ParaPro Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A paraprofessional wants to help students practice making inferences. Which activity best develops this skill?

Having students memorize the sequence of story events
Having students identify the topic sentence of each paragraph
Asking students to copy key vocabulary words from the text
Asking students what they think a character is feeling and what clues led them to that conclusion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Asking students what they think a character is feeling and what clues led them to that conclusion

Inference requires connecting textual evidence to a conclusion not directly stated. Asking students to name a feeling AND cite the clues that support it directly practices the inference process.

Question 2: A student encounters the word 'prehistoric.' Knowing that 'pre-' means 'before,' the student determines the word means:

After recorded history
During recorded history
Outside of history
Before recorded history (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before recorded history

The prefix 'pre-' means 'before,' so 'prehistoric' refers to the time before recorded history.

Question 3: Which revision corrects the dangling modifier in this sentence? 'Running down the hall, the bell rang.'

Running down the hall, and then the bell rang.
The bell was ringing and the students ran down the hall.
The bell rang while running down the hall.
Running down the hall, the students heard the bell ring. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Running down the hall, the students heard the bell ring.

The participial phrase 'Running down the hall' must logically modify the subject of the main clause. Only option C makes the students (not the bell) the ones running down the hall.

Question 4: A student is skip-counting by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20... A paraprofessional uses this activity to connect it to what future math skill?

Geometric proofs
Negative numbers
Long division
Multiplication (specifically the 5 times table) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Multiplication (specifically the 5 times table)

Skip-counting by 5s directly models the 5 times table (5×1=5, 5×2=10, etc.), building multiplicative thinking before formal multiplication is introduced.

Question 5: Identify the correctly spelled word in the following group:

necessary (Correct answer)
recieve
occured
accomodate

Correct answer: necessary

'Necessary' is correctly spelled (one 'c', two 's'). 'Receive' follows the i-before-e rule after certain letters; 'accommodate' has two c's and two m's; 'occurred' has two r's.

Question 6: Read the passage: 'The classroom hamster, Sir Squeakington, staged a daring escape. We found him an hour later, nestled in the principal's toupee, which had been left on a filing cabinet. The principal was not amused, but the rest of us couldn't stop giggling.' What is the author's primary purpose?

To warn
To entertain (Correct answer)
To inform
To persuade

Correct answer: To entertain

The passage describes a funny and lighthearted event. The author's intent is to amuse the reader and tell an entertaining story.

Question 7: A student earns scores of 72, 85, 91, 68, and 84 on five quizzes. What is the mean (average) score?

85
80 (Correct answer)
82
78

Correct answer: 80

Mean = (72 + 85 + 91 + 68 + 84) ÷ 5 = 400 ÷ 5 = 80.

Question 8: A student reads a passage about photosynthesis and struggles to answer questions. The paraeducator notices the student does not pause at periods. Which skill needs the most support?

Background knowledge building
Vocabulary development
Reading fluency and phrasing (Correct answer)
Phonics

Correct answer: Reading fluency and phrasing

Ignoring punctuation signals a fluency phrasing problem; students must learn to use punctuation marks as cues for expression and meaning.

Question 9: Which of the following represents the number 4,207 in expanded form?

4,000 + 207
4,000 + 200 + 7 (Correct answer)
400 + 200 + 7
4,000 + 20 + 7

Correct answer: 4,000 + 200 + 7

4,207 = 4,000 + 200 + 7, reflecting the thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones places.

Question 10: When a reader monitors comprehension and realizes they do not understand a passage, the most effective fix-up strategy is to:

Reread the confusing section more carefully (Correct answer)
Guess the meaning and continue reading
Skip to the end of the chapter
Ask a classmate to summarize it

Correct answer: Reread the confusing section more carefully

Rereading a confusing passage more carefully is a key metacognitive fix-up strategy for comprehension.

Question 11: A passage says: 'The committee's decision was met with ambivalence — some members cheered while others groaned.' What does 'ambivalence' suggest?

Enthusiastic celebration
Mixed or conflicting feelings (Correct answer)
Complete indifference
Strong unanimous approval

Correct answer: Mixed or conflicting feelings

Ambivalence refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

Question 12: A student reads a product review that says, 'This blender is the best on the market — I use it every morning!' What type of point of view does the reviewer express?

