NJSLA – New Jersey Student Learning Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT a polynomial?

3x⁻¹ + 5 (Correct answer)
7
x² + 2x + 1
4x³ - x

Correct answer: 3x⁻¹ + 5

Polynomials cannot have negative exponents; 3x⁻¹ + 5 is a rational expression, not a polynomial.

Question 2: An exterior angle of a triangle measures 130°. One of the non-adjacent interior angles measures 75°. What is the other non-adjacent interior angle?

55° (Correct answer)
50°
60°
45°

Correct answer: 55°

An exterior angle equals the sum of the two non-adjacent interior angles: 130° = 75° + x, so x = 55°.

Question 3: A student is writing about climate change and wants to appeal to the reader's sense of logic and reason. Which type of appeal should they primarily use?

Ethos
Kairos
Logos (Correct answer)
Pathos

Correct answer: Logos

Logos refers to the use of logical reasoning, statistics, and factual evidence to persuade or inform the reader.

Question 4: Which revision best improves the vague sentence: 'Many people think pollution is bad.'?

Pollution is something many Americans dislike.
Lots of individuals have opinions on the topic of pollution.
According to the EPA, air pollution contributes to over 100,000 premature deaths in the United States each year. (Correct answer)
Some experts say pollution might be harmful in certain cases.

Correct answer: According to the EPA, air pollution contributes to over 100,000 premature deaths in the United States each year.

Using a specific statistic from a credible source replaces vague language with precise, evidence-based information.

Question 5: A student recorded the following test scores: 72, 85, 90, 68, 95, 80. What is the median score?

83
85
80
82.5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 82.5

When the six scores are ordered (68, 72, 80, 85, 90, 95), the median is the average of the 3rd and 4th values: (80 + 85) / 2 = 82.5.

Question 6: A car travels 240 miles on 8 gallons of gas. At this rate, how far can it travel on 5 gallons?

150 miles (Correct answer)
160 miles
120 miles
140 miles

Correct answer: 150 miles

The car gets 240 ÷ 8 = 30 mpg, so on 5 gallons it travels 5 × 30 = 150 miles.

Question 7: On the NJSLA, an informational/explanatory task asks students to 'explain' a concept using sources. This is DIFFERENT from an argumentative task because:

Argumentative writing is always shorter than explanatory writing
Explanatory writing requires no evidence from sources
Explanatory writing uses first-person pronouns throughout
Explanatory writing presents information objectively rather than arguing for one position (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Explanatory writing presents information objectively rather than arguing for one position

Explanatory/informational writing presents facts and explains concepts objectively, while argumentative writing takes a stance and defends it with evidence.

Question 8: What is the value of the expression 4x² - 3x + 1 when x = -2?

23 (Correct answer)
19
11
3

Correct answer: 23

Substitute x = -2: 4(4) - 3(-2) + 1 = 16 + 6 + 1 = 23.

Question 9: What is the value of the expression 3a² - (b + 4) when a = 3 and b = 5?

26
18 (Correct answer)
14
2

Correct answer: 18

Substitute the given values into the expression: 3(3)² - (5 + 4). Following the order of operations (PEMDAS), first evaluate the exponent: 3² = 9. Then, solve the operation inside the parentheses: 5 + 4 = 9. The expression becomes 3(9) - 9. Next, perform the multiplication: 3 * 9 = 27. Finally, perform the subtraction: 27 - 9 = 18.

Question 10: Two hikers start at the same point. One walks north at 4 mph and the other walks east at 3 mph. After 2 hours, how far apart are they?

7 miles
5 miles
10 miles (Correct answer)
14 miles

Correct answer: 10 miles

After 2 hours, one hiker traveled 8 miles north and the other 6 miles east; by the Pythagorean theorem, distance = √(8² + 6²) = √100 = 10 miles.

Question 11: A line graph shows sales rising from January to June and falling from June to December. What does the peak in June represent?

The maximum sales for the year (Correct answer)
The median of all data points
The minimum sales for the year
The average monthly sales

Correct answer: The maximum sales for the year

The highest point on the line graph in June represents the maximum (peak) value of sales during that year.

Question 12: In a class of 30 students, 18 play sports. What is the ratio of students who play sports to those who do not?

2:3
3:5
3:2 (Correct answer)
5:3

Correct answer: 3:2

18 play sports and 12 do not; the ratio 18:12 simplifies to 3:2.

Question 13: What is 'call and response' in music?

