CMAS CMAS Writing Skills 2

Question 1

Which sentence contains a comma splice error?

Accepted Answer

He ran quickly, however he missed the bus.

Answer

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma; 'however' requires a semicolon or period before it.

Question 2

What is the difference between a 'claim' and 'evidence' in argumentative writing?

Accepted Answer

A claim is the writer's position; evidence is data or examples that support the claim

Answer

A claim states the writer's position or argument, while evidence provides facts, data, or examples that back up that claim.

Question 3

Which revision best improves the vague sentence: 'The environment is bad because of things people do'?

Accepted Answer

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation are causing environmental degradation.

Answer

Replacing vague language with specific examples (fossil fuels, deforestation) makes the writing clearer and more informative.

Question 4

In CMAS writing, what does 'elaboration' mean?

Accepted Answer

Developing ideas with details, examples, or explanations beyond a brief mention

Answer

Elaboration means expanding on an idea with specific details, examples, or explanations to make the writing more complete and convincing.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

Accepted Answer

Colorado tests students in three subjects: math, ELA, and science.

Answer

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list, as in the fourth option.

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Success Practice Test