative Rubric Grades 4 and 5
 ​MCAP Narrative Rubric 6-8 and 10
MCAP Opinion Rubric Grade 3
 MCAP Opinion Rubric Grades 4 and 5
 MCAP Argumentative Rubric Grades 6-8 and 10

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs)

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 10


Test Preparation and Practice

The following links provide resources that can help students prepare for the MCAP English Language Arts and Literacy Assessments.

  • Grades 3 - 8 and 10 Practice Tests

  • MSDE Public Release Site
    This site provides access to released questions from former MCAP tests. MCAP released questions are representative of the content and skills included on the MCAP and are provided to help students recognize the nature and format of the questions.


Accommodations Information

Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Policy Manual


Additional Resources and Information

Maryland English Language Arts Content and Curriculum Office



Contact:

Stephanie Weager
Project Manager for English Language Arts and Literacy Assessments
Office: (410) 767-0077
stephanie.weager@maryland.gov

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