Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (5752) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following words is correctly divided into syllables?

com-pute-r (comp/ute/r)
c-om-pu-ter (c/om/pu/ter)
com-pu-ter (com/pu/ter) (Correct answer)
co-mpu-ter (co/mpu/ter)

Correct answer: com-pu-ter (com/pu/ter)

Computer has three syllables: com-pu-ter. Syllable division follows the VC/CV pattern (between two consonants) and recognizes open/closed syllables.

Question 2: Which best describes a constructivist approach to instruction?

Learning is purely memorization
Students passively receive transmitted facts
The teacher dictates all answers
Students build understanding through active inquiry and experience (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students build understanding through active inquiry and experience

Constructivism holds that learners actively construct knowledge through experience and inquiry.

Question 3: The following is a breakdown of a year-end test that includes math, science, and language arts questions: The language arts portion accounts for 30% of the overall score, while the math and science sections each account for 35% of the overall score. What is Marys' overall score if he received an 89 on the math exam, an 85 on the science section, and a 76 on the language arts section? Your answer should be rounded to the nearest whole number.

88
80
83
84 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 84

To calculate the overall weighted score, multiply each section's score by its corresponding percentage weight and then sum the results. For Math (89 * 0.35 = 31.15), Science (85 * 0.35 = 29.75), and Language Arts (76 * 0.30 = 22.8), the total sum is 31.15 + 29.75 + 22.8 = 83.7. Rounding 83.7 to the nearest whole number gives an overall score of 84.

Question 4: Which of the following best describes a 'logical fallacy' in an argumentative text?

A counterargument the author successfully refutes
A flaw in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument (Correct answer)
A well-supported claim based on solid evidence
A statistical claim that cannot be verified

Correct answer: A flaw in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument

A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading, regardless of whether the conclusion might be true.

Question 5: Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when teaching the 'silent e' (VCe) pattern?

Teach diphthongs simultaneously
Show how the e makes the preceding vowel say its long sound (Correct answer)
Introduce multisyllabic Latin roots
Have students memorize a list of exception words

Correct answer: Show how the e makes the preceding vowel say its long sound

The core VCe principle is that the final silent e signals a long vowel sound in the preceding vowel.

Question 6: Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

Running to catch the bus, the door slammed.
Running to catch the bus, the backpack opened.
Running to catch the bus, my backpack fell open.
Running to catch the bus, I dropped my backpack. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Running to catch the bus, I dropped my backpack.

The modifier "Running to catch the bus" correctly describes "I," the subject.

Question 7: A teacher introduces word families such as -at, -an, and -ap. This approach primarily builds skill with:

Morphological analysis
Syllable stress
Diphthongs
Onset and rime (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Onset and rime

Word families teach rimes, helping students decode by analogy using the onset and rime structure.

Question 8: Which word demonstrates an r-controlled vowel?

bid
bide
bead
bird (Correct answer)

Correct answer: bird

In 'bird' the 'r' alters the vowel sound, producing the r-controlled /ur/ sound.

Question 9: John's sock drawer contains 4 pairs of green socks, 7 pairs of black socks, and 7 pairs of red socks. If John reaches into the drawer at random, what are his chances of NOT selecting a pair of green socks?

1/3
2/5
7/9 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7/9

First, calculate the total number of sock pairs: 4 (green) + 7 (black) + 7 (red) = 18 pairs. Next, determine the number of pairs that are NOT green, which are the black and red socks: 7 + 7 = 14 pairs. The probability of not selecting a pair of green socks is the number of non-green socks divided by the total number of socks, which is 14/18. This fraction simplifies to 7/9.

Question 10: A teacher groups students by their performance on a phonics screener to provide targeted small-group lessons. This practice is best described as:

Incidental learning
Whole-class lecture
Independent silent reading
Differentiated, data-driven instruction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Differentiated, data-driven instruction

Using assessment data to form skill-based groups is differentiated, data-driven instruction.

Question 11: Which of the following numbers has the greatest absolute value: 17, -9, 15.5, -20, 19?

- 20 (Correct answer)
19
15.5

Correct answer: - 20

The absolute value of a number is its distance from zero on the number line, always represented as a positive value. For the given numbers: |17|=17, |-9|=9, |15.5|=15.5, |-20|=20, and |19|=19. Comparing these absolute values, 20 is the greatest, which corresponds to the number -20.

Question 12: What is a 'schwa' sound?

The reduced, unstressed vowel sound /ə/ found in unstressed syllables (Correct answer)
A consonant sound that is always silent
A vowel sound that only occurs in closed syllables
A long vowel sound in a stressed syllable

Correct answer: The reduced, unstressed vowel sound /ə/ found in unstressed syllables

The schwa (/ə/) is the most common vowel sound in English — a reduced, unstressed 'uh' sound that appears in unstressed syllables (e.g., 'a' in 'about,' 'e' in 'taken').

Question 13: A standardized test reports a stanine score of 5. How should this be interpreted?

Well below average
A failing score
Well above average
Average performance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Average performance

Stanines range 1-9 with 5 representing the middle, or average, performance band.

Question 14: A data set shows the following temperatures (°F) for one week: 72, 68, 75, 80, 72, 65, 72. What is the mode?

65
75
72 (Correct answer)
68

Correct answer: 72

The mode is the value that appears most frequently. 72 appears three times, more than any other value.

Question 15: A passage uses words like 'devastating,' 'tragic,' and 'alarming' to describe a flood. These word choices reveal the author's:

Neutral, objective tone
Indifferent tone
Concerned and emotional tone (Correct answer)
Humorous tone

Correct answer: Concerned and emotional tone

Charged, negative words convey a tone of concern and emotional intensity about the event.

Question 16: What is a 'bibliography' or 'works cited' list in an informational text?

A summary of the main points in the text
A list of suggested books for further reading
A list of all sources the author used in creating the text (Correct answer)
A list of questions for discussion after reading

Correct answer: A list of all sources the author used in creating the text

A bibliography or works cited lists all sources the author consulted and cited in creating the text, supporting transparency and allowing verification.

Question 17: Select the correctly punctuated sentence.

The bell rang and, the students left.
The bell rang, the students left.
The bell rang the students left.
The bell rang, and the students left. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The bell rang, and the students left.

Two independent clauses joined by "and" require a comma before the conjunction.

Question 18: Which word contains a consonant-le syllable?

talking
tablet
taller
table (Correct answer)

Correct answer: table

'Table' ends in '-ble,' a consonant-le syllable that forms the final stable syllable.

Question 19: Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of liquid iron and nickel?

Mantle
Crust
Inner core
Outer core (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Outer core

The outer core is liquid iron and nickel and generates Earth's magnetic field.

Question 20: Which of the following best describes a counterargument in an essay?

A piece of evidence supporting the main claim
An argument that supports the thesis
A perspective that opposes the writer's position, which the writer then addresses (Correct answer)
A restatement of the thesis

Correct answer: A perspective that opposes the writer's position, which the writer then addresses

A counterargument presents an opposing view that the writer acknowledges and then refutes to strengthen their own argument.

Question 21: Choose the sentence with correct capitalization.

We studied the civil war in History class.
we studied the civil war in history class.
We studied the Civil War in History class.
We studied the Civil War in history class. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: We studied the Civil War in history class.

"Civil War" is a proper noun, but the general subject "history" is not capitalized.

Question 22: A passage explains that drought led to crop failure, which then caused food prices to rise. This chain illustrates:

Definition and example
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Alphabetical order

Correct answer: Cause and effect

Each event triggering the next forms a cause-and-effect chain.

Question 23: From this passage, we can infer that Edison:

E: could not climb a tree.
A: knew all about animals.
B: hated the other boy.
C: lived in a city. (Correct answer)
D: read the newspaper every day.

Correct answer: C: lived in a city.

Working as a newsboy, especially one who would 'fetch the captain' for a shipping company, strongly implies that Edison lived in an urban area or a town with a port. These activities are characteristic of a city environment, where newspapers are distributed and shipping operations are concentrated.

