MCAS 101
The Essays
Lit Devices
Un poquito de todo
Non-MCAS
100

The method by which you will complete this exam (ie: paper-based vs. computer-based). 

What is computer-based?

100

These are the three different TYPES of writing styles they might ask you to write. 

What are narrative, explanatory, and argumentative? 

100

This is the technique used by writers to provide hints/clues about something that will happen later in the story.

What is foreshadowing? 

100

A sonnet is composed of THIS many lines.

What is 14 lines. 

100

This social media app that is being banned is the only thing bringing American politicians together. 

What is TikTok?

200

35-40 the number of THESE you will have to answer

What are multiple choice questions

200

You do NOT write a claim for this TYPE of writing/essay.

What is the explanatory essay?

200

These are the TWO types of characterization. 

Direct & Indirect
200

A thesis belongs in THIS type of writing. 

What is argumentative/persuasive writing?

200

This astronomical event will occur in April 2024.

What is a solar eclipse?

300

The amount of scrap paper you can have at a given time

What are 3-sheets

300

This is NOT a keyword for Narrative writing in the list below: 

  • (From the) perspective,  Imagine that, Discuss, Suppose…,  (Write a) Story, Reflect, 


What is DISCUSS? 

300

This is a pattern or recurring symbol/topic that appears various times in a story. It helps readers to understand the theme/message of the story! 

What is motif?

300

In an explanatory essay, you might not use C.E.R.E.R. to organize your body paragraphs. Instead, use THIS to start your body paragraph. 

What is a topic sentence?

300

These are the primary two candidates facing off in the 2024 Presidential Election

Who are Joe Biden & Donald Trump?
400

These are worth 8 points.

What are the essays/writing responses

400

The type of WRITING is this prompt asking for:

Based on the excerpts, write an essay explaining how Hanneke in The Signature of All Things and Mr. Knightley in Emma each play a significant role in the life of the main character. Be sure to use details from both excerpts to develop your essay

What is explanatory writing? 

400

To determine the indirect characterization a writer uses, you should use this acronym.

What is S.T.E.A.L? 

400

If you have four paragraphs in your essay, you want to make sure each body paragraph includes at least THIS many pieces of evidence/details from the text. 

What is TWO pieces per paragraph, four pieces of evidence/details total?

400

This famous royal is at the heart of several conspiracy theories due to being M.I.A.

Who is Princess Kate / Kate Middleton?

500

You have the whole day to complete the MCAS but this is the "cut-off" time each day for the MCAS.

What is 4pm?

500

These are TWO other terms for explanatory writing.

What is informative writing and expository writing? 

500

This is an example of this particular literary device: 

"I am so hungry I could eat a horse!"

What is a hyperbole?

500

Convert this claim into a topic sentence: 

Schools should abolish homework so that students can have more time to focus on extracurricular activities. 

Student created

500

These TWO BPS school basketball teams recently won different division titles. 

Who are Charlestown HS & New Mission HS?

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