CELDT CELDT Test-Taking Strategies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'context clues' mean when reading an unfamiliar word?
- Looking up the word in a dictionary
- Using surrounding words and sentences to figure out the word's meaning (Correct answer)
- Skipping the word and moving on
- Sounding the word out loud
Correct answer: Using surrounding words and sentences to figure out the word's meaning
Context clues are hints found in the surrounding text that help you determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Question 2: If a CELDT question asks you to find a 'detail,' where should you look?
- Only in your own opinion
- Directly in the text for specific information (Correct answer)
- In another passage
- In the question itself
Correct answer: Directly in the text for specific information
Details are specific pieces of information found directly in the text, so you should locate them in the passage.
Question 3: Which is the best way to improve your English vocabulary for the CELDT?
- Memorize only test vocabulary words the night before
- Read widely in English and learn words in context (Correct answer)
- Avoid reading to save energy for the test
- Only study words in your native language
Correct answer: Read widely in English and learn words in context
Reading widely in English helps you encounter words in context, which deepens understanding and long-term retention.
Question 4: On the CELDT, which sentence structure is most appropriate for a formal written response?
- I think it's pretty cool how plants grow.
- Plants are kind of interesting I guess.
- Photosynthesis enables plants to convert sunlight into energy. (Correct answer)
- Plants make food using the sun or whatever.
Correct answer: Photosynthesis enables plants to convert sunlight into energy.
Formal academic writing uses precise vocabulary and complete sentences without informal language.
Question 5: What is the purpose of re-reading a passage section on the CELDT?
- To waste time
- To find specific evidence needed to answer a question accurately (Correct answer)
- To change your first answer randomly
- To read every word at a slower speed for no reason
Correct answer: To find specific evidence needed to answer a question accurately
Re-reading specific sections helps you locate evidence to support your answers and increase accuracy.
Question 6: What does 'fluency' mean in the context of English language development?
- Speaking very loudly
- The ability to use language smoothly and naturally (Correct answer)
- Knowing only basic words
- Writing with perfect spelling only
Correct answer: The ability to use language smoothly and naturally
Fluency in language refers to the ability to speak, read, write, and understand a language smoothly, accurately, and at a natural pace.
What does 'context clues' mean when reading an unfamiliar word?