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
On a research simulation task, a student finds two sources with different publication dates on the same topic. How should the student evaluate which source to prioritize?
Answer: Consider which source is more current AND more credible based on author expertise and publication type
Evaluating sources requires considering both recency and credibility; a more recent, credible source is generally more reliable for factual claims.
What does it mean to 'synthesize' multiple sources in a written response?
Answer: To combine ideas from multiple sources to develop and support a unified argument or explanation
Synthesis means weaving information from multiple sources together to build a cohesive argument, not merely summarizing each source in isolation.
A student writes: 'Source A says exercise is good. Source B says exercise is good too.' This demonstrates which writing weakness?
Answer: Lack of synthesis—the student lists sources instead of connecting them to an analysis
Simply stating that two sources agree is not synthesis; the student must explain what that agreement means and connect it to the central argument.
Which sentence BEST demonstrates an effective use of a statistic as evidence?
Answer: The CDC reports that 42% of American adults are obese, demonstrating that public health interventions targeting diet and activity are urgently needed.
An effective statistic names the source, provides a precise number, and explains what that number means in relation to the argument.
In the NJSLA scoring rubric, 'development' primarily refers to:
Answer: The extent to which ideas are elaborated, supported with evidence, and analyzed in depth
Development scores reflect the depth of elaboration and analysis—how thoroughly the student supports and explains their ideas with evidence.
When revising a draft, a student notices a body paragraph that does not connect back to the thesis. The BEST fix is to:
Answer: Add a topic sentence that explicitly links the paragraph's evidence to the thesis
Adding or revising a topic sentence that ties the paragraph's content back to the central thesis restores unity and coherence to the essay.
A student is writing about a poem for the NJSLA. Which type of evidence is MOST appropriate to cite?
Answer: Specific lines or words from the poem that support the student's interpretation
Literary analysis of a poem must be grounded in textual evidence—specific words, lines, and literary devices from the poem itself.