CMAS Writing Skills Flashcards

Which sentence contains a comma splice error?

Answer: He ran quickly, however he missed the bus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In CMAS writing, what does 'elaboration' mean?

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

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

Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?

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

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

What writing trait focuses on the organization and logical flow of ideas within an essay?

Answer: Organization

Organization refers to how well ideas are structured and whether they flow logically from introduction to conclusion.