NJSLA Narrative Writing Task Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student is writing a suspenseful chase scene where the main character is being pursued through a crowded market. Which of the following techniques would be most effective for increasing the pace of the narrative?
- Using long, descriptive paragraphs focusing on the character's internal thoughts and memories.
- Employing short, fragmented sentences and focusing on rapid actions and sensory details. (Correct answer)
- Including a lengthy flashback to explain why the character is being chased.
- Describing the history and architecture of the market in great detail.
Correct answer: Employing short, fragmented sentences and focusing on rapid actions and sensory details.
Short, punchy sentences and a focus on immediate actions create a sense of urgency and speed, mirroring the character's experience. Long descriptions, flashbacks, and detailed exposition slow the narrative down, which is the opposite of the desired effect for a chase scene.
Question 2: A writer wants to show that a character is nervous without explicitly stating, "He was nervous." Which of the following sentences best accomplishes this goal using the 'show, don't tell' technique?
- He felt a great deal of anxiety as he waited for his name to be called.
- His heart pounded against his ribs, and he repeatedly wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers. (Correct answer)
- Everyone could see that he was very nervous about the upcoming interview.
- He was a nervous person by nature, and this situation was making it worse.
Correct answer: His heart pounded against his ribs, and he repeatedly wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers.
This option uses concrete actions and physical sensations (pounding heart, sweaty palms) to convey the character's nervousness to the reader, allowing them to infer the emotion. The other options directly tell the reader the emotion or state of being, which is less engaging.
Question 3: Read the following excerpt from a narrative: "You can't go in there," the old man whispered, his hand gripping Leo's arm. "Not after what happened to the last one." "The last one? What are you talking about?" Leo tried to pull away, but the grip was surprisingly strong. "Markus," the old man said, his eyes wide. "He went in looking for the Emberstone a year ago. Never came out." Which of the following narrative purposes does this dialogue primarily serve?
- To describe the physical setting in detail.
- To reveal the main character's internal thoughts.
- To provide exposition and advance the plot. (Correct answer)
- To slow down the pace of the story for reflection.
Correct answer: To provide exposition and advance the plot.
The dialogue efficiently delivers essential background information (exposition) about a previous character's fate and the object of the quest (the Emberstone). This information increases the conflict and pushes the plot forward by creating a clear danger for the protagonist.
Question 4: A writer wants to craft a narrative about a surprise party from the perspective of the person for whom the party is being thrown. To best maintain the element of surprise for the reader until the final moment, which point of view should the writer use?
- Third-person omniscient, describing the thoughts and feelings of all characters, including the party planners.
- First-person, from the perspective of the main party planner.
- Second-person, addressing the reader directly as "you," the party guest.
- First-person, from the perspective of the person being surprised. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: First-person, from the perspective of the person being surprised.
Using a first-person point of view from the character being surprised restricts the narrative to their perceptions, thoughts, and knowledge. The reader discovers the party at the exact same moment the character does, maximizing the impact of the surprise.
Question 5: A student has written the beginning of a story: "Maya wanted to be the lead in the school play. She auditioned, and the director immediately gave her the part. She was very happy." The student's teacher suggests the story lacks conflict. Which of the following revisions would most effectively introduce conflict?
- Describing the theater in more detail, including the color of the curtains and the number of seats.
- Adding a sentence that Maya's best friend, who also wanted the part, is now ignoring her. (Correct answer)
- Explaining that Maya has always been a talented actress since she was very young.
- Having the director praise Maya's performance at the audition enthusiastically.
Correct answer: Adding a sentence that Maya's best friend, who also wanted the part, is now ignoring her.
This revision introduces a significant interpersonal conflict. Maya has achieved her initial goal, but it has come at the cost of a friendship. This creates a new problem and emotional stakes, making the story more compelling and giving it a clear direction.
Question 6: Which of the following sentences most effectively uses sensory details to establish a gloomy and desolate mood?
- The old house was located at the end of a long street and it was about to rain.
- She walked toward the sad-looking house, which was in a state of disrepair.
- A cold wind whipped loose shingles from the roof, and the smell of damp decay rose from the sagging porch steps. (Correct answer)
- The character felt unhappy as she approached the house because it was not a cheerful place.
Correct answer: A cold wind whipped loose shingles from the roof, and the smell of damp decay rose from the sagging porch steps.
This sentence uses specific sensory details: the feeling of the "cold wind" (touch), the sound of "whipped loose shingles" (hearing), and the "smell of damp decay" (smell). These details work together to create a vivid, immersive experience for the reader, establishing a gloomy and desolate mood without having to state it explicitly.
NJSLA Narrative Writing Task Questions and Answers
A student is writing a suspenseful chase scene where the main character is being pursued through a crowded market.
Which of the following techniques would be most effective for increasing the pace of the narrative?