Second-person — giving directions to the reader
Omniscient — knowing all facts about the product
First-person subjective — sharing personal experience and opinion (Correct answer)
Third-person objective — reporting observable facts only

Correct answer: First-person subjective — sharing personal experience and opinion

The reviewer uses 'I' to share personal experience ('I use it every morning') and states an opinion ('best on the market'). This is a first-person, subjective point of view — grounded in personal use rather than objective testing or universally verified facts.

Question 13: A student reads: 'He raced down the hall, his backpack bouncing wildly.' What can be inferred from this sentence?

He is angry at someone.
He is walking slowly and carefully.
He forgot his backpack.
He is in a hurry. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He is in a hurry.

The words 'raced' and 'bouncing wildly' suggest rapid movement, implying the person is in a hurry.

Question 14: A student's essay has a strong introduction and conclusion but weak body paragraphs. What is the MOST important revision task?

Shorten the conclusion
Rewrite the introduction
Add a new title
Strengthen the body paragraphs with more specific evidence, examples, and explanation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Strengthen the body paragraphs with more specific evidence, examples, and explanation

Body paragraphs are where the essay's argument or explanation is developed. Weak body paragraphs undermine the entire essay regardless of how strong the introduction and conclusion are.

Question 15: Hotdogs come in eight-packs. Peter purchases five hotdog packs. What is the smallest quantity Peter can purchase and still have enough buns for the hotdogs if buns come in packs of six?

6
7 (Correct answer)
5
8

Correct answer: 7

Explanation: 5 packs of hotdogs × 8 hotdogs per pack = 40 hotdogs Buns are sold in packs of 6. 7 packs of buns × 6 buns per pack = 42 buns

Question 16: Which sentence corrects the misplaced modifier in the following: 'Covered in mud, the teacher told the boy to go to the nurse's office.'

The teacher told the boy to go to the nurse's office covered in mud.
The teacher told the boy covered in mud to go to the nurse's office. (Correct answer)
To go to the nurse's office, the teacher told the boy covered in mud.
The teacher, covered in mud, told the boy to go to the nurse's office.

Correct answer: The teacher told the boy covered in mud to go to the nurse's office.

The original sentence implies the teacher was covered in mud. The corrected sentence clarifies that the boy was the one covered in mud by placing the modifying phrase 'covered in mud' right next to 'the boy'.

Question 17: Which sentence from a passage would most likely be found in the concluding paragraph?

Heavy rainfall is the second factor contributing to erosion.
In summary, addressing these causes requires both local and national policy changes. (Correct answer)
Researchers have identified three primary causes of soil erosion.
First, wind carries away the topsoil from unprotected fields.

Correct answer: In summary, addressing these causes requires both local and national policy changes.

The phrase 'in summary' and the call for policy changes signal a conclusion that wraps up the passage's argument.

Question 18: Which sentence best serves as a concluding sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of daily exercise?

Exercise equipment can be expensive to purchase.
Many people enjoy running in the morning.
In summary, regular physical activity improves both physical and mental well-being. (Correct answer)
Some individuals prefer team sports over solo workouts.

Correct answer: In summary, regular physical activity improves both physical and mental well-being.

A concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph's main idea, which here is the benefits of exercise.

Question 19: A nonfiction passage describes events in the order they happened. This organizational pattern is called:

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

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events in the sequence in which they occurred over time.

Question 20: A teacher asks a paraprofessional to help a student improve their reading fluency. Which activity would best target this skill?

Having the student complete a worksheet on identifying the main idea.
Having the student silently read a new, challenging book.
Practicing repeated readings of a familiar, short passage. (Correct answer)
Asking the student to define a list of vocabulary words.

Correct answer: Practicing repeated readings of a familiar, short passage.

Reading fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with expression. Repeated readings of a familiar text allow students to practice and improve these components without being bogged down by decoding difficult words, leading to more confident and fluent reading.

Question 21: A student finishes a chapter book and says, 'This reminds me of something that happened to me.' The paraeducator should recognize this as which type of reading connection?

