ACCESS ACCESS Grammar and Language Structure

Question 1

On the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, which grammatical structure is English Language Learners at Level 1 most expected to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Isolated words or formulaic phrases

Answer

Complex compound sentences with subordinate clauses

Answer

Passive voice in academic writing

Answer

Conditional sentences with hypothetical meaning

Question 2

Which sentence type is most characteristic of an ACCESS Level 4 'Expanding' English Language Learner's writing?

Accepted Answer

Compound and complex sentences with some errors

Answer

Single-word responses only

Answer

Simple sentences with minor errors

Answer

Fully precise and sophisticated academic prose

Question 3

What does the term 'subject-verb agreement' mean in the context of ACCESS grammar expectations?

Accepted Answer

The verb form must match the number and person of the subject

Answer

The subject and verb must appear on the same line

Answer

Subjects must always precede verbs in every sentence type

Answer

Verbs must always be in present tense when the subject is a noun

Question 4

In ACCESS writing tasks, why is correct use of verb tense important for demonstrating English proficiency?

Accepted Answer

Consistent and appropriate tense use signals the student can convey time relationships accurately in English

Answer

Tense errors automatically disqualify a response

Answer

Only present tense is evaluated on ACCESS writing tasks

Answer

Verb tense is only assessed in the speaking domain

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a 'complex sentence' that a Level 5 ACCESS student might produce?

Accepted Answer

An independent clause joined with a dependent clause using a subordinating conjunction

Answer

Two independent clauses joined by 'and'

Answer

A sentence fragment with a noun and adjective only

Answer

A series of nouns listed without a verb

Question 6

What grammatical feature distinguishes English count nouns from mass (non-count) nouns, which ELLs frequently find challenging on ACCESS?

Accepted Answer

Count nouns can be pluralized and used with 'a/an,' while mass nouns cannot

Answer

Count nouns always end in -s

Answer

Mass nouns must always follow the definite article 'the'

Answer

Count nouns cannot appear in the subject position