TELPAS Proficiency Levels 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TELPAS Beginning-level writer would most likely produce which type of writing sample?
- A multi-paragraph essay with minor grammatical errors
- Simple sentences about familiar topics with frequent errors
- Copied words or very simple phrases with little meaning (Correct answer)
- A well-organized paragraph with some vocabulary gaps
Correct answer: Copied words or very simple phrases with little meaning
Beginning writers typically copy text or produce only very simple, limited phrases rather than original sentences.
Question 2: How many overall proficiency levels does TELPAS use to classify English language learners?
- Three
- Four (Correct answer)
- Five
- Six
Correct answer: Four
TELPAS uses four proficiency levels: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and Advanced High.
Question 3: Which statement is TRUE about Advanced High students in the Speaking domain?
- They communicate only in single words or short memorized phrases
- They avoid speaking in English unless prompted by a teacher
- They speak with near-native fluency and only occasional errors (Correct answer)
- They require significant scaffolding to express simple ideas
Correct answer: They speak with near-native fluency and only occasional errors
Advanced High speakers communicate with near-native-like fluency and have very few errors in their speech.
Question 4: For which grade band does TELPAS include a separate Reading assessment for holistic rating instead of a standardized test?
- Grades 2–5
- Grades 6–8
- Kindergarten–Grade 1 (Correct answer)
- Grades 9–12
Correct answer: Kindergarten–Grade 1
Kindergarten and Grade 1 students receive holistic ratings for Reading because a standardized reading test is not developmentally appropriate.
Question 5: A teacher observes that a student consistently demonstrates understanding of implicit meaning in complex academic texts. Which TELPAS Reading level fits best?
- Beginning
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Advanced High (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Advanced High
Understanding implicit meaning in complex academic texts is a hallmark of Advanced High reading proficiency.
Question 6: Which TELPAS level describes a student who uses English to meet immediate social needs but has limited academic language?
- Beginning
- Intermediate (Correct answer)
- Advanced
- Advanced High
Correct answer: Intermediate
Intermediate-level students can handle basic social communication but struggle with the academic register required in school.
Question 7: TELPAS results are used primarily to:
- Determine grade promotion for ELL students
- Monitor annual English language proficiency progress of ELLs (Correct answer)
- Assign bilingual education program placements only
- Replace STAAR scores for ELL accountability purposes
Correct answer: Monitor annual English language proficiency progress of ELLs
TELPAS is designed to monitor the yearly progress of English language learners toward English proficiency.
TELPAS Proficiency Levels 3
A TELPAS Beginning-level writer would most likely produce which type of writing sample?