Text-to-media connection
Text-to-self connection (Correct answer)
Text-to-world connection
Text-to-text connection

Correct answer: Text-to-self connection

A text-to-self connection occurs when a reader relates the text to a personal experience or feeling.

Question 22: A paragraph begins with 'First,' gives a detail, then uses 'Next,' and 'Finally.' What text structure does this signal?

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

Correct answer: Sequential/chronological order

Transition words like 'First,' 'Next,' and 'Finally' signal sequential or chronological order — steps or events presented in order from beginning to end.

Question 23: A student converts 7/4 to a mixed number. The correct answer is:

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

Correct answer: 1 3/4

7 ÷ 4 = 1 remainder 3, so 7/4 = 1 3/4.

Question 24: Which sentence is a run-on and needs correction?

The library closes at nine o'clock.
She finished her homework, she went outside to play. (Correct answer)
After the rain stopped, the children went to the park.
The dog barked loudly.

Correct answer: She finished her homework, she went outside to play.

'She finished her homework, she went outside to play' is a comma splice (a type of run-on): two independent clauses joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 25: A student reads a poem and identifies that 'the wind whispered secrets through the trees.' This is an example of:

Alliteration
Hyperbole
Simile
Personification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities — like whispering — to nonhuman things such as wind.

Question 26: Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence? 'Every student must bring _____ own pencil.'

our
his or her (Correct answer)
their
its

Correct answer: his or her

'Every student' is singular, so the pronoun must be singular. 'His or her' is the formally correct singular pronoun reference. (In formal written English tested on the ParaPro, 'his or her' is preferred over 'their' with a singular antecedent.)

Question 27: A text includes headings, bold terms, and numbered lists. These are examples of:

Narrative elements
Point of view markers
Text features (Correct answer)
Figurative language

Correct answer: Text features

Headings, bold terms, and numbered lists are text features that help organize and highlight information.

Question 28: Which transitional word or phrase best completes this sentence: 'The student studied hard for weeks; ______, she passed the exam with flying colors.'

on the other hand
however
in contrast
as a result (Correct answer)

Correct answer: as a result

'As a result' correctly signals that the exam success was a consequence of the hard studying.

Question 29: Which transition word BEST shows a contrast between two ideas?

Furthermore
Therefore
Additionally
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or contradiction between two ideas, helping readers understand that the second idea differs from or limits the first.

Question 30: In the ParaPro Reading section, a 'text structure' question may ask a student to identify how a passage is organized. Which structure presents a problem followed by its solution?

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

Correct answer: Problem and solution

Problem-and-solution text structure describes an issue and then explains how it was or could be resolved.

Question 31: A means to depict a portion of a larger whole or a subset of a larger group by indicating the number of equal pieces that make up the whole and the number of the described portions.

Fraction (Correct answer)
Median
Product
Drafting

Correct answer: Fraction

A fraction is a mathematical expression that represents a part of a whole. It uses a numerator to show how many parts are being considered and a denominator to show the total number of equal parts that constitute the whole. This definition precisely describes how fractions are used to illustrate portions or subsets of a larger group.

Question 32: A paragraph that begins with 'There are three main reasons why recycling is important' should be followed by sentences that:

argue against the importance of recycling
list and explain each of the three reasons (Correct answer)
describe the history of recycling programs
compare recycling to other environmental practices

Correct answer: list and explain each of the three reasons

When a topic sentence announces a specific number of reasons, the body sentences must address each one.

Question 33: The triangle in the following image has the base and height measurements stated. What is the area of this triangle rounded to the tenth place in squared centimeters?

163.8 cm²
81.9 cm² (Correct answer)
82 cm²
81.92 cm²

Correct answer: 81.9 cm²

The area of a triangle is calculated using the formula: Area = (1/2) * base * height. Assuming the base and height measurements from the image (e.g., 12.8 cm for both), the calculation would be (1/2) * 12.8 cm * 12.8 cm = 81.92 cm². When rounding this result to the tenth place, we look at the hundredths digit (2); since it is less than 5, we keep the tenths digit as it is, resulting in 81.9 cm².

