RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Structuring the Extended Response Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student is beginning to structure an extended response analyzing two articles about the implementation of a four-day school week. Which of the following sentences would serve as the most effective, debatable thesis statement for the essay?
- Some schools have adopted a four-day school week, while others have maintained the traditional five-day model.
- This essay will analyze the arguments for and against a four-day school week as presented in the two provided articles.
- While the proposal for a four-day school week offers potential cost savings, the argument for maintaining a five-day week is better supported because it more thoroughly addresses concerns about student learning and childcare for working families. (Correct answer)
- The four-day school week is a controversial topic with many different opinions presented in the two articles.
Correct answer: While the proposal for a four-day school week offers potential cost savings, the argument for maintaining a five-day week is better supported because it more thoroughly addresses concerns about student learning and childcare for working families.
An effective thesis statement must be debatable and take a clear position. This option presents a specific, arguable claim that one article's position is 'better supported' and provides specific reasons ('student learning and childcare'), setting a clear roadmap for the rest of the essay.
Question 2: An extended response begins with the thesis: 'Although both articles address the issue of urban gardening, the argument promoting community gardens is more compelling because it provides stronger evidence of social and economic benefits.' What is the primary purpose of the body paragraphs that follow this thesis?
- To summarize the main points of both articles without taking a side.
- To introduce new arguments about urban gardening that were not in the articles.
- To provide detailed evidence and analysis from both texts that prove community gardens offer superior social and economic benefits. (Correct answer)
- To focus solely on the weaknesses of the opposing article's argument.
Correct answer: To provide detailed evidence and analysis from both texts that prove community gardens offer superior social and economic benefits.
The body paragraphs must directly support the thesis statement. Their function is to break down the main claim into smaller points, providing specific evidence from the source texts and explaining how that evidence proves the thesis to be true.
Question 3: A writer is drafting a body paragraph for an extended response. The paragraph begins with the topic sentence: 'One of the most significant weaknesses in the argument against the new highway is its failure to provide credible data on environmental impacts.' Which of the following sentences would be the LEAST effective piece of supporting evidence to include next in the paragraph?
- The author claims the highway will harm local wildlife but does not cite any scientific studies or expert testimony to back this up.
- Conversely, the pro-highway article references a Department of Transportation study that found minimal long-term effects on the local ecosystem.
- The author of the anti-highway article has been a vocal opponent of many local development projects in the past. (Correct answer)
- For example, the article mentions 'pollution' but offers no specific metrics, such as projected air quality changes or water contamination levels.
Correct answer: The author of the anti-highway article has been a vocal opponent of many local development projects in the past.
This statement attacks the author's character or history (an ad hominem fallacy) rather than addressing the specific claim made in the topic sentence about the lack of 'credible data on environmental impacts.' The other options all directly relate to the quality and type of evidence presented in the articles.
Question 4: Read the following sentences from an extended response: 'The first article relies heavily on emotional appeals to persuade the reader. __________, the second article builds its case using statistical data and expert testimony.' Which transitional word or phrase best connects these two ideas?
- Similarly
- For example
- In contrast (Correct answer)
- In addition
Correct answer: In contrast
The two sentences present opposing methods of argumentation (emotional appeals vs. data/testimony). 'In contrast' is the most appropriate transition to signal this clear difference or opposition between the two ideas.
Question 5: Which of the following is an essential component of a strong concluding paragraph for an extended response essay?
- Introducing a new piece of evidence to surprise the reader.
- Restating the thesis statement in a new way and summarizing the main points. (Correct answer)
- Ending with a question to make the reader think.
- Providing a detailed summary of each source text.
Correct answer: Restating the thesis statement in a new way and summarizing the main points.
A strong conclusion should synthesize the information presented in the essay without introducing new evidence. Its primary functions are to restate the thesis using fresh language and briefly summarize the main arguments that were made in the body paragraphs to support that thesis.
Question 6: In structuring an extended response, what is the main function of an introductory paragraph?
- To present the most compelling piece of evidence from the source texts.
- To provide a detailed, lengthy summary of both sides of the issue.
- To list all the main points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
- To engage the reader, provide context for the topic, and present a clear thesis statement. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To engage the reader, provide context for the topic, and present a clear thesis statement.
The introduction serves to orient the reader. It should start by grabbing their attention, briefly introduce the topic being discussed, and then clearly state the essay's main argument in the thesis statement, which will guide the rest of the response.
RLA - Reasoning through Language Arts Structuring the Extended Response Questions and Answers
A student is beginning to structure an extended response analyzing two articles about the implementation of a four-day school week.
Which of the following sentences would serve as the most effective, debatable thesis statement for the essay?