Question 24: An informational article contains the following: 'Studies show students learn better with access to technology.' What critical question should a careful reader ask?

Which studies? How were they conducted? Were they peer-reviewed? (Correct answer)
How many paragraphs does the article contain?
Does the author like technology?
Is the article written in the first or third person?

Correct answer: Which studies? How were they conducted? Were they peer-reviewed?

Careful readers question vague claims by asking for specifics: which studies, methodology, sample size, peer review status, and potential bias.

Question 25: 8.5 x 9.07 =

77.095 (Correct answer)
770.95
777.095

Correct answer: 77.095

To multiply 8.5 by 9.07, perform the multiplication as if they were whole numbers, then place the decimal point in the product. The numbers are 85 and 907. Their product is 77095. Since 8.5 has one decimal place and 9.07 has two decimal places, the total number of decimal places in the product must be 1 + 2 = 3. Counting three places from the right in 77095, the decimal point is placed to get 77.095.

Question 26: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act differs from IDEA in that Section 504:

Covers a broader range of disabilities and does not require specialized instruction (Correct answer)
Provides funding to schools for special education services
Requires individualized educational programs with annual goals
Only applies to students with physical disabilities

Correct answer: Covers a broader range of disabilities and does not require specialized instruction

Section 504 covers any condition that substantially limits a major life activity, offering accommodations without requiring the specialized instruction and funding structure of IDEA.

Question 27: Which word correctly completes the sentence? "The committee made ____ decision after long debate."

its'
it's
their's
its (Correct answer)

Correct answer: its

"Its" is the possessive form; "it's" means "it is."

Question 28: What causes the seasons on Earth?

Earth's varying distance from the Sun
The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun (Correct answer)
Variations in sunspot activity on the Sun
The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth

Correct answer: The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun

Earth's axial tilt (about 23.5°) causes the seasons. As Earth orbits the Sun, different hemispheres are tilted toward or away from the Sun, changing sunlight intensity and duration.

Question 29: Which of the following is an example of a chemical change?

Cutting paper
Burning wood (Correct answer)
Melting ice
Dissolving sugar

Correct answer: Burning wood

Burning wood is a chemical change because new substances like ash and smoke form.

Question 30: What is the value of the digit 6 in the number 3,645?

6,000
6
600 (Correct answer)
60

Correct answer: 600

In 3,645, the digit 6 is in the hundreds place. Its value is 6 × 100 = 600.

Question 31: Which of the following is a phoneme?

The word 'cat'
The syllable 'cat'
The letter 'c'
The sound /k/ in 'cat' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sound /k/ in 'cat'

A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a language. The /k/ sound is a phoneme — it is not a letter, word, or syllable.

Question 32: Which sentence best states an opinion rather than a fact?

The mountain trail is the most beautiful hike in the region. (Correct answer)
The library opens at nine in the morning.
The report contains forty pages.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.

Correct answer: The mountain trail is the most beautiful hike in the region.

'Most beautiful' reflects a personal judgment that cannot be verified, marking it as opinion.

Question 33: What does 'reliability' refer to in educational assessment?

The difficulty level of items
The consistency of test results over repeated administrations (Correct answer)
Whether a test measures what it claims to measure
How fair the test is across groups

Correct answer: The consistency of test results over repeated administrations

Reliability is the consistency or stability of assessment results.

Question 34: In 'The committee gave its tacit approval by remaining silent,' the word 'tacit' most nearly means:

Formally written
Unspoken or implied (Correct answer)
Strongly opposed
Loud and public

Correct answer: Unspoken or implied

'Tacit' means understood without being stated, which fits approval shown through silence.

Question 35: Identify the sentence with correct comma usage in a series.

We need bread, milk and, eggs.
We need bread milk and eggs.
We need bread, milk, and eggs. (Correct answer)
We need, bread milk and eggs.

Correct answer: We need bread, milk, and eggs.

Commas separate items in a series, including before the conjunction.

Question 36: A map has a scale of 1 inch : 25 miles. If the distance between two cities on the map is 5.2 inches, what is the actual distance between the cities in miles?

30.2 miles
100 miles
130 miles (Correct answer)
125.2 miles

Correct answer: 130 miles

This is a problem of direct proportion. The scale 1 inch : 25 miles can be set up as a ratio: 1/25. We need to find the actual distance (let's call it 'x') that corresponds to 5.2 inches on the map. We can set up the proportion: 1/25 = 5.2/x. To solve for x, we can cross-multiply: 1 * x = 25 * 5.2. Therefore, x = 130. The actual distance between the cities is 130 miles.

Question 37: Which of the following units would be most appropriate foe measuring the length of a pen?

Nanometers
Centimeters (Correct answer)
Micrometers

Correct answer: Centimeters

Centimeters are the most appropriate unit for measuring the length of a pen. Micrometers and nanometers are far too small, used for microscopic measurements. While meters are a standard unit of length, a pen is much shorter than a meter, making centimeters a more practical and precise choice for this everyday object.

Question 38: What does 'differentiated instruction' mean, and how does it support professional practice?

Teaching different subjects to different groups of students simultaneously
Giving advanced students more work and struggling students less work
Adjusting content, process, product, or learning environment in response to student readiness, interest, and learning profile to ensure all students learn effectively (Correct answer)
Separating students permanently by ability level

Correct answer: Adjusting content, process, product, or learning environment in response to student readiness, interest, and learning profile to ensure all students learn effectively

Differentiated instruction involves purposeful adjustments to what students learn, how they learn it, and how they demonstrate learning — based on individual needs and learning profiles.

Question 39: Why did Edison want an extra $10?

E: so that he could pay his electric bill
C: so that he could buy an extra lamp oil
B: so that he could get another boy to accompany him (Correct answer)
D: because he was a slick negotiator
A: so that he could buy dinner on the way

Correct answer: B: so that he could get another boy to accompany him

Edison requested an additional $10 to hire another boy to accompany him on his urgent delivery. This suggests the task was challenging or potentially dangerous, requiring assistance or companionship. The extra money was a practical request to ensure the successful and safe completion of the message delivery.

Question 40: The day after the dance: he called her up at her parents' house and asked her to dinner.

E: No error
C: parents’
A: dance: (Correct answer)
B: he called her
D: to dinner.

Correct answer: A: dance:

A colon is used to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quotation, none of which apply here. The phrase "The day after the dance" is an introductory time phrase that should be followed by a comma to separate it from the independent clause that follows.

Question 41: Which sentence corrects the sentence fragment?

Because the students worked hard, they passed. (Correct answer)
Because the students worked hard.
The students worked hard. Because of effort.
Worked hard the students.

Correct answer: Because the students worked hard, they passed.

Adding an independent clause completes the thought and fixes the fragment.

Question 42: What is a consonant blend?

A consonant followed by a silent letter
A vowel combined with a consonant
Two letters that represent a single sound
Two or more consonants in sequence where each retains its sound (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two or more consonants in sequence where each retains its sound

A consonant blend has two or more consonants that each retain their own sound, like 'str' in 'string' (/s/-/t/-/r/).

Question 43: Why is explicit, systematic phonics instruction considered essential for beginning readers?

Because it directly teaches the alphabetic code in a sequential, organized manner, enabling reliable decoding (Correct answer)
Because phonics eliminates the need for vocabulary instruction
Because children cannot learn to read without memorizing every word
Because whole-language approaches have been proven ineffective for all learners

Correct answer: Because it directly teaches the alphabetic code in a sequential, organized manner, enabling reliable decoding

Explicit, systematic phonics teaches the alphabetic code in a deliberate sequence, giving students the tools to decode unfamiliar words independently.

Question 44: Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

The student's notebook's were on the desk.
The students notebook's were on the desk.
The students' notebooks were on the desk. (Correct answer)
The student's notebook were on the desk.

Correct answer: The students' notebooks were on the desk.

When a noun is plural and possessive, the apostrophe comes after the 's'. 'Students'' indicates possession by multiple students.

Question 45: Which type of evidence is generally considered most reliable in an academic argumentative essay?