Question 34: The word 'benevolent' in the sentence 'The benevolent donor gave generously to the shelter' most nearly means:

Reluctant and hesitant
Well-meaning and kind (Correct answer)
Secretive and cautious
Wealthy and powerful

Correct answer: Well-meaning and kind

Benevolent describes someone who is kind, charitable, and well-intentioned.

Question 35: A student reads a passage and then retells it in their own words without including their opinion. This is called:

Evaluating
Predicting
Summarizing (Correct answer)
Analyzing

Correct answer: Summarizing

Summarizing means restating the key points of a passage in one's own words without adding personal opinion.

Question 36: Which sentence is an example of a run-on sentence?

It was a beautiful day we decided to go to the park. (Correct answer)
After the storm passed, we cleaned up the yard.
The game was exciting, and the crowd cheered loudly.
She studied all night; consequently, she felt tired.

Correct answer: It was a beautiful day we decided to go to the park.

Two independent clauses are joined without a conjunction or punctuation, creating a run-on sentence.

Question 37: Which text structure uses signal words such as 'because,' 'as a result,' and 'therefore'?

Compare and contrast
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Sequence
Description

Correct answer: Cause and effect

'Because,' 'as a result,' and 'therefore' are signal words for cause-and-effect text structure, showing that one event or condition leads to another.

Question 38: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To give a specific example
To define a vocabulary word
To provide a concluding thought
To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph and tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Question 39: Which sentence uses a semicolon CORRECTLY?

He likes; soccer football and basketball.
The movie was long; but entertaining.
I like apples; and oranges.
She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially with a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' followed by a comma: 'She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.'

Question 40: A student has difficulty understanding a passage. A paraprofessional suggests rereading confusing sections. This strategy is called:

Previewing
Annotating
Self-monitoring and fix-up strategies (Correct answer)
Skimming

Correct answer: Self-monitoring and fix-up strategies

Self-monitoring involves recognizing when comprehension breaks down and applying fix-up strategies like rereading to restore understanding.

Question 41: Which of the following is an example of appropriate documentation by a paraprofessional?

Documenting other teachers' instructional decisions
Recording objective observations of student behavior and task completion (Correct answer)
Writing personal opinions about a student's home life in the log
Noting which students the paraprofessional personally prefers

Correct answer: Recording objective observations of student behavior and task completion

Documentation should consist of objective, factual observations about student performance and behavior, free from personal bias or opinion.

Question 42: A student reads: 'The scientist's hypothesis was corroborated by three independent studies.' What does 'corroborated' mean?

Ignored by researchers
Disproved by evidence
Questioned by peers
Supported or confirmed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Supported or confirmed

Corroborated means supported or confirmed, especially by additional evidence.

Question 43: Which sentence contains a comma splice error?

The students finished the test before handing it in.
The students finished the test; they handed it in.
The students finished the test, they handed it in. (Correct answer)
The students finished the test, and they handed it in.

Correct answer: The students finished the test, they handed it in.

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma. Option C joins two complete sentences ('The students finished the test' and 'they handed it in') with just a comma, which is an error.

Question 44: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?

Running through the park, she tripped on a root.
Maria loves to read, and her brother prefers watching movies. (Correct answer)
The dog barked loudly at the mail carrier.
Although it was raining, the game continued.

Correct answer: Maria loves to read, and her brother prefers watching movies.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and.'

Question 45: A student is graphing the point (3, -2) on a coordinate plane. Where is this point located?

3 units left and 2 units up from the origin
3 units right and 2 units down from the origin (Correct answer)
3 units right and 2 units up from the origin
2 units right and 3 units down from the origin

Correct answer: 3 units right and 2 units down from the origin

The ordered pair (x, y) = (3, -2) means 3 units right on the x-axis (positive) and 2 units down on the y-axis (negative).

Question 46: Which of the following is equivalent to 2/5?

6/15 (Correct answer)
4/8
3/8
4/9

Correct answer: 6/15

Multiplying both numerator and denominator of 2/5 by 3 gives 6/15, which is an equivalent fraction.

Question 47: In a compare-and-contrast passage, which signal word would most likely indicate a difference between two subjects?

Similarly
However (Correct answer)
Furthermore
Also

Correct answer: However

The word 'however' is a contrast signal word that indicates the author is about to point out a difference.

Question 48: Which of the following is the best example of a paraprofessional fostering student independence?

Providing step-by-step prompts and gradually fading support as the student improves (Correct answer)
Sitting beside the student during every activity at all times
Completing tasks for a student to prevent frustration
Allowing the student to skip difficult tasks

Correct answer: Providing step-by-step prompts and gradually fading support as the student improves

Fostering independence involves using a prompt-fading strategy so students progressively rely less on paraprofessional support.

Question 49: Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in a persuasive essay?

To inform readers about historical events
To convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint (Correct answer)
To describe the steps in a process
To entertain readers with a fictional story

Correct answer: To convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to agree with the author's position or take an action.

Question 50: A reading passage describes events in the order they happened. This is called:

Spatial order
Chronological order (Correct answer)
Order of importance
Random order

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events in the sequence in which they occurred, from earliest to latest.

Question 51: Which option corrects the error in: 'Neither the students nor the teacher were ready for the test.'?

Neither the students nor the teacher are ready for the test.
The sentence is correct as written.
Neither the students nor the teacher was ready for the test. (Correct answer)
Neither the students nor the teacher have been ready for the test.

Correct answer: Neither the students nor the teacher was ready for the test.

With 'neither/nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject ('teacher' — singular), so 'was' is correct.

Question 52: Which of the following is the best topic sentence for a paragraph with these supporting details: The students use tablets for research. Interactive whiteboards display multimedia lessons. Online platforms allow for collaborative projects.

Online projects require internet access.
Students enjoy using tablets.
Technology has become an integral part of the modern classroom. (Correct answer)
Interactive whiteboards are expensive.

Correct answer: Technology has become an integral part of the modern classroom.

All the supporting details are examples of how technology is used in a modern classroom. This sentence effectively introduces and summarizes the specific examples that follow.

Question 53: Read the following sentences. Which order creates the most logical paragraph? 1. Finally, rinse the dishes and place them in the drying rack. 2. First, fill the sink with warm soapy water. 3. Next, scrub each dish thoroughly with a sponge.

3, 1, 2
2, 3, 1 (Correct answer)
2, 1, 3
1, 2, 3

Correct answer: 2, 3, 1

The logical sequence for washing dishes is: fill the sink, scrub the dishes, then rinse them.

Question 54: What is the value of 4x − 3 when x = 5?

22
17 (Correct answer)
7
12

Correct answer: 17

Substitute x = 5: 4(5) − 3 = 20 − 3 = 17.

Question 55: Which sentence is a fragment?

The teacher explained the assignment clearly.
Because the test was cancelled. (Correct answer)
The children played in the yard for hours.
Maria studied every night and improved her grade.

Correct answer: Because the test was cancelled.

'Because the test was cancelled' is a dependent clause — it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it lacks an independent clause to complete the thought.

Question 56: Which sentence provides the best supporting detail for the topic sentence: 'Regular exercise is crucial for a student's well-being'?

Physical activity can improve concentration and memory. (Correct answer)
The school gym is open after classes.
Many schools have sports teams.
Some students prefer reading to sports.

Correct answer: Physical activity can improve concentration and memory.

This sentence directly supports the topic sentence by providing a specific, proven benefit of exercise (improving concentration and memory), which is directly related to a student's well-being and academic performance.

Question 57: A student asks what 'meticulous' means after reading: 'She was meticulous in her lab work, double-checking every measurement.' The best definition is:

Extremely careful and precise (Correct answer)
Confused and uncertain
Careless and rushed
Enthusiastic and passionate

Correct answer: Extremely careful and precise

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail and being very careful and precise.

Question 58: A student writes: 'Dogs make great pets. They are loyal and friendly. Also dogs are easy to train.' Which revision BEST improves the paragraph's flow?

Combine the sentences using transitions: 'Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and easy to train.' (Correct answer)
Change 'dogs' to 'puppies' in every sentence
Delete the third sentence entirely
Add more sentences about cats

Correct answer: Combine the sentences using transitions: 'Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and easy to train.'

