AzM2 ELA Writing and Language Arts 2

Question 1

Read this paragraph opening: 'Arizona's Sonoran Desert receives less than 12 inches of rain per year. Despite this, it supports a surprisingly diverse ecosystem.' What is the FUNCTION of the second sentence?

Accepted Answer

It provides a counterpoint that introduces the paragraph's focus

Answer

The second sentence introduces a surprising contrast ('Despite this') that sets up the paragraph's main topic — the desert's biodiversity despite low rainfall.

Question 2

A student writes a research paper and copies two sentences directly from a website without using quotation marks or citing the source. What has this student committed?

Accepted Answer

Plagiarism

Answer

Using someone else's exact words without proper attribution is plagiarism, which is academic dishonesty.

Question 3

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

Accepted Answer

Before leaving the house, he checked the weather.

Answer

A comma after an introductory dependent clause or phrase is correct. 'Before leaving the house' is an introductory phrase correctly followed by a comma.

Question 4

Which revision makes this sentence more concise? 'Due to the fact that it was raining outside, we decided to stay indoors inside the house.'

Accepted Answer

Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

Answer

Answer B eliminates redundancy ('due to the fact that' → 'because'; 'indoors inside the house' → 'inside') to create the most concise version.

Question 5

In a narrative essay, a student writes: 'The room was silent. My heart pounded. I opened the envelope.' What technique does this writing demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Using short, varied sentences to create tension and suspense

Answer

Short, punchy sentences in sequence create a rapid, tense pace that builds suspense — a deliberate stylistic technique in narrative writing.

AzM2 Practice Test

AzM2 Practice Test

AzM2 ELA Writing and Language Arts 2