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ParaPro Assessment0755/1755

www.ets.org/prax

The Praxis TM

Study Companion


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/parapro-info 2/35he Praxis TM Study Companion

Welcome to The Praxis™ Study Companion

Welcome to The Praxis™ Study Companion

Prepare to Show What You Know

You have gained the knowledge and skills you need for your teaching career. Now you are ready to demonstrate

your abilities by taking a Praxis TM

test.

Using The Praxis Study Companion is a smart way to prepare for the test so you can do your best on test day. This

guide can help keep you on track and make the most efficient use of your study time.

The Study Companion contains practical information and helpful tools, including:

• An overview of the tests

• Specific information on the Praxis test you are taking

• A template study plan

• Practice questions and explanations of correct answers

• Test-taking tips and strategies

• Frequently asked questions

• Links to more detailed information

So where should you start? Begin by reviewing this guide in its entirety and note those sections that you need

to revisit. Then you can create your own personalized study plan and schedule based on your individual needs

and how much time you have before test day.

Keep in mind that study habits are individual. There are many different ways to successfully prepare for your

test. Some people study better on their own, while others prefer a group dynamic. You may have more energy

early in the day, but another test taker may concentrate better in the evening. So use this guide to develop the

approach that works best for you.

Your teaching career begins with preparation. Good luck!



able of Contents

Table of ContentsThe PraxisTM Study Companion guides you through the 10 steps to success

1. Know What to Expect .....................................................................................................4

Familiarize yourself with the Praxis tests so you know what to expect

2. Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions ......................................................................5

Become comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests

3. Understand Your Scores .................................................................................................9

Understand how tests are scored and how to interpret your test scores

4. Learn About Your Test ................................................................................................. 11

Learn about the specific test you will be taking

5. Determine Your Strategy for Success ......................................................................... 14

Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient

6. Develop Your Study Plan ............................................................................................. 17

Develop a personalized study plan and schedule

7. Review Smart Tips for Success .................................................................................... 21

Follow test-taking tips developed by experts

8. Practice with Sample Test Questions ......................................................................... 23

Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers

9. Check on Testing Accommodations ........................................................................... 30

See if you qualify for accommodations that may make it easier to take the Praxis test

10. Do Your Best on Test Day ........................................................................................... 31

Get ready for test day so you will be calm and confident

Appendix: Other Questions You May Have ................................................................... 33



tep 1: Know What to Expect

1. Know What to Expect

Familiarize yourself with the Praxis tests so you know what to expect

Which test should I take?Each state or agency that uses the Praxis tests sets its own requirements for which test or tests you must take for

the teaching area you wish to pursue.

Before you register for a test, confirm your state or agency’s testing requirements at www.ets.org/praxis/states .

How are the Praxis tests given?

Praxis tests are given in both computer and paper formats. Note: Not all Praxis tests are offered in both formats.

Should I take the computer- or paper-delivered test?

You should take the test in whichever format you are most comfortable. Some test takers prefer taking a paper-

and-pencil test, while others are more comfortable on a computer. Please note that not all tests are available in

both formats. To help you decide, watch the What to Expect on Test Day video for computer-delivered tests.

If I’m taking more than one Praxis test, do I have to take them all in the same format?

No. You can take each test in the format in which you are most comfortable.

Is there a difference between the subject matter covered on the computer-delivered testand the paper-delivered test?

No. The computer-delivered test and paper-delivered test cover the same content.

Where and when are the Praxis tests offered?

You can select the test center that is most convenient for you. The Praxis tests are administered through an

international network of test centers, which includes some universities, high schools, Prometric® Testing Centers,

and other locations throughout the world.

Testing schedules depend on whether you are taking computer-delivered tests or paper-delivered tests. See the

Praxis Web site for more detailed test registration information at www.ets.org/praxis/register.

http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/flash/prometric/18204_praxis-prometric-video.html






tep 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

2. Familiarize Yourself with Test QuestionsBecome comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests

The Praxis tests include two types of questions — multiple-choice (for which you select your answers from a

list of choices) and constructed-response (for which you write a response of your own). You may be familiarwith these question formats from taking other standardized tests. If not, familiarize yourself with them so you

don’t spend time during the test figuring out how to answer them.

Understanding Multiple-Choice Questions

Many multiple-choice questions begin with the phrase “which of the following.” Take a look at this example:

Which of the following is a flavor made from beans?

(A) Strawberry

(B) Cherry

(C) Vanilla

(D) Mint

How would you answer this question?

All of the answer choices are flavors. Your job is to decide which of the flavors is the one made from beans.

Try following these steps to select the correct answer.

1) Limit your answer to one of the choices given. You may know that chocolate and coffee are also flavors

made from beans, but they are not listed. Rather than thinking of other possible answers, focus only on the

choices given (“which of the following”).

2) Eliminate incorrect answers. You may know that strawberry and cherry flavors are made from fruit and that

mint flavor is made from a plant. That leaves vanilla as the only possible answer.

3) Verify your answer. You can substitute “vanilla” for the phrase “which of the following” and turn the question

into this statement: “Vanilla is a flavor made from beans.” This will help you be sure that your answer is

correct. If you’re still uncertain, try substituting the other choices to see if they make sense. You may want to

use this technique as you answer multiple-choice questions on the practice tests.




Try a more challenging example

The vanilla bean question is pretty straightforward, but you’ll find that more challenging questions have a

similar structure. For example:

Entries in outlines are generally arranged according

to which of the following relationships of ideas?

(A) Literal and inferential

(B) Concrete and abstract

(C) Linear and recursive

(D) Main and subordinate

You’ll notice that this example also contains the phrase “which of the following.” This phrase helps you

determine that your answer will be a “relationship of ideas” from the choices provided. You are supposed to find

the choice that describes how entries, or ideas, in outlines are related.

Sometimes it helps to put the question in your own words. Here, you could paraphrase the question in this way:

“How are outlines usually organized?” Since the ideas in outlines usually appear as main ideas and subordinateideas, the answer is (D).

QUICK TIP: Don’t be intimidated by words you may not understand. It might be easy to be thrown by words

like “recursive” or “inferential.” Read carefully to understand the question and look for an answer that fits. An

outline is something you are probably familiar with and expect to teach to your students. So slow down, and

use what you know.

Watch out for multiple-choice questions containing “NOT,” “LEAST,” and “EXCEPT”

This type of question asks you to select the choice that does not fit. You must be very careful because it is easy

to forget that you are selecting the negative. This question type is used in situations in which there are several

good solutions or ways to approach something, but also a clearly wrong way.

How to approach questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages

When answering questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages, provide only the information that the

questions ask for. In the case of a map or graph, you might want to read the questions first, and then look at the

map or graph. In the case of a long reading passage, you might want to go ahead and read the passage first,

marking places you think are important, and then answer the questions. Again, the important thing is to be sure

you answer the questions as they refer to the material presented. So read the questions carefully.

How to approach unfamiliar formats

From time to time, new question formats are developed to find new ways of assessing knowledge. The latest

tests may include audio and video components, such as a movie clip or animation, instead of the more

traditional map or reading passage. Other tests may allow you to zoom in on details of a graphic or picture.