Combining the three choppy sentences into one using the conjunction 'because' and a list with proper transitions creates smoother, more cohesive writing.

Question 59: Which activity BEST helps students distinguish between fact and opinion in a nonfiction text?

Asking students to summarize each paragraph
Having students identify signal words like 'I believe' or 'studies show' (Correct answer)
Having students draw pictures of the main idea
Requiring students to read the text aloud

Correct answer: Having students identify signal words like 'I believe' or 'studies show'

Signal words such as 'I believe,' 'in my opinion,' or 'research shows' help students classify statements as opinion or fact.

Question 60: Which text structure is used when an author describes a problem and then offers solutions?

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

Correct answer: Problem and solution

Problem and solution structure presents an issue and then discusses ways to resolve it.

Question 61: A student is writing a persuasive essay but keeps restating the same point. What should the paraeducator suggest?

Tell the student the essay is finished since one reason is enough
Rewrite the repeated sentences in different words
Change the topic to something easier
Ask the student to think of a second reason that supports their opinion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ask the student to think of a second reason that supports their opinion

Persuasive writing is strengthened by multiple supporting reasons, so encouraging the student to generate new points develops their argument.

Question 62: The prefix 'mis-' in the word 'misinterpret' most likely means:

Wrongly or incorrectly (Correct answer)
Again
Before
Together

Correct answer: Wrongly or incorrectly

The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or incorrectly, so misinterpret means to interpret incorrectly.

Question 63: Students were instructed to produce an argumentative essay on whether a democracy or a monarchy is a superior system of government. Which of the following is the best way to begin a phrase for this task?

America is a democracy, and..
Democracies and monarchies are both great forms of government because..
A democracy is a better form of government because.. (Correct answer)
A monarchy is a form of government that...

Correct answer: A democracy is a better form of government because..

The proper response is "A democracy is a better form of government because.." since it is the only opening statement that immediately moves the student into a persuasive attitude.

Question 64: A student writes: 'My favorite season is autumn. Leaves change color in autumn. Autumn is cool.' What is the BEST way to revise this for better paragraph organization?

Combine the sentences and add a supporting detail: 'My favorite season is autumn because the cool weather and colorful leaves make it beautiful.' (Correct answer)
Delete all three sentences and start over
Add a topic sentence about summer instead
Change all verbs to past tense

Correct answer: Combine the sentences and add a supporting detail: 'My favorite season is autumn because the cool weather and colorful leaves make it beautiful.'

Combining the repetitive, choppy sentences into one cohesive sentence with a reason ('because') eliminates redundancy, improves flow, and states the main idea with support.

Question 65: In a well-organized paragraph, supporting sentences should:

summarize the entire essay's argument
introduce a new topic to add variety
contradict the topic sentence to show balance
provide details, examples, or evidence related to the topic sentence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: provide details, examples, or evidence related to the topic sentence

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence by adding relevant details, examples, or evidence.

Question 66: A student consistently substitutes 'house' for 'horse' while reading aloud. This error is MOST likely caused by:

Inability to track print from left to right
Limited sight word vocabulary
Lack of reading motivation
Poor phonemic awareness of ending sounds (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Poor phonemic awareness of ending sounds

Substituting 'house' for 'horse' suggests difficulty distinguishing ending phonemes (/s/ vs. /rs/), indicating a phonemic awareness gap.

Question 67: Choose the best transition word to complete the sentence: 'The students studied hard for the test; __________, they all received high scores.'

meanwhile
consequently (Correct answer)
for example
however

Correct answer: consequently

The word 'consequently' indicates a result or effect. Because the students studied hard (cause), they received high scores (effect).

Question 68: A student writes a multi-paragraph essay. The first paragraph ends: 'Cats are independent pets.' The second paragraph begins: 'Dogs, on the other hand, are very social.' What organizational technique is being used?

Adding a new topic unrelated to the essay
Repetition of ideas
Transition between paragraphs using contrast (Correct answer)
Listing supporting details

Correct answer: Transition between paragraphs using contrast

'On the other hand' is a contrast transition that links the second paragraph back to the first, signaling a shift from discussing cats to discussing dogs — effective paragraph-to-paragraph organization.

