Developed as part of the Minimum Performance Testing Program (MPT), these item specifications for sixth grade language arts are designed to provide an overview of the general content and format of test items used to measure instructional objectives. Each item specification contains the following information: objective identification number; grade level; subject area; goal identification; skill description; stimulus attributes (information about the test question); response attributes (information about the correct answer and possible incorrect answers); and sample items. These item specifications may be used by teachers in a variety of ways: to determine if students have mastered specific objectives; to inform parents about what children will experience when they take the MPT; and to familiarize students with what to expect on that test. Item specifications may be used by school administrators to inform the public about the MPT. (SG)