Peer-reviewed research studies (Correct answer)
Popular opinion polls
Personal anecdotes
Social media posts

Correct answer: Peer-reviewed research studies

Peer-reviewed research studies undergo rigorous evaluation by experts, making them the most credible form of evidence in academic writing.

Question 46: What does 'onset' and 'rime' refer to in phonological awareness?

The beginning and ending sounds of a sentence
The stressed and unstressed syllables in a word
The first and last syllables of a multisyllabic word
The initial consonant(s) and the vowel-consonant unit of a syllable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The initial consonant(s) and the vowel-consonant unit of a syllable

The onset is the initial consonant(s) before the vowel; the rime is the vowel and everything after it in the syllable (e.g., 'cat': onset = /k/, rime = /æt/).

Question 47: A student reads an article arguing that standardized testing improves educational outcomes. The article cites only studies funded by testing companies. What reading strategy should the student apply?

Accept the argument because it is supported by studies.
Reject the argument because standardized testing is controversial.
Evaluate the credibility and potential bias of the sources. (Correct answer)
Summarize the main claim without evaluation.

Correct answer: Evaluate the credibility and potential bias of the sources.

Critical readers evaluate the credibility of sources and identify potential bias, especially when sources have financial conflicts of interest.

Question 48: If you do not believe my claim, you should have the decency to say so.

you should have the decency to say so. (Correct answer)
you decently could say so.
you would have the decency to say so.
you could have the decency to say so.
you should have the decency, to say so.

Correct answer: you should have the decency to say so.

The original sentence is grammatically correct and uses the appropriate modal verb "should" to express a recommendation or obligation. There are no errors in punctuation, word choice, or sentence structure. Therefore, no changes are needed.

Question 49: A farmer wants to know how much insect damage his corn crop has, so he picks 75 plants at random from different parts of the cornfield and inspects each one for damage. Nine of the 75 plants had been infested with corn borers. He understands that each acre has around 31,000 plants, and he has a 50-acre field to work with. In a 50-acre field, how many afflicted plants would you expect to find?

97,000 plants
186,000 plants (Correct answer)
202,000 plants
117,000 plants

Correct answer: 186,000 plants

First, determine the proportion of infested plants from the sample: 9 infested plants out of 75 sampled plants is 9/75, which simplifies to 0.12 or 12%. Next, calculate the total number of plants in the entire 50-acre field by multiplying 50 acres by 31,000 plants per acre, resulting in 1,550,000 total plants. Finally, apply the infestation rate to the total number of plants: 0.12 * 1,550,000 = 186,000 afflicted plants.

Question 50: A teacher notices a colleague is struggling with classroom management. The most collegial response is to:

Tell other staff about the problem
Ignore it as none of their business
Offer support, resources, or to co-plan (Correct answer)
Report them to the principal immediately

Correct answer: Offer support, resources, or to co-plan

Supportive collegiality means offering help and resources rather than judgment or gossip.

Question 51: Identify the correctly written sentence.

She could of did better on the exam.
She could had done better on the exam.
She could have done better on the exam. (Correct answer)
She could of done better on the exam.

Correct answer: She could have done better on the exam.

"Could have" is correct; "could of" is a common error.

Question 52: Which of the following exists when a quantity supplied is greater than quantity demanded?

Shortage
Equilibrium
Price
Surplus (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Surplus

A surplus occurs in a market when the quantity of a good or service supplied by producers exceeds the quantity demanded by consumers at a given price. This imbalance indicates that there are more goods available than people are willing to buy, typically leading to downward pressure on prices as sellers try to clear excess inventory.

Question 53: Which question would best help a reader evaluate an author's credibility?

What are the author's qualifications and sources? (Correct answer)
How many pages is the article?
What font is used in the text?
How colorful are the illustrations?

Correct answer: What are the author's qualifications and sources?

Examining qualifications and sources directly assesses whether the author is trustworthy.

Question 54: Which sentence correctly uses a transitional phrase?

She was exhausted; however, she finished the work before the deadline. (Correct answer)
However, she finished the work before the deadline she was exhausted.
She was exhausted however; she finished the work before the deadline.
She was exhausted, however she finished the work before the deadline.

Correct answer: She was exhausted; however, she finished the work before the deadline.

When 'however' connects two independent clauses, it follows a semicolon and is followed by a comma.

Question 55: A parent-teacher conference is most productive when the teacher:

Focuses only on the student's deficits
Speaks for the entire time without pausing
Begins with strengths and partners on solutions (Correct answer)
Compares the student to classmates

Correct answer: Begins with strengths and partners on solutions

Effective conferences highlight strengths and engage families as partners in problem-solving.

Question 56: What is the purpose of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting?

To evaluate a teacher's performance with special education students
To collaboratively develop a customized educational plan for a student with a disability, involving parents, teachers, and specialists (Correct answer)
To assign a student to a special education class permanently
To decide whether a student should be removed from general education classes

Correct answer: To collaboratively develop a customized educational plan for a student with a disability, involving parents, teachers, and specialists

An IEP meeting is a collaborative process involving the student's family, teachers, and specialists to develop goals, services, and accommodations tailored to the student's individual needs.

Question 57: Many people would immediately stop smoking if they knew only all the dangers, says the report."

D: knew only (Correct answer)
B: immediately stop
"C: dangers, says"
A: Many people
E: No error

Correct answer: D: knew only

The word "only" is misplaced in the original sentence. It should modify "all the dangers" to convey that people would stop smoking if they knew *only* those dangers, or if they *just* knew all the dangers. The correct placement would be "if they only knew all the dangers" or "if they knew all the dangers only."

Question 58: Humanitarian responses to natural disasters led to the creation of what body?

Commonwealth of Nations
European Union
Red Cross (Correct answer)
United Nations

Correct answer: Red Cross

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, inspired by the suffering he witnessed after the Battle of Solferino. Its primary mission is to provide humanitarian aid and protection to victims of armed conflict and natural disasters. Thus, it directly resulted from humanitarian responses to such crises.

Question 59: What does 'tone' mean in the context of informational texts?

The number of paragraphs in the text
The author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject (Correct answer)
The volume at which the text should be read aloud
The visual design of the page

Correct answer: The author's attitude or emotional stance toward the subject

Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice, sentence structure, and level of formality.

Question 60: A passage states: 'Many experts believe that early reading instruction significantly impacts lifelong literacy.' What type of claim is this?

A verifiable fact
A fictional premise
A qualified claim citing expert consensus (Correct answer)
An opinion of all experts worldwide

Correct answer: A qualified claim citing expert consensus

'Many experts believe' qualifies the claim, indicating it is based on expert consensus rather than a universal fact or single opinion.

Question 61: "I don't want too and you can't make me," said he."

B: too (Correct answer)
A: “I don’t
E: No error
"C: me,”"
D: said he.

Correct answer: B: too

The original sentence incorrectly uses "too," which means "also" or "excessively." The correct word here is "to," which is part of the implied infinitive phrase "to do something" (e.g., "I don't want to [do it]"). This is a common homophone error.

Question 62: When adding fractions with dissimilar denominators, the common denominator should be the least common multiple of the denominators. When adding the fractions 5/6 and 7/9, what common denominator should you use

30
10
18 (Correct answer)
35

Correct answer: 18

To find the least common denominator for fractions, you need to find the least common multiple (LCM) of their denominators. For the fractions 5/6 and 7/9, the denominators are 6 and 9. The multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24, etc., and the multiples of 9 are 9, 18, 27, etc. The smallest number that appears in both lists is 18, making it the least common denominator.

Question 63: Which sentence correctly uses the past perfect tense?

By the time we arrived, the movie starts.
By the time we arrived, the movie has started.
By the time we arrived, the movie had started. (Correct answer)
By the time we arrived, the movie started.

Correct answer: By the time we arrived, the movie had started.

"Had started" shows the action was completed before another past action.

