Modified Common Assessment

Name: _________________________
I. Matching
INSTRUCTIONS:
Match each layer of the Earth to its description. 2 Points Each.
1. Choose the best answer to match the description of e
ach layer of the Earth:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Mantle
Inner Core
Crust
Outer Core

A.
B.
C.
D.

Thinnest layer, lithosphere, oceanic and continental crust types _______

Molten consistency, thickest layer, very hot, dense rock _______
Liquid iron and nickel _______
Solid iron-nickel alloy ______

II. True or False.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Please write on the blank if you believe the statement written is either True or
False. 2 Points Each
2) Convection movement within the crust layer of the Earth causes the movement of tectonic
plates.
_____________
3) Oceanic crust melts into magma and sinks back into the mantle as it subducts into the
continental crust.
_____________
4) 300 million years ago, one large supercontinent existed instead of the 7 continents we
identify today.
_____________
5) When oceanic crust subducts underneath continental, an ocean trench can be formed.
_____________

6) When farmers leave last years dead crops in the soil to prevent soil erosion, this is called
crop rotation.
_____________
7) When magma or lava cools and solidifies after a volcanic eruption, the rock that is formed is
classified as metamorphic.
_____________
III. Multiple Choice:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Please choose the correct answer. 3 Points Each.
8) The correct order of the layers of Earth from top to bottom is as follows:
A Mantle, Inner Core, Outer Core, Crust
B Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core
C Inner Core, Outer Core, Mantle, Crust
D Crust, Mantle, Inner Core, Outer Core
9) Which of these is not a method that is used to reduce human impact on the quality of Earths
soil?
A Crop rotation
B Adding vegetative cover
C Deforestation
D Contour Plowing
10) Sedimentary rock would be found in soil that is composed of:
A Volcanic rock
B Inorganic matter that has been compressed by high heat and pressure
C Organic matter that has been compressed by high heat and pressure
D Animal fossils, preserved plant matter, sand, clay, and minerals
11) Which is the basic composition of Earths core?
(http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/accountability/common-exams/released-items/elementaryitems/g6scirelease14.
pdf [#7] )

A The solid inner core is surrounded by a liquid outer core.

B The liquid inner core is surrounded by a solid outer core.
C Both the inner core and the outer core are solid.
D Both the inner core an
d the outer core are liquid.

12) Which best explains the movement of tectonic plates?

(http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/accountability/common-exams/released-items/elementaryitems/g6scirelease14.
pdf [#8] )

A They move several miles each year because of convection within Earth.
B They move several centimeters each year because of convection within Earth.
C They move several feet each year because of convection within Earth.
D They move several kilometers each year because of convection within Earth.
13) Which best explains the relationship between parent rock and soil composition?
(http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/accountability/common-exams/released-items/elementaryitems/g6scirelease14.
pdf [#10] )

A Weathered parent rock determines the number of organisms found in the soil.
B Weathered parent rock determines the amount of air found in the soil.
C Weathered parent rock is the largest component of soil.
D Weathered parent rock is the smallest component of soil.
14) Which most likely occurs when two continental plates are pushed into one
another?(http://www.waynecountyschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_42493/File/Administration/Academics/Scie
nce/6-12%20Teacher%20Resources/6th%20grade%202013%20MSL.pdf [22])

A The plates will stop moving.

B The plates will form a trench.
C The plates will form a mountain.
D The plates will break into pieces.
15) How could acid rain affect the trees living in a forest?
(http://www.waynecountyschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_42493/File/Administration/Academics/Science/6-12%
20Teacher%20Resources/6th%20grade%202013%20MSL.pdf [30])

A It could strengthen the leaves of the trees in the forest.

B It could alter the soil quality, adding toxins that harm the trees.
C It could remove chemicals in the soil that harm the trees in the forest.
D It could change the soil quality, providing nutrients to the trees.

IV. Free Response

INSTRUCTIONS:
Please write your answer in the space below the question. You may write in
BULLETS, DRAW PICTURES WITH LABELS, OR EXPLAIN your answers to the test
proctor out loud.
16. Explain a) what is happening in each picture or identify the n
ame of the phenomenon, then
b) explain why this is or has occurred d
ue to tectonic plate movement or other geologic
processes.
4 Points Each Picture.

PICTURE 1:

PICTURE 2:

PICTURE 3:

17. Explain what causes the convection movement within the Earths m
antle layer. 4 Points.

18. Please explain a way that you as an individual could improve the soil quality in your
community. 6 Points.

19. Please explain how a volcanic eruption w

ould impact a rock going through the r ock cycle. 3
Points.

20. What is the benefit of adding vegetative cover to a garden? 3

Points.

Grading Guide and Rubric:

1. 3, 1, 4, 2 (2pts each= 8 pts total)
2. False (2 points)
3. True (2 points)
4. True (2 points)
5. False (2 points)
6. False (2 points)
7. False (2 points)
8. B (3 points)
9. C (3 points)
10. D (3 points)
11. A (3 points)
12. B (3 points)
13. C (3 points)
14. C (3 points)
15. B (3 points)
**Free Response Questions will be graded correctly based on the inclusion of the words/ideas
in bold. If a student answers with ANY of the phrases in bold, the student will automatically get
half of the points valued for that question. Otherwise, the student must answer with all of the
bold phrases or concepts to get full credit for that question. Final scores consisting of .5 will be
rounded up to nearest whole number.
16. A- Ring of Fire, an area where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
on volcanic islands have been formed in the shape of a ring, due to tectonic plate
activity, convergent plate boundaries ( 4 points)
B- Volcanic eruption, occur along convergent plate boundaries, magma rises up through
the crust, due to pressure in the mantle it explodes through the surface of crust ( 4 points)
C- earthquake, transform tectonic plate bounty. railroad tracks show the movement, fault
line of the transform plate boundary. ( 4 points)
17. Heat, from, radioactive decay, Earths core (4 points)
18. Answers may vary, but must be accurate and possible for a student to complete. Examples
of answers may include: composting, picking up litter, fertilizing soil, farmers using crop
rotation strategies, adding vegetative cover to land or gardens, stopping deforestation. ( 6
points)
19. A volcanic eruption would cause igneous rocks, lava cools/crystallizes, igneous rock.
(3 points)
20. One or more of the following: p
rotects the soil from climate, decreased erosion, too
much rain or sunlight, increasing nutrients in the soil, neutralize pH, or ward off plant
disease. (3 points)

Total Points Possible: 72

Grading Scale:
72-64 = A
63-57= B
56-50= C
49-43= D