NJSLA NJSLA MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads a passage about climate change and must identify the author's central claim. Which element best helps identify the central claim?
- The title of the article
- The repeated idea supported throughout the text (Correct answer)
- The longest paragraph in the passage
- The first sentence of the conclusion
Correct answer: The repeated idea supported throughout the text
The central claim is the main argument an author makes and is supported by evidence throughout the entire text.
Question 2: Which expression is equivalent to 3(x + 4) − 2x?
- x + 4
- x + 12 (Correct answer)
- 5x + 12
- x + 7
Correct answer: x + 12
Distributing gives 3x + 12 − 2x, and combining like terms gives x + 12.
Question 3: In an informational text, a student encounters two paragraphs that present conflicting data on a topic. What is the best strategy to evaluate which source is more reliable?
- Choose the paragraph with more words
- Consider the credentials of each source cited (Correct answer)
- Select the paragraph that appears first
- Pick the data that supports the student's opinion
Correct answer: Consider the credentials of each source cited
Reliable sources are evaluated by the expertise and credibility of those cited, not by length or position.
Question 4: A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and a width of 7 cm. What is its perimeter?
- 38 cm (Correct answer)
- 84 cm
- 19 cm
- 26 cm
Correct answer: 38 cm
Perimeter = 2(length + width) = 2(12 + 7) = 2(19) = 38 cm.
Question 5: When writing a narrative, which technique best creates suspense for the reader?
- Resolving all conflicts early in the story
- Using short, urgent sentences and withholding key information (Correct answer)
- Including long descriptive passages about setting only
- Explaining the ending in the introduction
Correct answer: Using short, urgent sentences and withholding key information
Suspense is built by withholding information and using short, tense sentences that create urgency.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a ratio relationship?
- 5 + 3 = 8
- For every 2 red marbles there are 5 blue marbles (Correct answer)
- The temperature dropped 4 degrees
- A square has 4 equal sides
Correct answer: For every 2 red marbles there are 5 blue marbles
A ratio compares two quantities, such as 2 red marbles for every 5 blue marbles.
Question 7: A student underlines words like 'however,' 'although,' and 'on the other hand' in a text. What do these signal?
- Supporting evidence for the main idea
- A contrast or counterargument (Correct answer)
- The conclusion of an argument
- An example or illustration
Correct answer: A contrast or counterargument
Transition words like 'however' and 'although' signal that a contrasting idea or counterargument follows.
NJSLA NJSLA MCQ 2
A student reads a passage about climate change and must identify the author's central claim.
Which element best helps identify the central claim?