NJGPA Evaluation Content and Structure 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads an editorial arguing that schools should ban smartphones. The author uses only statistics about test scores without addressing students' counterarguments about emergency communication. This weakens the argument because it lacks:
- Statistical evidence
- Counterargument acknowledgment (Correct answer)
- A clear thesis statement
- Relevant examples
Correct answer: Counterargument acknowledgment
Effective arguments must acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to appear credible and balanced.
Question 2: Which structural element signals to readers that an author is about to present the most important point in an expository essay?
- A transitional phrase like 'In contrast'
- A concluding sentence restating the thesis
- A phrase like 'Most importantly' or 'Above all' (Correct answer)
- An introductory anecdote
Correct answer: A phrase like 'Most importantly' or 'Above all'
Phrases like 'Most importantly' or 'Above all' explicitly signal emphasis and direct readers to the author's primary claim.
Question 3: A passage describes a problem in paragraph 1, proposes a solution in paragraph 2, and predicts outcomes in paragraph 3. This organizational structure is best described as:
- Chronological order
- Compare and contrast
- Problem-solution-effect (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Problem-solution-effect
When a text moves from identifying a problem to offering a solution and then predicting results, it follows a problem-solution-effect structure.
Question 4: An author writing a persuasive piece uses the phrase 'Every reasonable person would agree' without providing evidence. This is an example of:
- A loaded appeal to consensus (Correct answer)
- A well-supported claim
- An effective rhetorical question
- A logical deductive argument
Correct answer: A loaded appeal to consensus
Claiming universal agreement without evidence is a bandwagon fallacy that pressures readers to conform rather than reason critically.
Question 5: When evaluating a source's credibility for an argument about climate change, which factor is MOST important to consider?
- The length of the article
- Whether the author has relevant scientific expertise (Correct answer)
- The publication date only
- Whether the writing style is engaging
Correct answer: Whether the author has relevant scientific expertise
Author expertise and credentials are the most critical factor in determining whether a source provides reliable information on a specialized topic.
Question 6: A text begins with broad statements about environmental issues and narrows to a specific argument about local recycling policy. This organizational approach is called:
- Spatial order
- General to specific (Correct answer)
- Order of importance
- Sequential order
Correct answer: General to specific
Moving from broad, general context to a focused, specific argument is a general-to-specific organizational pattern.
Question 7: Which revision would BEST strengthen a claim that lacks sufficient support in an argumentative essay?
- Removing the claim entirely
- Adding a relevant statistic or expert quotation (Correct answer)
- Replacing the claim with a question
- Moving the claim to the conclusion
Correct answer: Adding a relevant statistic or expert quotation
Incorporating credible data or expert testimony directly supports a claim and makes the argument more convincing.
NJGPA Evaluation Content and Structure 2
A student reads an editorial arguing that schools should ban smartphones.
The author uses only statistics about test scores without addressing students' counterarguments about emergency communication.
This weakens the argument because it lacks: