NJSLA Narrative Writing Task Questions and Answers

Question 1

A student is writing a suspenseful chase scene where the main character is being pursued through a crowded market.
Which of the following techniques would be most effective for increasing the pace of the narrative?

Accepted Answer

Employing short, fragmented sentences and focusing on rapid actions and sensory details.

Answer

Using long, descriptive paragraphs focusing on the character's internal thoughts and memories.

Answer

Including a lengthy flashback to explain why the character is being chased.

Answer

Describing the history and architecture of the market in great detail.

Question 2

A writer wants to show that a character is nervous without explicitly stating, "He was nervous." Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal using the 'show, don't tell' technique?

Accepted Answer

His heart pounded against his ribs, and he repeatedly wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers.

Answer

He felt a great deal of anxiety as he waited for his name to be called.

Answer

Everyone could see that he was very nervous about the upcoming interview.

Answer

He was a nervous person by nature, and this situation was making it worse.

Question 3

Read the following excerpt from a narrative:

"You can't go in there," the old man whispered, his hand gripping Leo's arm. "Not after what happened to the last one."
"The last one? What are you talking about?" Leo tried to pull away, but the grip was surprisingly strong.
"Markus," the old man said, his eyes wide. "He went in looking for the Emberstone a year ago. Never came out."

Which of the following narrative purposes does this dialogue primarily serve?

Accepted Answer

To provide exposition and advance the plot.

Answer

To describe the physical setting in detail.

Answer

To reveal the main character's internal thoughts.

Answer

To slow down the pace of the story for reflection.

Question 4

A writer wants to craft a narrative about a surprise party from the perspective of the person for whom the party is being thrown. To best maintain the element of surprise for the reader until the final moment, which point of view should the writer use?

Accepted Answer

First-person, from the perspective of the person being surprised.

Answer

Third-person omniscient, describing the thoughts and feelings of all characters, including the party planners.

Answer

First-person, from the perspective of the main party planner.

Answer

Second-person, addressing the reader directly as "you," the party guest.

Question 5

A student has written the beginning of a story: "Maya wanted to be the lead in the school play. She auditioned, and the director immediately gave her the part. She was very happy." The student's teacher suggests the story lacks conflict. Which of the following revisions would most effectively introduce conflict?

Accepted Answer

Adding a sentence that Maya's best friend, who also wanted the part, is now ignoring her.

Answer

Describing the theater in more detail, including the color of the curtains and the number of seats.

Answer

Explaining that Maya has always been a talented actress since she was very young.

Answer

Having the director praise Maya's performance at the audition enthusiastically.

Question 6

Which of the following sentences most effectively uses sensory details to establish a gloomy and desolate mood?

Accepted Answer

A cold wind whipped loose shingles from the roof, and the smell of damp decay rose from the sagging porch steps.

Answer

The old house was located at the end of a long street and it was about to rain.

Answer

She walked toward the sad-looking house, which was in a state of disrepair.

Answer

The character felt unhappy as she approached the house because it was not a cheerful place.