A musical pattern in which a phrase by one performer is answered by another (Correct answer)
The process of tuning instruments before a performance
When a conductor cues different sections of an orchestra
The repetition of a theme at a higher pitch

Correct answer: A musical pattern in which a phrase by one performer is answered by another

Call and response is a musical pattern rooted in African tradition where a leading phrase is answered by another performer or group.

Question 14: In the text, the author writes that a character 'harbored resentment for years without ever expressing it.' What does harbored mean in this context?

held onto (Correct answer)
created
released
ignored

Correct answer: held onto

To harbor a feeling means to keep or hold it within oneself, often secretly.

Question 15: A figure is reflected over the y-axis. If a point was at (5, −3), where is its image?

(5, 3)
(−5, −3) (Correct answer)
(−5, 3)
(3, −5)

Correct answer: (−5, −3)

Reflection over the y-axis negates the x-coordinate: (5, −3) → (−5, −3).

Question 16: Which revision best improves this weak sentence from a student narrative: 'He walked slowly to the door'?

He moved himself slowly in the direction of the door.
He shuffled toward the door, each step heavier than the last. (Correct answer)
His walking was slow as he went to the door carefully.
He walked in a very slow and heavy manner toward the door.

Correct answer: He shuffled toward the door, each step heavier than the last.

Replacing 'walked slowly' with a precise verb (shuffled) and adding descriptive detail creates a more vivid and engaging image.

Question 17: A formula for simple interest is I = prt. Which expression gives p in terms of I, r, and t?

I - rt
rt/I
Irt
I/(rt) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I/(rt)

To isolate p, divide both sides of I = prt by rt, giving p = I/(rt).

Question 18: Read this sentence: 'The pundit's caustic review of the film left the director feeling deeply wounded.' What does caustic mean in this context?

sharply critical (Correct answer)
enthusiastic
confused
lengthy

Correct answer: sharply critical

Caustic means bitterly sarcastic or severely critical.

Question 19: When asked to compare two texts in an NJSLA written response, what must a student do BEYOND summarizing each text?

Analyze how the texts are similar or different in relation to a central idea (Correct answer)
List every detail from both texts in order
Describe the author's biography for each text
Write only about whichever text they prefer

Correct answer: Analyze how the texts are similar or different in relation to a central idea

A comparison requires analyzing relationships—similarities and differences—between texts around a central idea, not merely summarizing each one.

Question 20: A scatter plot shows points trending upward from left to right. This indicates which type of correlation?

Inverse correlation
No correlation
Positive correlation (Correct answer)
Negative correlation

Correct answer: Positive correlation

When both variables increase together and the points trend upward, the data shows a positive correlation.

Question 21: 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 counterclaim followed by a rebuttal with evidence (Correct answer)
A concluding statement
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.

Question 22: A school held a bake sale. Cupcakes sold for $2.50 each and cookies sold for $1.00 each. They sold 3 times as many cookies as cupcakes and earned $275 total. How many cupcakes were sold?

55 cupcakes
40 cupcakes
45 cupcakes
50 cupcakes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50 cupcakes

Let c = cupcakes sold; cookies = 3c; revenue: 2.50c + 1.00(3c) = 5.50c = $275; c = 275 ÷ 5.50 = 50 cupcakes.

Question 23: On a coordinate plane, Point A is at (−3, 4) and Point B is at (2, 4). What is the distance between them?

1 unit
5 units (Correct answer)
8 units
7 units

Correct answer: 5 units

Both points share the same y-coordinate, so distance = |2 − (−3)| = 5 units.

Question 24: In a literary analysis response on the NJSLA, what should evidence from the text primarily help the student do?

Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft (Correct answer)
Describe the student's emotional reaction to the story
Retell the story in the student's own words
Explain what will happen after the story ends

Correct answer: Support an interpretation or claim about theme, character, or author's craft

Literary analysis uses textual evidence to support interpretations about literary elements such as theme, characterization, or the author's use of craft.

Question 25: In musical notation, what does a dot placed after a note indicate?

The note should be played louder
The note's duration is extended by half its value (Correct answer)
The note should be repeated
The note should be played staccato

Correct answer: The note's duration is extended by half its value

A dotted note is held for its original value plus half that value (e.g., a dotted quarter note = 1.5 beats).

Question 26: A contractor is hired to install a new floor in a rectangular room that measures 15 feet by 20 feet. There is a square-shaped support column in the room with a side length of 2 feet. What is the total area of flooring the contractor will need?