Tests may also include interactive questions that take advantage of technology to assess knowledge and skills.

They can assess knowledge more than standard multiple-choice questions can. If you see a format you are not

familiar with, read the directions carefully. They always give clear instructions on how you are expected to

respond.

For most questions, you will respond by clicking an oval to select a single answer from a list of options. Other

questions may ask you to respond in the following ways:




• Typing in an entry box. When the answer is a number, you may be asked to enter a numerical answer. Somequestions may have more than one place to enter a response.

• Clicking check boxes. You may be asked to click check boxes instead of an oval when more than one choicewithin a set of answers can be selected.

• Clicking parts of a graphic. In some questions, you will select your answers by clicking on a location (orlocations) on a graphic such as a map or chart, as opposed to choosing your answer from a list.

• Clicking on sentences. In questions with reading passages, you may be asked to choose your answers byclicking on a sentence (or sentences) within the reading passage.

• Dragging and dropping answer choices into targets on the screen. You may be asked to select answersfrom a list of options and drag your answers to the appropriate location in a table, paragraph of text or graphic.

• Selecting options from a drop-down menu. You may be asked to choose answers by selecting options froma drop-down menu (e.g., to complete a sentence).

Remember that with every question you will get clear instructions on how to respond. See the PraxisComputer-delivered Testing Demonstration on the Praxis website to learn more about Praxis tests and to

see examples of some of the types of questions you may encounter.

QUICK TIP: Don’t make the questions more difficult than they are. Don’t read for hidden meanings or tricks.

There are no trick questions on Praxis tests. They are intended to be serious, straightforward tests that accuratelyassess your knowledge.

Understanding Constructed-Response Questions

Constructed-response questions require you to demonstrate your knowledge in a subject area by providing

in-depth explanations on particular topics. Essay and problem solving are types of constructed-response

questions.

For example, an essay question might present you with a topic and ask you to discuss the extent to which you

agree or disagree with the opinion stated. You must support your position with specific reasons and examples

from your own experience, observations, or reading.

Take a look at a few sample essay topics:

• “Celebrities have a tremendous influence on the young, and for that reason, they have a responsibility to

act as role models.”

• “We are constantly bombarded by advertisements—on television and radio, in newspapers and

magazines, on highway signs, and the sides of buses. They have become too pervasive. It ’s time to put

limits on advertising.”

• “Advances in computer technology have made the classroom unnecessary, since students and teachers

are able to communicate with one another from computer terminals at home or at work.”

A problem-solving question might ask you to solve a mathematics problem such as the one below and show

how you arrived at your solution:

a) In how many different ways can 700 be expressed as the product of two positive integers? Show how

you arrived at your answer.

b) Among all pairs of positive integers whose product is 700, which pair has the maximum greatest

common divisor? Explain how you arrived at your answer.

http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/flash/cbt/praxis_cdt_demo_web1.html







Keep these things in mind when you respond to a constructed-response question

1) Answer the question accurately. Analyze what each part of the question is asking you to do. If the

question asks you to describe or discuss, you should provide more than just a list.

2) Answer the question completely. If a question asks you to do three distinct things in your response,

you should cover all three things for the best score. Otherwise, no matter how well you write, you will

not be awarded full credit.

3) Answer the question that is asked. Do not change the question or challenge the basis of the

question. You will receive no credit or a low score if you answer another question or if you state, for

example, that there is no possible answer.

4) Give a thorough and detailed response. You must demonstrate that you have a thorough

understanding of the subject matter. However, your response should be straightforward and not filled

with unnecessary information.

5) Reread your response. Check that you have written what you thought you wrote. Be sure not to leave

sentences unfinished or omit clarifying information.

QUICK TIP: You may find that it helps to circle each of the details of the question in your test book or takenotes on scratch paper so that you don’t miss any of them. Then you’ll be sure to have all the information you

need to answer the question.

For tests that have constructed-response questions, more detailed information can be found in “4. Learn About

Your Test” on page 11.

Understanding Computer-Delivered Questions

Questions on computer-delivered tests are interactive in the sense that you answer by selecting an option

or entering text on the screen. If you see a format you are not familiar with, read the directions carefully. The

directions always give clear instructions on how you are expected to respond.

Interactive question types may ask you to respond by:

• Typing in an entry box, particularly for a constructed-response question.

• Clicking an oval answer option for a multiple-choice question.

• Clicking on sentences. In questions with reading passages, you may be asked to choose your answer byclicking on a sentence or sentences within the reading passage.

Perhaps the best way to understand computer-delivered questions is to view the Computer-delivered TestingDemonstration on the Praxis Web site to learn how a computer-delivered test works and see examples of

some types of questions you may encounter.







tep 3: Understand Your Scores

3. Understand Your ScoresUnderstand how tests are scored and how to interpret your test scores

Of course, passing the Praxis test is important to you so you need to understand what your scores mean and

what your state requirements are.

What are the score requirements for my state?

States, institutions, and associations that require the tests set their own passing scores. Visit

www.ets.org/praxis/states for the most up-to-date information.

If I move to another state, will my new state accept my scores?

The Praxis Series tests are part of a national testing program, meaning that they are required in more than one

state for licensure. The advantage of a national program is that if you move to another state that also requires

Praxis tests, you can transfer your scores. Each state has specific test requirements and passing scores, which you

can find at www.ets.org/praxis/states.

How do I know whether I passed the test?

Your score report will include information on passing scores for the states you identified as recipients of your

test results. If you test in a state with automatic score reporting, you will receive passing score information for

that state.

A list of states and their passing scores for each test are available online at www.ets.org/praxis/states.

What your Praxis scores mean

You received your score report. Now what does it mean? It ’s important to interpret your score report correctly

and to know what to do if you have questions about your scores.

Visit http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/pdf/sample_score_report.pdf to see a sample score report.

To access Understanding Your Praxis Scores, a document that provides additional information on how to read

your score report, visit www.ets.org/praxis/scores/understand.

Put your scores in perspective

Your score report indicates:

• Your score and whether you passed

• The range of possible scores

• The raw points available in each content category

• The range of the middle 50 percent of scores on the test

• Your Recognition of Excellence (ROE) Award status, if applicable

(found at www.ets.org/praxis/scores/understand/roe)

If you have taken the same test or other tests in The Praxis Series over the last 10 years, your score report also lists

the highest score you earned on each test taken.



tep 3: Understand Your Scores

Content category scores and score interpretation

On many of the Praxis tests, questions are grouped into content categories. To help you in future study or

in preparing to retake the test, your score report shows how many “raw points” you earned in each content

category. Compare your “raw points earned” with the maximum points you could have earned (“raw points

available”). The greater the difference, the greater the opportunity to improve your score by further study.

Score scale changes

E T S updates Praxis tests on a regular basis to ensure they accurately measure the knowledge and skills that are

required for licensure. Updated tests cover the same content as the previous tests. However, scores might be

reported on a different scale, so requirements may vary between the new and previous versions. All scores for

previous, discontinued tests are valid and reportable for 10 years.

