M-STEP English Language Arts & Reading Comprehension 5

Question 1

A student reads this line: 'Life is a roller coaster.' What type of figurative language is this?

Accepted Answer

Metaphor

Answer

A metaphor directly states one thing IS another, making a comparison without using 'like' or 'as.'

Question 2

In an informational passage, headings and subheadings help readers to:

Accepted Answer

Identify main topics and navigate the text

Answer

Headings and subheadings organize text by signaling main topics, making it easier for readers to locate and preview information.

Question 3

Which best describes the purpose of a counterclaim in an argumentative essay?

Accepted Answer

To acknowledge and then refute an opposing perspective

Answer

A counterclaim addresses the opposing view and then refutes it, which strengthens the author's overall argument.

Question 4

A passage describes events in the order they happened, from first to last. Which text structure does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Chronological order presents events sequentially from earliest to most recent.

Question 5

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Accepted Answer

She studied hard; she passed the test.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses: 'She studied hard' and 'she passed the test' can each stand alone.

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