Question 64: This passage was probably taken from:

D: a history of the forest
E: the memoirs of the steamboat captain
C: a novel about steamboat captains
A: a collection of folklore
B: a biography of Thomas Edison (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B: a biography of Thomas Edison

Given that multiple questions refer to Thomas Edison and a specific event in his early life, the passage is most likely an excerpt from a biography. Biographies recount the life story of an individual, often detailing significant experiences and lessons learned, which aligns with the content implied by the questions.

Question 65: A teacher disagrees with a colleague's approach to classroom management. What is the most professionally appropriate response?

Complain about the colleague to other teachers in the lounge.
Discuss concerns privately with the colleague, focusing on student outcomes. (Correct answer)
Report the colleague to the principal without speaking to them first.
Ignore the issue because it is not your classroom.

Correct answer: Discuss concerns privately with the colleague, focusing on student outcomes.

Professional ethics require addressing disagreements directly and privately with the colleague, focusing on student welfare rather than personal criticism.

Question 66: Which sentence contains an error in parallel structure within a list?

The report must be accurate, and it must be concise and clear.
The report must be accurate, concise, and clear.
The report must be accurately written, concise, and clear.
The report must be accurate, concise, and clearly written. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The report must be accurate, concise, and clearly written.

Option A mixes adjectives ('accurate,' 'concise') with an adverb-adjective phrase ('clearly written'), breaking parallel structure.

Question 67: If John scores 20% of his team's oint in a basketball game, how many points does the team score if John scores 14 points?

68
70 (Correct answer)
72

Correct answer: 70

If John scores 20% of his team's points and that amounts to 14 points, you can set up the equation: 0.20 * Total Points = 14. To find the total points, divide John's score by his percentage contribution. So, 14 / 0.20 equals 70. The team scored 70 points in total.

Question 68: Which word contains an open syllable?

he (Correct answer)
stop
cap
mat

Correct answer: he

'He' ends in a vowel, making it an open syllable with a long vowel sound.

Question 69: What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

A food chain shows decomposers; a food web does not
A food chain shows a single path of energy flow; a food web shows multiple interconnected paths (Correct answer)
A food chain is for plants; a food web is for animals
They are the same thing with different names

Correct answer: A food chain shows a single path of energy flow; a food web shows multiple interconnected paths

A food chain is a linear sequence showing one path of energy transfer. A food web shows the complex, interconnected network of multiple overlapping food chains.

Question 70: Which sentence uses capitalization correctly?

She is studying French and mathematics. (Correct answer)
We visited the Smith Museum of Natural history.
The President of the club announced new rules.
My Uncle Robert works as a doctor.

Correct answer: She is studying French and mathematics.

Proper nouns like 'French' (a language/nationality) are capitalized, while common nouns like 'mathematics' are not.

Question 71: George buys 6 t-shirts for $5 each and 4 pairs of jeans for $8.50 each. He uses the following expression to calculate the total amount of money spent: 6 (5) + 4 (8.5). Which of the following expressions could George also have used?

(4 + 2) + (5 + 8.5)
4 (5 + 8.5) + 2 (5) (Correct answer)
2 (5 + 8.5) + 4 (8.5)

Correct answer: 4 (5 + 8.5) + 2 (5)

George's original expression is 6(5) + 4(8.5). We need to find an equivalent expression. Option B, 4(5 + 8.5) + 2(5), expands to 4(5) + 4(8.5) + 2(5). Combining the terms with 5, we get (4+2)(5) + 4(8.5), which simplifies to 6(5) + 4(8.5), matching the original expression.

Question 72: Which of the following is the BEST example of a strong, text-supported argument in an informational essay?

Everybody knows that exercise is good for kids.
Some people say that exercise helps children learn better.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 60 minutes of daily physical activity improves academic performance and reduces behavioral issues (AAP, 2023). (Correct answer)
I think all schools should have longer recess because kids need to run around.

Correct answer: Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that 60 minutes of daily physical activity improves academic performance and reduces behavioral issues (AAP, 2023).

Option B cites a specific credible organization, provides measurable claims, and includes a citation — the hallmarks of a well-supported argument.

Question 73: A teacher asks students to identify the author's purpose in a public health pamphlet urging citizens to get vaccinated. What is the most likely purpose?

To describe the scientific process of vaccine development
To inform readers about the history of vaccines
To persuade readers to take a specific health action (Correct answer)
To entertain readers with stories about vaccines

Correct answer: To persuade readers to take a specific health action

A public health pamphlet urging a specific action (getting vaccinated) has a persuasive purpose — it wants to influence reader behavior.

Question 74: During an IEP meeting, the general education teacher disagrees with a proposed accommodation. What is the most professional first step?

Implement the accommodation without comment
Voice the concern respectfully and offer data-supported alternatives (Correct answer)
Defer entirely to the special education coordinator
Refuse to sign the IEP document

Correct answer: Voice the concern respectfully and offer data-supported alternatives

Professional collaboration means raising concerns constructively while bringing evidence to inform the team's decision.

Question 75: Which is the best revision of the following wordy sentence: 'Due to the fact that he was sick, he did not attend school'?

He did not attend school, he was sick.
He was sick due to the fact that he didn't attend.
Because he was sick, he did not attend school. (Correct answer)
Because he was sick he did not attend school.

Correct answer: Because he was sick, he did not attend school.

'Due to the fact that' is wordy and can be replaced by 'because.' Option B also correctly adds a comma after the introductory clause.

Question 76: It is a great glory to always be sitting among friends and kinfolk.

E: No error
D: kinfolk.
A: great glory
C: among friends
B: to always be (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B: to always be

The phrase "to always be sitting" is an example of a split infinitive, where the adverb "always" is placed between "to" and the base verb "be." While sometimes acceptable in informal speech, in formal writing, it is generally preferred to keep the infinitive intact. The more grammatically conventional phrasing would be "to be always sitting" or "always to be sitting."

Question 77: Who is the most likely author of this passage?

C: Newspaper columnist
B: American folklorist (Correct answer)
A: Indian
E: Daniel Boone
D: Poet

Correct answer: B: American folklorist

Daniel Boone is a legendary figure in American history, often celebrated through folklore and frontier tales that blend historical fact with myth. An American folklorist would be interested in collecting, preserving, and sharing these stories that contribute to the national identity and cultural heritage.

Question 78: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe for the plural possessive?

The childrens's toys were scattered.
The children's toys were scattered. (Correct answer)
The childrens toys were scattered.
The childrens' toys were scattered.

Correct answer: The children's toys were scattered.

"Children" is an irregular plural, so the possessive adds apostrophe-s: "children's."

Question 79: What is a 'word family,' and how is it used in phonics instruction?

A group of words that share the same prefix
A group of words that share the same rime pattern (e.g., -at: cat, bat, hat) (Correct answer)
A group of words with the same number of syllables
A group of words from the same language of origin

Correct answer: A group of words that share the same rime pattern (e.g., -at: cat, bat, hat)

Word families are groups of words sharing the same rime pattern. Teaching word families helps students recognize common spelling patterns and decode new words by analogy.

Question 80: Then he dropped them both, and the big one landed first - which he had thought it would do, and the little one landed second, which he had thought it would do.

one landed first: that
one landed first; which
one landed first—that
one landed first—which
one landed first, which (Correct answer)

Correct answer: one landed first, which

The phrase "which he had thought it would do" is a non-restrictive relative clause that provides additional, non-essential information about the preceding clause. Non-restrictive clauses are correctly set off by a comma. The original use of a hyphen (or an incorrect dash) is inappropriate for this grammatical structure, making the comma the correct punctuation to introduce the descriptive clause.

Question 81: Identify the correct sentence with respect to comma usage.

Before leaving, the teacher checked the roster. (Correct answer)
Before leaving, the teacher, checked the roster.
Before, leaving the teacher checked, the roster.
Before leaving the teacher checked the roster.

Correct answer: Before leaving, the teacher checked the roster.

An introductory phrase should be followed by a comma. 'Before leaving' introduces the main clause, so a comma after it is correct.

Question 82: Which process describes water changing directly from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid?

