M-STEP English Language Arts & Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

A student reads a passage where the author compares two characters with opposite traits to highlight a theme. What literary device is being used?

Accepted Answer

Foil

Answer

A foil is a character whose contrasting traits highlight qualities in another character.

Question 2

Read this sentence: 'The thunder grumbled in the distance.' What figurative language technique is used?

Accepted Answer

Personification

Answer

Personification gives the thunder (non-human) the human action of grumbling.

Question 3

Which text structure is used when an author explains why an event happened and what resulted from it?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Cause and effect text structure explains the reasons an event occurred and its outcomes.

Question 4

A reader encounters the word 'benevolent' in a passage describing a kind ruler. What context clue helps most with meaning?

Accepted Answer

The word 'kind'

Answer

The word 'kind' directly signals that benevolent means well-meaning or charitable.

Question 5

An author writes a persuasive letter using only emotional stories and avoids statistics. Which rhetorical appeal is overused?

Accepted Answer

Pathos

Answer

Pathos appeals to emotion, and relying solely on emotional stories overuses this appeal.

(M-STEP) Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress Practice Test