NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 3

Question 1

Which element is MOST important in a strong concluding paragraph for an evidence-based essay?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing the main points and reinforcing the thesis in new words

Answer

A strong conclusion synthesizes the essay's main ideas and restates the thesis in fresh language, leaving the reader with a sense of completion.

Question 2

What is the difference between paraphrasing and plagiarizing source material?

Accepted Answer

Paraphrasing restates the idea in your own words with attribution; plagiarizing copies without credit

Answer

Paraphrasing means rewording a source's idea in your own language while crediting the source; plagiarizing means using someone else's words or ideas without attribution.

Question 3

A student reads two articles with conflicting data about screen time's effects on children. How should the student handle this in a written response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the conflicting data and explain which evidence is stronger and why

Answer

Acknowledging conflicting evidence and evaluating which is stronger demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens the credibility of the argument.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of that paragraph and connect it to the thesis

Answer

A topic sentence states the main idea of a body paragraph and links it back to the essay's central thesis.

Question 5

On the NJSLA, an informational/explanatory task asks students to 'explain' a concept using sources. This is DIFFERENT from an argumentative task because:

Accepted Answer

Explanatory writing presents information objectively rather than arguing for one position

Answer

Explanatory/informational writing presents facts and explains concepts objectively, while argumentative writing takes a stance and defends it with evidence.

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 3