NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 4

Question 1

When an NJSLA prompt says 'use details from BOTH texts,' what happens to a response that only cites one text?

Accepted Answer

It will likely lose points because the task requirement was not fully met

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

It is too vague and does not commit to a specific arguable position

Answer

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'?

Accepted Answer

The article explains that industrial pollution has increased respiratory illness rates by 30% in urban areas, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding contractions, slang, and first-person opinion phrases in favor of objective academic language

Answer

Formal style means using academic language: avoiding slang, contractions, and casual phrasing while maintaining an objective, professional tone.

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 4