M-STEP English Language Arts & Reading Comprehension 4

Question 1

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

After finishing homework, the TV was turned on.

Answer

In 'After finishing homework, the TV was turned on,' the modifier 'finishing homework' has no logical subject — the TV cannot finish homework.

Question 2

A nonfiction article about climate change cites three peer-reviewed scientific studies. This strengthens the author's:

Accepted Answer

Ethos and logos

Answer

Citing credible studies builds the author's ethos (credibility) and logos (logical, evidence-based reasoning).

Question 3

What does it mean when a reader analyzes an author's 'tone'?

Accepted Answer

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience

Answer

Tone refers to the author's attitude, which can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and imagery.

Question 4

The suffix '-tion' in the word 'transportation' indicates the word is a:

Accepted Answer

Noun

Answer

The suffix '-tion' converts verbs into abstract nouns, so 'transportation' is a noun.

Question 5

A student reads a poem and notices lines 1 and 3 rhyme, while lines 2 and 4 rhyme. This pattern is called:

Accepted Answer

Alternating rhyme (ABAB)

Answer

An ABAB rhyme scheme means alternating end rhymes where lines 1 and 3 share a rhyme and lines 2 and 4 share a different rhyme.

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