These resources may also help you interpret your scores:

• Understanding Your Praxis Scores (PDF), found at www.ets.org/praxis/scores/understand

• The Praxis Series Passing Scores (PDF), found at www.ets.org/praxis/scores/understand

• State requirements, found at www.ets.org/praxis/states



tep 4: Learn About Your Test

4. Learn About Your TestLearn about the specific test you will be taking

ParaPro Assessment (0755/1755)

Test at a Glance

Test Name ParaPro Assessment

Test Codes 0755, 1755

Time 2.5 hours

Number of Questions 90

Format Multiple-choice questions; use of a calculator is not permitted

Test Delivery Paper delivered and computer delivered

Approximate Approximate

Content Categories Number of Percentage ofQuestions Examination

I. Reading 30 33%

II. Mathematics 30 33%

III. Writing 30 33%III

II

I

About This Test The ParaPro Assessment for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals measures skills and knowledge in

reading, mathematics, and writing.

The test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions across the three subject areas of reading, mathematics, and

writing. Approximately two-thirds of the questions in each subject area focus on basic sk ills and knowledge,

and approximately one-third of the questions in each subject area focus on the application of those skills and

knowledge in a classroom context.

This test may contain some questions that do not count toward your score.




I. Reading

A. Reading Skills and Knowledge

Reading Skills and Knowledge questionsmeasure the examinee’s ability to understand,

interpret, and analyze a wide range of text.

Questions are based on reading passages—as

well as graphs, charts, and tables—drawn from

a variety of subject areas and real-life situations.

The questions assess the examinee’s ability to:

1. Identify the main idea or primary purpose

2. Identify supporting ideas

3. Identify how a reading selection is organized

4. Determine the meanings of words or phrases incontext

5. Draw inferences or implications from directly

stated content

6. Determine whether information is presented as

fact or opinion

7. Interpret information from tables, diagrams,

charts, and graphs

B. Application of Reading Skills and

Knowledge to Classroom Instruction

Reading Application questions are typically

based on classroom scenarios in which

students are involved in reading-related tasks,

such as reading assigned passages or working

on vocabulary development. Some questions

concern foundations of reading: the knowledge

and skills students need when they are learning

the basic features of words and written text.

These questions assess the examinee’s ability to

help students:

1. Sound out words (e.g., recognize long and shortvowels, consonant sounds, rhymes)

2. Break down words into parts (e.g., recognizesyllables, root words, prefixes, suffixes)

3. Decode words or phrases using context clues

4. Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and

homonyms

5. Alphabetize words

Other questions are concerned with tools of

the reading process: common strategies used

in classrooms before, during, and after reading

to aid students’ reading skills. These questions

assess the examinee’s ability to:

1. Help students use prereading strategies, such as

skimming or making predictions

2. Ask questions about a reading selection to helpstudents understand the selection

3. Make accurate observations about students’ability to understand and interpret text

4. Help students use a dictionary

5. Interpret written directions

II. Mathematics

A. Mathematics Skills and Knowledge

The Math Skills and Knowledge questions

assess the examinee’s knowledge of

mathematical concepts and ability to apply

them to abstract and real-life situations. The

test questions do not require knowledge of

advanced-level mathematics vocabulary.

Examinees may not use calculators.

Three categories of math skills are tested:1. Number Sense and Basic Algebra

a. perform basic addition, subtraction,

multiplication, and division of whole

numbers, fractions, and decimals

b. recognize multiplication as repeated

addition and division as repeated

subtraction

c. recognize and interpret mathematical

symbols such as + < > ≤ ≥, , , ,

d. understand the definitions of basic terms

such as sum, difference, product, quotient,numerator, and denominator

e. recognize the position of numbers in

relation to each other (e.g.,1

3 is between

1

4

and1

2)

f. recognize equivalent forms of a number

(e.g.,1

2

2

4

1

100 1 10= = =; . % )

Topics Covered

Representative descriptions of topics covered in each category are provided below.




g. demonstrate knowledge of place value for

whole numbers and decimal numbers

h. compute percentages

i. demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts

of exponents ( . .,e g 22 4= ,

2 2 2 2 2 164= × × × = )

j. demonstrate knowledge of “order of

operations” (parentheses, exponents,

multiplication, division, addition, and

subtraction)

k. use mental math to solve problems by

estimation

l. solve word problems

m. solve one-step, single-variable linear

equations (e.g., find x if x + 4 = 2)

n. identify what comes next in a sequence of

numbers

2. Geometry and Measurement

a. represent time and money in more than one

way (e.g., 30 minutes =1

2 hour;

10:15 = quarter after 10;

$0.50 = 50 cents = half dollar)

b. convert between units or measures in the

same system (e.g., inches to feet; centimeters

to meters)

c. identify basic geometrical shapes (e.g.,

isosceles triangle, right triangle, polygon)

d. perform computations related to area,

volume, and perimeter for basic shapes

e. graph data on an xy -coordinate plane

3. Data Analysis

a. interpret information from tables, charts, and

graphs

b. given a table, chart, or graph with time-

related data, interpret trends over time

c. create basic tables, charts, and graphs

d. compute the mean, median, and mode

B. Application of Mathematics Skills and

Knowledge to Classroom Instruction

The Math Application questions assess the

examinee’s ability to apply the three categories

of math skills listed in Section II (Mathematics)

in a classroom setting or in support of

classroom instruction. The questions focus

on testing the mathematical competencies

needed to assist the teacher with instruction.

The test questions do not require knowledge

of advanced-level mathematics vocabulary.

Examinees may not use calculators.

III. Writing

A. Writing Skills and Knowledge

Writing Skills and Knowledge questions assessthe examinee’s ability to identify:

1. Basic grammatical errors in standard writtenEnglish

2. Errors in word usage (e.g., their/they’re/there,then/than)

3. Errors in punctuation

4. Parts of a sentence (e.g., subject and verb/

predicate)

5. Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, pronouns,

adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions)

6. Errors in spelling

B. Application of Writing Skills and Knowledge

to Classroom Instruction

Writing Application questions are typically

based on classroom scenarios in which students

are planning, composing, revising, or editing

documents written for a variety of purposes.

Some questions are concerned with aspects of

the writing process—the full range of activities

used when composing written documents.

These questions assess the examinee’s ability to

help students:

1. Use prewriting to generate and organize ideas

(including freewriting and using outlines)

2. Identify and use appropriate reference materials

3. Draft and revise (including composing orrefining a thesis statement, writing focused and

organized paragraphs, and writing a conclusion)

4. Edit written documents for clarity, grammar,

sentence integrity (run-ons and sentencefragments), word usage, punctuation, spelling

Some questions are concerned with writingapplications; i.e., the application of writing fordifferent purposes. These questions assess the

examinee’s ability to help students:

5. Write for different purposes and audiences(including using appropriate language and

taking a position for or against something)

6. Recognize and write in different modes and

forms (e.g., descriptive essays, persuasive essays,narratives, letters)



tep 5: Determine Your Strategy for Success

5. Determine Your Strategy for Success

Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient

Effective Praxis test preparation doesn’t just happen. You’ll want to set clear goals and deadlines for yourself

along the way. Otherwise, you may not feel ready and confident on test day. A helpful resource is the Strategies for Success video, which includes tips for preparing and studying, along with tips for reducing test anxiety.

