ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Listen to this conversation: <br> Speaker 1: "Would you like coffee or tea?" <br> Speaker 2: "I'll have tea, please." <br> What will Speaker 2 drink?

Water.
Juice.
Coffee.
Tea. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tea.

In the conversation, Speaker 1 offers a choice between coffee or tea. Speaker 2 clearly states, "I'll have tea, please." This indicates their preference and choice. Therefore, Speaker 2 will drink tea, as explicitly requested in their response.

Question 2: Which question requires a student to make an inference rather than find a direct answer in the text?

Why did the character feel nervous, based on clues in the story? (Correct answer)
What year is listed in the first paragraph?
How many characters are mentioned?
What is the title of the passage?

Correct answer: Why did the character feel nervous, based on clues in the story?

Inference questions require combining textual clues with reasoning, not just locating stated facts.

Question 3: Which sentence is a run-on?

After going to the store, I bought milk.
I went to the store.
I went to the store I bought milk. (Correct answer)
I went to the store, and I bought milk.

Correct answer: I went to the store I bought milk.

A run-on sentence joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Question 4: Which word means 'to give an example to make something clearer'?

Acquire
Restore
Evaluate
Illustrate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Illustrate

'Illustrate' means to explain or make clear by using examples.

Question 5: Why is 'wait time' important during ACCESS Speaking administration?

It allows the rater to adjust the scoring rubric mid-task
It fills pauses required by the standardized script
It ensures the audio equipment records properly
It gives ELL students adequate processing time to formulate responses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It gives ELL students adequate processing time to formulate responses

ELL students may need additional processing time to retrieve vocabulary and formulate speech; adequate wait time supports valid performance.

Question 6: An ACCESS test passage describes a student who moved from another country struggling to understand why American classmates speak directly and bluntly. This communication difference is best explained by the fact that U.S. culture tends to be:

Formal and ceremonial in all social interactions
High-context, relying heavily on indirect communication and unspoken cues
Low-context, preferring direct and explicit verbal communication (Correct answer)
Entirely non-verbal in professional settings

Correct answer: Low-context, preferring direct and explicit verbal communication

The U.S. is considered a low-context culture where communication is typically direct, explicit, and verbal rather than implied.

Question 7: A recipe reads: 'Stir the batter until smooth, then pour into a greased pan. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.' What should the cook do LAST?

Bake in the oven (Correct answer)
Pour the batter
Grease the pan
Stir the batter

Correct answer: Bake in the oven

The steps are given in order: stir, pour, then bake—making baking the last step.

Question 8: Which word signals a cause-and-effect relationship between two sentences?

However
Meanwhile
Because (Correct answer)
Although

Correct answer: Because

'Because' introduces the reason or cause for a result, signaling a cause-and-effect relationship.

Question 9: A student reads a biography of Harriet Tubman and a historical fiction story set in the same era. How are these texts DIFFERENT?

The fiction is always more accurate than the biography
The biography contains only pictures; the fiction has only words
The biography presents real facts; the fiction may include invented characters or events (Correct answer)
Both texts contain only the author's opinions

Correct answer: The biography presents real facts; the fiction may include invented characters or events

Biographies are nonfiction accounts of real people and events, while historical fiction blends real settings with invented elements.

Question 10: What is the purpose of the DPSST 'fitness for duty' standard in the certification process?

To rank applicants by athletic performance for hiring preference
To confirm that officers are physically and psychologically able to perform public safety duties (Correct answer)
To ensure officers meet a minimum physical fitness score annually
To set body weight limits for law enforcement candidates

Correct answer: To confirm that officers are physically and psychologically able to perform public safety duties

Fitness for duty encompasses both physical and psychological readiness, ensuring officers can safely and effectively carry out their public safety responsibilities.

Question 11: What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing?

Eliminating questions you don't know
Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds (Correct answer)
Removing your first answer
Skipping every other question

Correct answer: Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds

Process of elimination involves identifying and removing clearly wrong answers, increasing the probability of selecting the correct answer from remaining options.