260 square feet
304 square feet
300 square feet
296 square feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 296 square feet

First, calculate the total area of the room by multiplying its length and width: Area_room = 15 ft * 20 ft = 300 sq ft. Next, calculate the area of the support column: Area_column = 2 ft * 2 ft = 4 sq ft. Since the flooring will not be placed under the column, subtract the column's area from the room's area: 300 sq ft - 4 sq ft = 296 sq ft.

Question 27: A student writes a body paragraph with five direct quotes in a row and no analysis. What is the PRIMARY problem?

The paragraph is likely too short
The student used too few sources
The student failed to analyze or connect the evidence to the thesis (Correct answer)
Direct quotes are not allowed on the NJSLA

Correct answer: The student failed to analyze or connect the evidence to the thesis

Evidence alone does not make an argument; students must analyze quotes and explain how each piece of evidence supports the central claim.

Question 28: An author writes a novel in which the protagonist's unreliable memories slowly reveal a truth the reader suspects before the character does. Which effect does this technique MOST create?

Situational irony, as events contradict reader expectations
Verbal irony, as the narrator says the opposite of what is true
Dramatic irony, as the reader knows more than the narrator (Correct answer)
Cosmic irony, as fate controls all outcomes

Correct answer: Dramatic irony, as the reader knows more than the narrator

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses knowledge or understanding that a character lacks.

Question 29: A story begins in the middle of a battle scene, then uses flashbacks to explain how the characters arrived at this point. This narrative technique is called:

Frame narrative
Foreshadowing
Anachronism
In medias res (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In medias res

In medias res is a Latin term for 'in the middle of things' — starting a narrative at a dramatic point before providing context.

Question 30: Which of the following is the best example of a credible source for a research-based writing task?

An advertisement for a product
A personal blog post with no listed author
A social media post from an anonymous account
A peer-reviewed article from a scientific journal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A peer-reviewed article from a scientific journal

Peer-reviewed journal articles undergo expert evaluation before publication, making them reliable and credible sources for academic writing.

Question 31: Simplify: (3x²)(4x³)

12x
12x⁶
12x⁵ (Correct answer)
7x⁵

Correct answer: 12x⁵

Multiply coefficients (3 × 4 = 12) and add exponents (2 + 3 = 5) to get 12x⁵.

Question 32: Which of the following is a technology-enhanced item type found on the NJSLA?

True/False only
Oral response
Drag-and-drop (Correct answer)
Fill-in-the-bubble

Correct answer: Drag-and-drop

NJSLA includes technology-enhanced items such as drag-and-drop, hot text, and multi-select in addition to multiple-choice.

Question 33: A cone has a radius of 3 cm and a height of 8 cm. Which expression correctly represents its volume?

(1/2)π(3)²(8)
π(3)²(8)
π(3)(8)
(1/3)π(3)²(8) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: (1/3)π(3)²(8)

Volume of a cone = (1/3)πr²h = (1/3)π(9)(8).

Question 34: The word 'paramount' appears in this sentence: 'Student safety is of paramount importance in every school decision.' What does paramount mean?

debatable
secondary
most important (Correct answer)
least important

Correct answer: most important

Paramount means more important than anything else; supreme.

Question 35: What is the surface area of a cube with edge length 5 cm?

125 cm²
25 cm²
150 cm² (Correct answer)
100 cm²

Correct answer: 150 cm²

A cube has 6 faces, each with area 5² = 25 cm², so total surface area = 6 × 25 = 150 cm².

Question 36: Which text structure is being used when an author explains why deforestation occurs and then describes its effects on wildlife?

Problem and solution
Chronological order
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Cause and effect

Cause-and-effect structure connects reasons (causes) to outcomes (effects), as in linking deforestation to wildlife consequences.

Question 37: Why do students experience anxiety throughout the NJSLA Test assessment process?

They find exams easy
They want to perform their best (Correct answer)
They enjoy being anxious
They want to avoid exams

Correct answer: They want to perform their best

Student anxiety during the NJSLA Test assessment process often stems from a strong desire to perform well and meet expectations. The pressure to achieve high scores, demonstrate their knowledge, and avoid disappointing themselves or others can lead to stress. This ambition to excel is a common underlying factor for test-related anxiety.

Question 38: Which display is best for showing the distribution of a single set of numerical data?

Line graph
Pie chart
Histogram (Correct answer)
Bar graph

Correct answer: Histogram

A histogram groups numerical data into intervals and shows the frequency of each interval, making it ideal for displaying distribution.

Question 39: Which expression is equivalent to 3(2x - 4) + 5x?

