ACCESS ACCESS Grammar and Language Structure 3

Question 1

What is a 'relative clause,' and at which ACCESS proficiency level are students typically expected to use them correctly?

Accepted Answer

A dependent clause introduced by 'who,' 'which,' or 'that' to modify a noun, typically expected at Level 4–5

Answer

A relative clause (e.g., 'the student who passed the test') modifies a noun using relative pronouns, and accurate use is typically seen in ACCESS Levels 4–5 writing and speaking.

Question 2

In the context of ACCESS Language Arts tasks, what does 'register' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The level of formality and style of language used, adjusted for context and audience

Answer

Register refers to adapting language formality and style to the situation—academic writing requires formal register, while casual conversation uses informal register.

Question 3

Why might an ACCESS writing task scorer note 'run-on sentences' as an error in an ELL's response?

Accepted Answer

Two or more independent clauses were joined without proper punctuation or a coordinating conjunction

Answer

Run-on sentences occur when independent clauses are fused together without a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction, creating a grammatical error that affects clarity.

Question 4

Which grammatical concept is tested when ACCESS asks ELLs to correctly use 'few,' 'a few,' 'little,' and 'a little'?

Accepted Answer

Quantifier use with count and non-count nouns

Answer

'Few/a few' modify count nouns while 'little/a little' modify non-count nouns, and correct usage demonstrates understanding of the count/non-count noun distinction in English.

Question 5

On ACCESS writing rubrics, what does the criterion 'development and organization' primarily assess?

Accepted Answer

How well the student structures ideas logically with a clear beginning, middle, and end

Answer

Development and organization on ACCESS rubrics evaluate whether the student presents ideas in a logical, coherent structure with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

(ACCESS) Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners Practice Test

(ACCESS) Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners Practice Test

ACCESS ACCESS Grammar and Language Structure 3