1) Learn what the test covers.

You may have heard that there are several different versions of the same test. It’s true. You may take one

version of the test and your friend may take a different version a few months later. Each test has different

questions covering the same subject area, but both versions of the test measure the same skills and

content knowledge.

You’ll find specific information on the test you’re taking in “4. Learn About Your Test” on page 11, which

outlines the content categories that the test measures and what percentage of the test covers each topic.

Visit www.ets.org/praxis/testprep for information on other Praxis tests.

2) Assess how well you know the content.

Research shows that test takers tend to overestimate their preparedness—this is why some test takers

assume they did well and then find out they did not pass.

The Praxis tests are demanding enough to require serious review of likely content, and the longer you’ve

been away from the content, the more preparation you will most likely need. If it has been longer than a few

months since you’ve studied your content area, make a concerted effort to prepare.

3) Collect study materials.

Gathering and organizing your materials for review are critical steps in preparing for the Praxis tests. Considerthe following reference sources as you plan your study:

• Did you take a course in which the content area was covered? If yes, do you still have your books or

your notes?

• Does your college library have a good introductory college-level textbook in this area?

• Does your local library have a high school-level textbook?

Study guides are available for purchase for many Praxis tests at www.ets.org/praxis/testprep. Each guide

provides a combination of test preparation and practice, including sample questions and answers

with explanations.

4) Plan and organize your time.

You can begin to plan and organize your time while you are still collecting materials. Allow yourself plenty of

review time to avoid cramming new material at the end. Here are a few tips:

• Choose a test date far enough in the future to leave you plenty of preparation time at

www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates.

• Work backward from that date to figure out how much time you will need for review.

• Set a realistic schedule—and stick to it.

http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/flash/strategies-for-success/20466_ets-praxis-program.html







5) Practice explaining the key concepts.

Praxis tests with constructed-response questions assess your ability to explain material effectively. As a

teacher, you’ll need to be able to explain concepts and processes to students in a clear, understandable

way. What are the major concepts you will be required to teach? Can you explain them in your own words

accurately, completely, and clearly? Practice explaining these concepts to test your ability to effectively

explain what you know.

6) Understand how questions will be scored.

Scoring information can be found in “3. Understand Your Scores” on page 9.

7) Develop a study plan.

A study plan provides a road map to prepare for the Praxis tests. It can help you understand what skills and

knowledge are covered on the test and where to focus your attention. Use the study plan template on page

19 to organize your efforts.

And most important—get started!

Would a Study Group Work for You?

Using this guide as part of a study group

People who have a lot of studying to do sometimes find it helpful to form a study group with others who are

working toward the same goal. Study groups give members opportunities to ask questions and get detailed

answers. In a group, some members usually have a better understanding of certain topics, while others in the

group may be better at other topics. As members take turns explaining concepts to one another, everyone

builds self-confidence.

If the group encounters a question that none of the members can answer well, the group can go to a teacher or

other expert and get answers efficiently. Because study groups schedule regular meetings, members study in a

more disciplined fashion. They also gain emotional support. The group should be large enough so that multiplepeople can contribute different kinds of knowledge, but small enough so that it stays focused. Often, three to

six members is a good size.

Here are some ways to use this guide as part of a study group:

• Plan the group’s study program. Parts of the study plan template, beginning on page 17 can help

to structure your group’s study program. By filling out the first five columns and sharing the worksheets,

everyone will learn more about your group’s mix of abilities and about the resources, such as textbooks, that

members can share with the group. In the sixth column (“Dates I will study the content”), you can create an

overall schedule for your group’s study program.

• Plan individual group sessions. At the end of each session, the group should decide what specific

topics will be covered at the next meeting and who will present each topic. Use the topic headings and

subheadings in the Test at a Glance table on page 11 to select topics, and then select practice questions,

beginning on page 23.

• Prepare your presentation for the group. When it’s your to turn present, prepare something that is more

than a lecture. Write two or three original questions to pose to the group. Practicing writing actual questions

can help you better understand the topics covered on the test as well as the types of questions you will

encounter on the test. It will also give other members of the group extra practice at answering questions.




• Take the practice test together. The idea of the practice test is to simulate an actual administration of the

test, so scheduling a test session with the group will add to the realism and may also help boost everyone’s

confidence. Remember, complete the practice test using only the time that will be allotted for that test on

your administration day.

• Learn from the results of the practice test. Score one another’s answer sheets. For tests that contain

constructed-response questions, look at the Sample Test Questions section, which also contain sample

responses to those questions and shows how they were scored. Then try to follow the same guidelines thatthe test scorers use.

• Be as critical as you can. You’re not doing your study partner(s) any favors by letting them get away with

an answer that does not cover all parts of the question adequately.

• Be specific. Write comments that are as detailed as the comments about the sample responses. Indicate

where and how your study partner(s) are doing an inadequate job of answering the question. Writing notes

in the margins of the answer sheet may also help.

• Be supportive. Include comments that point out what your study partner(s) got right.

Then plan one or more study sessions based on aspects of the questions on which group members performed

poorly. For example, each group member might be responsible for rewriting one paragraph of a response in

which someone else did an inadequate job.

Whether you decide to study alone or with a group, remember that the best way to prepare is to have an

organized plan. The plan should set goals based on specific topics and skills that you need to learn, and it

should commit you to a realistic set of deadlines for meeting those goals. Then you need to discipline yourself

to stick with your plan and accomplish your goals on schedule.



tep 6: Develop Your Study Plan

6. Develop Your Study PlanDevelop a personalized study plan and schedule

Planning your study time is important because it will help ensure that you review all content areas covered on thetest. Use the sample study plan below as a guide. It shows a plan for the Praxis I® Pre-Professional Skills Test: Reading

test. Following that is a study plan template that you can fill out to create your own plan. Use the “Learn about Your Test” and “Topics Covered” information beginning on page 11 to help complete it.

Use this worksheet to:

1. Define Content Areas: List the most important content areas for your test as defined in the Topics Covered section.2. Determine Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each content area.3. Identify Resources: Identify the books, courses, and other resources you plan to use for each content area.4. Study: Create and commit to a schedule that provides for regular study periods.

Praxis Test Name: Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test: ReadingPraxis Test Code(s): 0710Test Date: 11/15/12

Content coveredDescriptionof content

How well doI know thecontent?

(scale 1–5)

Whatresources do Ihave/need forthe content?

Where can Ifind the

resources Ineed?

