M-STEP Writing & Composition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence contains a correctly placed comma when introducing a dependent clause?
- Because it rained, the game was cancelled. (Correct answer)
- The game was cancelled, because it rained.
- Because it rained the game was, cancelled.
- The game was, cancelled because it rained.
Correct answer: Because it rained, the game was cancelled.
When a dependent clause precedes the main clause, a comma must follow the dependent clause, as shown in option A.
Question 2: In an M-STEP narrative writing task, which element best helps establish the setting for the reader?
- A list of characters' names
- Sensory details that describe the time and place (Correct answer)
- A direct statement of the story's theme
- A persuasive argument for the story's events
Correct answer: Sensory details that describe the time and place
Sensory details that describe what characters see, hear, smell, taste, and feel effectively anchor the reader in the time and place of the narrative.
Question 3: When the M-STEP rubric refers to 'organization,' what does it primarily evaluate?
- The neatness of the student's handwriting
- The logical flow and structure of ideas from introduction to conclusion (Correct answer)
- The number of paragraphs in the essay
- The accuracy of facts cited from sources
Correct answer: The logical flow and structure of ideas from introduction to conclusion
Organization in writing rubrics refers to how logically and coherently ideas are sequenced, including effective use of introductions, transitions, and conclusions.
Question 4: A student uses the phrase 'the thunder screamed across the sky' in a narrative. This is an example of which literary device?
- Simile
- Alliteration
- Personification (Correct answer)
- Hyperbole
Correct answer: Personification
Personification gives human qualities (screaming) to a non-human subject (thunder), making it a clear example of this literary device.
Question 5: Which revision most effectively strengthens a weak concluding sentence in an M-STEP opinion essay?
- Restate the thesis and briefly summarize the main supporting points (Correct answer)
- Introduce a completely new argument not discussed in the essay
- End with the phrase 'In conclusion, I have proven my point'
- List additional evidence that was not included in the body paragraphs
Correct answer: Restate the thesis and briefly summarize the main supporting points
A strong conclusion restates the thesis in fresh language and summarizes the key evidence, reinforcing the argument without introducing new material.
Question 6: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
- The students in the class was excited.
- Neither the teacher nor the students was prepared.
- Each of the players are ready for the game.
- The team of coaches is meeting after school. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The team of coaches is meeting after school.
'Team' is the singular subject of the sentence; prepositional phrases like 'of coaches' do not change the subject, so the singular verb 'is' is correct.
Question 7: On the M-STEP, students are often asked to write an explanatory essay. What is the primary purpose of this writing type?
- To persuade the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint
- To tell an entertaining story with a conflict and resolution
- To inform the reader by explaining a topic clearly and objectively (Correct answer)
- To express personal feelings about a meaningful life experience
Correct answer: To inform the reader by explaining a topic clearly and objectively
Explanatory (informational) writing aims to inform and explain a topic objectively, presenting facts and analysis without the writer taking a persuasive stance.
M-STEP Writing & Composition 2
Which sentence contains a correctly placed comma when introducing a dependent clause?