NJSLA NJSLA Research and Informational Writing

Question 1

When writing an informational essay for the NJSLA, what is the primary purpose of a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To clearly state the main idea and guide the reader through the essay

Answer

To provide a summary of all sources used

Answer

To list the evidence in the order it will appear

Answer

To introduce the opposing viewpoint first

Question 2

Which of the following is the best example of a credible source for a research-based writing task?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed article from a scientific journal

Answer

A personal blog post with no listed author

Answer

A social media post from an anonymous account

Answer

An advertisement for a product

Question 3

In an informational essay, which transition word best signals that you are adding a supporting detail?

Accepted Answer

Furthermore

Answer

However

Answer

Although

Answer

Therefore

Question 4

A student paraphrases a source without citing it in their informational essay. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Plagiarism

Answer

Summarizing

Answer

Quoting

Answer

Synthesizing

Question 5

What does it mean to synthesize information from multiple sources in a research essay?

Accepted Answer

Combine ideas from several sources to develop a unified argument or explanation

Answer

Copy quotes directly from each source without analysis

Answer

List each source's main idea in separate paragraphs

Answer

Choose the most recent source and ignore the others

Question 6

Which sentence best introduces a direct quotation in an informational essay?

Accepted Answer

According to marine biologist Dr. Jane Lin, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'

Answer

Someone said, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'

Answer

I found this quote: 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'

Answer

The internet says, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'