Dates I willstudy thecontent

Datecompleted

Literal Comprehension

Main Ideas

Identify summariesor paraphrases ofmain idea or primarypurpose of readingselection

2Middle schoolEnglish textbook

College library,middle schoolteacher

9/15/12 9/15/12

Supporting Ideas

Identify summariesor paraphrases of

supporting ideas andspecific details inreading selection

2

Middle school

English textbook

College library,

middle schoolteacher 9/17/12 9/17/12

Organization

Identify how readingselection is organizedin terms of cause/ effect and compare/ contrast

3

Middle andhigh schoolEnglish textbook

College library,middle andhigh schoolteachers

9/20/12 9/21/12

Organization

Identify key transitionwords/phrases inreading selection andhow used

4

Middle andhigh schoolEnglish textbook

College library,middle andhigh schoolteachers

9/25/12 9/26/12

Vocabulary in

Context

Identify meaningsof words as used in

context of readingselection

3

Middle andhigh schoolEnglish

text book,dictionary

College library,middle and

high schoolteachers

9/25/12 9/27/12

(continued on next page)






(scale 1–5)


Where can Ifind the

resources Ineed?


Datecompleted

Critical and Inferential Comprehension

Evaluation

Determinewhether evidence

strengthens,weakens, oris relevant toarguments in readingselection

5

High schooltext book,college coursenotes

College library,

course notes,high schoolteacher, collegeprofessor

10/1/12 10/1/12

Evaluation

Determine role thatan idea, reference, orpiece of informationplays in author ’sdiscussion/argument

5


College library,course notes,high schoolteacher, collegeprofessor

10/1/12 10/1/12

Evaluation

Determine ifinformationpresented is fact oropinion

4



10/1/12 10/1/12

Evaluation

Identify relationshipamong ideaspresented in readingselection

2



10/1/12 10/1/12

InferentialReasoning

Draw inferences/ implications fromdirectly statedcontent of readingselection

3



10/8/12 10/8/12


Determine logicalassumptions onwhich argument orconclusion is based

2


College library,course notes,high schoolteacher, college

professor

10/8/12 10/8/12


Determine author’sattitude towardmaterials discussedin reading selection

1



10/15/12 10/17/12

Generalization

Recognize or predictideas/situations thatare extensions of, orsimilar to, what hasbeen presented inreading selection

2



10/22/12 10/24/12

Generalization

Draw conclusionsfrom materials

presented in readingselection

3

High schooltext book,

college coursenotes

College library,course notes,high school

teacher, collegeprofessor

10/24/12 10/24/12

Generalization

Apply ideaspresented in areading selection toother situations

3



10/27/12 10/27/12




My Study Plan

Use this worksheet to:

1. Define Content Areas: List the most important content areas for your test as defined in the Learn about Your Testand Topics Covered sections.

2. Determine Strengths and Weaknesses: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each content area.3. Identify Resources: Identify the books, courses, and other resources you plan to use for each content area.4. Study: Create and commit to a schedule that provides for regular study periods.

Praxis Test Name: ____________________________________________________________Praxis Test Code: _____________Test Date: _____________



(scale 1–5)


Where can Ifind the

resources Ineed?


Datecompleted

(continued on next page)






(scale 1–5)


Where can Ifind the

resources Ineed?


Datecompleted



tep 7: Review Smart Tips for Success

7. Review Smart Tips for Success

Follow test-taking tips developed by experts

Learn from the experts. Take advantage of the following answers to questions you may have and practical tips

to help you navigate the Praxis test and make the best use of your time.

Should I Guess?

Yes. Your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, with no penalty or subtraction for an

incorrect answer. When you don’t know the answer to a question, try to eliminate any obviously wrong answers

and then guess at the correct one. Try to pace yourself so that you have enough time to carefully consider

every question.

Can I answer the questions in any order?

Yes. You can go through the questions from beginning to end, as many test takers do, or you can create your

own path. Perhaps you will want to answer questions in your strongest area of knowledge first and then movefrom your strengths to your weaker areas. On computer-delivered tests, you can use the “Skip” function to skip a

question and come back to it later. There is no right or wrong way. Use the approach that works best for you.

Are there trick questions on the test?

No. There are no hidden meanings or trick wording. All of the questions on the test ask about subject matter

knowledge in a straightforward manner.

Are there answer patterns on the test?

No. You might have heard this myth: the answers on multiple-choice tests follow patterns. Another myth is that

there will never be more than two questions with the same lettered answer following each other. Neither myth

is true. Select the answer you think is correct based on your knowledge of the subject.

Can I write in the test booklet or, for a computer-delivered test, on the scratch paper Iam given?

Yes. You can work out problems right on the pages of the booklet or scratch paper, make notes to yourself, mark

questions you want to review later or write anything at all. Your test booklet or scratch paper will be destroyed

after you are finished with it, so use it in any way that is helpful to you. But make sure to mark your answers on

the answer sheet or enter them on the computer.

Smart Tips for Taking the Test

1. For a paper-delivered test, put your answers in the right bubbles. It seems obvious, but be sure that

you fill in the answer bubble that corresponds to the question you are answering. A significant number of

test takers fill in a bubble without checking to see that the number matches the question they

are answering.

2. Skip the questions you find extremely difficult. Rather than trying to answer these on your first pass

through the test, leave them blank and mark them in your test booklet. Pay attention to the time as you

answer the rest of the questions on the test, and try to finish with 10 or 15 minutes remaining so that you



tep 7: Review Smart Tips for Success

can go back over the questions you left blank. Even if you don’t know the answer the second time you read

the questions, see if you can narrow down the possible answers, and then guess.

3. Keep track of the time. Bring a watch to the test, just in case the clock in the test room is difficult for you

to see. Keep the watch as simple as possible—alarms and other functions may distract others or may violate

test security. If the test center supervisor suspects there could be an issue with your watch, they will ask you

to remove it, so simpler is better! You will probably have plenty of time to answer all of the questions, but if

you find yourself becoming bogged down in one section, you might decide to move on and come back tothat section later.

4. Read all of the possible answers before selecting one. Then reread the question to be sure the answer

you have selected really answers the question. Remember, a question that contains a phrase such as “Which

of the following does NOT …” is asking for the one answer that is NOT a correct statement or conclusion.

5. Check your answers. If you have extra time left over at the end of the test, look over each question and

make sure that you have answered it as you intended. Many test takers make careless mistakes that they

could have corrected if they had checked their answers.

6. Don’t worry about your score when you are taking the test. No one is expected to answer all of the

questions correctly. Your score on this test is not analogous to your score on the GRE ® or other similar-looking

(but in fact very different) tests. It doesn’t matter on the Praxis tests whether you score very high or barely

pass. If you meet the minimum passing scores for your state and you meet the state’s other requirements for

obtaining a teaching license, you will receive a license. In other words, what matters is meeting the minimum

passing score. You can find passing scores for all states that use The Praxis Series tests at

http://www.ets.org/s/praxis/pdf/passing_scores.pdf or on the Web site of the state for which you are

seeking certification/licensure.

7. Use your energy to take the test, not to get angry at it. Getting angry at the test only increases stress

and decreases the likelihood that you will do your best. Highly qualified educators and test development

professionals, all with backgrounds in teaching, worked diligently to make the test a fair and valid measure

of your knowledge and skills. Your state painstakingly reviewed the test before adopting it as a licensure

requirement. The best thing to do is concentrate on answering the questions.



tep 8: Practice with Sample Test Questions

8. Practice with Sample Test Questions

Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers

Sample Test Questions

Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete

statements below is followed by four suggested

answers or completions. Select the one that is

best in each case and fill in the corresponding

lettered space on the answer sheet with a heavy,

dark mark so that you cannot see the letter.

