CMAS CMAS Writing Skills

Question 1

In a CMAS opinion or argumentative essay, what is the main purpose of a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the topic and clearly state the writer's central claim

Answer

To summarize the opposing side's argument

Answer

To list all evidence in the essay

Answer

To conclude the essay with a memorable sentence

Question 2

Which type of writing asks students to explain a topic clearly using facts and examples, without taking a personal stance?

Accepted Answer

Informative/explanatory writing

Answer

Narrative writing

Answer

Argumentative writing

Answer

Persuasive writing

Question 3

What does it mean to use 'text evidence' in a CMAS written response?

Accepted Answer

Quoting or paraphrasing specific information from the provided passage(s)

Answer

Making up supporting details from your imagination

Answer

Writing your personal opinion without referencing the text

Answer

Repeating the question back in your answer

Question 4

Which transitional phrase best connects a supporting example to a main idea in an explanatory paragraph?

Accepted Answer

For instance

Answer

However

Answer

In contrast

Answer

On the other hand

Question 5

In a CMAS narrative writing task, what is the role of a story's 'narrator'?

Accepted Answer

The person or voice telling the story

Answer

The main conflict of the story

Answer

The setting where events take place

Answer

The lesson or moral of the story

Question 6

What is the purpose of a concluding paragraph in an informative essay on CMAS?

Accepted Answer

To restate the thesis and summarize key points without just copying the introduction

Answer

To introduce new arguments not mentioned earlier

Answer

To list all sources used

Answer

To ask the reader a question