Question 69: Which of the following sentences contains a misplaced modifier?

Running late, he grabbed his keys and dashed out the door.
The students completed their assignments before the deadline.
The teacher graded all the papers carefully.
She almost drove her children to school every day. (Correct answer)

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

'Almost' is misplaced; the sentence should say 'She drove her children to school almost every day.'

Question 70: Read the passage: 'Maria put on her heaviest coat, grabbed her umbrella, and stepped outside. She immediately turned back and reached for her snow boots.' What can you infer about the weather?

It was hot and humid outside.
There was a thunderstorm with lightning.
It was cold and snowy or icy outside. (Correct answer)
It was a warm, rainy day.

Correct answer: It was cold and snowy or icy outside.

Maria's actions — heavy coat, umbrella, and snow boots — all point to cold, wintry weather with snow or ice on the ground. No detail suggests heat or a thunderstorm.

Question 71: A student struggles to understand a dense paragraph. The best paraprofessional strategy is to:

Skip the paragraph and move on
Read the paragraph aloud faster
Help the student identify the main idea and key details (Correct answer)
Tell the student the paragraph is too hard

Correct answer: Help the student identify the main idea and key details

Breaking down a paragraph by identifying the main idea and supporting details is an effective comprehension strategy.

Question 72: A student must estimate 492 × 6. Using rounding, the best estimate is:

2,400
3,200
3,000 (Correct answer)
2,700

Correct answer: 3,000

Rounding 492 to 500 and multiplying by 6 gives 500 × 6 = 3,000.

Question 73: How might someone helping a pupil explain how to solve the following puzzle to them? 421.45 × 10.09 is approximately equal to:

Multiply the two numbers and then round the answer to the one’s column
Round the two numbers to the one’s column and then multiply (Correct answer)
Round the two numbers to the hundred’s column and then multiply
Multiply the two numbers and then round the answer to the hundred’s column

Correct answer: Round the two numbers to the one’s column and then multiply

To approximate the product of two numbers, a good strategy is to round each number to a simpler place value *before* performing the multiplication. Rounding 421.45 to the nearest one's column gives 421, and rounding 10.09 to the nearest one's column gives 10. Multiplying these rounded numbers (421 x 10 = 4210) provides a quick and reasonable approximation, making the calculation much easier to perform mentally or quickly.

Question 74: Which of the following is an example of correct parallel structure?

She likes swimming, to run, and biked.
She likes to swim, to running, and biker.
She likes to swim, running, and to bike.
She likes swimming, running, and biking. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She likes swimming, running, and biking.

'Swimming, running, and biking' uses parallel gerund (-ing) forms consistently for all three items in the list — correct parallel structure.

Question 75: A student reads: 'The arid desert receives less than 10 inches of rain per year.' What does 'arid' most likely mean?

Wet and humid
Densely forested
Extremely dry (Correct answer)
Cold and frozen

Correct answer: Extremely dry

Context clues from 'less than 10 inches of rain' indicate that 'arid' means extremely dry.

Question 76: Which of the following is a run-on sentence?

The bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom. (Correct answer)
The school bus was late, so we waited in the library.
Although it was raining, the team practiced outside.
We finished our homework before dinner.

Correct answer: The bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom.

This option contains two complete thoughts ('The bell rang' and 'the students rushed out') joined only by a comma, which is a grammatical error known as a comma splice, a type of run-on sentence. It needs to be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction like 'and'.

Question 77: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 10?

30 (Correct answer)
20
60
16

Correct answer: 30

The LCM of 6 and 10 is 30, as it is the smallest number divisible by both.

Question 78: A student reads a story where the main character stops eating lunch with his friends and starts sitting alone. The author never states how the character feels. What can a reader most reasonably infer?

The character has been told to sit in a different area.
The character is not hungry at lunchtime.
The character is experiencing a conflict or emotional difficulty with friends. (Correct answer)
The character prefers a different cafeteria.

Correct answer: The character is experiencing a conflict or emotional difficulty with friends.

A sudden change in social behavior — avoiding former friends — is a classic implied signal of interpersonal conflict or emotional distress. The text provides no evidence for hunger, location preference, or rules.