Reading

Questions 1–2 are based on the following

passage.

Early scientists believed that all dinosaurs,like most reptiles, laid and then immediately

abandoned their eggs. The newly hatched young

were left to take care of themselves. However,

the recent discovery of a group of nests has

challenged this belief. The nests, which contained

fossilized baby dinosaurs that were not newborn,

provided evidence that dinosaur parents actually

cared for their young. For some time after birth,

the babies would stay at the nest while the

parents brought back plant matter for food.

The young stayed at home until they were large

enough to roam safely on their own.

1. The passage is primarily concerned with

(A) contrasting dinosaurs with modern

reptiles

(B) explaining why dinosaurs became extinct

(C) discussing recent findings about

dinosaurs’ behavior

(D) providing new information about what

dinosaurs ate

2. The discovery of a group of dinosaur nests

challenged the idea that dinosaurs

(A) fed their young with plant matter

(B) hatched few eggs

(C) migrated in search of food

(D) deserted their young

3. What conclusion can be drawn from the data

presented in the graph above?

(A) Japanese American businesses were

more successful in California than in

other states in 1909.

(B) The number of Japanese American

businesses in Los Angeles and San

Francisco increased greatly from 1900 to

1909.

(C) In 1909 there were more Japanese

American businesses in Los Angeles

than there were in San Francisco.

(D) In 1909 most Japanese Americanbusinesses in Los Angeles and San

Francisco were large companies.




4. American science-fiction writers produce a

large number of novels for young people

these days, yet few take advantage of the

latitude allowed by the genre. Since the

1970s, young-adult science fiction has had

little to do with the wonders of science,

intergalactic travel, or new worlds in space.

Most of the novels are cautionary tales aboutregimented, conformist societies or about the

social order collapsed into barbarism. This

change has resulted in science fiction that is,

to me as a reader, much less interesting than

science fiction used to be.

Which sentence from the passage is most

clearly an expression of opinion rather than a

statement of fact?

(A) “American science-fiction . . . the genre.”

(B) “Since the . . . in space.”

(C) “Most of . . . into barbarism.”(D) “This change . . . to be.”


passage, which students are reading in small

groups.

The environment in which people live often

determines the kind of technology they use. For

instance, ancient Mesopotamia had few plants

suitable for making paper. But the area had lots of

high-quality clay. People used the clay to storeinformation.

Modern people store information on paper,

computer disks, and CDs. Mesopotamians stored

their data on clay tablets—pieces of smooth clay

small enough to fit into the palm of an adult’s

hand. When a clay tablet was damp, people could

scratch pictures and letters into its surface using a

sharpened reed. When dried in the hot sun, the

clay hardened, preserving the writing and the

information.

5. The teacher wants students to understand

why the Mesopotamians wrote on clay. What

question could a paraprofessional ask a group

of students about the passage that would

best help the students understand why the

Mesopotamians wrote on clay?

(A) Why did the Mesopotamians make clay

tablets small enough to fit in the hand?

(B) What kinds of pictures and letters did the

Mesopotamians scratch on clay?

(C) Why didn’t the Mesopotamians write on

paper the way we do today?(D) How did the Mesopotamians learn to

read and write?

6. The paraprofessional asks a group of students

to describe the main purpose of the second

paragraph. Which of the following four

responses from the students is most

accurate?

(A) To explain how the Mesopotamians used

clay to store information

(B) To describe the different ways we storeinformation today

(C) To explain why the environment affects

the kind of technology people use

(D) To show that Mesopotamians made

small clay tablets so they could carry

them easily




Mathematics

7. In the graph above, how many more votes

were received for the park than the mall as an

activity for a class trip?

(A) 1

(B) 2

(C) 6

(D) 14

8. What digit is in the hundredths place of the

number 5,123.6487?

(A) 1

(B) 4

(C) 6

(D) 8

9. 445.76 × 9.634 is approximately equal to

(A) 46

(B) 446

(C) 4,460

(D) 44,600

10. Which of the following is NOT a point on

line shown on the graph above?

(A) (0, 3)

(B) (1, 3)

(C) (3, 0)

(D) (3, 3)

5 3 8 9+ × + = ?

11. A student wrote the incorrect number

sentence above to solve the following

problem:

“Multiply the sum of 5 and 3 and the sum of 8

and 9.”

To correct the error, the student’s number

sentence should be changed to

(A) 5 3 8 9+ +( ) × = ?

(B) 5 3 8 9+ +( )× = ?

(C) 5 3 8 9+ +( )× = ?

(D) 5 3 8 9+ +( ) ( )× = ?




12. A paraprofessional is helping a student find

the equation for the area of parallelogram

ABCD shown above by pointing out to the

student that the parallelogram can be divided

into two congruent triangles. The area of the

parallelogram is then the sum of the areas of

the two triangles. Which of the following is the

correct expression to use to find the area of

parallelogram ABCD ?

(A)

1

2 7 4

1

2 7 4× + ×

( ) ( )

(B)1

27 5

1

27 5× + ×( ) ( )

(C) 7 5 7 4× + ×( ) ( )

(D) 7 4 5× ×( )

Writing

Directions for Questions 13–14: In each of the

sentences below, four portions are underlined

and lettered. Select the underlined portion that

contains a grammatical construction, a word

use, or an instance of punctuation that would be

inappropriate in carefully written English. Note theletter printed beneath the underlined portion you

select and completely fill in the corresponding

lettered space on the answer sheet with a heavy,

dark mark so that you cannot see the letter. No

sentence has more than one error.

13. The role of technology in the nation’s

A

public

schools have

B

been increasing steadily

C

for more than

D

20 years.

14. Jupiter, the largest

A

planet in the solar system,

spins very rapidly

B

on it’s

C

axis, with the result

that a day on Jupiter lasts

D

only 9 hours and

55 minutes.

15. Because there were no refrigerators on the

United States space shuttles, all of the food

eaten by the astronauts had to be in a

nonperishable form.

In the sentence above, the underlined word is

being used as

(A) a noun

(B) a verb

(C) an adjective

(D) an adverb

16. Which word is NOT spelled correctly?

(A) compair

(B) hardware

(C) repair

(D) scare





rough draft written by a student.

How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

by Kiara

(1) First hold a dog biscuit so the dog pays

attention. (2) Say “Sit!” (3) When you say it, use aloud and firm voice. (4) Move the hand holding the

biscuit over the dog’s nose, don’t let him grab it.

(5) You may have to give a light backwards tug on

the dog’s leash. (6) When the dog sits down, give

him the treat and lots of praise. (7) Repeat this a

few times, and he’ll probably understand the

command.

17. Kiara is writing an introductory sentence that

summarizes the main points of the paragraph.

What sentence would be the strongest

introductory sentence for the paragraph?

(A) Dogs are naturally very intelligent and

obedient.

