NJGPA - New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment Reading Comprehension and Textual Evidence Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage:
'The old house stood on a hill overlooking the town. Its windows were like vacant eyes, and the paint, peeling in long strips, resembled the skin of a forgotten creature. Locals whispered that on moonless nights, a faint light could be seen in the highest window, though no one had dared to venture close enough to confirm.'
Which of the following statements is the BEST example of a direct inference supported by textual evidence from the passage?
- The house is likely haunted or has a mysterious reputation. (Correct answer)
- The house is for sale at a very low price.
- The townspeople visit the house frequently.
- The house was recently renovated.
Correct answer: The house is likely haunted or has a mysterious reputation.
The passage uses words like 'vacant eyes,' 'forgotten creature,' and describes whispers about a 'faint light on moonless nights.' This specific word choice and imagery directly support the inference that the house has a mysterious or haunted reputation among the locals. The other options are not supported by any evidence in the text.
Question 2: A student is writing an essay analyzing a non-fiction article about the decline of bee populations. The student makes the claim: 'The widespread use of pesticides is a primary factor in the decline of bee populations.' Which of the following pieces of textual evidence would most effectively support this claim?
- A quote from the article stating, 'Studies from the last decade consistently show a correlation between the application of neonicotinoid pesticides and colony collapse disorder in bees.' (Correct answer)
- A sentence from the article that says, 'Bees are essential pollinators for a wide variety of crops.'
- A description in the article of a beekeeper who lost several hives to a harsh winter.
- A statistic from the article mentioning that global honey production has decreased in recent years.
Correct answer: A quote from the article stating, 'Studies from the last decade consistently show a correlation between the application of neonicotinoid pesticides and colony collapse disorder in bees.'
This answer choice provides a direct link between a specific type of pesticide ('neonicotinoid') and a specific negative outcome for bees ('colony collapse disorder'). This is the strongest and most direct evidence to support the claim about pesticides being a primary factor.
Question 3: Read the excerpt below:
'Maria stood at the starting line, her heart pounding like a drum against her ribs. She took a deep breath, the crisp morning air a stark contrast to the fire in her lungs. She had trained for this marathon for months, sacrificing weekends and early mornings. Every grueling mile, every stitch in her side, had led to this single moment. She closed her eyes, visualizing the finish line, and a quiet determination settled over her.'
What is the primary purpose of the imagery in this passage?
- To describe the weather conditions on the day of the race.
- To compare Maria's training to that of other runners.
- To reveal Maria's internal state of anxiety and determination. (Correct answer)
- To provide a factual account of marathon training.
Correct answer: To reveal Maria's internal state of anxiety and determination.
The imagery, such as 'heart pounding like a drum' and 'fire in her lungs,' directly relates to Maria's physical and emotional feelings. The description of her visualizing the finish line and feeling 'quiet determination' further emphasizes her internal state. The other options are not the main focus of the descriptive language.
Question 4: When analyzing a complex informational text, what is the first step a proficient reader should take to identify the author's central argument?
- Analyze the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words.
- Identify the main topic and then look for a thesis statement or a recurring claim. (Correct answer)
- Count the number of paragraphs in the text.
- Research the author's personal background and other published works.
Correct answer: Identify the main topic and then look for a thesis statement or a recurring claim.
Before diving into details, a reader must first understand the overall subject (main topic). Then, they should look for the author's main point or argument about that topic, which is often found in a thesis statement near the beginning or is a claim repeated throughout the text. While vocabulary and author background can be helpful, identifying the main topic and claim is the foundational first step.
Question 5: A literary analysis essay claims that the protagonist's journey in a novel represents a struggle for identity. Which piece of textual evidence would be LEAST relevant to supporting this claim?
- A detailed description of the novel's geographical setting. (Correct answer)
- A scene where the protagonist questions their own values and beliefs.
- Dialogue where the protagonist argues with a parent about their future.
- A passage where the protagonist changes their name or appearance.
Correct answer: A detailed description of the novel's geographical setting.
While the setting can influence a character, a description of the geography itself is the least directly relevant piece of evidence for a claim about an internal struggle for identity. The other options—questioning values, arguing about the future, and changing one's name/appearance—all provide direct evidence of the protagonist's internal conflict and search for self.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the function of textual evidence in a persuasive essay?
- To increase the word count of the essay.
- To demonstrate the author's extensive vocabulary.
- To provide credible support for the author's claims. (Correct answer)
- To introduce opposing viewpoints and counterarguments.
Correct answer: To provide credible support for the author's claims.
The primary function of textual evidence is to act as proof for the claims made by the essay's author. By citing specific, relevant evidence from a text, the writer adds credibility and validity to their argument, moving it from mere opinion to a well-supported position.