Question 79: A student is asked to distinguish between fact and opinion. Which of the following is a FACT?

Dogs are the best pets.
Summer is the most enjoyable season.
Math is easier than reading.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th U.S. President. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Abraham Lincoln was the 16th U.S. President.

A fact is a statement that can be verified as true or false; Abraham Lincoln being the 16th President is historically verifiable.

Question 80: What is an inference?

A word defined in a glossary
A conclusion drawn using evidence and reasoning beyond what is stated (Correct answer)
A heading that introduces a new section
A direct quote from a text

Correct answer: A conclusion drawn using evidence and reasoning beyond what is stated

An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from clues in the text combined with prior knowledge.

Question 81: A student writes: 'The library has many books. It also has computers. There are magazines there too. You can study there.' What is the primary weakness of this paragraph?

The paragraph is too long and should be split.
It contains factual errors about libraries.
It lacks a clear topic sentence and sentence variety. (Correct answer)
The sentences are too long and complex.

Correct answer: It lacks a clear topic sentence and sentence variety.

The paragraph lacks a unifying topic sentence and uses repetitive short sentence structures throughout.

Question 82: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To transition smoothly to the next paragraph
To introduce the paragraph's main idea (Correct answer)
To provide evidence and examples for the main idea
To summarize all details presented in the paragraph

Correct answer: To introduce the paragraph's main idea

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph, giving readers a preview of what follows.

Question 83: The horizontal axis of a coordinate grid.

X Axis (Correct answer)
Y Axis
Hundred Chart
Conferencing

Correct answer: X Axis

In a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the horizontal line is known as the X-axis. It is used to represent the independent variable and measures horizontal distance or position. The X-axis, along with the vertical Y-axis, forms the framework for plotting points and graphing functions.

Question 84: Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?

The teacher and her aide are preparing the lesson. (Correct answer)
Each of the students were given a worksheet.
Neither the teacher nor the aides was available.
The list of supplies are on the table.

Correct answer: The teacher and her aide are preparing the lesson.

When two subjects are joined by 'and,' the verb is plural. 'The teacher and her aide are' is correct. In the other sentences, the true subject is singular and requires a singular verb.

Question 85: Which sentence is written correctly?

Running through, the park the dog wagged its tail.
Running through the park, the dog wagged its tail. (Correct answer)
Running through the park the dog wagged its tail.
Running through the park the dog wagged it's tail.

Correct answer: Running through the park, the dog wagged its tail.

A comma is required after an introductory participial phrase ('Running through the park'), and 'its' (possessive) is correct — not 'it's' (it is).

Question 86: Which of the following is a prime number?

27
21
33
37 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 37

37 has no factors other than 1 and itself; the others are divisible by 3 or 7.

Question 87: Which of the following words contains a suffix that means 'capable of'?

Quickly
Reread
Dislike
Enjoyable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Enjoyable

The suffix '-able' means 'capable of' or 'worthy of,' so 'enjoyable' means capable of being enjoyed.

Question 88: A passage states: 'Although Maria was nervous, she delivered her speech with poise.' What is the best meaning of 'poise'?

Confusion
Grace and composure (Correct answer)
Loudness
Hesitation

Correct answer: Grace and composure

The contrast signal 'although she was nervous' implies poise means the opposite — grace and composure.

Question 89: Which text feature would a paraprofessional help a student use to quickly find information about a specific topic in a nonfiction book?

The index (Correct answer)
The copyright page
The glossary
The dedication page

Correct answer: The index

An index is located at the back of a nonfiction book and lists topics alphabetically with corresponding page numbers for quick reference.

Question 90: When assisting a student with comprehension, a paraprofessional asks, 'What do you think will happen next?' This is an example of:

Summarizing
Identifying the main idea
Making a prediction (Correct answer)
Making a connection

Correct answer: Making a prediction

Asking what will happen next prompts the student to use prior knowledge and text clues to make a prediction.

Question 91: A store sells pencils in packs of 12. A teacher needs 84 pencils. How many packs must she buy?

9
6
8
7 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7

84 ÷ 12 = 7 packs exactly.

ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment measures the reading, writing, and math skills of prospective and practicing paraprofessionals.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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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
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