(B) Your dog probably likes some dog

biscuits better than others.

(C) It is easy to teach your dog the

command “Sit!”

(D) Nobody likes a dog that can’t play catch.

18. Kiara is learning how to use transition words

(words that clarify the relationships between

ideas). What transition word or words should

Kiara use before the word “don’t” in sentence

4 in order to clarify the meaning of the

sentence?

(A) but

(B) because

(C) for example

(D) so




1. The correct answer is (C). The passage notes the“recent discovery of a group of nests” and then

elaborates on what the discovery reveals about thebehavior of dinosaurs toward their young.

2. The correct answer is (D). The belief challenged bythe discovery of the group of nests is that dinosaurs

“abandoned their eggs” and left their young to providefor themselves.

3. The correct answer is (B). (A) and (D) are incorrectbecause the graph does not offer information aboutJapanese American businesses in cities outside of

California, nor does it offer information about the sizeof Japanese American businesses in Los Angeles and

San Francisco. (C) is incorrect because the graphindicates that in 1909 there were fewer Japanese

American businesses in Los Angeles than in San

Francisco.4. The correct answer is (D). The sentences referred toin (A), (B), and (C) present facts about the number and

subject matter of science fiction novels publishedtoday. In the last sentence, however, the author shifts tooffering a personal opinion about science fiction today:

it’s not as interesting as it used to be.

5. The correct answer is (C). The question would

encourage students to think about why theMesopotamians did not have paper (they did not have

many of the proper plants) and help the studentsbetter understand how the resources available to the

Mesopotamians helped determine the materials theyused for writing.

6. The correct answer is (A). The second paragraph isprimarily concerned with describing the processes

used by the Mesopotamians to write on clay tablets.

7. According to the graph, 8 votes were received for

the park as an activity for a class trip and 6 votes werereceived for the mall. To determine how many more

votes were received for the park than the mall, subtractthe number of votes for the mall from the number ofvotes for the park.

8 6 2− =

Thus, 2 more votes were received for the park than themall. The correct answer is (B).

8. The hundredths place of 5,123.6487 is 2 digits to theright of the decimal point as shown:

decimal point

↓5,123.6487 ↑

hundredths place

The digit in the hundredths place of the number is 4.

The correct answer is (B).

9. To determine the approximate value of445 76 9 634. . × , round 445 76. to 446 and round9634. to 10 . Then, multiply 446 and 10.

446 10 4 460 × = ,

The approximate value is 4,460. The correct answer

is (C).

10. To determine which point is not on the line , plotthe points in (A) through (D) on the graph.

As can be seen on the graph, the point C (3, 0) is not online . The correct answer is (C).

11. The student’s number sentence

5 3 8 9+ × + = ?

is incorrect because, according to the order ofoperations, multiplication precedes addition; thus, 3 and

8 would be multiplied first, then 5 and then 9 would beadded to the product. In order for the sum of 5 and 3

and the sum of 8 and 9 to be calculated beforemultiplying, parentheses must be placed around 5 3+

and 8 9+ . Thus, the correct number sentence is:

5 3 8 9+ × + =( ) ( ) ?

The correct answer is (D).

Answers to Sample Questions




12. The figure shown is a parallelogram. Parallelogram

ABCD can be divided into two congruent triangles, ABD

and BCD, as shown by the dotted line. Each triangle has

an area of1

2bh, where b is the length of the base and h

is the height of the triangle. The height of a triangle isthe line segment that is perpendicular to the base.

In the figure, the base b of each triangle has length 7

and the height h of each triangle is 4; thus, the area of

each triangle is A = ×1

27 4( ).

The area of parallelogram is the sum of the areas of thetwo triangles; thus, the area of parallelogram ABCD is

1

27 4

1

27 4× + ×( ) ( ). The correct answer is (A).

13. The error in the sentence occurs at (B). The subjectof the verb “have been increasing” is the “role oftechnology”; because “role” is a singular noun, the verb

should also be singular: “has been increasing.”

14. The error in the sentence occurs at (C). As

presented in (C), the word “it’s” is an error in usage.When used in the possessive form (the axis belongs to

Jupiter), there is no apostrophe in the word “its.” There isan apostrophe in “it’s” only when the word is beingused as a contraction of “it is.”

15. The correct answer is (C). An adjective is a wordthat modifies a noun or pronoun, usually by describing,

identifying, or quantifying. Here, “nonperishable”modifies “form” by describing the form of food eaten by

the astronauts.

16. The correct answer is (A). The correct spelling is

“compare.”

17. The correct answer is (C). Kiara’s paragraph isconcerned with discussing what steps to take whenteaching a dog to sit. (A) is too general; (B) concerns a

minor element of the paragraph, not its primary focus;and (D) concerns playing catch, which is not discussed

in the paragraph at all.

18. The correct answer is (A). The word “but” is used to

emphasize the contrast expressed in the sentence:“Move the hand holding the biscuit over the dog’s

nose, but don’t let him grab it.”



tep 9: Check on Testing Accommodations

9. Check on Testing AccommodationsSee if you qualify for accommodations that may make it easier to take the Praxis test

What if English is not my primary language?

Praxis tests are given only in English. If your primary language is not English (PLNE), you may be eligible for

extended testing time. For more details, visit www.ets.org/praxis/register/accommodations/plne.

What if I cannot take the paper-based test on Saturday?

Monday is the alternate paper-delivered test day for test takers who can’t test on Saturday due to:

• religious convictions

• duties as a member of the United States armed forces

Online registration is not available for Monday test takers. You must complete a registration form and provide a

photocopy of your military orders or a letter from your cleric. You’ll find details at

www.ets.org/praxis/register/accommodations/monday_testing.

What if I have a disability or other health-related need?

The following accommodations are available for Praxis test takers who meet the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA) Amendments Act disability requirements:

• Extended testing time

• Additional rest breaks

• Separate testing room

• Writer/recorder of answers

• Test reader

• Sign language interpreter for spoken directions only• Perkins Brailler

• Braille slate and stylus

• Printed copy of spoken directions

• Oral interpreter

• Audio test

• Braille test

• Large print test book (14 pt.)

• Large print answer sheet

• Listening section omitted

For more information on these accommodations, visit www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities.

Note: Test takers who have health-related needs requiring them to bring equipment, beverages, or snacks into

the testing room or to take extra or extended breaks must request these accommodations by following the

procedures described in the Bulletin Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities or Health-Related Needs (PDF),

which can be found at http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/disabilities.

You can find additional information on available resources for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs

at www.ets.org/disabilities.



tep 10: Do Your Best on Test Day

10. Do Your Best on Test Day

Get ready for test day so you will be calm and confident

You followed your study plan. You are prepared for the test. Now it’s time to prepare for test day.

Plan to end your review a day or two before the actual test date so you avoid cramming. Take a dry run to the

test center so you’re sure of the route, traffic conditions, and parking. Most of all, you want to eliminate any

unexpected factors that could distract you from your ultimate goal—passing the Praxis test!

