MCAS Writing and Composition Flashcards
6 cards from real MCAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MCAS Writing and Composition flashcards as text
Which type of language should be avoided in formal academic writing?
Answer: Slang and informal expressions
Formal academic writing requires professional language; slang and informal expressions are inappropriate and undermine the writing's credibility.
What is a 'claim' in argumentative writing?
Answer: A statement that asserts a position or argument
A claim is a debatable statement that asserts the writer's position or argument, which will be supported with evidence throughout the essay.
What does 'coherence' mean in writing?
Answer: The ideas flow logically and are clearly connected
Coherence means that ideas in a piece of writing are logically connected and flow smoothly, making the text easy to follow and understand.
When writing a research-based essay in MCAS, why is it important to use multiple sources?
Answer: To show that the argument is supported by a range of evidence and perspectives
Using multiple sources strengthens an argument by demonstrating that the claim is supported by a variety of evidence and perspectives.
What is the function of a 'warrant' or 'reasoning' in argumentative writing?
Answer: It explains how the evidence connects to and supports the claim
A warrant or reasoning explains the logical connection between the evidence presented and the claim it is meant to support.
Which of the following best describes 'voice' in writing?
Answer: The author's unique style, tone, and personality expressed through word choice and sentence structure
Voice is the distinctive way an author expresses themselves through their choices of words, tone, and style, making their writing recognizable and individual.