praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

A series of tests developed by ETS to assess the skills and knowledge of prospective teachers.

In early literacy instruction, an understanding of phonics primarily helps students do which of the following?
  • A. Develop an increasingly large vocabulary
  • B. Learn how to recognize common sight words
  • C. Develop strategies to determine the meaning of words from context
  • D. Learn the skills necessary for decoding unfamiliar words
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Phonics instruction is essential for helping students learn to decode unfamiliar words by connecting sounds to letters. This foundational skill allows them to read new words independently. Option A, while important, focuses on vocabulary development, which is more related to exposure and context rather than phonics. Option B pertains to sight words, which are often memorized rather than decoded using phonics. Option C involves context clues, a strategy that complements but does not primarily rely on phonics skills. Thus, option D best captures the primary role of phonics in early literacy.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following parts of a textbook is most useful for locating a specific topic or idea quickly?
  • A. Index
  • B. Credits
  • C. Prologue
  • D. Table of contents
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The index is the most effective tool for quickly locating specific topics or ideas within a textbook. It provides a detailed alphabetical listing of subjects, complete with page numbers, allowing for efficient navigation. The credits section acknowledges contributors and sources but does not aid in finding content. The prologue introduces the book's themes and purpose, offering context rather than specific information. The table of contents outlines the main sections and chapters, but it lacks the granularity of the index, making it less effective for pinpointing particular topics.
Which of the following is a quantitative measure of text complexity?
  • A. Conventions of language
  • B. Sentence length
  • C. Knowledge demands
  • D. Structure
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Quantitative measures of text complexity rely on numerical data to assess readability. Sentence length (Option B) is a key quantitative factor, as it can be measured and analyzed statistically to determine how challenging a text might be for readers. Option A, conventions of language, refers to grammatical rules and stylistic choices, which are qualitative aspects. Option C, knowledge demands, involves the background knowledge required for comprehension, making it subjective rather than quantifiable. Option D, structure, pertains to the organization of a text, which can be analyzed qualitatively. Thus, sentence length stands out as the only purely quantitative measure.
Which of the following is best described as a secondary source?
  • A. A photograph collection
  • B. A diary entry
  • C. A transcribed speech
  • D. A theater review
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

A theater review is best described as a secondary source because it analyzes and interprets a performance, relying on the reviewer’s perspective rather than providing firsthand experience. In contrast, a photograph collection (A) serves as a primary source, capturing direct visual evidence of events. A diary entry (B) also represents a primary source, offering personal insights and experiences from the writer's perspective. A transcribed speech (C) is a primary source as it records the original spoken words of the speaker. Thus, while A, B, and C present original content, D synthesizes information, making it a secondary source.
In the sentence “The gazelle passed swiftly through the grassy plains,” which word functions as an adverb?
  • A. gazelle
  • B. passed
  • C. swiftly
  • D. grassy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In the sentence, "The gazelle passed swiftly through the grassy plains," the word "swiftly" modifies the verb "passed," indicating how the action was performed. This makes "swiftly" an adverb, as adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Option A, "gazelle," is a noun, representing the subject of the sentence. Option B, "passed," is the main verb, indicating the action taken by the subject. Option D, "grassy," is an adjective describing the noun "plains." Therefore, only "swiftly" fulfills the role of an adverb in this context.