CMAS CMAS Writing Skills 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'counterclaim' in argumentative writing?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint and then refute it to strengthen your argument

Answer

A counterclaim acknowledges the opposing viewpoint and then refutes it, which demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens the writer's argument.

Question 2

Which sentence best uses a precise, domain-specific vocabulary word in an informative essay about weather?

Accepted Answer

The Category 4 hurricane made landfall, causing catastrophic storm surges along the coast.

Answer

Using precise terms like 'Category 4 hurricane,' 'landfall,' and 'storm surges' demonstrates domain-specific vocabulary appropriate for informative writing.

Question 3

Which editing strategy is most effective when reviewing a CMAS written response?

Accepted Answer

Read the response aloud mentally to catch awkward phrasing and errors

Answer

Reading a response aloud mentally helps catch awkward phrasing, missing words, and grammatical errors that silent reading may miss.

Question 4

In a CMAS research simulation task, why is it important to synthesize information from multiple sources?

Accepted Answer

To show that you can identify and combine key ideas from different texts to support your response

Answer

Synthesizing multiple sources shows higher-order thinking by combining relevant ideas from different texts into a cohesive written response.

Question 5

What is the effect of using sensory details in a CMAS narrative writing task?

Accepted Answer

It helps readers visualize the scene and become more engaged in the story

Answer

Sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) create vivid imagery that draws readers into the narrative.

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Success Practice Test

CMAS - Colorado Measures of Academic Success Practice Test

CMAS CMAS Writing Skills 3