On the day of the test, you should:

• be well rested

• wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers

• eat before you take the test and bring food with you to eat during break to keep your energy level up

• bring an acceptable and valid photo identification with you

• bring a supply of well-sharpened No. 2 pencils (at least 3) and a blue or black pen for the essay orconstructed-response questions for a paper-delivered test

• be prepared to stand in line to check in or to wait while other test takers check in

• select a seat away from doors, aisles, and other high-traffic areas

You can’t control the testing situation, but you can control yourself. Stay calm. The supervisors are well trained

and make every effort to provide uniform testing conditions, but don’t let it bother you if the test doesn’t start

exactly on time. You will have the necessary amount of time once it does start.

You can think of preparing for this test as training for an athletic event. Once you’ve trained, prepared, and

rested, give it everything you’ve got.

What items am I restricted from bringing into the test center?

You cannot bring into the test center personal items such as:

• handbags, knapsacks, or briefcases

• water bottles or canned or bottled beverages

• study materials, books, or notes

• scrap paper

• any electronic, photographic, recording, or listening devices

Note: All cell phones, smart phones (e.g., BlackBerry® devices, iPhones®, etc.), PDAs, and other electronic,

photographic, recording, or listening devices are strictly prohibited from the test center. If you are seen withsuch a device, you will be dismissed from the test, your test scores will be canceled, and you will forfeit your test

fees. If you are seen USING such a device, the device will be confiscated and inspected. For more information on

what you can bring to the test center, visit www.ets.org/praxis/test_day/bring.



tep 10: Do Your Best on Test Day

Are You Ready?

Complete this checklist to determine whether you are ready to take your test.

❒ Do you know the testing requirements for the license or certification you are seeking in the state(s) whereyou plan to teach?

❒ Have you followed all of the test registration procedures?

❒ Do you know the topics that will be covered in each test you plan to take?

❒ Have you reviewed any textbooks, class notes, and course readings that relate to the topics covered?

❒ Do you know how long the test will take and the number of questions it contains?

❒ Have you considered how you will pace your work?

❒ Are you familiar with the types of questions for your test?

❒ Are you familiar with the recommended test-taking strategies?

❒ Have you practiced by working through the practice questions in this study companion or in a studyguide or practice test?

❒ If constructed-response questions are part of your test, do you understand the scoring criteria forthese items?

❒ If you are repeating a Praxis test, have you analyzed your previous score report to determine areas whereadditional study and test preparation could be useful?

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, your preparation has paid off. Now take the Praxis test, do your

best, pass it—and begin your teaching career!



Appendix: Other Questions You May Have

Appendix: Other Questions You May HaveHere is some supplemental information that can give you a better understanding of the Praxis tests.

What do the Praxis tests measure?

The Praxis tests measure the specific knowledge and skills that beginning teachers need. The tests do notmeasure an individual’s disposition toward teaching or potential for success. The assessments are designed to

be comprehensive and inclusive, but are limited to what can be covered in a finite number of questions and

question types.

Ranging from Agriculture to World Languages, there are more than 100 Praxis tests, which contain multiple-

choice questions or constructed-response questions, or a combination of both.

What is the difference between Praxis multiple-choice and constructed-response tests?

Multiple-choice tests measure a broad range of knowledge across your content area. Constructed-response

tests measure your ability to provide in-depth explanations of a few essential topics in a given subject area.

Content-specific Praxis pedagogy tests, most of which are constructed-response, measure your understandingof how to teach certain fundamental concepts in a subject area.

The tests do not measure your actual teaching ability, however. Teaching combines many complex skills that

are typically measured in other ways, including classroom observation, videotaped practice, or portfolios not

included in the Praxis test.

Who takes the tests and why?

Some colleges and universities use the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (Reading, Writing and

Mathematics) to evaluate individuals for entry into teacher education programs. The assessments are generally

taken early in your college career. Many states also require Praxis scores as part of their teacher licensing process.

Individuals entering the teaching profession take the Praxis tests as part of the teacher licensing and certificationprocess required by many states. In addition, some professional associations and organizations require Praxis

tests for professional licensing.

Do all states require these tests?

The Praxis Series tests are currently required for teacher licensure in approximately 40 states and United States

territories. These tests are also used by several professional licensing agencies and by several hundred colleges

and universities. Teacher candidates can test in one state and submit their scores in any other state that requires

Praxis testing for licensure. You can find details at www.ets.org/praxis/states.

What is licensure/certification?

Licensure in any area—medicine, law, architecture, accounting, cosmetology—is an assurance to the public that

the person holding the license possesses sufficient knowledge and skills to perform important occupational

activities safely and effectively. In the case of teacher licensing, a license tells the public that the individual has

met predefined competency standards for beginning teaching practice.

Because a license makes such a serious claim about its holder, licensure tests are usually quite demanding. In

some fields, licensure tests have more than one part and last for more than one day. Candidates for licensure

in all fields plan intensive study as part of their professional preparation. Some join study groups, others study



Appendix: Other Questions You May Have

alone. But preparing to take a licensure test is, in all cases, a professional activity. Because it assesses the entire

body of knowledge for the field you are entering, preparing for a licensure exam takes planning, discipline, and

sustained effort.

Why does my state require The Praxis Series tests?

Your state chose The Praxis Series tests because they assess the breadth and depth of content—called the

“domain”—that your state wants its teachers to possess before they begin to teach. The level of contentknowledge, reflected in the passing score, is based on recommendations of panels of teachers and teacher

educators in each subject area. The state licensing agency and, in some states, the state legislature ratify the

passing scores that have been recommended by panels of teachers.

How are the tests updated to ensure the content remains current?

Praxis tests are reviewed regularly. During the first phase of review, E T S conducts an analysis of relevant state

and association standards and of the current test content. State licensure titles and the results of relevant

job analyses are also considered. Revised test questions are then produced following the standard test

development methodology. National advisory committees may also be convened to review existing test

specifications and to evaluate test forms for alignment with the specifications.

How long will it take to receive my scores?

Scores for computer-delivered tests are available faster than scores for paper-delivered tests. Scores for most

computer-delivered multiple-choice tests are reported on the screen immediately after the test. Scores for tests

that contain constructed-response questions or essays aren’t available immediately after the test because of the

scoring process involved. Official scores for computer-delivered tests are reported to you and your designated

score recipients approximately two to three weeks after the test date. Scores for paper-delivered tests will be

available within four weeks after the test date. See the test dates and deadlines calendar at

www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates for exact score reporting dates.

Can I access my scores on the Web?

All test takers can access their test scores via their Praxis account free of charge for one year from the posting

date. This online access replaces the mailing of a paper score report.

The process is easy—simply log in to your Praxis account at www.ets.org/praxis and click on your score report.

If you do not already have a Praxis account, you must create one to view your scores.

Note: You must create a Praxis account to access your scores, even if you registered by mail or phone.


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Your teaching career is worth preparing for, so start today!

Let the Praxis TM Study Companion guide you.

Copyright © 2013 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. E T S, the E T S logo, LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING., GRE, PRAXIS

I and PRAXIS II are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (E T S). PRAXIS and THE PRAXIS SERIES are trademarks of E T S.

All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. 19117

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