Sublimation (Correct answer)
Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation

Correct answer: Sublimation

Sublimation is the phase change from solid directly to gas, as seen in dry ice.

Question 83: What was the basic reason for the formation of the Populist Party?"

A: the success of the Grange
D: the popularity of the gold standard
E: the failure of the National Farmer’s Alliance
C: the fairness of the tariff
B: the plight of farmers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: B: the plight of farmers

The Populist Party, or People's Party, emerged in the late 19th century primarily as a response to the severe economic hardships faced by American farmers. Farmers were struggling with low crop prices, high railroad rates, and heavy debt, leading them to seek political solutions to their plight.

Question 84: Which sentence uses the correct word? "The committee will ___ the new policy next week."

affecting
affect
effects
effect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: effect

As a verb meaning "to bring about," "effect" is correct here.

Question 85: Which sentence contains a comma splice?

Because she studied all night, she passed the exam.
She studied all night, consequently she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
She studied all night and consequently passed the exam.
She studied all night; consequently, she passed the exam.

Correct answer: She studied all night, consequently she passed the exam.

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. Option A joins two independent clauses ('She studied all night' and 'consequently she passed the exam') with just a comma.

Question 86: Which of these best describes a complete circuit?

An open switch
A closed loop allowing current to flow (Correct answer)
A single battery alone
A broken wire path

Correct answer: A closed loop allowing current to flow

A complete circuit is a closed, unbroken loop that allows electric current to flow.

Question 87: About how old was Edison when this story happened?

A: 28
D: 6
E: 14 (Correct answer)
B: 25
C: 45

Correct answer: E: 14

Historical accounts indicate that Thomas Edison was around 14 years old when he worked as a newsboy and 'candy butcher' on the Grand Trunk Railway. This period of his life is often associated with early entrepreneurial ventures and significant learning experiences, such as the one described in the passage.

Question 88: Which organizational pattern presents events in the order they occurred?

Compare and contrast
Order of importance
Spatial order
Chronological order (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order arranges information according to time sequence, from earliest to most recent.

Question 89: Which choice corrects the pronoun case? "The principal gave the award to Maria and ___."

me (Correct answer)
I
mine
myself

Correct answer: me

The pronoun is the object of "to," so the objective case "me" is correct.

Question 90: "This book is amazing," she sighed contented."

A: “This
"B: amazing,” "
D: contented. (Correct answer)
C: she sighed
E: No error

Correct answer: D: contented.

The word "contented" is an adjective, but an adverb is needed to describe how she sighed. The correct word should be "contentedly," which is the adverbial form. Adverbs modify verbs, describing *how* an action is performed.

Question 91: The power to levy and collect taxes is an example of what types of powers?

Concurrent powers (Correct answer)
Delegated powers
Expressed powers
Reserved powers

Correct answer: Concurrent powers

Concurrent powers are those governmental powers that are shared by both the federal (national) government and the state governments in a federal system. The power to levy and collect taxes is a prime example, as both federal and state governments impose and collect various forms of taxes from citizens and businesses to fund their respective operations.

Question 92: A teacher wants students to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant details in a passage about photosynthesis. Which detail is IRRELEVANT?

Photosynthesis requires sunlight to produce energy.
The scientist who studied photosynthesis grew up in Germany. (Correct answer)
Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs light.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed through tiny pores called stomata.

Correct answer: The scientist who studied photosynthesis grew up in Germany.

A scientist's birthplace has no bearing on how photosynthesis works. It is irrelevant to the scientific topic of the passage.

Question 93: Which of the following sentences uses the active voice?

The report had been submitted.
The report was submitted by the committee.
It was the committee that submitted the report.
The committee submitted the report. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The committee submitted the report.

Active voice has the subject performing the action. In option B, 'the committee' (subject) performs 'submitted' (verb).

Question 94: A text about the benefits of exercise includes the sentence: 'Exercise is the most important factor in maintaining good health.' What type of claim is this?

An absolute claim that may be an overstatement (Correct answer)
A proven medical fact
A qualified claim with appropriate hedging
A fact supported by universal scientific consensus

Correct answer: An absolute claim that may be an overstatement

Calling exercise 'the most important factor' is an absolute claim that oversimplifies health, ignoring nutrition, genetics, sleep, and other factors.

Question 95: Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

Either the students or the teacher are responsible.
Neither the teachers nor the principal were available.
Neither the students nor the teacher was available. (Correct answer)
Both the teacher and the principal is absent.

Correct answer: Neither the students nor the teacher was available.

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the closer subject. 'Teacher' is singular, so 'was' is correct.

Question 96: Which word is the correct choice? "The new policy will ____ all employees."

affects
effect
affect (Correct answer)
effected

Correct answer: affect

"Affect" is a verb meaning to influence; "effect" is usually a noun.

Question 97: What is −5 + 8?

-3
13
3 (Correct answer)
-13

Correct answer: 3

Adding 8 to −5 gives a result of 3.

Question 98: Which sentence uses 'lay' vs. 'lie' correctly?

She lied down for a nap.
She laid down for a nap.
She lays down for a nap yesterday.
She lay down for a nap. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She lay down for a nap.

'Lay' is the past tense of 'lie' (to recline). 'She lay down' is the correct past tense form.

Question 99: Identify the sentence with correct use of quotation marks and end punctuation.

"Are you coming?", she asked.
"Are you coming?" she asked. (Correct answer)
"Are you coming" she asked?
"Are you coming"? she asked.

Correct answer: "Are you coming?" she asked.

The question mark belongs inside the quotation marks for the quoted question.

Question 100: 12 x -4x + 8 =

x
10x
8x + 8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8x + 8

Assuming the problem intended to be `12x - 4x + 8` (as the 'x' between 12 and -4x is likely a typo for a subtraction sign, given the answer), the solution involves combining like terms. The terms `12x` and `-4x` are like terms because they both contain the variable `x` raised to the same power. Subtracting `4x` from `12x` yields `8x`. The constant term `+8` remains unchanged, resulting in the simplified expression `8x + 8`.

Question 101: Which version corrects the faulty comparison? "Her essay was better than any student in the class."

Her essay was better than any students in the class.
Her essay was more better than any student.
Her essay was better than any other student's in the class. (Correct answer)
Her essay was better than any student in the class.

Correct answer: Her essay was better than any other student's in the class.

An essay must be compared to another essay, indicated by the possessive "student's."

Question 102: Which word pair best illustrates a minimal pair useful for teaching phoneme discrimination?

big / large
bat / pat (Correct answer)
run / running
house / home

Correct answer: bat / pat

'Bat' and 'pat' differ by a single phoneme, making them a minimal pair for practicing sound discrimination.

Question 103: A teacher implements a system where students earn points for appropriate behavior and later exchange them for preferred activities or items. This is BEST described as:

Extinction-based intervention
Negative reinforcement
A token economy system (Correct answer)
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

Correct answer: A token economy system

A token economy is a behavior management system where students earn tokens (points) contingent on desired behaviors and exchange them for reinforcers.

Question 104: A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is conducted PRIMARILY to:

Evaluate a student's cognitive abilities for placement decisions
Design academic accommodations listed in the student's IEP
Determine the appropriate special education eligibility category for a student
Identify the function or purpose a problem behavior serves for a student (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identify the function or purpose a problem behavior serves for a student

An FBA analyzes antecedents, behaviors, and consequences to determine WHY a student engages in a problem behavior (its function), guiding intervention design.

Question 105: Which sentence corrects the pronoun-antecedent agreement? "The faculty submitted their reports, but it was late."

The faculty submitted their reports, but they were late. (Correct answer)
The faculty submitted their reports, but it was late.
The faculty submitted his reports, but it was late.
The faculty submitted its reports, but they was late.

Correct answer: The faculty submitted their reports, but they were late.

Treating "faculty" as plural members, the pronoun "they" and verb "were" agree.