Question 12: A student reads: 'The cafeteria serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students must show their ID card to receive a meal.' What does a student NEED to get lunch?

A teacher's note
A permission slip
An ID card (Correct answer)
Extra money

Correct answer: An ID card

The text states students must show their ID card to receive a meal.

Question 13: A student reads a graph showing rainfall totals for January through June. June has the tallest bar. What conclusion can be drawn?

It never rains in January.
June had the most rainfall in that period. (Correct answer)
Rain only falls in June.
The graph contains errors.

Correct answer: June had the most rainfall in that period.

The tallest bar on a bar graph represents the highest value, meaning June had the most rainfall.

Question 14: A news report states: 'Local volunteers planted over five hundred trees in the city park last Saturday as part of an environmental campaign.' What did the volunteers do?

Planted more than five hundred trees (Correct answer)
Removed old trees from the park
Built new benches in the park
Cleaned the park's water fountain

Correct answer: Planted more than five hundred trees

The report clearly states that volunteers planted over five hundred trees in the city park.

Question 15: What is the most effective study technique according to research?

Listening to music while studying
Re-reading notes multiple times
Highlighting text
Active recall with spaced repetition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Active recall with spaced repetition

Active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at intervals) is the most effective study method per cognitive science research.

Question 16: In an academic text, the word 'factor' most closely means:

A tool used in science class
A person who gives advice
A type of math problem
Something that contributes to a result (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Something that contributes to a result

A 'factor' is something that influences or contributes to an outcome or result.

Question 17: What is a primary source?

A newspaper editorial
An encyclopedia entry
An original, firsthand account of an event (Correct answer)
A textbook summary

Correct answer: An original, firsthand account of an event

Primary sources are original materials from the time period (diaries, letters, photographs, official records) providing firsthand evidence.

Question 18: Read: 'Although it rained all morning, the afternoon became sunny and warm.' What does 'although' signal?

The two parts of the sentence are similar
The second event caused the first
The events happened at the same time
The two parts of the sentence contrast each other (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The two parts of the sentence contrast each other

'Although' is a contrast signal word showing that the afternoon was different from the rainy morning.

Question 19: A passage has two paragraphs. The first describes a problem; the second proposes a solution. What text structure does this represent?

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

Correct answer: Problem and solution

When a text presents a problem and then describes how to address it, the structure is problem and solution.

Question 20: A student says, 'I'm not sure I agree with that idea.' What language function does this represent?

Expressing disagreement (Correct answer)
Agreeing politely
Asking for permission
Describing a sequence

Correct answer: Expressing disagreement

Saying you are 'not sure you agree' is a polite way to express disagreement.

Question 21: What is the role of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?

To provide a definition
To introduce a new topic
To list supporting details
To wrap up the paragraph's main idea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To wrap up the paragraph's main idea

A concluding sentence summarizes or reinforces the main idea of the paragraph without introducing new information.

Question 22: A student reads a chart showing daily temperatures for a week. Monday shows 72°F and Friday shows 85°F. How many degrees warmer was Friday than Monday?

13°F (Correct answer)
17°F
23°F
7°F

Correct answer: 13°F

85 minus 72 equals 13, so Friday was 13°F warmer than Monday.

Question 23: A student reads: 'The athlete trained for years, enduring pain and setbacks.' The word 'enduring' most likely means:

Forgetting
Avoiding
Suffering through (Correct answer)
Enjoying

Correct answer: Suffering through

In this context, 'enduring' means tolerating or suffering through difficulties over time.

Question 24: In a story, the narrator describes events as they happen to themselves. This is called:

Third-person point of view
First-person point of view (Correct answer)
Omniscient point of view
Second-person point of view

Correct answer: First-person point of view

First-person point of view uses 'I' and tells the story from the narrator's own perspective.

Question 25: Under DPSST eligibility rules, which of the following prior criminal records would most likely disqualify an applicant?

