GMAS Writing Tasks and Genres 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes informational/explanatory writing as assessed on GMAS?
- Writing that persuades readers to agree with a specific viewpoint
- Writing that conveys information to increase readers' knowledge or understanding (Correct answer)
- Writing that entertains readers through storytelling
- Writing that describes personal feelings and emotions
Correct answer: Writing that conveys information to increase readers' knowledge or understanding
Informational/explanatory writing aims to convey accurate information and increase the reader's knowledge or understanding of a topic.
Question 2: What is the primary difference between argumentative and informational writing on GMAS?
- Argumentative uses personal experiences; informational uses research
- Argumentative writing takes a stance to persuade; informational writing explains without taking sides (Correct answer)
- Argumentative is only for high school; informational is only for elementary
- Argumentative uses bullet points; informational uses paragraphs
Correct answer: Argumentative writing takes a stance to persuade; informational writing explains without taking sides
The key distinction is that argumentative writing advocates for a position to persuade readers, while informational writing objectively explains or describes.
Question 3: When scoring GMAS writing tasks, which dimension focuses on the logical flow and arrangement of ideas?
- Ideas and Content
- Word Choice
- Organization (Correct answer)
- Conventions
Correct answer: Organization
Organization refers to how logically and coherently a writer arranges ideas, including introduction, body, transitions, and conclusion.
Question 4: Which narrative writing technique is commonly assessed on GMAS?
- Using only dialogue to advance the plot
- Employing sensory details, pacing, and character development (Correct answer)
- Summarizing events without description
- Writing only in third-person omniscient point of view
Correct answer: Employing sensory details, pacing, and character development
GMAS narrative writing rubrics assess students' use of narrative techniques such as sensory details, pacing, and character development.
Question 5: What does 'text-based evidence' mean in the context of GMAS writing tasks?
- Evidence found in a dictionary
- Specific details, quotes, or information drawn from provided reading passages (Correct answer)
- Personal anecdotes unrelated to the text
- Teacher feedback written in the margins
Correct answer: Specific details, quotes, or information drawn from provided reading passages
Text-based evidence on GMAS refers to specific details, quotes, or information drawn directly from the provided source texts.
Question 6: Which writing convention is primarily assessed in the 'Language and Conventions' dimension of GMAS writing rubrics?
- Creativity of the story plot
- Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure (Correct answer)
- Number of paragraphs written
- Length of the introduction
Correct answer: Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure
The conventions dimension assesses students' command of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and sentence structure.
Question 7: How does GMAS typically present writing prompts to students?
- Through verbal instructions only
- With a visual image to describe
- With one or more reading passages followed by a writing task (Correct answer)
- As a free-write with no topic guidance
Correct answer: With one or more reading passages followed by a writing task
GMAS writing tasks are typically presented with one or more reading passages that students read before completing the writing task, connecting reading and writing skills.
GMAS Writing Tasks and Genres 2
Which of the following best describes informational/explanatory writing as assessed on GMAS?