praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

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

The following is a student's response to a prompt about E.B. White's novel Charlotte's Web . I think that Fern and Avery feel excited to roam the fair alone. Also, I think that the adults feel worried that the kids are alone in a big fair. In the story, it said, "And if you get on those swings," said Mrs. Arable, "You hang on tight. You hang on very tight, you hear?' And don't get lost,' said Mrs. Zuckerman, 'And don't get dirty.'" This shows that the adults are fretting over the kids, and acting very worried. Also, in the story, it said, "'Can I have some money?' asked Fern. 'Can I too?' asked Avery, 'Can I have a balloon?'" This shows that the kids are excited to go and roam the fair. In conclusion, Fern and Avery are excited to go to the fair, and the adults are worried about the kids.
Which of the following teacher recommendations will best help the student to strengthen the essay?
  • A. Add evidence from the text.
  • B. Focus the argument on one topic.
  • C. State the argument in the first sentence.
  • D. Write a conclusion sentence that restates the main idea.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Focusing the argument on one topic allows for a more coherent and persuasive essay, enhancing clarity and depth. This concentrated approach helps the student develop their ideas thoroughly, making their argument more compelling. Adding evidence from the text (A) is important, but without a clear focus, the evidence may not effectively support the argument. Stating the argument in the first sentence (C) is useful for clarity, but it does not address the overall structure and focus needed for a strong essay. Writing a conclusion that restates the main idea (D) is essential for summarizing, but it does not strengthen the argument itself if the essay lacks focus.

Other Related Questions

Which THREE of the following questions target phoneme manipulation?
  • A. What happens when you take the /f/ off of the word "flap"?
  • B. Can you clap each word in the sentence, "I am mad"?
  • C. Can you name a word with the same ending sound as the word "cap"?
  • D. What word do you get when you add /s/ to the beginning of the word "lap"?
  • E. What do you do to change the word "pan" to the word "pin"?
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,D,E

Phoneme manipulation involves changing, adding, or removing sounds in words. Options A, D, and E effectively target this skill. Option A asks what happens when /f/ is removed from "flap," requiring the student to manipulate sounds by deletion. Option D involves adding /s/ to "lap," which focuses on sound addition. Option E prompts the student to identify how to change "pan" to "pin," emphasizing sound substitution. In contrast, Option B focuses on syllable clapping, which relates to syllable awareness rather than phoneme manipulation. Option C targets rhyme recognition, asking for a word with a similar ending sound, which does not involve altering sounds within a word.
Which TWO of the following scenarios demonstrate proper active listening?
  • A. Lana claps enthusiastically as a speaker concludes.
  • B. Martin raises his hand to ask a speaker a relevant question.
  • C. Juan busily takes notes on the content of a speech.
  • D. Luke looks around the room while a speaker begins.
  • E. Alison smiles at a speaker and nods her head when she agrees.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B, C

Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker and demonstrating understanding and attention. Option B exemplifies this by Martin raising his hand to ask a relevant question, showing he is processing the information and seeking clarification. Option C also reflects active listening, as Juan takes notes, indicating he is focused on the content and intends to retain the information. In contrast, Option A, while enthusiastic, does not reflect engagement with the speaker's message. Option D shows Luke's lack of attention, as looking around suggests distraction. Option E, though positive, does not demonstrate active engagement with the content being presented.
Place each of the following stages of writing development in order from beginning to most advanced.
  • A. Scribbling
  • B. Letter-like symbols
  • C. Strings of letters
  • D. Letter-sound correspondence
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D,C,B,A

Understanding the stages of writing development is crucial for recognizing how young learners progress. - **Letter-sound correspondence (D)** represents an advanced stage where children begin to connect sounds with specific letters, indicating a deeper understanding of language. - **Strings of letters (C)** follow, where children start to combine letters, even if not forming actual words, showing their grasp of letter formation and sequencing. - **Letter-like symbols (B)** come next; at this stage, learners create shapes that resemble letters but may not have consistent meanings. - **Scribbling (A)** is the initial stage, where children express themselves through random marks, laying the foundation for later writing. This progression highlights the increasing complexity of writing skills.
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.