An expunged juvenile offense
A dismissed DUI charge
A domestic violence misdemeanor conviction (Correct answer)
A single misdemeanor traffic violation from 10 years ago

Correct answer: A domestic violence misdemeanor conviction

Under federal law (Lautenberg Amendment) and DPSST rules, a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction is a permanent disqualifier for public safety certification.

Question 26: How are ACCESS domain scores weighted in calculating the overall composite score?

Speaking and listening each count 35%, reading and writing each count 15%
Literacy domains (reading/writing) are weighted more heavily (Correct answer)
Reading counts 50%, other domains count 50% combined
All four domains are weighted equally at 25% each

Correct answer: Literacy domains (reading/writing) are weighted more heavily

ACCESS weights reading and writing more heavily in the overall composite because academic literacy is central to school success.

Question 27: What is the main purpose of identifying an author's purpose?

To identify the publication date
To memorize vocabulary
To find grammar errors
To understand why the text was written and how to interpret it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To understand why the text was written and how to interpret it

Understanding the author's purpose (inform, persuade, entertain) helps readers interpret the text correctly.

Question 28: A teacher says: 'Please open your textbook to chapter three and read the first paragraph silently.' What should the student do first?

Write down chapter three notes
Open the textbook to chapter three (Correct answer)
Ask a partner for help
Read aloud to the class

Correct answer: Open the textbook to chapter three

The teacher's instruction begins with opening the textbook to a specific chapter before reading.

Question 29: A student reads: 'The test was a breeze.' What does this figurative expression mean?

The test was very cold
The test was very easy (Correct answer)
The test was outdoors
The test was about weather

Correct answer: The test was very easy

'A breeze' is an idiom meaning something easy or effortless.

Question 30: How does documentation support quality in Speaking Skills?

Documentation is unnecessary overhead
It only serves administrative purposes
It creates records, ensures consistency, and enables improvement (Correct answer)
It is only for billing

Correct answer: It creates records, ensures consistency, and enables improvement

Proper documentation creates accountability, ensures consistency, supports quality improvement, and provides legal protection.

Question 31: Which of the following is an OPINION?

The Amazon River is in South America.
Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor. (Correct answer)
Dogs are mammals.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Correct answer: Chocolate ice cream is the best flavor.

An opinion expresses a personal belief or preference that cannot be proven, like 'best flavor.'

Question 32: Which statement best describes a student performing at the 'Expanding' (Level 4) proficiency level on ACCESS for ELLs?

Uses English effectively in a variety of social and academic contexts with some linguistic complexity (Correct answer)
Understands only basic greetings and common words
Demonstrates fully equivalent performance to native English speakers
Produces one-word or two-word responses in familiar contexts

Correct answer: Uses English effectively in a variety of social and academic contexts with some linguistic complexity

Level 4 Expanding students use English across a range of contexts with increasing complexity, though some support may still be needed for abstract academic tasks.

Question 33: Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?

Therefore
Furthermore
Similarly
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or opposing idea between two sentences or clauses.

Question 34: A student sees this sentence: 'The new student felt like a fish out of water on her first day.' What does 'fish out of water' mean?

She forgot to bring her lunch
She was very hungry
She was excited to meet new friends
She felt uncomfortable and out of place (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She felt uncomfortable and out of place

The idiom 'fish out of water' means someone feels awkward or out of place in an unfamiliar situation.

Question 35: A student reads: 'After centuries of silence, the ancient city was finally rediscovered.' The prefix 're-' in 'rediscovered' means:

Not
Before
Against
Again (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Again

The prefix 're-' means 'again,' so 'rediscovered' means discovered once more.

Question 36: You hear a school principal say: 'Our school values respect, responsibility, and kindness above all else.' Which value is NOT mentioned?

Responsibility
Respect
Creativity (Correct answer)
Kindness

Correct answer: Creativity

The principal lists respect, responsibility, and kindness, but creativity is never mentioned.

