ELAR Inquiry and Research Skills 3

Question 1

Which component is NOT typically found in a formal research thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

A list of all sources used

Answer

A thesis statement presents the writer's argument and preview of support; a list of sources belongs in a Works Cited or bibliography.

Question 2

A student is researching the health effects of caffeine and finds two studies with conflicting conclusions. The best next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Seek additional sources to determine which finding has broader support

Answer

When sources conflict, seeking additional evidence helps determine which conclusion has greater scholarly support.

Question 3

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources are original records; secondary sources interpret primary sources

Answer

Primary sources are original materials (diaries, data, speeches), while secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources.

Question 4

When paraphrasing a source, a student must:

Accepted Answer

Restate the idea entirely in their own words and cite the source

Answer

A true paraphrase uses entirely new wording and sentence structure, and still requires a citation for the original idea.

Question 5

Which type of source would be MOST reliable for historical facts about the American Civil War?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed article in a history journal

Answer

Peer-reviewed history journals are vetted by experts and are the most reliable sources for historical facts.

(ELAR) English Language Arts and Reading Practice Test