The tests use four varieties of questions. The multiple-choice questions are included on all but the ELA Composition tests and require students to choose one answer from four given answers. These types of questions are machine scored.
The short-answer questions on the MCAS are only included on the mathematics portion. They require the student to give a short numerical answer or a brief statement.
Open-response questions are included on all MCAS tests but the ELA Composition. They require students to generate their own responses. Students create a one- or two-paragraph response in writing or in the form of a narrative or a chart, table, diagram, illustration, or graph, as appropriate. Students can receive up to four points for each open-response question.
Writing prompts are included only on ELA Composition tests and require students to respond by creating a written composition. Compositions are scored based on two things. For topic development, students are scored based on a six-score point scale, with students receiving from 2 to 12 points (the sum of scores from each of the two scorers). For Standard English conventions, students are scored based on a four-point scale, with students receiving from 2 to 8 points (the sum of the scores from each of the two scorers).