Question 37: A student who speaks fluently but uses mostly simple and repetitive sentence structures would most likely score at which ACCESS Speaking level?

Level 5 – Bridging
Level 3 – Developing (Correct answer)
Level 6 – Reaching
Level 1 – Entering

Correct answer: Level 3 – Developing

Level 3 (Developing) students produce recognizable sentences with adequate fluency but lack the structural variety needed for higher levels.

Question 38: What role does wait time play in the ACCESS Speaking test administration?

It is used to penalize slow speakers
It is not used in the ACCESS Speaking format
It determines the test's total duration
It gives students time to formulate their spoken response (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It gives students time to formulate their spoken response

Wait time is built into the ACCESS Speaking administration to give students adequate time to process the prompt and formulate their oral response.

Question 39: How are the Listening and Reading domains weighted in the ACCESS Composite score calculation?

Listening 15%, Reading 15% (Correct answer)
Listening 15%, Reading 35%
Listening 20%, Reading 20%
Listening 25%, Reading 25%

Correct answer: Listening 15%, Reading 15%

In the ACCESS Composite formula, Listening and Reading are each weighted at 15%, while Speaking is 15% and Writing is 35%.

Question 40: Which text feature helps a reader quickly find where a specific topic is discussed in a nonfiction book?

Glossary
Table of contents
Index (Correct answer)
Bibliography

Correct answer: Index

An index lists topics alphabetically with page numbers, making it easy to locate specific information quickly.

Question 41: During a parent-teacher conference, an American teacher addresses the parent by their first name. This shows:

Disrespect toward the parent
That the teacher does not know the parent's last name
A formal professional greeting
An informal, egalitarian communication style common in the U.S. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An informal, egalitarian communication style common in the U.S.

American professional culture often favors informal, first-name communication as a sign of friendliness and equality.

Question 42: What is a container in software deployment?

A database
A lightweight, portable unit packaging an application with its dependencies (Correct answer)
A physical server
A network device

Correct answer: A lightweight, portable unit packaging an application with its dependencies

Containers package applications with their dependencies into standardized units that run consistently across different environments.

Question 43: Which ACCESS proficiency level descriptor is associated with students who can communicate only in limited, highly context-embedded situations?

Developing
Entering (Correct answer)
Bridging
Reaching

Correct answer: Entering

Level 1 'Entering' describes students with minimal English who rely on visual and contextual support to communicate.

Question 44: What is 'language complexity' as it relates to ACCESS Speaking performance?

The number of topics mentioned in one response
The loudness of the student's voice
The variety and sophistication of grammatical structures used (Correct answer)
The number of words spoken per minute

Correct answer: The variety and sophistication of grammatical structures used

Language complexity refers to how varied and advanced the grammatical structures are, such as use of subordinate clauses and conditional forms.

Question 45: You hear a conversation: 'Why didn't you answer my call last night?' 'My phone died and I couldn't find my charger until this morning.' What was the reason for not answering?

The phone had no battery and the charger was missing (Correct answer)
The phone was on silent mode
The person was sleeping
The person didn't recognize the number

Correct answer: The phone had no battery and the charger was missing

The person explains their phone died (no battery) and they couldn't locate the charger until morning.

Question 46: A student reads a poem that does not rhyme and has no fixed line length. This type of poem is called:

A sonnet
Free verse (Correct answer)
A limerick
A haiku

Correct answer: Free verse

Free verse poetry has no required rhyme scheme or meter, giving the poet flexible structure.

Question 47: Which context clue strategy helps you figure out an unknown word by looking at surrounding sentences?

Asking the teacher
Using a dictionary
Skipping the word
Using context clues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using context clues

Context clues are words and phrases near an unknown word that help reveal its meaning.

Question 48: An author writes: 'Students MUST arrive by 8:00 a.m. or they will be marked absent.' The word 'must' shows that arriving on time is:

Only needed on test days
Required with a clear consequence (Correct answer)
Strongly recommended but not required
Optional for some students

Correct answer: Required with a clear consequence

The word 'must' indicates a requirement, and the phrase 'or they will be marked absent' states the consequence.