Question 106: A passage argues that implementing a four-day school week would improve student well-being and academic focus. The author supports this claim by citing a study showing increased attendance and higher test scores in a district that adopted the new schedule. The author also includes an anecdote from a teacher in that district who observed that her students seemed more rested and engaged. Which of the following best describes the role of the teacher's anecdote in the author's argument?

It provides the primary statistical evidence for the argument.
It offers qualitative, personal evidence to complement the statistical data. (Correct answer)
It refutes the findings of the cited study.
It introduces a counterargument to the author's main claim.

Correct answer: It offers qualitative, personal evidence to complement the statistical data.

The anecdote from the teacher provides a personal observation ('seemed more rested and engaged'). This is not statistical (quantitative) data like the study, but rather a personal, descriptive (qualitative) account that supports the main argument alongside the formal data.

Question 107: What does the term 'backward design' mean in curriculum planning?

Planning lessons in reverse chronological order
Teaching from the end of the textbook to the beginning
Using last year's lesson plans in reverse order
Starting with the desired outcomes and then designing instruction to achieve them (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Starting with the desired outcomes and then designing instruction to achieve them

Backward design, developed by Wiggins and McTighe, begins with identifying desired learning outcomes and then plans instruction and assessment to achieve those goals.

Question 108: By what factors is equilibrium price determined?

Demand (Correct answer)
Price
Cost
Supply (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Demand

The equilibrium price in a market is determined by the dynamic interaction between the forces of supply and demand. It is the specific price point where the quantity of a good or service that producers are willing to supply exactly matches the quantity that consumers are willing to demand. At this equilibrium, there is no excess supply (surplus) or excess demand (shortage).

Question 109: Choose the sentence with consistent verb tense.

She opened the door and walked inside. (Correct answer)
She opens the door and walked inside.
She opened the door and walks inside.
She open the door and walks inside.

Correct answer: She opened the door and walked inside.

Both verbs are in the past tense, keeping the sentence consistent.

Question 110: A teacher uses 'I do, we do, you do' during a math lesson. This sequence is an example of:

Summative review
Standardized testing
Gradual release of responsibility (Correct answer)
Cooperative grouping only

Correct answer: Gradual release of responsibility

The 'I do, we do, you do' model gradually shifts responsibility from teacher to student.

Question 111: When a student decodes 'rabbit' as 'rab-bit,' splitting between the double consonants, the student is applying:

Sight-word strategy
Diphthong recognition
Syllable division rules (Correct answer)
Prefix removal

Correct answer: Syllable division rules

Dividing between two consonants (VCCV pattern) is a standard syllabication rule for multisyllabic words.

Question 112: She didn't answer him; she was concentrating on her paper.

E: No error (Correct answer)
A: didn’t
B: him;
D: paper.
C: was concentrating

Correct answer: E: No error

The sentence is grammatically correct. The semicolon is appropriately used to connect two closely related independent clauses. There are no errors in punctuation, word choice, or sentence structure.

Question 113: Which shape has exactly one pair of parallel sides?

Rhombus
Rectangle
Square
Trapezoid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Trapezoid

A trapezoid has exactly one pair of parallel sides.

Question 114: A teacher uses base-ten blocks to teach subtraction with regrouping. What is the purpose of this manipulative?

To speed up computation by having students count blocks
To test whether students understand addition before subtraction
To replace the need for standard algorithms
To provide a concrete, visual model that makes the concept of exchanging units tangible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a concrete, visual model that makes the concept of exchanging units tangible

Base-ten blocks make the abstract concept of regrouping (exchanging 1 ten for 10 ones) concrete and visible, supporting conceptual understanding.

Question 115: This passage probably comes from:"

D: the end of a long story.
B: a brochure for Antwerp.
A: the beginning of a story. (Correct answer)
E: an encyclopedia.
C: an editorial.

Correct answer: A: the beginning of a story.

The passage likely serves to introduce a setting, a character, or the initial circumstances of a narrative. This descriptive function is characteristic of the beginning of a story, where the author establishes the scene and sets the tone before the main plot unfolds.

Question 116: Which of the following best describes 'sight words' (also called high-frequency words)?

Words that are too difficult for early readers and should be avoided
Words that can always be sounded out phonetically without exception
Words that only appear in academic texts
Frequently occurring words that students should recognize instantly, including some with irregular spellings (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Frequently occurring words that students should recognize instantly, including some with irregular spellings

Sight words are high-frequency words students should recognize automatically. Some are decodable (is, at, in); others have irregular spellings (the, said, come).

Question 117: In an argumentative essay, what does 'concession' mean?

Restating the thesis in different words
Introducing new evidence at the end
Providing a final summary of all arguments
Acknowledging a valid point made by the opposing side (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Acknowledging a valid point made by the opposing side

A concession acknowledges the merit of an opposing argument before the writer explains why their position is still stronger.

Question 118: If Todd can type 60 word a minute, how long will it take him to type a 15,000 word document?

2 hours and 45 minutes
4 hours and 10 minutes (Correct answer)
2 hours

Correct answer: 4 hours and 10 minutes

To find the total time, divide the total number of words by Todd's typing speed. 15,000 words / 60 words per minute = 250 minutes. To convert minutes to hours, divide by 60: 250 / 60 = 4 with a remainder of 10. This means it will take 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Question 119: Which questioning technique increases participation from all students rather than a few?

Calling only on raised hands
Allowing call-outs
Using random call or every-pupil-response strategies (Correct answer)
Asking the brightest students first

Correct answer: Using random call or every-pupil-response strategies

Random call and every-pupil-response techniques hold all students accountable for thinking.

Question 120: The word 'unhappily' can be broken into which morphemes?

unhapp + ily
u + nhappi + ly
un + happy + ly (Correct answer)
unh + appi + ly

Correct answer: un + happy + ly

It contains the prefix 'un-', the base word 'happy', and the suffix '-ly'.

Question 121: What is 2/3 + 1/4?

3/12
11/12 (Correct answer)
8/12
3/7

Correct answer: 11/12

To add fractions with unlike denominators, find the LCD (12). 2/3 = 8/12; 1/4 = 3/12. 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.

Question 122: The final competitors were Susan, that was considered the challenger, and Gail, the defending champion.

Susan, who was considered the challenger, (Correct answer)
Susan, that was considered the challenger,
Susan, whom was considered the challenger,
Susan, which was considered the challenger,
Susan, considered the challenger,

Correct answer: Susan, who was considered the challenger,

The original sentence incorrectly uses "that" to refer to a person (Susan). For people, the relative pronoun "who" is always the correct choice. "Who" properly introduces a non-restrictive clause providing additional information about Susan, making the sentence grammatically sound.

Question 123: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence?

To introduce and state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To provide evidence for the paragraph's argument
To transition to the next paragraph
To summarize the entire essay

Correct answer: To introduce and state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, orienting the reader to what that paragraph will discuss.

Question 124: Who knows who will be the winner?

Whom knows who
Who knows whom
Whom knows whom
Who knows who (Correct answer)
Who knew whom

Correct answer: Who knows who

The correct choice uses "who" in both instances because it functions as the subject of a verb in both clauses. In "Who knows...", "who" is the subject of the verb "knows". In the embedded clause "...who will be the winner?", "who" is the subject of the verb phrase "will be". "Whom" is an objective pronoun and would be used when it is the object of a verb or preposition, which is not the case here.

Question 125: A passage about urban gardens lists benefits, then says 'Critics argue, though, that maintenance costs are high.' This sentence functions to:

Provide a concluding summary
Introduce a counterargument (Correct answer)
Restate the main idea
Define a key term

Correct answer: Introduce a counterargument

Signaling what critics argue introduces an opposing view, a counterargument.

Question 126: Which sentence uses "who" and "whom" correctly?

To whom should I address the letter? (Correct answer)
Whom is responsible for this?
Who did you give the book to?
Whom wrote this essay?

Correct answer: To whom should I address the letter?

"Whom" is the object of the preposition "to," so "To whom" is correct.

Question 127: Which word best signals a compare-and-contrast text structure?

Consequently
Therefore
As a result
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals contrast between two ideas, which is characteristic of compare-and-contrast text structure.

