praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

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

Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
  • A. I want to go on vacation with Sally to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Florida.
  • B. Even though the sun was shining, my mother told me I could not go to the pool.
  • C. Holly needs to go to the grocery store, but she does not have enough time to go there today.
  • D. Since we like to go on roller coasters, we go all the time, but we have not been on that coaster yet.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Option D meets this criterion, featuring the independent clauses "we go all the time" and "we have not been on that coaster yet," along with the dependent clause "Since we like to go on roller coasters." Option A is a simple sentence listing vacation destinations, lacking independent clauses. Option B contains one independent clause and one dependent clause, making it a complex sentence. Option C has two independent clauses joined by "but," classifying it as a compound sentence. Thus, only option D combines both elements required for a compound-complex sentence.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following are being compared by the simile in the highlighted sentence?
  • A. The Wicked Witch's anger and the power of a telescope
  • B. The Wicked Witch's power and the size of the kingdom
  • C. The Wicked Witch's vision and the strength of a telescope
  • D. The Wicked Witch's authority and the health of her eyes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In the highlighted simile, the comparison is between the Wicked Witch's vision and the strength of a telescope. This suggests that her ability to see or perceive things is as powerful as a telescope, emphasizing her keen insight or awareness. Option A incorrectly compares anger and a telescope's power, which does not relate to vision. Option B misinterprets the comparison by linking power and size, which is unrelated to visual perception. Option D mistakenly connects authority and eye health, diverging from the theme of vision. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of the simile.
Which of the following is best identified as a simple sentence?
  • A. William, Jorge, and Roberto waited for the storm to pass.
  • B. The plane was late, so I did not get to see my grandfather.
  • C. The dogs went into the backyard, and then they ate their food.
  • D. Because they could not see the sun, the boys got lost on the hike.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause that expresses a complete thought. Option A, "William, Jorge, and Roberto waited for the storm to pass," meets this criterion as it contains a subject and a verb and does not include any dependent clauses or additional conjunctions. Option B features a compound sentence, combining two independent clauses with "so." Option C also presents a compound structure, linking two independent clauses with "and." Lastly, Option D is a complex sentence, as it includes a dependent clause ("Because they could not see the sun") along with an independent clause. Thus, only Option A qualifies as a simple sentence.
Which of the following most effectively combines the statements above into a single coherent and grammatically correct sentence?
  • A. Much of the Great Wall of China, which is actually a network of walls and towers, was built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
  • B. The Great Wall of China, this is actually a network of walls and towers, much of it is built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
  • C. Much of the Great Wall of China, building in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and it is actually a network of walls and towers.
  • D. Actually a network of walls and towers, they built much of the Great Wall of China in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the statements into a coherent sentence by using a relative clause ("which is actually a network of walls and towers") to provide additional information about the Great Wall of China without disrupting the main thought. Option B incorrectly uses a comma splice, creating two independent clauses that are improperly joined. Option C introduces a participial phrase that makes the sentence awkward and unclear, failing to maintain grammatical structure. Option D starts with a fragment, lacking a clear subject, and misattributes the building of the wall, leading to confusion about who built it.
When discussing strategies for delivering effective oral presentations, a teacher should focus on how speaking slowly promotes which of the following?
  • A. Clear articulation of words
  • B. Audibility for the audience
  • C. Appropriate emphasis of key ideas
  • D. Interest in the topic for the audience
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Speaking slowly enhances clear articulation of words, allowing the speaker to pronounce each syllable distinctly, which aids in comprehension. This clarity is crucial for the audience to grasp the message being conveyed. While audibility (Option B) is important, it primarily relates to volume rather than the speed of speech. Similarly, appropriate emphasis of key ideas (Option C) can be achieved through varying tone and pace, but it does not directly stem from speaking slowly. Lastly, interest in the topic for the audience (Option D) depends more on the content and delivery style rather than the speed of speech.