NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When an NJSLA prompt says 'use details from BOTH texts,' what happens to a response that only cites one text?
- It receives full credit if the single text is used thoroughly
- It will likely lose points because the task requirement was not fully met (Correct answer)
- It receives bonus points for focused writing
- It is evaluated solely on grammar and mechanics
Correct answer: It will likely lose points because the task requirement was not fully met
NJSLA scoring rubrics penalize responses that do not meet all stated requirements, including the instruction to draw from both sources.
Question 2: A student's thesis states: 'Technology has both benefits and drawbacks.' Why is this considered a WEAK thesis for an argumentative essay?
- It is too long and detailed
- It presents a debatable claim that the student can argue
- It is too vague and does not commit to a specific arguable position (Correct answer)
- It incorrectly uses the word 'technology'
Correct answer: It is too vague and does not commit to a specific arguable position
A strong argumentative thesis takes a clear, specific stance; stating that something has 'both benefits and drawbacks' is a neutral observation, not an arguable claim.
Question 3: Which revision MOST improves the sentence: 'The article is about pollution and it says things about it'?
- The article discusses pollution and contains information.
- The article explains that industrial pollution has increased respiratory illness rates by 30% in urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations. (Correct answer)
- The article is talking about pollution and says things.
- Pollution is discussed in the article with some things said.
Correct answer: The article explains that industrial pollution has increased respiratory illness rates by 30% in urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.
The revised sentence specifies the evidence, its source, and its implication, replacing vague language with precise, analytical writing.
Question 4: In a literary analysis response on the NJSLA, what should evidence from the text primarily help the student do?
- Retell the story in the student's own words
- Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft (Correct answer)
- Describe the student's emotional reaction to the story
- Explain what will happen after the story ends
Correct answer: Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft
Literary analysis uses textual evidence to support interpretations about literary elements such as theme, characterization, or the author's use of craft.
Question 5: What is meant by 'maintaining a formal style' in an evidence-based written response?
- Using only vocabulary words that are extremely rare
- Avoiding contractions, slang, and first-person opinion phrases in favor of objective academic language (Correct answer)
- Writing sentences that are all the same length
- Beginning every sentence with a transitional phrase
Correct answer: Avoiding contractions, slang, and first-person opinion phrases in favor of objective academic language
Formal style means using academic language: avoiding slang, contractions, and casual phrasing while maintaining an objective, professional tone.
Question 6: A student is told their essay lacks 'coherence.' Which revision strategy BEST addresses this?
- Add more direct quotes from the sources
- Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs (Correct answer)
- Write a longer introduction
- Change the thesis to a question
Correct answer: Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs
Coherence—the logical flow of ideas—is improved by using transitions that show relationships between sentences, paragraphs, and the central thesis.
Question 7: Which approach BEST shows 'evidence-based reasoning' rather than simple opinion?
- 'I believe renewable energy is good because it feels right.'
- 'Renewable energy must be expanded because experts argue it is somewhat helpful.'
- 'Renewable energy is essential: the IPCC reports it could reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2050, directly countering climate projections.' (Correct answer)
- 'Renewable energy is important to many people around the world today.'
Correct answer: 'Renewable energy is essential: the IPCC reports it could reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2050, directly countering climate projections.'
Evidence-based reasoning requires specific, sourced data and a clear logical connection between the evidence and the claim it supports.
NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 4
When an NJSLA prompt says 'use details from BOTH texts,' what happens to a response that only cites one text?