MSTAR Practice Worksheet

Lesson 2-10: Choose Appropriate Measures

Grade 6 Mathematics · Standard 6.DS.6d

Name: Date:

These are MSTAR-style questions written for this curriculum to rehearse the format. They are not official Maryland assessment items. MSTAR — Maryland's new state test, first given in spring 2027 — uses the same kinds of questions you see here: selected response, select-all, two-part evidence questions, and written responses.

Part A — Skills Check

Warm up with the lesson's core skills — one best answer each.

Question 1Selected response · 1 point

A gymnast's scores are: 8.5, 8.8, 8.7, 8.6, 8.9. There are no outliers. Which measure best represents a typical score?

AMedian
BNeither — the data is too small
CMode — the scores are close together
DMean

Question 2Selected response · 1 point

A runner's mile times are: 7:10, 7:15, 7:12, 7:20, 12:00. The 12:00 was due to a cramp. Which measure best represents a typical mile?

AMean — it uses all the data
BMedian — the outlier 12:00 pulls the mean too high
CMode — it shows the most common time
DNeither measure works

Question 3Selected response · 1 point

Data set: 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 50. The mean is about 13.8 and the median is 7. Which better represents the typical value?

AMean (13.8) — it includes all values
BBoth are equally good
CMedian (7) — the outlier 50 inflates the mean
DNeither works for this data

Question 4Selected response · 1 point

A baseball player's batting averages over 6 seasons are: .280, .295, .290, .285, .300, .110. The .110 was an injury-shortened season. Which measure better represents the player's typical batting average?

AMedian, because the .110 outlier pulls the mean down
BMean, because it uses all the data
CMean, because .110 is a real season
DNeither measure works

Question 5Selected response · 1 point

A scout records points per game: 14, 16, 15, 17, 16, 58. To report a TYPICAL game, which measure of center is best?

AMean, because it uses every game
BRange, because it shows the highest game
CMedian, because 58 is an outlier that pulls the mean up
DMode, because 16 appears twice

Question 6Selected response · 1 point

The equipment manager needs to order the MOST COMMON jersey size from this list: M, L, M, S, M, L, M. Which measure answers the question?

AMean, because it averages the sizes
BMedian, because it finds the middle size
CMode, because it names the value that appears most
DRange, because it shows the size gap

Part B — Test-Format Questions

These match the state test's formats: two-part questions, select-all, and written responses.

Question 7Two-part question

Part A

A data set of house prices contains one mansion worth far more than every other home. Which pair of measures best describes this data?

Fill in the bubble next to the one best answer.

AMedian and IQR
BMean and MAD
CMean and range
DMode and range

Part B

Answer Part A before Part B — Part B asks about your reasoning.

When are the mean and MAD the better choice?

AWhenever the data set is large.
BWhenever the values are whole numbers.
COnly when the median cannot be found.
DWhen the data is roughly symmetric with no outliers.

Question 8Select all that apply

Select ALL statements that correctly guide the choice of measures:

Mark the box next to EVERY answer that is true. More than one is correct.

ASkewed data with outliers is better summarized by the median and IQR.
BSymmetric data with no outliers is well summarized by the mean and MAD.
CThe mean is resistant to outliers.
DAn outlier affects the range more than it affects the IQR.
EThe shape of the distribution should influence which measures you report.

Part C — Show Your Thinking

Answer in writing, the way the state test's constructed responses work.

Question 9Written response · 2 points

A local newspaper reports that the average home price in a neighborhood is $450,000. The actual prices are: $180K, $200K, $190K, $210K, $195K, $1,725K. Is the reporter's claim misleading? Calculate the mean and median and explain which better represents a 'typical' home price.

Write your answer in complete sentences. Show or explain your mathematical thinking.