101 TExES Generalist - 4 Exam Practice Questions
1. Which of these general standards should be present in all language arts programs?
A. Use of print and non-print media
B. Teaching grammar and syntax rules
C. Reading fiction and non-fiction texts
D. All of the above
2. Which activity will not help motivate students?
A. Offer material interesting to the student
B. Build on previously acquired knowledge
C. Require memorization of many topics discussed
D. Encourage lively discussions
3. Characteristics of a high literacy home environment include:
A. Lots of reading material available
B. Happy home
C. Focus on decoding words
D. Limited vocabulary
4. Phonics is:
A. Analytical
B. Helps students sound out new words
C. Expands vocabulary
D. All of the above
5. The whole language approach to reading:
A. Is a systematized approach
B. Builds on previously acquired knowledge
C. Is structured
D. All of the above
6. The basics of math include:
A. Addition and division
B. Economics
C. Social Sciences
D. All of the above
7. Social Studies includes:
A. History and citizenship
B. Astronomy
C. Career education
D. All of the above
8. Safety in a science classroom includes:
A. Appropriate ventilation
B. Safety goggles
C. Written operating instructions for the equipment
D. All of the above
9. Which one of these is not a theme used in creative expression?
A. Universal
B. Broad
C. Comedic
D. Timely
10. Some health benefits of regular physical activity are:
A. Builds strong bones and controls weight
B. Makes you thin and pretty
C. Gives you something to do
D. All of the above
ANSWER KEY EXAM 101
1. Answer: D
School is just one part of a student's life. Home, church, community and culture all play vital roles in the life and learning experiences. Recognizing these influences and working with them by incorporating a wide range of print and non-print media across many countries and cultures should be the cornerstone of every language arts program. Learning is most effective when students acquire the skills they need, retain that knowledge and are able to apply the information outside the language arts classroom. Teaching grammar and syntax rules as students read a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts help them learn about the complex world they live in and prepare them to function as productive citizens in that world. Learning to understand, evaluate, integrate and share information gleaned from the literature of many eras and a variety of genres helps students appreciate diversity and enhances their knowledge of the world beyond their backyard. The ability to read, write, analyze and communicate ideas and concepts effectively should be the ultimate goal of every language arts program.
2. Answer: C
Students don't learn if they are not engaged in the process. They won't engage in the process if they are not motivated. A great way to motivate students is to offer material that is interesting to them on topics they care about that helps them understand their world better. To prevent boredom and help students retain key concepts, teachers need to build on previously acquired knowledge and link new data with old information. Create lesson plans and hands-on activities that relate to the students' lives. Encourage student discussion as they share ideas, ask questions and alternate perspectives are presented, considered and integrated.
3. Answer: A
High literacy students who live in homes surrounded by a variety of reading material and who were read to when they were young, learn to read earlier, more easily and with better comprehension. They start school knowing the alphabet and have relatively large vocabularies; some may already be reading. Fluent readers recognize words and expressions and understand their meaning automatically. Other factors include: They don't focus on words, they concentrate on meaning. They make connections between knowledge they have and ideas and concepts discovered in new information. Low literacy students come from homes with little reading material, were probably not read to very often and usually have limited vocabularies. Their parents may use broken English and/or speak with a pronounced accent or the family may use a dialect filled with non-standard vernacular. Readers who are not fluent read word-by-word because they need to sound out each word. Because they must concentrate on decoding words, they usually don't understand the information in the text and have difficulty processing and integrating new data.
4. Answer: D
Phonics is an analytical approach to reading. Students take words apart to study individual letters and how they come together to make sounds. Learning to decode or "sound-out" letter combinations enables students to visually recognize words they already hear and speak in every day conversation. It gives them tools to sound-out unfamiliar words. It helps expand students' vocabulary by giving them a way to pronounce new words. Phonics helps them learn to spell because most words are spelled like they sound.
5. Answer: B
The whole language approach to reading instructs by building on knowledge previously acquired, encouraging active learning and emphasizing working in groups to develop social and communication skills. It brings together speaking, listening, reading and writing experiences to create a rich literary environment that emphasizes quality literature and cultural diversity. When students connect new data with information they already know in a meaningful manner, they understand the new material better and are able to use it more effectively. They integrate new information with the old quicker, retain it longer and are able to retrieve it easier.
6. Answer: A
Math explains the logic of and relationship between numbers. It is used every day in countless ways. In order to minimize potential math phobia, teachers need to make the subject relevant to the students' lives and use examples with which they are familiar and that make sense to them. In order to do that, learning the basics is critical because all math concepts are built on addition, division, fractions and shapes; all mathematical relationships flow from these concepts. It is imperative students understand one concept before moving on to the next. If they fail to grasp the basics, students become confused as they progress to higher levels because they are unable to apply applicable background knowledge when introduced to geometry, algebra, probability and statistics.
7. Answer: A
Social studies is composed of history and the social sciences (government, citizenship, sociology, economics, cultural influences and the effects of technology). Other components are: Imparting the values and mores of society to impressionable young people and teaching them how to be involved, engaged, active members of the world is a huge responsibility. It is critical teachers use real situations and prod students to use their creativity and unique vision of events to dissect problems and devise solutions. Part of the process is to challenge their thinking and viewpoints by offering stimulating subjects from which to select their reading, writing, discussion and debate topics. The projects need to combine independent study with group responsibilities because this is the way the real world works: People bring their unique perspective to the group and the group reaches a consensus on the best way to tackle a problem. Social studies is a class that can and should be realistic preparation for participation as an adult member of society.
8. Answer: D
Safety must always be a priority in a science classroom. This interactive area needs to be ventilated and have appropriate safety equipment available, i.e., water, fire extinguisher, protective gear, etc. Students need to understand how to operate the instruments in a safe manner. Therefore, instructions should be provided in writing, as well as given verbally. Questions should be asked and answered before any activity is started. Children come to school with background knowledge and rudimentary understanding of how things work. They have reached conclusions based on their perception of the physical world. A wise teacher builds on these ideas and corrects any misconceptions as he/she introduces new scientific concepts. Science has a history. Students need to be familiar with the socio-economic environment in which a theory was introduced to truly understand why something did or did not work, why it may have been proven wrong or why a better way was discovered with later experimentation.
9. Answer: C
There are four themes used by the artist, musician, writer, sculptor and architect to organize ideas and concepts into a coherent whole; universal, timely, broad, shared. They present a perspective beyond the individual and his cultural experience to help him connect with people who have a different worldview. Since art's function is to communicate, themes help the reader, viewer and/or listener recognize and understand just how similar the circumstances of the human family can be. They connect current events to historic happenings and enable readers, viewers and/or listeners to relate to and learn from the past and help communities apply lessons learned long ago to contemporary issues.
10. Answer: A
Studies have shown that even moderate physical activity is beneficial. It helps build strong bones, muscles and joints; significantly reduces the risk of developing many diseases including diabetes, hypertension and colon cancer; helps control weight; reduces depression and anxiety; and promotes an overall feeling of well-being. Schools and communities can encourage physical activity by providing safe facilities for children to play baseball, basketball, tennis or engage in other active pursuits. Developing activities that bring young people together with friends, peers and parents and providing events that allow them to gain confidence in their physical abilities is a positive way to get them up, out and moving. Finally, the best way to encourage children to be active is to see the adults in their life leading healthy, active lives. Respected role models are very effective motivators for young people.
Last Updated: 02/21/2013