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Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of descriptive writing, such as expressing personal thoughts and feelings or providing a vivid impression of a person, place, or thing.
- Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in descriptive writing, such as general-to-specific or spatial order.
- Recognize methods of generating a list of multiple and various sensory details associated with a subject and of selecting the most important details to incorporate into descriptive writing about the subject.
- Recognize methods of selecting specific nouns, strong verbs, and effective modifiers that convey precisely the unique aspects of a subject.
- Recognize methods of using similes and metaphors to draw comparisons and provide a vivid impression of a subject.
Sample Item:
A writer is developing a descriptive essay in which he would like to provide a vivid
impression of a kitchen he has observed. Which of the following groups of descriptive
details about the kitchen would be most effective for the writer to use in the essay?
-
- red walls
- yellow tile floor
- white ceiling
- blue wood cabinets
-
- coffee mug
- stack of small plates
- salt and pepper shakers
- loaf of bread
-
- droning refrigerator
- wobbly oak table
- roasted garlic
- basket of green apples
-
- clean countertop
- big sink
- three small chairs
- tea kettle
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
C. This question requires the examinee to recognize methods of
generating a list of multiple and various sensory details associated with a subject
and of selecting the most important details to incorporate into descriptive writing
about the subject. Response C provides a list of specific and unique details that
appeal to the greatest number of senses—at least three or four senses instead of just
one or two.
Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of expository writing, such as explaining a factual subject, providing information, or reporting an event.
- Recognize methods of selecting and limiting a subject for expository writing.
- Recognize methods of formulating a specific question to address through expository writing and of developing a thesis statement that provides a focus for writing.
- Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in expository writing, such as cause-and-effect, problem-and-solution, or chronological order.
- Recognize methods of selecting effective and appropriate supporting details to use in expository writing, such as statistics and examples.
- Recognize methods of developing expository writing that is direct, simple, and succinct.
Sample Item:
A writer is developing a research report about butterflies. The writer's preliminary
notes appear below.
- Butterflies live in many different habitats, including arctic plains and tropical
rain forests.
- Butterflies can be found at a wide range of altitudes, from below sea level to
high mountain elevations.
- In North America, monarch butterflies gather in the autumn and migrate south up
to 1,800 miles for the winter.
- Parnassian butterflies live in mountainous regions of Asia, Europe, and North
America.
- Ecologists can sometimes predict changes in the environment by studying the
behavior of various butterfly species in the wild.
Given the information in these notes, the writer would be best prepared to address which
of the following questions in the report?
- In what types of environments can butterflies survive?
- What are the feeding patterns of monarch butterflies during the winter?
- In what ways do monarch butterflies differ from Parnassian butterflies?
- What are the various stages in the life cycle of a butterfly?
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
A. This question requires the examinee to recognize methods of formulating
a specific question to address through expository writing. Because the writer's notes focus
on the various habitats, ranges, and regions in which butterflies can be found, the writer
will be best prepared to address the question "In what types of environments can butterflies
survive?"
Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the forms and purposes of persuasive writing, such as stating an opinion or influencing beliefs.
- Recognize methods of establishing a clear position or controlling idea in persuasive writing.
- Recognize methods of selecting an effective organizational approach to use in persuasive writing, such as logical order or order of importance.
- Recognize methods of selecting effective and appropriate supporting details to use in persuasive writing, such as facts, reasons, and appeals.
- Recognize methods of anticipating questions, concerns, and counterarguments for points made in persuasive writing and of incorporating effective responses to them into the writing.
- Recognize methods of selecting a style, tone, voice, and diction to use in persuasive writing that conveys respect for the reader.
Sample Item:
Which of the following supporting details would be most important to include in a short
article intended to persuade homeowners to use solar energy in their homes?
- People who think that living in a sunny climate is a prerequisite for using
solar energy in their homes are misinformed.
- Solar energy can be collected and converted to electrical energy through a
process called photovoltaics.
- People who use solar energy at home are more likely to rely on public
transportation for their local travel needs.
- Solar energy can power the lights and appliances in a home at a fraction
of the cost of other energy sources.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
D. This question requires the examinee to recognize methods of
selecting effective and appropriate supporting details to use in persuasive writing,
such as facts and appeals. Response D employs a relevant fact and a logical appeal to
provide the most compelling support for using solar energy in one's home.
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