Question 128: There will be a wide path, almost big enough for a car.

There will be a wide path, (Correct answer)
They’re will be a wide path
Will there be a wide path,
There will not be a wide path,
They’re will be a wide path,

Correct answer: There will be a wide path,

The original sentence is grammatically correct and requires no changes. "There will be" is the proper existential construction to introduce the existence of something. The comma before "almost big enough for a car" correctly sets off a non-restrictive descriptive phrase that provides additional information about the path without being essential to its identification.

Question 129: Which sentence correctly uses "than" or "then"?

First we ate, than we left.
She is taller then her brother.
He is smarter then I am.
She is taller than her brother. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She is taller than her brother.

"Than" is used for comparisons; "then" refers to time.

Question 130: What is the 'simple view of reading'?

Reading = phonics + fluency only
Reading = memorization of sight words
Reading comprehension = decoding × language comprehension (Correct answer)
Reading comprehension = vocabulary + background knowledge

Correct answer: Reading comprehension = decoding × language comprehension

The simple view of reading (Gough & Tunmer, 1986) states that reading comprehension is the product of decoding ability and language comprehension.

Question 131: Which of the following phrases is an example of simile?

D: “a faint gleam of daylight”
B: “dark as ink” (Correct answer)
D: “a faint gleam of daylight”
C: “pitch-black night”
A: “up against a tree”

Correct answer: B: “dark as ink”

A simile is a literary device that directly compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. The phrase 'dark as ink' explicitly uses 'as' to draw a comparison between the degree of darkness and the color of ink. This makes it a clear example of a simile.

Question 132: Which of the following correctly demonstrates a restrictive clause?

The teacher who won an award retired last year. (Correct answer)
The teacher, who won an award, retired last year.
The teacher who, won an award, retired last year.
The teacher, who won an award retired last year.

Correct answer: The teacher who won an award retired last year.

A restrictive clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and should NOT be set off by commas. Option B correctly omits commas.

Question 133: What does 'evidence-based practice' mean in the context of professional teaching?

Following the recommendations of textbook publishers exactly
Using strategies that colleagues say work, regardless of research support
Selecting and implementing instructional strategies that are supported by rigorous research evidence demonstrating effectiveness for student learning (Correct answer)
Using only teaching strategies that have been personally effective in the past

Correct answer: Selecting and implementing instructional strategies that are supported by rigorous research evidence demonstrating effectiveness for student learning

Evidence-based practice in education means choosing instructional strategies supported by rigorous, peer-reviewed research demonstrating positive student outcomes.

Question 134: A teacher conducts a running record and finds that a student reads 95 out of 100 words correctly. What reading level is this?

Instructional level (Correct answer)
Frustration level
Mastery level
Independent level

Correct answer: Instructional level

An accuracy rate of 90-94% indicates instructional level. 95-100% is independent; below 90% is frustration level.

Question 135: Which of the following is a key difference between a summary and a paraphrase?

A summary restates the original text in the writer's own words, while a paraphrase uses direct quotes.
A summary is always longer than the original text, while a paraphrase is shorter.
A summary focuses only on minor details, while a paraphrase focuses on the main idea.
A summary condenses the main points of a text, while a paraphrase restates the original text in different words, often of similar length. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A summary condenses the main points of a text, while a paraphrase restates the original text in different words, often of similar length.

The core function of a summary is to shorten a text by focusing only on its main ideas and key points. A paraphrase, on the other hand, is a restatement of the text in new words, which typically results in a passage of similar length to the original and aims to clarify meaning.

Question 136: During the revision process, which aspect should a writer primarily focus on?

Checking punctuation marks
Counting the number of words
Evaluating the overall argument, structure, and clarity of ideas (Correct answer)
Correcting spelling errors

Correct answer: Evaluating the overall argument, structure, and clarity of ideas

Revision involves reviewing the essay's big-picture elements like argument strength, organization, and clarity before editing for mechanics.

Question 137: Which is the best reason to use multiple assessment measures rather than a single test?

It reduces the need for instruction
It provides a more complete and valid picture of learning (Correct answer)
It guarantees higher scores
It is faster to grade

Correct answer: It provides a more complete and valid picture of learning

Multiple measures capture different aspects of learning, improving validity of conclusions.

Question 138: Which type of validity concerns whether a test adequately samples the full content domain it is meant to cover?

Concurrent validity
Predictive validity
Face validity
Content validity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Content validity

Content validity addresses how well items represent the entire body of content.

Question 139: A student summarizes an informational article. Which is the most important criterion for a good summary?

Capturing the central idea and key supporting points in the student's own words (Correct answer)
Making the summary longer than the original
Using the same vocabulary as the original text
Including as many details as possible

Correct answer: Capturing the central idea and key supporting points in the student's own words

A good summary captures the central idea and main support without copying the text or including unnecessary details.

Question 140: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 18 and 24?

3
12
6 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 6

The largest factor common to 18 and 24 is 6.

Question 141: Which transition word would best connect a cause to its result in an informational text?

Meanwhile
Similarly
For instance
Consequently (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consequently

'Consequently' explicitly signals that what follows is a result of what came before.

Question 142: Identify the correctly punctuated sentence.

I bought, apples, oranges, and bananas.
I bought apples oranges and bananas.
I bought apples, oranges, and bananas. (Correct answer)
I bought apples, oranges and, bananas.

Correct answer: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Items in a series are separated by commas, including the optional Oxford comma.

Question 143: The purpose of this passage is:

E: description (Correct answer)
D: lamentation
B: persuasion
A: interrogation
C: exclamation

Correct answer: E: description

The primary purpose of the passage is to create a vivid image of the windmill and its surroundings. By detailing its appearance, age, and the atmosphere it creates, the author aims to paint a picture for the reader, making description its main function.

Question 144: Which of the following is an example of a long vowel sound in a closed syllable?

The /ɑ/ in 'hat'
The /iː/ in 'bike'
The /eɪ/ in 'lake'
This is not possible — closed syllables always have short vowel sounds. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: This is not possible — closed syllables always have short vowel sounds.

By definition, a closed syllable ends in a consonant and contains a short vowel sound. Long vowels do not occur in closed syllables.

Question 145: Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. 'The theory of plate tectonics, a concept that revolutionized Earth sciences, posits that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. This movement is responsible for a wide range of geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges. Before this theory was widely accepted in the mid-20th century, various other hypotheses were proposed to explain these phenomena, but none could provide a comprehensive and unifying framework. The concept of continental drift, a precursor to plate tectonics, was initially met with significant skepticism primarily due to the lack of a clear mechanism to explain how continents could move.' Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of this passage?

To argue against the theory of plate tectonics
To explain the composition of the Earth's mantle and core
To provide a brief overview and historical context of the theory of plate tectonics (Correct answer)
To detail the various types of geological phenomena

Correct answer: To provide a brief overview and historical context of the theory of plate tectonics

The passage introduces the theory of plate tectonics, explains its basic principles, mentions its explanatory power for geological events, and provides historical context by mentioning its precursor and the initial skepticism. Therefore, its main purpose is to give a summary and background.

Question 146: If x=3 and y = -1, then 3x squared + 2xy - 5 =?

16 (Correct answer)
14
18

Correct answer: 16

To evaluate the expression 3x^2 + 2xy - 5 with x=3 and y=-1, substitute these values into the expression. This gives 3(3)^2 + 2(3)(-1) - 5. Following the order of operations, first calculate the exponent: 3(9) + 2(3)(-1) - 5. Then perform the multiplications: 27 + (-6) - 5. Finally, perform the additions and subtractions from left to right: 27 - 6 - 5 = 21 - 5 = 16.

Question 147: When working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, a teacher should:

Insist families adopt the school's norms exactly
Limit communication to written notices
Assume all families share the same values
Show cultural responsiveness and respect differences (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Show cultural responsiveness and respect differences

Culturally responsive teachers respect and incorporate families' diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Question 148: A number is multiplied by 6 and then has 4 subtracted from it. The answer is 14. Which of the following equations matches these statements?

