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

Short, punchy sentences and a focus on immediate actions create a sense of urgency and speed, mirroring the character's experience. Long descriptions, flashbacks, and detailed exposition slow the narrative down, which is the opposite of the desired effect for a chase scene.

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

This option uses concrete actions and physical sensations (pounding heart, sweaty palms) to convey the character's nervousness to the reader, allowing them to infer the emotion. The other options directly tell the reader the emotion or state of being, which is less engaging.

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

The dialogue efficiently delivers essential background information (exposition) about a previous character's fate and the object of the quest (the Emberstone). This information increases the conflict and pushes the plot forward by creating a clear danger for the protagonist.

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

Using a first-person point of view from the character being surprised restricts the narrative to their perceptions, thoughts, and knowledge. The reader discovers the party at the exact same moment the character does, maximizing the impact of the surprise.

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

This revision introduces a significant interpersonal conflict. Maya has achieved her initial goal, but it has come at the cost of a friendship. This creates a new problem and emotional stakes, making the story more compelling and giving it a clear direction.

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Narrative Writing Task Questions and Answers