NJGPA The Research Simulation Task: Synthesizing Sources for Essay Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the RST, you are given three sources: an article, a chart, and a video transcript. Which step should come FIRST?
- Write your thesis immediately based on the prompt
- Skim all three sources quickly to get a general sense of each before reading closely (Correct answer)
- Read only the article because it has the most words
- Watch the video transcript last since visuals are less important
Correct answer: Skim all three sources quickly to get a general sense of each before reading closely
Previewing all sources before close reading helps you understand the overall landscape of information and plan your synthesis strategy.
Question 2: A student writes: 'Many experts agree that exercise improves mental health (Source A; Source B).' This technique is an example of:
- Plagiarism
- Corroboration — using multiple sources to reinforce the same point (Correct answer)
- Contradiction — showing sources disagree
- Paraphrase without attribution
Correct answer: Corroboration — using multiple sources to reinforce the same point
Citing multiple sources that agree on a point is called corroboration, and it strengthens the credibility of the claim.
Question 3: An RST essay prompt asks students to argue a position. Which type of evidence from the provided sources is MOST persuasive?
- Anecdotes and personal stories only
- Specific data, statistics, or expert quotes that directly support the claim (Correct answer)
- General background information that introduces the topic
- Details about the author's biography
Correct answer: Specific data, statistics, or expert quotes that directly support the claim
Concrete data, statistics, and expert quotes provide the strongest, most verifiable support for an argumentative claim.
Question 4: What does the term 'textual evidence' mean in the context of the NJGPA RST?
- Writing a text message to a friend about the sources
- Specific words, phrases, quotes, or data drawn directly from the provided sources (Correct answer)
- Any idea the student thinks of while reading
- Background knowledge the student already knew before the test
Correct answer: Specific words, phrases, quotes, or data drawn directly from the provided sources
Textual evidence refers to specific information taken directly from the provided source texts to support your claims.
Question 5: A student includes a long block quote that takes up half a paragraph in their RST essay. What problem does this create?
- Block quotes are forbidden on the NJGPA
- It shows the student cannot find good evidence
- It reduces the student's opportunity to demonstrate their own analysis and synthesis skills (Correct answer)
- Quotes must always be shorter than one sentence
Correct answer: It reduces the student's opportunity to demonstrate their own analysis and synthesis skills
Overusing long quotes limits the space for your own analysis, and graders want to see how you interpret and connect evidence, not just copy it.
Question 6: Which transitional phrase BEST signals that a student is about to introduce a contrasting piece of evidence from a second source?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- However, Source B suggests a different perspective (Correct answer)
- As stated above
Correct answer: However, Source B suggests a different perspective
'However' signals contrast, and naming the source makes it clear the student is bringing in new, possibly conflicting evidence.
Question 7: In an RST essay conclusion, a student should primarily:
- Introduce a brand-new argument not mentioned in the body
- List all the sources used in the essay
- Restate the thesis in new words and briefly reinforce how the evidence supported it (Correct answer)
- Copy the thesis sentence word-for-word from the introduction
Correct answer: Restate the thesis in new words and briefly reinforce how the evidence supported it
A strong conclusion restates the thesis in fresh language and reminds the reader how the evidence built the argument without introducing new ideas.
NJGPA The Research Simulation Task: Synthesizing Sources for Essay Writing 3
During the RST, you are given three sources: an article, a chart, and a video transcript.
Which step should come FIRST?