GMAS English Language Arts (ELA) Domains 2

Question 1

A student reads a passage and must determine the author's purpose. Which question best helps identify the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

What does the author want the reader to think, feel, or do?

Answer

Author's purpose focuses on what the author intends the reader to think, feel, or do as a result of reading.

Question 2

When comparing two informational texts on the same topic, a student should look for—

Accepted Answer

similarities and differences in the authors' claims and supporting evidence

Answer

Comparing informational texts requires analyzing how each author develops claims and what evidence they use to support those claims.

Question 3

Which type of figurative language is used in the sentence: 'The thunder grumbled like an unhappy giant'?

Accepted Answer

Simile

Answer

A simile makes a comparison using 'like' or 'as'; here thunder is compared to an unhappy giant using 'like'.

Question 4

In an argumentative essay, what is the primary role of a counterclaim?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge an opposing viewpoint before refuting it

Answer

A counterclaim acknowledges the opposing side's argument, which the writer then refutes to strengthen their own position.

Question 5

A student encounters the word 'benevolent' in a passage. Which context clue strategy is MOST reliable for determining its meaning?

Accepted Answer

Looking for nearby words or phrases that describe the character's kind actions

Answer

Nearby descriptive phrases about a character's actions or traits are the most reliable context clues for determining word meaning.

(GMAS) Georgia Milestones Assessment System Practice Test