CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real CMAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMAS Research and Critical Thinking Skills flashcards as text
When making an inference from a text, which statement best describes what the reader must do?
Answer: Combine text evidence with prior knowledge to conclude something the text implies but does not state directly
Inferences require readers to use both clues from the text and their own prior knowledge to reach a logical conclusion not directly stated.
How can a reader identify the 'central idea' of an informational text?
Answer: By identifying the most important point that the author returns to and supports throughout the text
The central idea is the main point that the author develops and supports with evidence throughout the entire text.
What does it mean to 'compare and contrast' two texts on the same topic?
Answer: To identify similarities and differences in the information, perspective, or structure of the two texts
Comparing and contrasting two texts involves analyzing what they have in common and how they differ in content, perspective, or approach.
Which sentence from a text is an example of loaded language designed to persuade rather than inform?
Answer: This reckless policy will devastate Colorado's hardworking families.
Words like 'reckless' and 'devastate' are emotionally charged loaded language used to persuade the reader rather than present neutral facts.
What is the best strategy when a student encounters an unfamiliar word in a CMAS reading passage?
Answer: Use context clues from surrounding sentences to determine the word's meaning
Context clues — information in nearby sentences or phrases — can help readers figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words without stopping to look them up.
Why is it important to identify an author's purpose (to inform, persuade, or entertain) before reading a text?
Answer: Because knowing the purpose helps readers think critically about how and why information is presented the way it is
Understanding an author's purpose helps readers approach the text with appropriate critical thinking, recognizing whether the text is meant to inform neutrally or to influence the reader's beliefs.