11x + 12
11x - 12 (Correct answer)
6x - 12
11x - 4

Correct answer: 11x - 12

Distribute to get 6x - 12 + 5x, then combine like terms to get 11x - 12.

Question 40: A character in a novel holds rigid, traditional beliefs but gradually opens her mind after befriending someone from a different background. This character is best classified as:

An antagonist
A static character
A flat character
A dynamic character (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A dynamic character

A dynamic character undergoes significant internal change during the course of the story.

Question 41: A rectangular garden has a length that is 5 feet longer than its width, w. The perimeter of a rectangle is found using the formula P = 2(length + width). Which of the following expressions represents the perimeter of the garden?

2w + 10
w(w + 5)
2w + 5
4w + 10 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4w + 10

First, define the dimensions. The width is *w*. The length is "5 feet longer than its width," so length = w + 5. Substitute these into the perimeter formula: P = 2((w + 5) + w). Simplify inside the parentheses by combining like terms: P = 2(2w + 5). Finally, use the distributive property to get the simplified expression: P = 4w + 10.

Question 42: In the expression 7a³b² - 3ab + 2b, how many terms are there?

2
4
3 (Correct answer)
6

Correct answer: 3

Terms are separated by addition or subtraction; there are 3 terms: 7a³b², -3ab, and 2b.

Question 43: What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?

A primary source is always more reliable than a secondary source.
A primary source is an original document or firsthand account; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources. (Correct answer)
A primary source is a textbook; a secondary source is a newspaper article.
A secondary source is written by the original author; a primary source is a summary.

Correct answer: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account; a secondary source analyzes or interprets primary sources.

Primary sources are original materials like diaries or research data, while secondary sources interpret or discuss those original materials.

Question 44: A student is writing a narrative about a difficult choice. Which opening would score highest on the NJSLA because it immediately engages the reader?

'This story is about a hard choice I had to make one day.'
'Choices are important in life and everyone has to make them.'
'In the following narrative, I will describe a difficult situation.'
'I had exactly three seconds to decide, and every option felt like a trap.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'I had exactly three seconds to decide, and every option felt like a trap.'

An in-the-moment opening with tension and specific detail immediately draws the reader in and establishes narrative voice.

Question 45: A student is analyzing the character of Elara from a fantasy novel. In the beginning, Elara is a timid librarian who discovers she has magical abilities. When a dark sorcerer threatens her village, she is terrified. The student notes that Elara initially tries to find a powerful warrior to solve the problem. However, after the warrior is defeated, Elara spends weeks in her library, not reading ancient legends, but studying tactical manuals and maps. She then emerges with a plan, not of magical confrontation, but of strategic retreat and guerilla warfare, leading the villagers to safety through forgotten mountain passes. Based on this scenario, how does Elara's character develop in response to the conflict?

She becomes reckless and impulsive, abandoning her scholarly nature.
She relies on others to fight her battles for her.
She develops from a passive character into a strategic and resourceful leader. (Correct answer)
She embraces her magical powers to become an all-powerful sorceress.

Correct answer: She develops from a passive character into a strategic and resourceful leader.

Elara's development is shown through her shift from seeking a traditional hero to becoming a leader herself. Initially passive and reliant on others, the failure of that approach forces her to use her inherent skills—research and knowledge—in a new, practical way. She becomes a strategist, demonstrating resourcefulness and leadership by creating a plan based on tactics, not just magic. This shows her growth from a timid librarian into an effective leader.

Question 46: A jar contains 4 red, 6 blue, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of randomly selecting a blue marble?

1/3
3/6
1/2 (Correct answer)
6/12

Correct answer: 1/2

There are 6 blue out of 12 total marbles: 6/12 = 1/2.

Question 47: What does a student's 'Student Growth Percentile' (SGP) on the NJSLA measure?

The student's raw score compared to national averages
The percentage of questions answered correctly
How much a student grew academically compared to peers with similar prior scores (Correct answer)
A student's projected SAT score

Correct answer: How much a student grew academically compared to peers with similar prior scores

SGP compares a student's growth to that of academic peers (students with similar score histories), ranging from 1 to 99.

Question 48: A student reads a science article that includes a diagram showing how photosynthesis works. What is the PRIMARY purpose of including this diagram?

To provide a visual representation that supports understanding of the process (Correct answer)
To replace the written explanation entirely
To confuse readers who prefer text
To make the article appear more professional

Correct answer: To provide a visual representation that supports understanding of the process

Diagrams in informational texts visually represent complex processes to help readers understand relationships and sequences described in the text.

