Test Questions
What was the main purpose of the Freedmen’s Bureau after the Civil War?
Help freed slaves and poor whites adjust to freedom.
True or False: Using important vocabulary can help raise your score.
True!
Who was George Washington?
The commander of the Continental Army and first U.S. president.
"The 13th Amendment ended slavery. That was good becaus it changed how people worked in the South. They were more free but it was still hard."
Score: 2 — Apprentice.
Why?
✅ Correctly identifies the main fact — it ended slavery.
✅ Some attempt to explain effects.
❌ No specific evidence or documents cited.
❌ Short and lacks detail or deeper understanding.
True or False: If you don’t know the answer, you should skip the question.
False — always try to give your best answer.
Name two effects of the 13th Amendment.
Abolished slavery, changed labor systems, increased rights debates.
What happens if a student’s answer mostly repeats the question?
It will likely score Novice or Apprentice.
What is "manifest destiny"?
The belief that the U.S. was meant to expand across North America.
"The 13th Amendment help people because slavery was bad. It made stuff better for everyone. It was good."
Score: 1 — Novice. Minimal explanation, grammar issues, no evidence.
On a multiple-choice question, what should you do first?
Eliminate answers you know are wrong.
What was one reason colonists wanted independence from Britain?
Taxation without representation.
What two things does a Distinguished response usually include?
Strong evidence and clear, detailed explanation.
What is an amendment?
A change or addition to the Constitution.
*"The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, which was a turning point in American history. In Document A it says that this new law ended slavery everywhere, freeing millions of African Americans who had been treated as property. But many freedmen still could not get good jobs and faced serious challenges in the South.
This is proven because in Document B it says Black Codes were made to stop African Americans from using their new rights. These laws kept them from voting, owning land, and working in certain jobs. In addition, freedmen often had to become sharecroppers, which kept them in poverty and sometimes treated them almost like slaves again.
Even though the 13th Amendment ended slavery, African Americans still had to fight for real freedom. This shows that while laws can change quickly, society often takes much longer to change."*
Score: 4 — Distinguished. Two solid paragraphs, two documents cited, deep explanation, minor spelling/grammar mistakes for realism.
What does “cite evidence” mean?
Use facts or examples to support your answer.
What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual freedoms and limit government power.
Name one thing that would lower a score even if the facts are right.
Poor explanation, missing evidence, or not answering all parts of the question.
What are “Black Codes”?
Laws that limited the rights of African Americans after the Civil War.
*"The 13th Amendment ended slavery and changed the Southern economy. In Document A it says that slavery was abolished, and many freedmen started working as sharecroppers. This helped them earn a living, but it was not always fair.
Even though slavery ended, African Americans still had problems. This is proven because in Document B it says that some laws made it hard for freedmen to vote or own land. Life was better after the amendment, but it was still difficult."*
Score: 3 — Proficient. Two paragraphs, cites two documents, good understanding, minor grammar mistakes but meets the length and evidence requirements.
What should you do if a writing prompt asks for two reasons?
Make sure to write two clear reasons and explain them.
What was the main goal of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
To explore the Louisiana Territory and find a route to the Pacific.
What’s better: long writing or focused, detailed writing?
Focused, detailed writing!
What does "civil disobedience" mean?
The act of peacefully refusing to follow certain laws as a form of protest.
"The 13th Amendment was extremely important to the history of the United States. It was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1865. This amendment had a big impact because it affected many people and caused lots of changes in society. The amendment was also connected to other important events in American history."
Score: 1 — Novice.
Why?
✅ Sounds formal and has fancy phrasing.
❌ Doesn’t actually explain what the 13th Amendment did.
❌ No evidence or documents cited.
❌ Mostly vague, filler statements (“big impact,” “many people”).
What’s a quick way to make your answer sound stronger?
Use key vocabulary and explain why your evidence matters.