How many items are in a Earth and Space Sciences question cluster?

Released Earth and Space Sciences clusters run 4 to 6 items, most often 5. About 48% of items are multiple choice.

How does a Earth and Space Sciences cluster refer to its figures?

Earth and Space Sciences does not number its figures. Clusters introduce artwork positionally, for example "The model below shows..." — writing "Figure 1" in this course is a tell that a cluster is not authentic.

How long is the stimulus in a Earth and Space Sciences cluster?

Measured across released Earth and Space Sciences exams, the stimulus runs 53 to 242 words, with a median of 127.

New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards

Earth and Space Sciences

The 25 performance expectations on the NYSED Earth and Space Sciences course map. Each links to the official statement, its clarification statement and assessment boundary, and the three dimensions it assesses.

Cluster format on the Earth and Space Sciences exam

Measured from released Earth and Space Sciences examinations — these conventions differ by course, and three of them are not what a chemistry-trained eye would guess.

Items per cluster: 4–6 (typically 5)
Multiple choice: 48% of items
Stimulus length: 53–242 words (median 127)
Figure references: Positional — “the model below”

Framing line, verbatim

Base your answers to questions 1 through 5 on the information below and on your knowledge of Earth and Space Sciences. Some questions may require the use of the 2024 Edition Reference Tables for Earth and Space Sciences.

Performance expectations by topic

Space Systems

History of Earth

Earth's Systems

Weather and Climate

Human Sustainability

Engineering Design

Common questions

How many items are in a Earth and Space Sciences question cluster?: Released Earth and Space Sciences clusters run 4 to 6 items, most often 5. About 48% of items are multiple choice.
How does a Earth and Space Sciences cluster refer to its figures?: Earth and Space Sciences does not number its figures. Clusters introduce artwork positionally, for example "The model below shows..." — writing "Figure 1" in this course is a tell that a cluster is not authentic.
How long is the stimulus in a Earth and Space Sciences cluster?: Measured across released Earth and Space Sciences exams, the stimulus runs 53 to 242 words, with a median of 127.