Question 49: An informational text is organized as follows: introduction, problem identified, possible solutions presented, best solution recommended, conclusion. This is BEST described as:

Chronological structure
Compare and contrast structure
Problem and solution structure (Correct answer)
Cause and effect structure

Correct answer: Problem and solution structure

Problem and solution structure presents an issue and then evaluates or recommends ways to address it.

Question 50: A student analyzing a Langston Hughes poem notes that the speaker's tone shifts from hopeful to bitter by the final stanza. What is the MOST likely reason to examine this shift?

To count the syllables in each line
To understand how the speaker's attitude changes and what that reveals about the poem's theme (Correct answer)
To determine the historical period in which the poem was written
To identify the poem's rhyme scheme

Correct answer: To understand how the speaker's attitude changes and what that reveals about the poem's theme

Analyzing a tonal shift helps reveal the speaker's evolving perspective and how it connects to the poem's central message.

Question 51: A circle has a circumference of 31.4 cm. What is its area? (Use π ≈ 3.14)

100 cm²
25 cm²
50 cm²
78.5 cm² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 78.5 cm²

C = 2πr → r = 31.4/(2 × 3.14) = 5 cm; Area = πr² = 3.14 × 25 = 78.5 cm².

Question 52: Which sentence best introduces a direct quotation in an informational essay?

I found this quote: 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'
According to marine biologist Dr. Jane Lin, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.' (Correct answer)
The internet says, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'
Someone said, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'

Correct answer: According to marine biologist Dr. Jane Lin, 'ocean temperatures have risen 1.5 degrees since 1950.'

Introducing a quote with the author's name and credentials (signal phrase) establishes credibility and correctly integrates the evidence.

Question 53: A student is told their essay lacks 'coherence.' Which revision strategy BEST addresses this?

Write a longer introduction
Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs (Correct answer)
Change the thesis to a question
Add more direct quotes from the sources

Correct answer: Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs

Coherence—the logical flow of ideas—is improved by using transitions that show relationships between sentences, paragraphs, and the central thesis.

Question 54: What accommodation is commonly provided to eligible students with IEPs during NJSLA testing?

Skipping required sections
Extended time (Correct answer)
Taking the test at home
Using a different version of the test with fewer questions

Correct answer: Extended time

Extended time is one of the most common accommodations provided to eligible students with IEPs or 504 plans.

Question 55: In dance, what does 'choreography' refer to?

The music played during a dance performance
The lighting used on a dance stage
The costumes worn by dancers
The art of designing and arranging dance movements (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The art of designing and arranging dance movements

Choreography is the art of creating and arranging sequences of dance movements to be performed.

Question 56: A probability experiment involves rolling a fair six-sided die. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?

1/6
2/3
1/3 (Correct answer)
1/2

Correct answer: 1/3

Numbers greater than 4 on a die are 5 and 6, giving 2 favorable outcomes out of 6 total, which simplifies to 1/3.

Question 57: Kevin saves $55 per week. After 8 weeks he spends $140 on shoes and $95 on a jacket. How much money does Kevin have left?

$205 (Correct answer)
$215
$195
$185

Correct answer: $205

Total saved = 8 × $55 = $440; total spent = $140 + $95 = $235; remaining = $440 − $235 = $205.

Question 58: A car rental company charges $40 per day plus $0.15 per mile. Which inequality represents renting for 3 days and staying under $200?

120 + 0.15m < 200
120 + 0.15m ≤ 200 (Correct answer)
40 + 0.15m < 200
3(40 + 0.15m) ≤ 200

Correct answer: 120 + 0.15m ≤ 200

The cost for 3 days is 3 × $40 = $120 plus $0.15 per mile, giving 120 + 0.15m ≤ 200 for staying within budget.

Question 59: In the passage, a character is described as 'an inveterate traveler who had visited over fifty countries.' What does inveterate suggest about the traveler?

habitual (Correct answer)
fearful
occasional
reluctant

Correct answer: habitual

Inveterate means having a habit or practice that is deeply established over time.

Question 60: A pool holds 12,000 gallons. It is currently 35% full. A pump adds 150 gallons per hour. How many hours will it take to fill the pool to 80% capacity?

45 hours
32 hours
40 hours
36 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36 hours

80% of 12,000 = 9,600 gal; 35% = 4,200 gal already in pool; need 5,400 more gal ÷ 150 gal/hr = 36 hours.

NJSLA – New Jersey Student Learning Assessment

The NJSLA measures student proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science across New Jersey public schools (grades 3–11). It uses multiple-choice, constructed-response, and technology-enhanced items.

Questions

390 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

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