103 TExES Bilingual Generalist EC - 4 Exam Practice Questions
1. Which of these strategies create an effective bilingual learning environment?
A. Do not use the student's native language
B. Require rote memorization
C. Point to objects for clarification
D. All of the above
2. English Language Learners instructional methods include:
A. Transitional Bilingual
B. Developmental Bilingual
C. Two-Way Immersion
D. All of the above
3. One of the stages in the continuum of learning theory includes:
A. Memorization
B. Speech emergent
C. Stuttering
D. Public speaking
4. Which of the following do not help motivate students?
A. Offer material interesting to them
B. Choose topics they care about
C. Link new data with previously learned information
D. Require rote memorization of facts
5. Phonics is:
A. Analytical
B. Helps students sound out new words
C. Expands vocabulary
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:
E. History and citizenship
F.. Astronomy
G. Career education
H.. All of the above
8. Reasons to discuss the history of science may include:
A. Scientific theories have not changed throughout the years
B. To discover how a better way was discovered later
C. To get higher grades
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 103
1. Answer: C
Studies show the most successful methods to create an effective bilingual learning environment incorporate several approaches. Teachers who have English Language Learners (ELL) in their mainstream classroom, no matter what the subject area, can do many things to help them learn and improve their pronunciation and comprehension. Some easily implemented strategies include:
- Enunciate clearly; speak in a normal volume at a normal pace
- Use short sentences; avoid idioms and slang
- Use appropriate gestures
- Point to pictures and objects for clarification
- Print information (cursive can be difficult to read)
- Explain objectives and answer questions before beginning activities
- Repeat, review, rephrase and summarize frequently
- Praise when earned unless the student's cultural heritage considers individual attention inappropriate; then a private word is better
2. Answer: D
There are five main English Language Learner (ELL) programs that use the student's native language while he is learning English:
- Transitional Bilingual uses the native language in core academic subjects. The goal is to phase into English only as quickly as possible.
- Developmental Bilingual uses the native language in core academic subjects throughout elementary school. Sometimes the program extends into middle and high school even after the student has been classified proficient in English.
- In Two-Way Immersion the students are from similar backgrounds with about half the class speaking the native language and the other half speaking both. Instruction is about evenly split between English and the native language.
- The native language is used in a Support Role Only. Instruction is entirely in English with a bilingual paraprofessional available to translate vocabulary, explain lessons and clarify confusing assignments.
- Newcomer programs are usually reserved for recent U.S. arrivals. Instruction is in the native language and students are also helped to acclimate to their new environment.
3. Answer: B
The Continuum of Learning theory outlines predictable steps when learning a new language. No matter what the age and intelligence of the person or the subject matter being presented, teachers will encounter these general levels of mastery:
- The Silent/Receptive or Preproduction stage can last from a few hours to six months. Students usually don't say much and communicate using pictures, pointing and gestures.
- In the Early Production stage students use one and two word phrases. They indicate understanding with yes/no and who/what/where questions. This stage can last six months.
- The Speech Emergence stage may last a year. Students use short sentences and begin to ask simple questions. Grammatical errors may make communication challenging.
- In the Intermediate Language Proficiency stage students begin to make complex statements, share thoughts and opinions and speak more often. This may last a year or more.
- The Advanced Learning Proficiency stage lasts five to seven years. Students have acquired a substantial vocabulary and are capable of participating fully in classroom activities and discussions.
4. Answer: D
Students don't learn if they are not engaged in the process. 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. Requiring rote memorization of isolated bits of data does not help long-term retention of important information and may actually inhibit the learning process.
5. 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.
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: B
Teachers need to explain that science has a history. Students need to be familiar with the socio-economic environment in which a theory was introduced in order 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. 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 recognizes that fact and uses it to his/her advantage when introducing and explaining scientific concepts. He/she builds on ideas already known and corrects any misconceptions. Safety must always be a priority in a science classroom. This interactive area needs to be ventilated and appropriate safety equipment available (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 in English and in the student's native language. Questions should be asked and answered before any activity is started.
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 and/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