Final answer:
The correct step in copying an angle is to swing an arc from the vertex through the rays using a compass. This is a traditional geometric construction technique that does not require measuring the angle's degree size.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about a step involved in copying an angle. The correct answer to the question is: use a compass to swing an arc from the vertex through the rays. This step is part of the classical construction method used in geometry to copy an angle without measuring its degree size. Using a compass, one can precisely transfer the angle's size by creating an arc that intersects both rays of the angle. This intersection gives two points which, along with the vertex, define the angle to be copied. The same arc can then be used on a different line or point to recreate that angle exactly. The other options, such as using a protractor to measure the angle or a straightedge to connect points, are not conventional steps for copying an angle without using its degree measurement. When copying angles in geometric constructions, measurements with a protractor are generally avoided in favor of constructions using only a compass and straightedge.