Question 49: Which ACCESS domain assesses a student's ability to understand spoken English in academic contexts?

Listening (Correct answer)
Speaking
Writing
Reading

Correct answer: Listening

The Listening domain measures a student's ability to understand spoken academic English, including lectures and conversations.

Question 50: A student at the 'Developing' proficiency level on ACCESS for ELLs corresponds to which level number?

Level 2
Level 3 (Correct answer)
Level 1
Level 4

Correct answer: Level 3

Level 3 is called 'Developing,' representing students who are building more consistent English skills across domains.

Question 51: You hear: 'The substitute teacher told the class that whoever finished the worksheet could work on any quiet activity.' What is the condition for doing a quiet activity?

Being in a specific assigned seat
Finishing early and staying silent
Asking the teacher's permission first
Completing the worksheet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Completing the worksheet

The substitute's rule is that students must finish the worksheet before moving to a quiet activity.

Question 52: What does 'compare and contrast' mean in reading?

Reading two texts at the same time
Comparing reading speeds
Identifying similarities and differences between two or more things (Correct answer)
Contrasting font sizes

Correct answer: Identifying similarities and differences between two or more things

Compare and contrast involves analyzing two or more subjects to find their similarities (compare) and differences (contrast).

Question 53: Which word could replace 'show' in an academic essay to sound more formal?

Say
Look
Tell
Demonstrate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Demonstrate

'Demonstrate' is the formal academic word meaning to show or prove something clearly.

Question 54: Listen to this announcement: "The train to Central Station will depart in 10 minutes from Platform 3." Where should you go if you're taking the train?

Central Station.
The waiting room.
Platform 3. (Correct answer)
Platform 10.

Correct answer: Platform 3.

The announcement explicitly states the departure location for the train: 'Platform 3.' Therefore, to take the train, you must go to the platform specified in the announcement. The other options are incorrect as they either refer to the destination or irrelevant locations.

Question 55: Which speaking proficiency level is associated with students who can initiate and sustain academic conversations with minimal support?

Entering
Emerging
Bridging to Reaching (Correct answer)
Developing

Correct answer: Bridging to Reaching

Students at the Bridging to Reaching level can initiate and sustain academic conversations with minimal support, demonstrating near-proficient English.

Question 56: In the sentence 'Despite the rain, we continued the game,' what language function does 'despite' signal?

Concession or contrast (Correct answer)
Time sequence
Cause
Addition

Correct answer: Concession or contrast

'Despite' introduces a concession, showing that the second action happened even though the first condition was present.

Question 57: Which speaking task type is most commonly assessed in the ACCESS Speaking section for upper grade bands?

Presenting an argument with supporting details (Correct answer)
Repeating isolated words
Counting objects in a picture
Labeling pictures with single words

Correct answer: Presenting an argument with supporting details

Upper grade band speaking tasks on ACCESS require students to present arguments and support them with details, reflecting academic language demands.

Question 58: Which component makes up the ACCESS for ELLs Literacy composite score?

Listening and Writing
Reading and Writing (Correct answer)
Listening and Speaking
Speaking and Reading

Correct answer: Reading and Writing

The Literacy composite combines Reading and Writing scores, measuring a student's overall print-based English language skills.

Question 59: A chart shows that City A gets 40 inches of rain per year and City B gets 12 inches. What can you CONCLUDE from this data?

City A receives more rainfall than City B (Correct answer)
City A is closer to the ocean
City B has more people than City A
City A is warmer than City B

Correct answer: City A receives more rainfall than City B

The chart directly shows City A receives 40 inches versus City B's 12 inches, so City A gets more rainfall.

Question 60: What does it mean when an ACCESS score report shows a student's score as 'W-APT' instead of an ACCESS score?

The student took an alternate form of the assessment
The student was absent on test day
The student took the placement screener instead of the full annual ACCESS test (Correct answer)
The student passed all proficiency levels

Correct answer: The student took the placement screener instead of the full annual ACCESS test

W-APT (WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test) is the screener used for initial ELL identification, not the full annual ACCESS assessment.

Question 61: What is the primary goal of DevOps?

To reduce the development team size
To improve collaboration between development and operations for faster, reliable delivery (Correct answer)
To replace all manual processes
To eliminate the need for testing

Correct answer: To improve collaboration between development and operations for faster, reliable delivery

DevOps aims to break down silos between development and operations teams, enabling faster and more reliable software delivery through collaboration and automation.

Question 62: What does a 'Reaching' level (Level 6) designation on ACCESS indicate about a student?

The student has failed to advance beyond basic skills
The student demonstrates English proficiency comparable to native speakers at grade level (Correct answer)
The student is exempt from future testing
The student requires intensive intervention

Correct answer: The student demonstrates English proficiency comparable to native speakers at grade level

Level 6 'Reaching' indicates a student has achieved English proficiency at or near the level of native English-speaking peers.

Question 63: Which text structure is used in a passage that explains 'First, water evaporates. Then, water vapor rises. Finally, clouds form and rain falls'?

Cause and effect
Sequential/chronological order (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Problem and solution

Correct answer: Sequential/chronological order

Signal words like 'first,' 'then,' and 'finally' indicate events are described in sequential order.

Question 64: Which phrase best expresses a language function of comparing two things?

She arrived late because of traffic.
The cheetah is faster than the lion. (Correct answer)
First, we should gather data.
Turn left at the corner.

Correct answer: The cheetah is faster than the lion.

Using 'faster than' directly compares the speed of two animals, demonstrating the comparison function.

Question 65: What does 'making an inference' mean?

Identifying the title
Drawing a conclusion from evidence not explicitly stated (Correct answer)
Copying text directly
Summarizing the first paragraph

Correct answer: Drawing a conclusion from evidence not explicitly stated

Inferring means using clues and prior knowledge to reach a conclusion that isn't directly stated in the text.

Question 66: You hear: 'The museum exhibit runs from July fifth through August twenty-first. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.' On which day can visitors enter for free?

On August twenty-first
Every Sunday during the exhibit
Only on July fifth
On the first Sunday of each month (Correct answer)

Correct answer: On the first Sunday of each month

The announcement specifically states that free admission is offered on the first Sunday of each month.

Question 67: What is the difference between a main idea and a supporting detail?

Main ideas are always in the title
Details are more important
Main idea is the central message; details provide evidence for it (Correct answer)
They are the same thing

Correct answer: Main idea is the central message; details provide evidence for it

The main idea is the overarching point the author makes, while supporting details are specific facts, examples, or evidence that back it up.

Question 68: What does 'discourse competence' refer to in the context of ACCESS Speaking scores?

The ability to understand spoken directions
The ability to write grammatically correct sentences
The ability to pronounce words correctly
The ability to organize ideas into coherent, connected speech (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ability to organize ideas into coherent, connected speech

Discourse competence measures how well a student connects ideas logically and maintains topic coherence across multiple utterances.

Question 69: In ACCESS Speaking, a student who uses mostly memorized chunks of language with little flexibility is demonstrating which proficiency level?

Level 5 – Bridging
Level 4 – Expanding
Level 3 – Developing
Level 1 – Entering (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Level 1 – Entering

Level 1 (Entering) speakers rely heavily on memorized phrases and formulaic language with minimal productive flexibility.

Question 70: A student scores a 3.5 on the ACCESS. Under most state policies, what is the most likely outcome?

The student is immediately exited from ELL services
The student continues in ELL services and works toward the exit threshold (Correct answer)
The student is reclassified as a native English speaker
The student must take the ACCESS test twice in the same year

Correct answer: The student continues in ELL services and works toward the exit threshold

A score of 3.5 is below most states' exit threshold (typically 4.5 or 5.0 Composite), so the student remains in ELL services.

