Evidence-Based Written Responses Flashcards
7 cards from real NJSLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence-Based Written Responses flashcards as text
When an NJSLA prompt says 'use details from BOTH texts,' what happens to a response that only cites one text?
Answer: It will likely lose points because the task requirement was not fully met
NJSLA scoring rubrics penalize responses that do not meet all stated requirements, including the instruction to draw from both sources.
A student's thesis states: 'Technology has both benefits and drawbacks.' Why is this considered a WEAK thesis for an argumentative essay?
Answer: It is too vague and does not commit to a specific arguable position
A strong argumentative thesis takes a clear, specific stance; stating that something has 'both benefits and drawbacks' is a neutral observation, not an arguable claim.
Which revision MOST improves the sentence: 'The article is about pollution and it says things about it'?
Answer: The article explains that industrial pollution has increased respiratory illness rates by 30% in urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.
The revised sentence specifies the evidence, its source, and its implication, replacing vague language with precise, analytical writing.
In a literary analysis response on the NJSLA, what should evidence from the text primarily help the student do?
Answer: Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft
Literary analysis uses textual evidence to support interpretations about literary elements such as theme, characterization, or the author's use of craft.
What is meant by 'maintaining a formal style' in an evidence-based written response?
Answer: Avoiding contractions, slang, and first-person opinion phrases in favor of objective academic language
Formal style means using academic language: avoiding slang, contractions, and casual phrasing while maintaining an objective, professional tone.
A student is told their essay lacks 'coherence.' Which revision strategy BEST addresses this?
Answer: Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs
Coherence—the logical flow of ideas—is improved by using transitions that show relationships between sentences, paragraphs, and the central thesis.
Which approach BEST shows 'evidence-based reasoning' rather than simple opinion?
Answer: 'Renewable energy is essential: the IPCC reports it could reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2050, directly countering climate projections.'
Evidence-based reasoning requires specific, sourced data and a clear logical connection between the evidence and the claim it supports.