MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What is a positive adjective?

1. An adjective that makes comparisons

2. An adjective describing a state or quality without comparison

3. An adjective that indicates a higher degree

4. An adjective that describes a negative aspect

The correct answer is: An adjective describing a state or quality without comparison

A positive adjective specifically describes a state or quality without making comparisons to anything else. This type of adjective is straightforward in its description, providing a clear and direct portrayal of a noun's attributes. For instance, when we use adjectives like "happy," "bright," or "tall," they indicate a quality of the subject without relating it to others or establishing any hierarchy. When comparing this to other types of adjectives, adjectives that make comparisons, for example, typically include forms like "better," "faster," or "greater," which show relationships between different entities. Likewise, adjectives indicating a higher degree, such as "greatest" or "most intense," emphasize a comparative aspect rather than purely describing a quality. Finally, adjectives describing a negative aspect, such as "sad" or "dark," inherently convey a negative quality rather than a neutral or positive one. Therefore, the choice of an adjective that merely describes a state or quality without comparison is the defining characteristic of a positive adjective.