6x – 4 = 14 (Correct answer)
14 = 4 - 6x
4x – 6 = 14

Correct answer: 6x – 4 = 14

Let 'x' represent the unknown number. The statement 'A number is multiplied by 6' translates to 6x. 'Then has 4 subtracted from it' means 6x - 4. Finally, 'The answer is 14' completes the equation as 6x - 4 = 14. This equation accurately represents the given word problem.

Question 149: What is the difference between an element and a compound?

Elements are natural; compounds are man-made.
An element is a mixture; a compound is a pure substance.
An element contains only one type of atom; a compound contains two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together. (Correct answer)
An element is larger than a compound.

Correct answer: An element contains only one type of atom; a compound contains two or more types of atoms chemically bonded together.

An element is a pure substance with only one kind of atom (e.g., oxygen, gold). A compound is a substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded in fixed ratios (e.g., water = H₂O).

Question 150: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' vs. 'effect'?

The effect of rain affected their plans.
The weather effected her mood.
The weather affected her mood. (Correct answer)
She tried to affect a positive effect.

Correct answer: The weather affected her mood.

'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is most commonly a noun meaning result.

Question 151: "Lester, a giant fro his age; was respected by all the other children."

C: age; was (Correct answer)
B: a giant for
A: Lester
E: No error
D: other children.

Correct answer: C: age; was

The phrase "a giant for his age" is an appositive, providing additional information about Lester. Appositives should be set off by commas, not semicolons, when they are non-essential. A semicolon incorrectly separates the subject ("Lester") from its verb ("was respected").

Question 152: What is the purpose of using transitional phrases in an essay?

To connect ideas and ensure coherent flow between sentences and paragraphs (Correct answer)
To summarize the conclusion
To introduce the thesis statement
To provide citations for sources

Correct answer: To connect ideas and ensure coherent flow between sentences and paragraphs

Transitional phrases link ideas together, helping the reader follow the logical progression of the argument.

Question 153: Which sentence uses "who" or "whom" correctly?

Whom is responsible for the supplies?
To who should I report?
Who did you give the supplies to?
Who is responsible for the supplies? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Who is responsible for the supplies?

"Who" is the subject of the verb "is," so it is correct.

Question 154: Which word demonstrates the 'y' acting as a vowel?

yes
year
yellow
gym (Correct answer)

Correct answer: gym

In 'gym,' the 'y' functions as a vowel, producing a short /i/ sound.

Question 155: How many edges does a cube have?

12 (Correct answer)
8
6
24

Correct answer: 12

A cube has 12 edges, 6 faces, and 8 vertices.

Question 156: A teacher is asked to serve on a school improvement committee. Participating reflects:

A distraction from teaching
A conflict with their contract
Professional engagement in school-wide decision making (Correct answer)
An attempt to avoid the classroom

Correct answer: Professional engagement in school-wide decision making

Serving on committees demonstrates professional engagement in the broader school community.

Question 157: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a possessive noun with a plural ending not in 's'?

The children's' playground was renovated.
The childrens' playground was renovated.
The children's playground was renovated. (Correct answer)
The childrens playground was renovated.

Correct answer: The children's playground was renovated.

Irregular plural nouns (like 'children') that don't end in 's' form possessives by adding 's (children's).

Question 158: An article states, 'Although the data is preliminary, the trend appears promising.' The word 'Although' signals that the author is:

Telling a personal anecdote
Acknowledging a limitation before a positive point (Correct answer)
Defining the term 'data'
Listing items in order

Correct answer: Acknowledging a limitation before a positive point

'Although' concedes a limitation (preliminary data) before making the favorable claim.

Question 159: If x + 7 = 15, what is the value of x?

9
22
7
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

Subtracting 7 from both sides gives x = 8.

Question 160: Without making a sound Geoffrey crept down the stairs.

sound, Geoffrey crept (Correct answer)
sound, crept Geoffrey
sound; Geoffrey crept
sound Geoffrey, crept
sound Geoffrey crept

Correct answer: sound, Geoffrey crept

The phrase "Without making a sound" is an introductory adverbial phrase that modifies the main clause "Geoffrey crept down the stairs." According to standard punctuation rules, an introductory phrase of this length should be followed by a comma to separate it from the independent clause that follows. This improves readability and clarifies the sentence structure.

Question 161: What is phonemic awareness?

The understanding that spoken words are made up of individual sounds (phonemes) (Correct answer)
The ability to read printed words fluently
The knowledge of letter names and their shapes
The ability to comprehend written text

Correct answer: The understanding that spoken words are made up of individual sounds (phonemes)

Phonemic awareness is an oral/aural skill — the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual phonemes in spoken words.

Question 162: A teacher wants students to blend the sounds /s/ /t/ /o/ /p/ into 'stop.' This skill is best described as:

Syllable deletion
Phoneme blending (Correct answer)
Phoneme segmentation
Rhyming

Correct answer: Phoneme blending

Combining individual phonemes into a spoken word is phoneme blending.

Question 163: What is 25% of 80?

15
25
40
20 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 20

25% of 80 = 0.25 × 80 = 20.

Question 164: Jerry invests in a 24-foot fence to keep his garden safe. He intends to create a rectangle garden. With this amount of fencing, what is the size of the largest rectangular garden Jim can create?

Any rectangle he makes from a given length of fencing will have the same area.
36 square feet (Correct answer)
35 square feet
He cannot form a rectangle using that length of fencing.

Correct answer: 36 square feet

The 24-foot fence represents the perimeter of the rectangular garden. For a fixed perimeter, a square encloses the maximum possible area. If the perimeter is 24 feet, then 2 * (length + width) = 24, meaning length + width = 12 feet. For a square, length equals width, so each side would be 6 feet (6 + 6 = 12). The area of this square garden would then be 6 feet * 6 feet = 36 square feet.

Question 165: What does 'differentiated assessment' allow teachers to do?

Give every student an identical test
Test only the highest achievers
Eliminate grading standards
Vary how students demonstrate learning to match their needs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vary how students demonstrate learning to match their needs

Differentiated assessment offers varied ways for students to show mastery while keeping standards consistent.

Question 166: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Running to catch the bus, the phone was dropped. (Correct answer)
Maria, running to catch the bus, dropped her phone.
While running to catch the bus, Maria dropped her phone.
Running to catch the bus, Maria dropped her phone.

Correct answer: Running to catch the bus, the phone was dropped.

In option B, the participial phrase 'Running to catch the bus' has no logical subject — the phone cannot run.

Question 167: Which is the most reliable way to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in an informational text?

Skip it entirely and ignore the sentence
Use surrounding context clues and sentence logic (Correct answer)
Guess based on how the word sounds
Assume it means the opposite of a nearby word

Correct answer: Use surrounding context clues and sentence logic

Context clues within and around the sentence are the most dependable strategy for inferring word meaning.

Question 168: Which instrument would best measure the temperature of a liquid?

Barometer
Graduated cylinder
Thermometer (Correct answer)
Anemometer

Correct answer: Thermometer

A thermometer measures temperature, while the other tools measure pressure, wind, or volume.

Question 169: Choose the version that corrects the dangling modifier: "After finishing the test, the bell rang."

The bell, after finishing the test, rang.
After finishing the test, the students heard the bell ring. (Correct answer)
After finishing the test the bell rang loudly.
After finishing the test, the bell rang.

Correct answer: After finishing the test, the students heard the bell ring.

The students, not the bell, finished the test, so they must follow the modifier.

Question 170: Choose the sentence with correct modifier placement.

She drove her kids to school almost every day. (Correct answer)
She almost drove her kids to school every day.
Almost she drove her kids to school every day.
She drove almost her kids to school every day.

Correct answer: She drove her kids to school almost every day.

"Almost" should modify "every day," placing it closest to that phrase.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (5752)

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests measure academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics deemed essential for all candidates entering teacher preparation programs.

170

Questions

270 min

Time Limit

65%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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