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. In the early grades, students also demonstrate their literacy skills through a variety of oral response methods.
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 course.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards
Grade 3 Overview
Grades 4-8, & 10 Overview
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 10
Informational Text Analysis Worksheet
Literary Text Analysis Worksheet
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 SiteThis 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.
Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Policy Manual
Maryland English Language Arts Content and Curriculum Office
Contact: