Timss2011 g4 Science

4

RELEASED SCIENCE ITEMS

This book contains the released Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 grade 4 science assessment items. This is not a complete set of all TIMSS 2011 assessment items because some items are kept confidential so that they may be used in subsequent cycles of TIMSS to measure trends.

How Can This Set of Released Items Be Used?

In Teacher-designed Assessments. The items in this book present different ways of measuring students understanding in various content and cognitive domains. Ateacher may use these items to create an assessment according to the needs of the class after reviewing the items and selecting items of interest.

For Feedback on Student Understanding. Student responses can be scored according to the scoring information provided in the book. Items that coincide with concepts taught in class allow the teacher to gain feedback on the students understanding of assessed concepts. For example, a teacher might decide to examine the incorrect or partially correct responses of the class. The teacher might use the items to identify particular difficulties or misconceptions experienced by individual students, which canserve as thebasis for some remedial teaching or focused practice.

To Benchmark Student Performance. The teacher might also compare the percent of students in the class who responded correctly to an item with the percent of students who responded correctly to the same item in other education systems orintheUnitedStates.

TIMSS and PIRLS are copyrighted and are registered trademarks of IEA. Released items from TIMSS andPIRLS assessments are for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes only. Translated versions of items remain the intellectual property of IEA. Although the items are in the public domain, please print an acknowledgement of the source, including the year and name of the assessment you are using. If you publish any part of the released items from TIMSS 2011, please use thefollowingacknowledgement:

SOURCE: TIMSS 2011 Assessment. Copyright 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Publisher: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA and International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), IEA Secretariat, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

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USERS GUIDEGrade 4

This book contains TIMSS 2011 released items for grade 4. Each item appears on a single page, on which is provided information about the items classification and about international student performance on the item. The items appear in the content domain order, as shown in the index on thenext page.

Information about itemclassification

Take a look at the first item on page 1. Across the top are three boxes which identify the items content domain (the subject matter in science that the item assesses), its main topic (the specific topic assessed within that subject matter), and its cognitive domain (the cognitive or thinking process assessed). For this item, the content domain is life science, the main topic is life cycles, reproduction and heredity, and the cognitive domain is applying.

Below the row of boxes and above a boxed-in area ofthe page is the item label. For this item, it is How tadpoles get in the pond. Below the boxed-in area is the item number, which is more commonly used to identify each item than the item label. Within the boxed-in area is the item as it appeared in student test booklets.

Correct answers are shown beneath each item. Thecorrect answer for multiple-choice items is simply a letter code. For example, in the item S031001 on page 1, the letter code D is the correct answer. The correct answers for write-in or open-ended items are explained in a scoring guide. Forexample, Manuels temperature rise in the Life Science domain (page 10), provides an example

of a scoring guide, indicating the general nature of correct and incorrect responses. In some cases, partial credit may be awarded and these items will provide guidelines for fully correct, partially correct, and incorrect responses. Sample student responses are provided for some of the constructed-response items for each scoring category.

Information about international student performance

In the table along the right-hand side of the page are the percent correct statistics for the item. These consist of statistics on the percentage of students in each education system who could answer the question correctly. The lists of education systems are ordered in terms of this percentage. Theinternational average is included as well.

To the right of some of the percent correct statistics are special symbols that indicate when an education system scored significantly higher or significantly lower than the international average. Thus, on the item How tadpoles get in the pond as an example, an estimated 86 percent of U.S. students could correctly answer this item, a percentage that was measurably higher than the international average, after taking into account the standard of error associated with the percent correct statistic for the United States and for the international average.

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ITEM INDEXGrade 4

Content Domain Page

Life ScienceS031001 How tadpoles get in the pond ...................1S031230 Birds/bats/butterflies share ........................2S031233 Main features of four animals ...................3S031236 Birds foot structure ......................................5S031254 Animal with young and adult forms ..........6S031266 Only female Siberian tigers left ..................7S031281 Why birds sit on their eggs .........................8S031291 What walrus has to keep it warm ...............9S031325 Manuels temperature rise ........................10S031340 Best source of calcium .............................12S031356 Which animal is a predator......................13S031361 Eyes in different outside conditions .........14S031390Z Animal extinction-DERIVED .......................15S041003 Living-nonliving things in a pond .............17S041013A Use of tiger canines ..................................19S041013B Use of rat incisors ......................................21S041014 One function of fruit .................................23S041039 Better way to travel around town .............24S041163 Group of animals contains reptiles .........26S041174 Migration of birds ......................................27S041178 What plants use energy for ......................29S041180 Correct predator-prey relationship ..........30S041181 Influenza passing between people .........31S041182 One thing to avoid flu ...............................33S041224 Flowering plant parts ................................35S051032 Hedgehog rolling into ball .......................39S051033 Why desert animals active at night .........40S051049Z Animals with backbones- DERIVED ..........41S051057 Write body part beside function ..............42S051173 Calcium important for growth .................44

Content Domain Page

Physical ScienceS031068 Marias experiment with salt/water .........46S031076 Two carts holding magnets .....................47S031077 Object in circuit for bulb to glow .............49S031197Z Two uses of electricity-DERIVED ................50S031204 Coarse & fine salt added to water ..........52S031273 Metal spoon and wooden spoon ...........54S031298 Boiled egg in cold water ..........................55S031299 Sunlight made up of colors .....................56S031311 Force that causes object to fall ...............58S031371 Heat to change state of water .................59S031410 Which is a mixture .....................................60S031418 Position of piece of ice in water ...............61S031421 Materials that will burn .............................62S041048 Styrofoam-brick-apple weigh more .........63S041049 Properties of two materials .......................65S041060 Identifies gas .............................................66S041067 Type of energy that runs objects .............68S041069 Shadow along which line ........................70S041117 Force causing boat to sail .......................71S041120 Objects that produce light ......................72S041187 Describes condensation ..........................73S041305 A balance and four cubes ......................74S041311 Thermometer reading hottest water ........75S051071 Children on seesaw ..................................76S051074 Will the bulb light ......................................77S051086 Temperature of ice, steam, water .............79S051119 Two magnets and two metal pins ...........80S051179 Sun reflection in a lake .............................82

Earth ScienceS031044 Label Earth, Moon, and Sun .....................83S031088Z Two ways to use air-DERIVED ....................85S031275 Explanation for day and night .................87S031376 Best soil for plants to grow in ....................88S031389 Soil change due to natural causes .........89S031391Z Ways to avoid wasting water-DERIVED .....90S041092 Drinking water comes from ......................92S041100 Reason for direction river flows ................93S041110 Energy received from the sun ..................94S041201A Advantage to farming by a river ..............96S041201B Disadvantage to farming by a river .........98S041208 How often Earth rotates on axis .............100S051100 Which made from waterfall energy .......101S051156 How long ago was plant alive? .............102

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Copyright 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 1

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Life Cycles, Reproduction, and Heredity

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: How tadpoles get in the pond

Melissa found some tadpoles and fi sh in a pond as shown above.How did the tadpoles get there?

A. Th ey hatched from eggs laid by fi sh in the pond.

B. Th ey formed from mud at the bottom of the pond.

C. Th ey were made from materials dissolved in pond water.

D. Th ey developed from eggs laid by frogs in the pond.

Item Number: S031001

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 97Japan 95Netherlands 93Singapore 93Slovenia 92Poland 91Chinese Taipei-CHN 90Finland 90Hong Kong-CHN 90Germany 90Austria 89Northern Ireland-GBR 89Ireland 88Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 88England-GBR 87Denmark 87Czech Republic 87Australia 86Sweden 86Italy 86United States 86Russian Federation 85Norway 85Croatia 84Thailand 82Portugal 82Lithuania 82New Zealand 81Spain 80Hungary 80Serbia 77Slovak Republic 77International average 76Romania 76Malta 75Iran, Islamic Rep of. 75Chile 72Turkey 68United Arab Emirates 65Bahrain 65Kazakhstan 65Azerbaijan 63Oman 63Georgia 59Qatar 57Saudi Arabia 54Armenia 52Kuwait 43Tunisia 38Morocco 33Yemen 21

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 87North Carolina-USA 87Florida-USA 86Alberta-CAN 86Ontario-CAN 84Dubai-UAE 73Abu Dhabi-UAE 59

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Birds/bats/butterflies share

What do birds, bats and butterfl ies have in common?

A. feathers

B. hair

C. internal skeleton

D. wings


Correct Response: D



Korea, Rep. of 99United States 96Croatia 95Singapore 95Finland 95Sweden 95Ireland 95Austria 94England-GBR 94Norway 93Germany 93New Zealand 93Portugal 92Russian Federation 92Australia 92Slovenia 91Netherlands 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Denmark 91Serbia 91Czech Republic 90Poland 90Slovak Republic 89Italy 89Lithuania 89Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 88Spain 87Japan 87Thailand 86Georgia 86Hungary 84Chile 84International average 83Armenia 83Chinese Taipei-CHN 83Romania 83Malta 82Hong Kong-CHN 79Kazakhstan 79Turkey 79Bahrain 75Azerbaijan 75United Arab Emirates 74Saudi Arabia 70Iran, Islamic Rep. of 62Qatar 62Tunisia 61Oman 61Kuwait 54Morocco 47Yemen 31


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 97Alberta-CAN 96North Carolina-USA 95Ontario-CAN 93Quebec-CAN 92Dubai-UAE 79Abu Dhabi-UAE 70




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Main features of four animals

Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.

A. Which animal has an internal skeleton and produces milk for its young?

______________________________

B. Which animal has an external skeleton and three pairs of legs?

______________________________

C. Which animal has a soft body and no skeleton?

______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus


SCORINGCorrect Response Identifies all 3 animals in the correct order: monkey, grasshopper, octopus

Incorrect Response Identifies one animal correctly. Identifies two animals correctly. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Korea, Rep. of 88Singapore 83Hungary 80Italy 79Denmark 76Slovak Republic 75Portugal 74Russian Federation 72Japan 70Australia 70United States 69Chinese Taipei-CHN 69Hong Kong-CHN 69England-GBR 67Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 66Germany 66Northern Ireland-GBR 66Sweden 65Croatia 65Thailand 64Spain 64Poland 64Finland 64Norway 63Czech Republic 63Austria 63Lithuania 63Netherlands 60Chile 60New Zealand 59Slovenia 58International average 58Ireland 58Kazakhstan 57Malta 54Romania 53Turkey 53Serbia 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Bahrain 49Azerbaijan 47United Arab Emirates 45Georgia 44Armenia 38Qatar 38Saudi Arabia 33Oman 31Kuwait 29Tunisia 26Morocco 16Yemen 14


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 74Florida-USA 72Quebec-CAN 68Alberta-CAN 66Ontario-CAN 63Dubai-UAE 48Abu Dhabi-UAE 41




Item label: Main features of four animals (continued)S031233:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.


______________________________


______________________________


______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus

Incorrect Response:Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.


______________________________


______________________________


______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Birds foot structure

A bird that lives on a pond is most likely to have which of these foot structures?

A. B. C. D.


Correct Response: D



Netherlands 92Slovak Republic 91Hungary 89Czech Republic 89Norway 89Denmark 87Germany 87Russian Federation 86Northern Ireland-GBR 86Poland 86Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 86Lithuania 86Austria 86Australia 85New Zealand 84United States 84Sweden 83England-GBR 83Slovenia 82Romania 82Korea, Rep. of 81Finland 81Italy 81Ireland 80Chinese Taipei-CHN 80Portugal 79Chile 76Croatia 75Singapore 75Armenia 73Azerbaijan 72International average 72Japan 71Serbia 69Iran, Islamic Rep. of 69Tunisia 69Spain 66Malta 59Georgia 57Saudi Arabia 56United Arab Emirates 55Thailand 55Oman 54Hong Kong-CHN 50Kazakhstan 48Qatar 46Turkey 44Bahrain 43Kuwait 41Morocco 33Yemen 16


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 85North Carolina-USA 84Ontario-CAN 82Florida-USA 78Quebec-CAN 69Dubai-UAE 65Abu Dhabi-UAE 53




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Animal with young and adult forms

Which of these animals has a young form that looks the most like the adult form?

A. moth

B. human

C. frog

D. butterfl y


Correct Response: B



Chinese Taipei-CHN 86Japan 83Korea, Rep. of 79Hungary 78Italy 78Singapore 76Russian Federation 74Kazakhstan 72Slovenia 72Slovak Republic 71Hong Kong-CHN 68Romania 68Czech Republic 67Portugal 67Finland 65Iran, Islamic Rep. of 62Denmark 57Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 57Georgia 56Norway 56Spain 55International average 54Ireland 54Australia 54England-GBR 52Turkey 52Austria 50Sweden 50United States 50New Zealand 49Azerbaijan 49Saudi Arabia 48Chile 47Malta 46Poland 45Serbia 45Netherlands 44Germany 44United Arab Emirates 43Qatar 42Armenia 42Northern Ireland-GBR 41Morocco 39Bahrain 39Croatia 38Thailand 35Yemen 32Oman 31Kuwait 31Tunisia 28Lithuania not applicable.


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 55Quebec-CAN 54Ontario-CAN 52North Carolina-USA 51Florida-USA 47Abu Dhabi-UAE 42Dubai-UAE 41


Not applicable



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Only female Siberian tigers left

Some animals are very rare. For example, there are very few Siberian tigers. If the only Siberian tigers left are female, what will most likely happen?

A. The females will find another type of male animal to mate with and produce more Siberian tigers.

B. The females will mate with each other and produce more Siberian tigers.

C. The females will only be able to produce female Siberian tigers.

D. The females will not be able to produce more Siberian tigers, and they will die out.


Correct Response: D



Korea, Rep. of 88Slovak Republic 76Russian Federation 75Hungary 74Singapore 74Hong Kong-CHN 72Sweden 72Finland 71Denmark 69Croatia 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Spain 67Slovenia 65Netherlands 64United States 64England-GBR 63Czech Republic 62Norway 62Poland 61Lithuania 60Australia 60Germany 59Romania 58Thailand 58Serbia 58Austria 56Italy 56Japan 56Northern Ireland-GBR 56Ireland 55Chile 54International average 53New Zealand 52Portugal 51Turkey 49Kazakhstan 47Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 47Malta 46Georgia 39Armenia 36Azerbaijan 36Bahrain 34United Arab Emirates 32Saudi Arabia 32Kuwait 28Qatar 28Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Oman 24Morocco 22Yemen 20Tunisia 20


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Quebec-CAN 65Alberta-CAN 58Florida-USA 58Ontario-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 37Abu Dhabi-UAE 29




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Why birds sit on their eggs

Most birds sit on their eggs until they hatch. Which of these is the most important reason why birds sit on their eggs?

A. to keep the eggs inside the nest

B. to keep the eggs warm

C. to protect the eggs from the wind

D. to protect the eggs from the rain


Correct Response: B



Netherlands 96Finland 96Austria 95Czech Republic 94Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 94United States 94Sweden 93Denmark 93Singapore 93Germany 92Slovenia 92Australia 92Ireland 92Norway 91Croatia 91Slovak Republic 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Hungary 89Spain 89Russian Federation 89England-GBR 89Poland 88Japan 87New Zealand 87Italy 87Serbia 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 86Portugal 85Korea, Rep. of 85Romania 84Hong Kong-CHN 84Lithuania 83Malta 81Chile 80Azerbaijan 80International average 79Georgia 79Turkey 77Kazakhstan 70Thailand 69Iran, Islamic Rep. of 67Armenia 66United Arab Emirates 64Bahrain 59Qatar 57Saudi Arabia 54Tunisia 46Oman 43Kuwait 40Morocco 31Yemen 31


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 95Alberta-CAN 93Florida-USA 91Quebec-CAN 91Ontario-CAN 90Dubai-UAE 73Abu Dhabi-UAE 58




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: What walrus has to keep it warm

Polar bears and walruses look very diff erent, but both can survive in the extreme cold. A polar bear has a thick coat of fur that helps keep it warm. Th e walrus has no fur.

What does the walrus have that helps it keep warm?

A. fat layers

B. tusks

C. whiskers

D. fl ippers

polar bear walrus


Correct Response: A



Finland 98Russian Federation 97Czech Republic 95Italy 95Austria 94Germany 94Sweden 94Netherlands 93Lithuania 93Chile 93Poland 92Denmark 92Northern Ireland-GBR 92United States 91Hungary 91Spain 90Slovak Republic 90Korea, Rep. of 90Australia 90England-GBR 89Hong Kong-CHN 89Ireland 88Croatia 88New Zealand 88Georgia 88Portugal 87Azerbaijan 87Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 87Serbia 86Kazakhstan 86Singapore 86Chinese Taipei-CHN 85Japan 85Slovenia 84Romania 83International average 81Thailand 80Norway 79Iran, Islamic Rep. of 72Armenia 71Turkey 70Malta 70Bahrain 70United Arab Emirates 63Saudi Arabia 59Qatar 58Tunisia 47Oman 44Kuwait 44Morocco 27Yemen 25


Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 94Florida-USA 94North Carolina-USA 93Alberta-CAN 92Ontario-CAN 90Dubai-UAE 70Abu Dhabi-UAE 59




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Manuels temperature rise

Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Write down one thing that could have caused his temperature to be higher than normal.


SCORINGCorrect Response Refers to Manuel being sick, having a fever, or similar.Examples:He was ill.He had an infection.He was running a fever.

Incorrect Response Refers only to getting cold, wet, or similar. [Reflects misconception about cause of illness.] Example: He was out in the cold the night before. Refers only to a factor affecting external temperature.Example: The weather was too hot. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Norway 64Hong Kong-CHN 63Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 62Denmark 61Italy 60Sweden 59Croatia 58Hungary 57Finland 57Chinese Taipei-CHN 57Slovak Republic 55Czech Republic 55Russian Federation 54United States 52Netherlands 52Lithuania 52Slovenia 50Singapore 50Portugal 48Japan 47Poland 45Serbia 45Spain 41Kazakhstan 40Romania 39Turkey 39International average 39Ireland 38Austria 37Korea, Rep. of 36Azerbaijan 35Georgia 33Australia 32Chile 32Armenia 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Bahrain 28England-GBR 25New Zealand 25Germany 24United Arab Emirates 24Thailand 22Saudi Arabia 21Malta 20Tunisia 20Iran, Islamic Rep. of 18Qatar 16Oman 16Yemen 8Kuwait 7Morocco 5


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 51North Carolina-USA 50Quebec-CAN 46Ontario-CAN 37Alberta-CAN 37Dubai-UAE 32Abu Dhabi-UAE 21




Item label: Manuels temperature rise (continued)S031325:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.


Incorrect Response:

Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Best source of calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps make your bones and teeth strong. Which of these foods is the best source of calcium?

A. candy

B. rice

C. cheese

D. meat


Correct Response: C



Finland 83Singapore 77Thailand 71Japan 70Ireland 70Portugal 65Turkey 65Spain 65Northern Ireland-GBR 64Romania 63Denmark 62Italy 62Czech Republic 60Chile 58Slovak Republic 58Hong Kong-CHN 55England-GBR 55Chinese Taipei-CHN 53Australia 53Korea, Rep. of 53Azerbaijan 52New Zealand 51International average 47United States 47Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 46Netherlands 45Hungary 44Poland 44Lithuania 42Saudi Arabia 41Malta 39Serbia 37Bahrain 37Oman 36Armenia 36Georgia 35Qatar 35Sweden 34Tunisia 34Russian Federation 34Kuwait 34United Arab Emirates 31Kazakhstan 30Croatia 29Morocco 29Norway 29Yemen 28Iran, Islamic Rep. of 27Austria 27Germany 25Slovenia 23


Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 69Quebec-CAN 66Alberta-CAN 60North Carolina-USA 52Florida-USA 43Dubai-UAE 39Abu Dhabi-UAE 31




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Which animal is a predator

A predator is an animal that feeds on other animals. Which of these is a predator?

A. deer

B. wolf

C. cow

D. goat


Correct Response: B



Korea, Rep. of 99Finland 98Netherlands 98Russian Federation 98Poland 97Lithuania 97Kazakhstan 96Croatia 96Italy 96Czech Republic 96Austria 96Hungary 95Georgia 95Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 95Azerbaijan 95Germany 94Slovak Republic 93Armenia 93Iran, Islamic Rep. of 93Spain 92Serbia 92Slovenia 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Thailand 91United States 90Hong Kong-CHN 90Denmark 90Romania 89Sweden 89Chile 89Singapore 88Norway 88Portugal 88International average 88England-GBR 87Australia 87Turkey 86New Zealand 86Ireland 86Chinese Taipei-CHN 83Bahrain 83Japan 83Saudi Arabia 83Tunisia 81Kuwait 74United Arab Emirates 74Oman 73Morocco 62Qatar 61Malta 58Yemen 54


Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 94Florida-USA 93Alberta-CAN 91North Carolina-USA 89Ontario-CAN 87Abu Dhabi-UAE 75Dubai-UAE 70




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Eyes in different outside conditions

Picture 1 and Picture 2 show the same eyes in diff erent outside conditions. What outside condition is diff erent between Picture 1 and Picture 2?

A. Light is brighter in Picture 1.

B. Light is brighter in Picture 2.

C. Temperature is higher in Picture 1.

D. Temperature is higher in Picture 2.

Picture 1

Picture 2


Correct Response: B



Finland 77Chinese Taipei-CHN 74Hong Kong-CHN 74Netherlands 69Singapore 68Germany 68Portugal 68Sweden 68United States 66Denmark 65England-GBR 65Slovenia 65Korea, Rep. of 62Australia 62Hungary 62Spain 61Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 61Ireland 60Italy 60Chile 60Slovak Republic 60New Zealand 59Austria 59Turkey 59Japan 59Russian Federation 58Czech Republic 57Romania 57Northern Ireland-GBR 56International average 56Croatia 54Qatar 53Serbia 52Poland 51United Arab Emirates 51Norway 51Malta 51Saudi Arabia 51Kazakhstan 50Armenia 49Thailand 49Lithuania 47Bahrain 46Iran, Islamic Rep. of 46Azerbaijan 43Oman 42Kuwait 40Georgia 35Yemen 32Morocco 32Tunisia 30


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Florida-USA 70Alberta-CAN 65Ontario-CAN 60Dubai-UAE 56Quebec-CAN 54Abu Dhabi-UAE 50




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Animal extinction-DERIVED

Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Item Number: S031390Z

SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as Incorrect Response.

Correct Response Mentions tree felling or other land development activities (leading to loss of habitat/homes).Example: Cutting down trees. Mentions hunting or killing animals (for food, pelts, etc.).Example: Shooting animals and eating them. Mentions polluting the environment (or similar). Example: Causing air pollution. Other correct

Incorrect Response Mentions a human activity but connection to extinction of animals is unclear.Example: Smoking Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Korea, Rep. of 54Russian Federation 44Italy 44Poland 41Netherlands 41Sweden 40Thailand 40Romania 38Chinese Taipei-CHN 38Denmark 38Austria 38Finland 38Slovak Republic 37Serbia 36Hungary 36Kazakhstan 34Czech Republic 33Germany 33Georgia 33Ireland 32Croatia 31England-GBR 30Singapore 29Spain 29United States 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Slovenia 28International average 28Lithuania 27Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 27Australia 26Northern Ireland-GBR 26Portugal 25Bahrain 23New Zealand 23Armenia 23Saudi Arabia 23Turkey 22Hong Kong-CHN 20Azerbaijan 19Kuwait 19Chile 19Malta 16Japan 16United Arab Emirates 14Norway 13Qatar 12Tunisia 11Oman 10Morocco 6Yemen 1


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 38Ontario-CAN 36Florida-USA 29Quebec-CAN 28North Carolina-USA 24Dubai-UAE 17Abu Dhabi-UAE 14




Item label: Animal extinction (continued)S031390Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Incorrect Response:Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Living-nonliving things in a pond

The picture below shows a pond.

In the spaces provided below, list three living things and three non-living things shown in this picture.

Living things Non-living things

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.


SCORINGCorrect Response Acceptable lists of living things: fish, frog, turtle, dragonfly (insect, butterfly, fly), water lily (plants,

flowering plant, water plant), trees, grasses, molluscs (snails) Acceptable lists of non-living things: sun, clouds, water, rocks, pebbles (stones), sand, soil (dirt,

earth), mud, air

Incorrect Response Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Singapore 88Serbia 75Hungary 70Kazakhstan 69Italy 67Finland 66Spain 66Slovak Republic 66Croatia 65Chile 64Turkey 62Thailand 61Russian Federation 60Slovenia 58United States 58Czech Republic 55Oman 55Bahrain 55Lithuania 54Netherlands 52Australia 49Sweden 48International average 47United Arab Emirates 47Azerbaijan 47Iran, Islamic Rep. of 47Korea, Rep. of 46Portugal 46England-GBR 46Romania 45Denmark 45Malta 44Norway 43New Zealand 42Ireland 41Saudi Arabia 40Qatar 40Germany 40Hong Kong-CHN 39Japan 39Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 38Northern Ireland-GBR 34Austria 31Armenia 30Poland 21Morocco 20Georgia 19Kuwait 19Chinese Taipei-CHN 17Tunisia 15Yemen 13


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 56Florida-USA 56Quebec-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 52North Carolina-USA 42Abu Dhabi-UAE 41




Item label: Living-nonliving things in a pond (continued)S041003:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Th e picture below shows a pond.



1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Incorrect Response:

Th e picture below shows a pond.



1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Use of tiger canines

The diagrams show a tiger skull and a rat skull.

rat skull

incisors

tiger skull

canines

A tiger has very large teeth called canines. A rat has very large teeth called incisors. A tiger and a rat eat diff erent types of food.

A. What does a tiger use its canines for?

Item Number: S041013A

SCORINGCorrect Response States that the tiger uses its canines for piercing (stabbing, holding, ripping, killing, tearing) prey.Examples: A tiger uses its canines to hold onto its prey and kill it. The tiger stabs its prey with the canines and rips the meat.

Incorrect Response States that the tiger uses its canines for chewing (crushing, grinding) food.Example: A tiger uses its canines for chewing its prey. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:To eat his prey.To devour its prey.The tiger uses them for meat.



Denmark 62Kazakhstan 55Russian Federation 51Hungary 50Ireland 50England-GBR 48Slovenia 47Italy 47Austria 45Sweden 45Northern Ireland-GBR 44Czech Republic 43Germany 42Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 42Finland 40Australia 40Slovak Republic 40United States 38Netherlands 38Romania 37Singapore 37Norway 37New Zealand 36Poland 35Lithuania 33International average 31Tunisia 30Croatia 28Spain 27Azerbaijan 26Serbia 26Malta 24Chile 24Korea, Rep. of 24Armenia 23Portugal 23Japan 23United Arab Emirates 22Bahrain 20Iran, Islamic Rep. of 19Saudi Arabia 19Hong Kong-CHN 18Georgia 18Qatar 17Chinese Taipei-CHN 16Turkey 16Thailand 15Oman 13Kuwait 6Yemen 5Morocco 3


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 44North Carolina-USA 40Ontario-CAN 37Florida-USA 37Dubai-UAE 32Quebec-CAN 22Abu Dhabi-UAE 17




Item label: Use of tiger canines (continued)S041013A:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Use of rat incisors

The diagrams show a tiger skull and a rat skull.

incisors

rat skulltiger skull

canines

A tiger has very large teeth called canines. A rat has very large teeth called incisors. A tiger and a rat eat diff erent types of food.

B. What does a rat use its incisors for?

Item Number: S041013B

SCORINGCorrect Response States that the rat uses its incisors for gnawing (nibbling) food or killing prey.Examples: The rat uses them to gnaw nuts, grains, meat, and vegetable matter.The rat uses its incisors for biting hard stuff.

Incorrect Response States that the rat uses its incisors for chewing (crushing, grinding, cutting, chopping, munching)

food.Examples:Rats use their incisors for chewing softer things.Rats use them to grind food. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Example: It uses them for vegetables.



Finland 54Denmark 52Sweden 48Thailand 47Lithuania 45Norway 43Japan 41Kazakhstan 40Portugal 39Russian Federation 38Romania 34Chinese Taipei-CHN 33Korea, Rep. of 33Serbia 30Hungary 29Italy 29Czech Republic 27Slovenia 26Austria 24International average 23Northern Ireland-GBR 23Netherlands 21Slovak Republic 21Armenia 21Ireland 21Poland 20Georgia 20Chile 19England-GBR 19Turkey 19Croatia 19Germany 18Spain 18Bahrain 17Iran, Islamic Rep. of 17New Zealand 16Australia 15Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 15Tunisia 14Azerbaijan 14Singapore 13United States 13Malta 12United Arab Emirates 4Oman 4Qatar 4Hong Kong-CHN 2Saudi Arabia 2Kuwait 1Morocco 1Yemen #

rounds to zero.


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 15Quebec-CAN 15North Carolina-USA 13Florida-USA 13Ontario-CAN 12Dubai-UAE 6Abu Dhabi-UAE 3


# Rounds to zero



Item label: Use of rat incisors (continued)S041013B:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: One function of fruit

Some plants produce fruit such as apples.

What is one function of a fruit?

A. to protect seeds

B. to produce food for seeds

C. to stop seeds from dispersing

D. to store water for seed germination


Correct Response: A



Singapore 61Romania 45Korea, Rep. of 44Slovak Republic 41Italy 41United States 41Chinese Taipei-CHN 40Azerbaijan 39Slovenia 38Poland 35Russian Federation 35Finland 34Spain 34Portugal 34Morocco 34Kazakhstan 33United Arab Emirates 33Serbia 33Bahrain 32Ireland 32Hong Kong-CHN 32Chile 32Croatia 32Iran, Islamic Rep. of 32Czech Republic 32Norway 31Germany 31International average 31Northern Ireland-GBR 31Malta 30England-GBR 30Denmark 29Saudi Arabia 29Lithuania 28Qatar 28Austria 27Turkey 26Australia 26Japan 26Oman 26Armenia 25Kuwait 25Netherlands 25Hungary 25New Zealand 25Thailand 24Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Sweden 22Georgia 20Tunisia 15Yemen 14


Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 35Florida-USA 33Abu Dhabi-UAE 32North Carolina-USA 32Ontario-CAN 30Alberta-CAN 27Quebec-CAN 22




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Better way to travel around town

The pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.

A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike

B. Explain your answer.


SCORINGCorrect Response Bicycle with an explanation that relates to air or noise pollution. (If the explanation includes

inaccurate information such as destroying the ozone layer, still credit the response).Examples:It does not produce fumes like a motorbike does. A motorbike gives out fumes which go up into the air and pollute it. Whereas a bike does not.The motorbike gives off fumes which destroy the ozone layer and so the bicycle is better for the

environment.

Incorrect Response Bicycle with a general explanation.Example: My answer is a bicycle because it does not use gas. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:A bicycle because it gives you exercise.



Korea, Rep. of 83Croatia 78Portugal 75Slovenia 73Finland 70Italy 70Sweden 68Hungary 68Russian Federation 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Spain 64Czech Republic 64Chile 63Serbia 62Germany 62Iran, Islamic Rep. of 61Slovak Republic 60Austria 60Singapore 54Poland 54Netherlands 53Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 53Romania 51Lithuania 50Norway 49International average 48England-GBR 47Hong Kong-CHN 45Japan 45Denmark 44United States 43Northern Ireland-GBR 43New Zealand 42Australia 42Ireland 41Kazakhstan 40Bahrain 39Turkey 38Thailand 36Tunisia 35United Arab Emirates 31Malta 30Qatar 29Armenia 29Saudi Arabia 28Georgia 28Morocco 24Kuwait 20Oman 18Azerbaijan 12Yemen 4


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 54Ontario-CAN 51Florida-USA 46Quebec-CAN 45Dubai-UAE 40North Carolina-USA 36Abu Dhabi-UAE 31




Item label: Better way to travel around town (continued)S041039:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Th e pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike


Incorrect Response:Th e pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Group of animals contains reptiles

Which group of animals contains ONLY reptiles?

A. lizard, frog, snake

B. turtle, lizard, crocodile

C. octopus, snail, turtle

D. crab, earthworm, snake


Correct Response: B



Chinese Taipei-CHN 70Lithuania 56Singapore 56United States 55Australia 53Oman 52Slovenia 51Ireland 51Slovak Republic 50Bahrain 49Czech Republic 48Thailand 48Saudi Arabia 48Iran, Islamic Rep. of 47Germany 47Northern Ireland-GBR 47Hong Kong-CHN 46England-GBR 46Kuwait 45Italy 45Russian Federation 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 45New Zealand 44United Arab Emirates 44Netherlands 44Chile 44Austria 41Qatar 40Azerbaijan 40International average 40Spain 39Romania 36Morocco 36Hungary 35Kazakhstan 34Poland 33Malta 30Yemen 30Norway 29Croatia 28Portugal 27Armenia 27Sweden 25Korea, Rep. of 25Tunisia 25Georgia 24Denmark 23Finland 21Turkey 20Serbia 18Japan 14


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 56Quebec-CAN 56Ontario-CAN 53North Carolina-USA 51Alberta-CAN 45Abu Dhabi-UAE 44Dubai-UAE 38




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Migration of birds

How does migration increase the survival of birds?


SCORINGCorrect Response Refers to finding food and/or reproduction.Examples:Move from one region to another for feeding or breeding.Some of the birds find food or a place to build their nest. Refers to moving to a warmer place without mention of food or reproduction. Examples:Birds living in a country with winter will die in the cold. They will migrate to a place where it is

summer or spring. It provides warm weather for the birds.




Austria 81Croatia 73Finland 72Slovak Republic 70Singapore 70Russian Federation 67Sweden 64Czech Republic 63Slovenia 56Hungary 55Italy 52Kazakhstan 51Serbia 47United States 47Portugal 47Romania 46Turkey 45Denmark 45Lithuania 45Armenia 41Korea, Rep. of 40Japan 38International average 37Poland 36Northern Ireland-GBR 35Bahrain 35Iran, Islamic Rep. of 35Azerbaijan 33Georgia 33Saudi Arabia 33Ireland 31Norway 31Chinese Taipei-CHN 27Thailand 27Germany 24Netherlands 24New Zealand 23Oman 19England-GBR 19Chile 19Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 19United Arab Emirates 19Australia 19Spain 18Qatar 18Morocco 17Tunisia 16Kuwait 12Hong Kong-CHN 9Malta 8Yemen 3


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 43Ontario-CAN 42Florida-USA 42Alberta-CAN 40Quebec-CAN 37Dubai-UAE 19Abu Dhabi-UAE 15




Item label: Migration of birds (continued)S041174:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: What plants use energy for

Plants use energy directly from the Sun.

What do they use the energy from the Sun for?

A. to make food

B. to disperse seeds

C. to fertilize the soil

D. to prevent insect damage


Correct Response: A



Korea, Rep. of 93Singapore 88Hong Kong-CHN 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 85Japan 85Saudi Arabia 79Bahrain 78Spain 75Turkey 73Thailand 72Finland 71Iran, Islamic Rep. of 71Czech Republic 70Serbia 69Hungary 68Oman 68Croatia 68Kuwait 67United Arab Emirates 66Italy 63Russian Federation 61United States 60Qatar 56Romania 55International average 51Lithuania 49Portugal 48England-GBR 46Kazakhstan 45Chile 44Azerbaijan 44Netherlands 42Slovenia 42Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 40Malta 35Slovak Republic 35Armenia 34Georgia 32Poland 31Ireland 30Germany 30New Zealand 29Australia 29Northern Ireland-GBR 29Yemen 28Austria 28Morocco 23Tunisia 21Sweden 14Norway 9Denmark 8


Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 70Florida-USA 64Ontario-CAN 59Abu Dhabi-UAE 58North Carolina-USA 46Alberta-CAN 42Quebec-CAN 24




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Correct predator-prey relationship

The diagram below shows a food chain.

green algae krill fi sh seal killer whale

Which predatorprey relationship is correct?

A. fish (predator)seal (prey)

B. green algae (predator)krill (prey)

C. fish (predator)krill (prey)

D. seal (predator)killer whale (prey)


Correct Response: C



Korea, Rep. of 87Russian Federation 83Czech Republic 81Japan 77Hong Kong-CHN 75Finland 75Chinese Taipei-CHN 74Italy 73Germany 72Lithuania 71Netherlands 71Hungary 69Thailand 68Croatia 67Portugal 67Serbia 66United States 66Slovak Republic 66Austria 66Poland 66Singapore 64Sweden 62England-GBR 62Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 61Romania 61Spain 60Slovenia 60Chile 60International average 57Australia 57Ireland 53Northern Ireland-GBR 52New Zealand 51Turkey 50Denmark 49Bahrain 48Kazakhstan 48Saudi Arabia 47Azerbaijan 42Tunisia 42United Arab Emirates 41Oman 39Iran, Islamic Rep. of 38Malta 38Qatar 38Georgia 37Armenia 34Kuwait 32Norway 31Morocco 27Yemen 26


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Florida-USA 68Quebec-CAN 65Alberta-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 58Dubai-UAE 47Abu Dhabi-UAE 41




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Influenza passing between people

How can infl uenza be passed from person to person?


SCORINGCorrect Response Mentions coughing or sneezing.Example: If you sneeze on your friend the germs can be passed on. Mentions touching the same object, using the same utensils, or having physical contact with a

person who has influenza.Example: Influenza can be passed by sharing food and drinks. Other correctExample: It is passed in the air.

Incorrect Response Mentions being near someone with influenza but does not mention coughing, sneezing, or any

direct contact.Example:Itcanbepassedbygoingneartosomeonewithinfluenza. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Sweden 84Lithuania 81Japan 78Slovak Republic 76Northern Ireland-GBR 75Russian Federation 75Croatia 74Finland 73Czech Republic 73England-GBR 73Hungary 73Serbia 72Netherlands 72Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 70Austria 69Kazakhstan 69Denmark 69New Zealand 68Germany 67Georgia 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Korea, Rep. of 67Romania 66Thailand 64Spain 60Slovenia 60Norway 60Hong Kong-CHN 60Azerbaijan 59International average 58Singapore 58Portugal 57Iran, Islamic Rep. of 55Armenia 55Chile 54United States 54Turkey 54Ireland 52Poland 51Bahrain 48Australia 47Saudi Arabia 40Italy 39United Arab Emirates 38Qatar 38Malta 35Oman 33Tunisia 32Morocco 30Kuwait 26Yemen 5


Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 72Alberta-CAN 53Florida-USA 52Ontario-CAN 48North Carolina-USA 48Dubai-UAE 40Abu Dhabi-UAE 34




Item label: Influenza passing between people (continued)S041181:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: One thing to avoid flu

Marcie is playing a board game with a friend who has the fl u.

Write down one thing Marcie can do to avoid catching the fl u from her friend.


SCORINGCorrect Response States one acceptable reason. Examples:Marcie can wash her hands.Marcie can cover her nose and mouth with a mask.Marcie can tell her friend to wear a mask.Marcie can wear gloves.Marcie should not touch her face.

Incorrect Response Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:Dont sit near her.Get a flu shot.



Japan 93Korea, Rep. of 78Russian Federation 77Chinese Taipei-CHN 75Singapore 67Kazakhstan 66Finland 61United States 61Portugal 57Hong Kong-CHN 55Ireland 54Lithuania 53Chile 53Georgia 49Norway 48Iran, Islamic Rep. of 48Thailand 47England-GBR 46Australia 46Denmark 44Croatia 44Spain 43Sweden 43Serbia 42International average 42Netherlands 41New Zealand 40Northern Ireland-GBR 40Hungary 39Romania 38Slovenia 38Germany 37Azerbaijan 36Turkey 35Slovak Republic 35Austria 35Armenia 35Czech Republic 33Poland 31Saudi Arabia 29Bahrain 27United Arab Emirates 25Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Italy 23Oman 20Malta 19Tunisia 18Qatar 17Kuwait 9Yemen 3Morocco #

rounds to zero.


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 58Florida-USA 57Quebec-CAN 55Ontario-CAN 52Alberta-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 22


# Rounds to zero



Item label: One thing to avoid flu (continued)S041182:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Flowering plant parts

The diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.

In the table below, write the name of each part, and state its function.

PartNumber Name of Part Function of Part

1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1


SCORINGCorrect Response Identifies 4 parts of the plant and states a correct function for each.1: Flower (bud). Example: It produces seeds.1: Seeds. Example: They reproduce the plant when the seed germinates.1: Petals. Example: They attract pollinators. 2: Stem (stalk). Example: It transports water and food. 3: Leaf. Example: It makes food for the plant. 4: Root. Example: It transports water into the plant. Identifies 4 parts of the plant and states 3 correct functions.

Partially Correct Response Identifies 4 parts and 1 or 2 correct functions OR 3 parts and 1 or 2 or 3 correct functions OR2 parts and 1 or 2 functions.

Incorrect Response Identifies 4 parts, but no correct functions Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Singapore 80Korea, Rep. of 42Thailand 40Czech Republic 39Bahrain 37Italy 36Romania 35Hungary 34Croatia 33Finland 32Portugal 31Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Kazakhstan 27Chinese Taipei-CHN 26Austria 25Slovak Republic 25United States 24Serbia 23United Arab Emirates 22Lithuania 21England-GBR 21International average 21Russian Federation 20Japan 20Oman 19Sweden 18Kuwait 18Saudi Arabia 16Hong Kong-CHN 16Spain 16Slovenia 15Denmark 15Azerbaijan 15Qatar 13Chile 13Poland 13Morocco 12Turkey 11Ireland 10Georgia 10Germany 10Australia 10Armenia 10Northern Ireland-GBR 9Netherlands 8Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 6Malta 6New Zealand 6Norway 4Tunisia 2Yemen 1


Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 31Florida-USA 24Ontario-CAN 22Alberta-CAN 21Abu Dhabi-UAE 17North Carolina-USA 13Quebec-CAN 8




Item label: Flowering plant parts (continued)S041224:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Th e diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.



1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1




Student Responses

Partially Correct Response:




1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1




Student Responses

Incorrect Response:




1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Hedgehog rolling into ball

A hedgehog is a small spiny animal. When it is frightened it rolls into a ball.

How does this behavior help the hedgehog?

A. The hedgehog can roll away quickly.

B. The hedgehog looks larger rolled up.

C. The hedgehog is harder to see in a ball.

D. The hedgehogs soft body parts are covered.


Correct Response: D



Russian Federation 76Denmark 74Poland 73Slovenia 73Finland 72Czech Republic 71Hungary 69Spain 68Germany 66Croatia 66Slovak Republic 65Serbia 65Lithuania 64Austria 61Kazakhstan 59Northern Ireland-GBR 58Korea, Rep. of 58England-GBR 58Japan 57Turkey 56Azerbaijan 56Netherlands 54Sweden 54Ireland 51New Zealand 51Hong Kong-CHN 51United States 50International average 50Singapore 50Portugal 50Australia 49Italy 49Chinese Taipei-CHN 48Romania 47Iran, Islamic Rep. of 45Georgia 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 43Thailand 43Norway 43Malta 37Chile 34Armenia 34Bahrain 30Saudi Arabia 30Qatar 27United Arab Emirates 27Morocco 24Tunisia 23Yemen 22Kuwait 19Oman 18


Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 59Alberta-CAN 54Florida-USA 53North Carolina-USA 49Ontario-CAN 47Dubai-UAE 35Abu Dhabi-UAE 26




Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Why desert animals active at night

Why are many desert animals more active at night?

A. It is drier at night.

B. It is cooler at night.

C. There is less danger at night.

D. There is less wind at night.


Correct Response: B



Chinese Taipei-CHN 71United States 68Netherlands 67Portugal 64Romania 64Sweden 63Hong Kong-CHN 63Finland 62Russian Federation 61Germany 61Singapore 60Kazakhstan 59Australia 59Ireland 59Hungary 58England-GBR 56Austria 55Northern Ireland-GBR 55Slovak Republic 53Italy 53Korea, Rep. of 53Malta 52Armenia 52Spain 51New Zealand 50Bahrain 50Georgia 49Chile 49International average 49Azerbaijan 48Poland 47Lithuania 46United Arab Emirates 45Qatar 43Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 42Denmark 40Oman 39Czech Republic 38Japan 38Saudi Arabia 37Croatia 36Morocco 35Norway 34Slovenia 32Kuwait 32Turkey 32Iran, Islamic Rep. of 32Serbia 31Yemen 31Thailand 30Tunisia 30


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 76North Carolina-USA 68Quebec-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 60Alberta-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 51Abu Dhabi-UAE 42



Percent higher than International average


Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Animals with backbones- DERIVED

Which animals shown below have a backbone?

Fill in one oval for each animal. One has been done for you.

Animal Has a Backbone

es No

heron --------------------- ------------ B

spider --------------------- A ------------ B

crab ----------------------- A ------------ B

fish ----------------------- A ------------ B

lion ----------------------- A ------------ B

Y


SCORINGCorrect Response Fillintheovalsintheorder:B,B,A,A

Incorrect Response Otherincorrect(includingcrossedout,erased,straymarks,illegible,orofftask)



Japan 65Italy 59Russian Federation 56Czech Republic 55Croatia 55Sweden 53Hungary 53Spain 51Slovak Republic 50Finland 49Bahrain 49Romania 49Chile 48Germany 47Saudi Arabia 47Austria 45Australia 45Norway 43Korea, Rep. of 43Thailand 42Poland 42Slovenia 42Kazakhstan 41Portugal 41International average 41Iran, Islamic Rep. of 41Serbia 40Georgia 40Denmark 39United States 39Hong Kong-CHN 38New Zealand 38England-GBR 37Lithuania 37Malta 37Singapore 37Ireland 37Northern Ireland-GBR 36Azerbaijan 35Armenia 35Oman 33Turkey 32United Arab Emirates 32Chinese Taipei-CHN 31Netherlands 31Kuwait 30Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 28Morocco 28Qatar 24Tunisia 22Yemen 17


Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 47Alberta-CAN 43Ontario-CAN 38Florida-USA 37Abu Dhabi-UAE 35North Carolina-USA 31Dubai-UAE 30

Percent lower than International average



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Write body part beside function

The table shows three functions carried out by parts of the human body.

Write the name of the body part beside its function. The first one has been done for you.

Function Body Part

Supports the body Skeleton

Pumps blood through the body

Used for thinking


SCORINGCorrect Response Completes the table as shown.

Function Body Part


Pumps blood through the body Heart

Used for thinking Brain

Incorrect Response Identifies the heart only. Identifies the brain only. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task), including the

following response: Mind



Finland 91Sweden 83Czech Republic 81England-GBR 80Norway 80Northern Ireland-GBR 78Spain 75Hungary 74Slovenia 73Slovak Republic 73Denmark 72Ireland 70New Zealand 70Austria 69Australia 69Portugal 69Germany 68Turkey 67Singapore 66United States 65Croatia 64Romania 64Netherlands 60Russian Federation 58Italy 56Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 54Hong Kong-CHN 54Chile 50Malta 50International average 50Serbia 49Azerbaijan 46Poland 45Kazakhstan 37United Arab Emirates 37Qatar 35Lithuania 35Georgia 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 29Japan 26Thailand 26Bahrain 24Korea, Rep. of 23Armenia 21Chinese Taipei-CHN 15Tunisia 10Kuwait 9Oman 8Saudi Arabia 7Morocco 4Yemen 2


Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 70Alberta-CAN 70Florida-USA 66Quebec-CAN 63North Carolina-USA 62Dubai-UAE 54Abu Dhabi-UAE 30




Item label: Write body parts beside function (continued)S051057:

Student Responses

Correct Response:



Function Body Part



Used for thinking

Incorrect Response:



Function Body Part



Used for thinking



Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Calcium important for growth

Harry grows two centimeters in one month.

Why is eating food that contains calcium important for Harrys growth?


SCORINGCorrect Response Refers to calcium being needed to make (strong) bones.Examples:He needs the calcium for his bones.His bones are growing and he needs calcium to make them.




Japan 49Denmark 46Finland 42Kazakhstan 40England-GBR 38Czech Republic 37Russian Federation 35Spain 35Portugal 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Lithuania 30Slovak Republic 28Chile 28Ireland 27Hong Kong-CHN 27Singapore 25Poland 24Italy 24Romania 22Korea, Rep. of 21Sweden 21Australia 21New Zealand 21International average 20Hungary 19Thailand 19United States 18Germany 18Chinese Taipei-CHN 17Azerbaijan 16Saudi Arabia 15Austria 14Armenia 13Bahrain 13Turkey 13Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 12Norway 11United Arab Emirates 11Serbia 11Croatia 10Slovenia 10Malta 10Qatar 9Netherlands 9Iran, Islamic Rep. of 8Georgia 8Oman 7Tunisia 5Morocco 5Kuwait 4Yemen 2


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 32Ontario-CAN 29North Carolina-USA 22Quebec-CAN 21Florida-USA 16Dubai-UAE 11Abu Dhabi-UAE 11




Item label: Calcium important for growth (continued)S051173:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Marias experiment with salt/water

Maria designed an experiment using salt and water. Th e results of her experiment are shown in the table.

Amount of Salt Dissolved

Water Volume

Water Temperature

Was Mixture Stirred?

15 grams 50 ml 25o C Yes




What was Maria studying in her experiment?

A. How much salt will dissolve in diff erent volumes of water.

B. How much salt will dissolve at diff erent temperatures.

C. If stirring increases how fast salt will dissolve. D. If stirring decreases how fast salt will dissolve.


Correct Response: A



Korea, Rep. of 84Singapore 75Japan 68Hong Kong-CHN 64United States 64England-GBR 63Chinese Taipei-CHN 63Finland 59Denmark 59Czech Republic 59Russian Federation 58Australia 58Italy 56Germany 55Northern Ireland-GBR 55Hungary 55Croatia 54Serbia 54Austria 54Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 53Slovak Republic 53Lithuania 52Ireland 52Sweden 52Portugal 52Slovenia 52New Zealand 51Turkey 50International average 49Netherlands 48Romania 48Malta 47Norway 46Chile 45Bahrain 45Azerbaijan 44United Arab Emirates 44Spain 44Kazakhstan 43Poland 41Oman 39Thailand 38Qatar 37Saudi Arabia 36Iran, Islamic Rep. of 36Kuwait 33Morocco 32Georgia 27Armenia 26Yemen 20Tunisia 16


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 72North Carolina-USA 71Alberta-CAN 59Ontario-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 52Quebec-CAN 49Abu Dhabi-UAE 41




Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Two carts holding magnets

The figure shows two carts, each holding a magnet. Th e carts are moved close together and then let go.

Describe what will happen to the carts.

(You may draw a picture to help explain your answer.)

S SNN


SCORINGCorrect Response Refers to carts repelling, moving apart from each other, or NOT being attracted to each other (or

similar). [May draw diagram to indicate this.]Examples:The magnets repel because two north poles pull apart. They will push each other away.The carts will spread apart.The two carts will not stick together.

Incorrect Response Refers only to the two carts being attracted WITHOUT any mention of turning so N-S poles are

attracted.Example: They will stick together. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Singapore 90Korea, Rep. of 88Japan 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 77United States 58England-GBR 53Iran, Islamic Rep. of 51Romania 50Hong Kong-CHN 49Russian Federation 48Slovenia 48Austria 48Germany 43Ireland 42Denmark 42Malta 40Hungary 40Kuwait 40Finland 38Slovak Republic 37Portugal 37International average 36Sweden 36Serbia 36Thailand 36Australia 35Netherlands 34New Zealand 33Czech Republic 32Bahrain 32United Arab Emirates 31Qatar 30Kazakhstan 27Northern Ireland-GBR 27Saudi Arabia 27Lithuania 27Spain 26Turkey 26Azerbaijan 25Chile 23Georgia 23Poland 22Oman 22Norway 21Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 19Italy 18Croatia 17Armenia 11Yemen 2Tunisia 2Morocco 1


Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 64North Carolina-USA 55Florida-USA 54Ontario-CAN 50Dubai-UAE 33Quebec-CAN 32Abu Dhabi-UAE 31




Item label: Two carts holding magnets (continued)S031076:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:



Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Object in circuit for bulb to glow

The following picture shows a lightbulb connected to a battery in an electrical circuit. Which of the following objects connected to Points 1 and 2 will allow the bulb to glow?

A. iron nail

B. plastic spoon

C. rubber band

D. wooden stick

Point 1

Point 2


Correct Response: A



Japan 94Chinese Taipei-CHN 94Singapore 94Austria 89Germany 88Slovak Republic 87Finland 86United States 84Hong Kong-CHN 84England-GBR 84Korea, Rep. of 83Iran, Islamic Rep. of 82Sweden 79Portugal 79Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 78Czech Republic 77Slovenia 76Ireland 76Serbia 76Northern Ireland-GBR 75Denmark 75Malta 75Romania 74Poland 74Lithuania 74New Zealand 74Australia 74Hungary 73Croatia 73Russian Federation 72International average 71Spain 71Oman 68Thailand 68Norway 67Turkey 63Kazakhstan 62Italy 62Netherlands 62Qatar 61United Arab Emirates 61Armenia 60Chile 59Azerbaijan 57Bahrain 57Georgia 56Saudi Arabia 53Tunisia 46Morocco 43Yemen 36Kuwait 34


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 91Florida-USA 80Alberta-CAN 78Ontario-CAN 76Quebec-CAN 71Dubai-UAE 69Abu Dhabi-UAE 58




Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Two uses of electricity-DERIVED

Name two things electricity can be used for in daily life.

Use 1:

Use 2:


SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as Incorrect Response.

Correct Response Refers to providing light. Refers to supplying heat. Refers to an electrical household appliance or device. Refers to transportation. Other correct

Incorrect Response Response too vague. [Connection to light, heat or other use not clear.]ExamplesIt helps us.To read and write. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Korea, Rep. of 91Finland 82Northern Ireland-GBR 78Sweden 77Ireland 76Thailand 75England-GBR 75Singapore 74Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 72Australia 71Japan 71Slovenia 70Slovak Republic 70Denmark 70Lithuania 69United States 68Bahrain 68Netherlands 67Austria 66Chinese Taipei-CHN 66New Zealand 65Italy 64Hungary 64Germany 63Czech Republic 63Norway 61Poland 60Saudi Arabia 58Hong Kong-CHN 58Portugal 57International average 57Russian Federation 56Spain 56Kazakhstan 54Malta 52United Arab Emirates 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Croatia 48Romania 44Chile 44Qatar 41Azerbaijan 41Oman 40Georgia 39Kuwait 37Serbia 36Tunisia 29Armenia 26Turkey 20Yemen 12Morocco 8


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 70Ontario-CAN 70Alberta-CAN 69North Carolina-USA 66Quebec-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 56Abu Dhabi-UAE 50




Item label: Two uses of electricity (continued)S031197Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Use 1:

Use 2:

Incorrect Response:

Use 1:

Use 2:



Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Coarse & fine salt added to water

Coarse salt and fi ne salt are added to water and then stirred as shown in the picture.

A. Which statement is true?

(Check one box.)

Coarse salt will dissolve faster.

Fine salt will dissolve faster.

They both will dissolve in the same amount of time.


Coarse Salt Fine Salt


SCORINGCorrect Response FINE with an explanation based on smaller particles dissolving faster (or similar).Examples:The fine salt has the smallest size of crystals, so they will dissolve faster.The coarse salt is in big blocks that do not dissolve very well.The fine salt is already partly broken down.

Incorrect Response FINE with no explanation or an incorrect explanation. [May include a true statement that does not

answer the question.]Example: The fine salt is lighter. COARSE with or without explanation. BOTH with or without explanation. Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)



Korea, Rep. of 79Japan 60Chinese Taipei-CHN 58United States 56Singapore 54Slovenia 52Serbia 52Italy 51Finland 50Germany 47Australia 47Denmark 46Turkey 45England-GBR 45Netherlands 44Croatia 44Sweden 44Portugal 44New Zealand 42Austria 42Chile 42Slovak Republic 41Kazakhstan 39Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 38Romania 38Thailand 38Ireland 38Hong Kong-CHN 38Lithuania 38Czech Republic 37International average 37Hungary 37Northern Ireland-GBR 35Russian Federation 33Poland 33Saudi Arabia 30Spain 28Norway 26Iran, Islamic Rep. of 24Oman 23Armenia 22Qatar 22Georgia 22Bahrain 22United Arab Emirates 21Tunisia 20Azerbaijan 19Kuwait 17Malta 12Yemen 10Morocco 5


Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 60Ontario-CAN 59Alberta-CAN 55Florida-USA 51Quebec-CAN 49Dubai-UAE 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 16




Item label: Coarse & fine salt added to water (continued)S031204:

Student Responses

Correct Response:



(Check one box.)






Incorrect Response:



(Check one box.)








Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Metal spoon and wooden spoon

A metal spoon and a wooden spoon are used to stir a pot of hot soup. Aft er a few minutes, the metal spoon feels hotter than the wooden spoon. What explains this?

A. Metal is always hotter than wood.

B. Metal conducts heat better than wood.

C. Metal conducts electricity better than wood.

D. Metal heats up the water better than the wood.


Correct Response: B



Korea, Rep. of 96Singapore 89Japan 87Hong Kong-CHN 86Finland 82England-GBR 72United States 70Serbia 68Hungary 68Sweden 66Italy 65Australia 65Ireland 65Northern Ireland-GBR 64Russian Federation 63Spain 63Germany 62Austria 61Chinese Taipei-CHN 61Slovenia 58Denmark 57International average 56Poland 55Portugal 54Georgia 54Romania 54Thailand 53Azerbaijan 52Netherlands 51Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 51Turkey 50Kazakhstan 49Qatar 49Chile 49Lithuania 47New Zealand 47Tunisia 47Croatia 46Norway 46Czech Republic 46United Arab Emirates 44Bahrain 42Saudi Arabia 42Slovak Republic 42Iran, Islamic Rep. of 42Malta 40Oman 36Kuwait 34Morocco 34Armenia 33Yemen 29


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 71North Carolina-USA 70Alberta-CAN 67Ontario-CAN 60Quebec-CAN 51Dubai-UAE 49Abu Dhabi-UAE 42




Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic


Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Boiled egg in cold water

A hot, boiled egg is put into a cup of cold water. What happens to the temperature of the water and the egg?

A. Th e water gets colder and the egg gets warmer.

B. Th e water gets warmer and the egg gets colder.

C. Th e water temperature stays the same and the egg gets colder.

D. Both the water and the egg get warmer.


Correct Response: B



Singapore 73Korea, Rep. of 67Romania 54Azerbaijan 52Turkey 51Japan 51Hong Kong-CHN 43Slovak Republic 43Chinese Taipei-CHN 43Portugal 41Serbia 39Russian Federation 39Georgia 38Lithuania 37Morocco 37United States 35Saudi Arabia 35Italy 34Croatia 34International average 34Armenia 34Kuwait 34Thailand 33Finland 32Qatar 31Bahrain 30Poland 30England-GBR 30United Arab Emirates 30Chile 30Norway 29Ireland 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 29Denmark 29Germany 28Czech Republic 28Hungary 27Malta 27Austria 27Northern Ireland-GBR 27Slovenia 27Yemen 26Oman 26Australia 26New Zealand 26Sweden 26Tunisia 25Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Spain 23Kazakhstan 21Netherlands 14


Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 33Alberta-CAN 32Dubai-UAE 31North Carolina-USA 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 27Ontario-CAN 25Quebec-CAN 15


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