NJSLA Narrative Writing Task 5

Question 1

A student's narrative receives feedback that it 'lacks a satisfying resolution.' Which revision strategy would best address this?

Accepted Answer

Extend the ending to show how the conflict is resolved and how the character has changed.

Answer

Add more descriptive details to the setting in the final paragraph.

Answer

Introduce a new character in the last paragraph to solve the problem.

Answer

Rewrite the opening paragraph to hint at the ending sooner.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of effective use of a story's setting to create mood?

Accepted Answer

Fog clung to the empty playground, swallowing the swings whole and muffling every sound.

Answer

The playground had fog and was empty that morning.

Answer

The setting was a foggy playground, which is important to the story.

Answer

There was a playground and it was a little hard to see because of fog.

Question 3

When an NJSLA prompt asks students to 'continue the story' from a stimulus, what is the most important thing to maintain?

Accepted Answer

Consistency with the tone, characters, and events already established in the stimulus.

Answer

An entirely new set of characters to keep the story fresh and original.

Answer

A different point of view from the one used in the original stimulus.

Answer

A longer word count than the original stimulus passage.

Question 4

A student writes: 'She cried a lot and was sad.' What revision technique would most improve this line?

Accepted Answer

Replace the telling statement with specific physical and behavioral details that show the emotion.

Answer

Add an adverb to intensify the verbs, such as 'cried profusely and was deeply sad.'

Answer

Move the sentence to the beginning of the narrative for more impact.

Answer

Remove the sentence entirely since emotions should not be described in narratives.

Question 5

Which element most clearly distinguishes a narrative essay from other types of writing on the NJSLA?

Accepted Answer

It tells a story with characters, a plot, and a point of view.

Answer

It presents a claim supported by evidence and reasoning.

Answer

It explains a process in step-by-step chronological order.

Answer

It compares and contrasts two or more subjects using text evidence.

Question 6

A student wants to make the climax of a narrative feel more intense. Which technique is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Use shorter, punchy sentences and heighten sensory detail at the moment of greatest tension.

Answer

Switch to a third-person omniscient narrator to explain what every character is feeling.

Answer

Insert a long flashback to remind the reader of earlier events in the story.

Answer

Use more dialogue so characters can discuss what is happening.

Question 7

Which of the following best demonstrates effective characterization through action in a narrative?

Accepted Answer

Without hesitating, Darius gave his only umbrella to the soaked stranger and walked home in the rain.

Answer

Darius was a very generous and kind person who always helped others.

Answer

Darius thought about whether to help the stranger, because he was generous.

Answer

The stranger could tell that Darius had a good heart and was a nice boy.