NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 2 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: When writing an evidence-based argument, what is the PRIMARY purpose of a counterclaim?
- To distract the reader from the main argument
- To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it (Correct answer)
- To introduce a new topic unrelated to the thesis
- To summarize the author's main evidence
Correct answer: To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it
A counterclaim acknowledges an opposing viewpoint and then refutes it, strengthening the overall argument by showing the writer has considered multiple perspectives.
Question 2: Which transitional phrase is BEST for introducing a rebuttal to a counterclaim?
- For example,
- In addition,
- However, the evidence shows that (Correct answer)
- As a result,
Correct answer: However, the evidence shows that
'However, the evidence shows that' signals a shift from the opposing view to your refutation, making it the most effective transitional phrase for a rebuttal.
Question 3: A student wants to use a direct quote from a source in an essay. Which approach is MOST effective?
- Drop the quote in without any introduction
- Introduce the quote, provide it, then explain its relevance (Correct answer)
- Paraphrase the quote and attribute it to no one
- Use only the quote without any additional commentary
Correct answer: Introduce the quote, provide it, then explain its relevance
The 'sandwich' methodâintroduce, quote, explainâensures evidence is properly contextualized and connected to the argument.
Question 4: In NJSLA writing tasks, what does 'text-based evidence' specifically require?
- Evidence invented by the student to support the thesis
- Details, quotes, or paraphrases drawn directly from the provided passage(s) (Correct answer)
- Personal opinions about the topic
- Statistics from outside sources not included in the task
Correct answer: Details, quotes, or paraphrases drawn directly from the provided passage(s)
Text-based evidence must come directly from the passage(s) provided in the task, not from outside knowledge or personal opinion.
Question 5: Which sentence structure BEST demonstrates integrating evidence with analysis?
- The author says 'wolves are endangered.'
- The author says 'wolves are endangered,' which proves my point.
- According to the article, 'wolves are endangered,' suggesting that habitat loss is a critical threat requiring immediate conservation action. (Correct answer)
- Wolves are endangered. The author talks about this.
Correct answer: According to the article, 'wolves are endangered,' suggesting that habitat loss is a critical threat requiring immediate conservation action.
The third option properly attributes the quote and follows it with specific analysis that connects the evidence to a broader argument.
Question 6: When asked to compare two texts in an NJSLA written response, what must a student do BEYOND summarizing each text?
- List every detail from both texts in order
- Analyze how the texts are similar or different in relation to a central idea (Correct answer)
- Write only about whichever text they prefer
- Describe the author's biography for each text
Correct answer: Analyze how the texts are similar or different in relation to a central idea
A comparison requires analyzing relationshipsâsimilarities and differencesâbetween texts around a central idea, not merely summarizing each one.
Question 7: A student writes: 'Many people think solar energy is too expensive, but studies show the cost has dropped 89% in a decade.' What writing technique is being used?
- A topic sentence
- A concluding statement
- A counterclaim followed by a rebuttal with evidence (Correct answer)
- A transition between two body paragraphs
Correct answer: A counterclaim followed by a rebuttal with evidence
The sentence presents an opposing view ('many people think') and immediately counters it with data, which is the counterclaim-rebuttal technique.
NJSLA Evidence-Based Written Responses 2
When writing an evidence-based argument, what is the PRIMARY purpose of a counterclaim?