Question 71: What does it mean to 'evaluate' a source of information?

Judge how reliable or useful the information is (Correct answer)
Find information that disagrees with it
Copy the information exactly
Translate the information into another language

Correct answer: Judge how reliable or useful the information is

To 'evaluate' means to assess the quality, value, or reliability of something.

Question 72: How should you manage time during a timed test?

Rush through the entire test
Spend equal time on every question
Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones (Correct answer)
Only work on hard questions

Correct answer: Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones

Calculate time per question, spend less on easy questions to bank time for harder ones, and check your pace periodically.

Question 73: A student receives a Composite score of 4.2 on the ACCESS test. Which proficiency level does this score fall under?

Developing
Reaching
Expanding (Correct answer)
Bridging

Correct answer: Expanding

A score of 4.2 falls in the Expanding level, which spans approximately scores 4.0–5.0.

Question 74: A student at the 'Emerging' (Level 2) proficiency level would most likely be able to do which of the following in reading?

Comprehend grade-level literary texts with no support
Write extended essays using academic vocabulary
Identify a few familiar words and simple phrases in print (Correct answer)
Read and analyze complex academic texts independently

Correct answer: Identify a few familiar words and simple phrases in print

Level 2 Emerging readers can typically identify familiar words and simple phrases but need significant support for extended or complex texts.

Question 75: Which sentence uses the correct form of 'their,' 'there,' or 'they're'?

The students forgot they're books.
There going to the library.
There books are on the table.
The students left their books on the desk. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The students left their books on the desk.

'Their' shows possession and is correctly used here to indicate the books belong to the students.

Question 76: A story's character attends a 'town hall meeting.' In American civic culture, this type of event is where:

Community members gather to discuss local issues and hear from representatives (Correct answer)
Businesses receive permits to operate in the community
Only elected officials can speak and vote on local laws
New residents receive their citizenship papers

Correct answer: Community members gather to discuss local issues and hear from representatives

Town hall meetings are a democratic American tradition where citizens engage directly with officials and discuss community concerns.

Question 77: Read this passage: 'Leo studied every night for two weeks. On test day, he felt confident and finished early.' What can you INFER about Leo?

Leo forgot to study
Leo found the test very difficult
Leo's preparation helped him succeed (Correct answer)
Leo did not prepare well

Correct answer: Leo's preparation helped him succeed

The details about studying every night and then feeling confident support the inference that his preparation led to success.

Question 78: Which sentence contains a simile?

She ran like the wind during the race. (Correct answer)
His laughter filled the room with joy.
The thunder roared angrily.
The sun is a golden ball in the sky.

Correct answer: She ran like the wind during the race.

A simile makes a comparison using 'like' or 'as'; 'ran like the wind' compares her speed to wind.

Question 79: A DPSST-certified officer retires and is later found to have committed misconduct during their service. Can DPSST take action?

Only if the officer seeks re-employment within 2 years
Only if a criminal conviction also occurred
No — retirement ends DPSST jurisdiction
Yes — DPSST can revoke the officer's certification even after retirement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes — DPSST can revoke the officer's certification even after retirement

DPSST retains jurisdiction over certification matters for past conduct, meaning a retired officer's certification can still be revoked for serious misconduct discovered after retirement.

Question 80: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Maria ran quickly through the park.
Running through the park, the flowers were beautiful. (Correct answer)
Running through the park, Maria felt happy.
The flowers bloomed in spring.

Correct answer: Running through the park, the flowers were beautiful.

A dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase doesn't logically connect to the subject; flowers cannot run through a park.

ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State for English Language Learners)

The ACCESS for ELLs is an annual English language proficiency assessment administered by WIDA to K-12 English Language Learners, measuring proficiency across Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing domains on a 1–6 scale. It is used to determine ELL program placement and exit eligibility.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds