117 TExES English Language Arts and Reading 4 - 8 Exam Practice Questions

1. The whole language approach to reading:

A. Is a systemized approach
B. Builds on previously acquired knowledge
C. Is structured
D. All of the above

2. Reading fluency is:

A. Ability to read aloud
B. Concentrating on the meaning
C. Focusing on the words
D. All of the above

3. A child learns words by:

A. Being read to
B. Who is saying them
C. What is going on
D. All of the above

4. Guided oral reading can be used:

A. Once students have reached an appropriate reading level
B. Only one-on-one
C. With groups and Individuals
D. All of the above

5. Elaboration techniques that may help students expand their vocabulary include:

A. Memorizing spelling lists
B. Providing definitions and descriptions
C. Spelling bees
D. All of the above

6. Students should read to:

A. Get higher grades
B. Acquire background knowledge
C. Satisfy teachers and principals
D. All of the above

7. The language process is:

A. Static and does not change
B. Controlled rules, patterns and conventions
C. Difficult to predict
D. All of the above

8. Which of the following is not part of the writing process?

A. Thought and preparation
B. Reading out loud
C. Revising
D. Feedback

9. List some ways to improve students' reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

A. Ask questions and critique written work
B. Require memorization
C. Dismiss the need to listen
D. All of the above

10. Strategies that encourage students to be creative thinkers include:

A. Reading aloud
B. Exploring texts through different lenses
C. Memorizing facts
D. All of the above

ANSWER KEY EXAM 117

1. Answer: D

The whole language approach to reading is based on the constructivist learning theory, which believes the teacher is a facilitator, who instructs by building on knowledge previously acquired, encourages active learning and emphasizes working in groups to develop social and communication skills. Constructivists believe students learn better and retain information longer if they are actively involved rather than passively listening. This approach encourages students to reflect on information presented based on personal experiences. Students learn by taking the initiative for their own learning.
Lesson plans bring together speaking, listening, reading and writing experiences to create a rich literary environment that emphasizes quality literature and cultural diversity. Connecting new data with information already known helps students understand the new material and use it more effectively. They integrate the old and new information quicker, retain it longer and are able to retrieve it easier.

2. Answer: B

Fluency is the ability to comprehend the written word accurately and quickly. Fluent readers recognize words and expressions and understand their meaning automatically. They don't focus on the words; they concentrate on the meaning. They make connections between knowledge they already have and ideas and concepts discovered in the new information. Vocabulary is vital to comprehension. In order to read, a student must be able to decode the letters, arrange them in a logical sequence and know what each word means. Readers need to recognize what spoken words look like when they see them written. If readers don't recognize the words they see in print, they won't understand the ideas and concepts being discussed. As students are introduced to unfamiliar subjects and must expand their vocabulary in order to understand the new content.

3. Answer: D

Indirect vocabulary learning begins at birth. A child learns to recognize and understand words by how they are used, who is saying them and what is going on around him when he hears them. He learns the meanings of words and adds to his vocabulary: Through conversations especially between and with adults
When adults read to him, explain new words, answer questions and discuss the content
By reading on his own. Encouraging a child to read is one of the best ways to help him expand his vocabulary and improve comprehension.

4. Answer: C

Guided oral reading is an instructional strategy used to improve verbal reading skills. Its main function is to improve fluency. This approach can be used with any age and grade level student and will help both native English speakers as well as English Language Learners. This exercise can be used at home, in the classroom with the whole group or the students can be paired (i.e., a fluent reader with a struggling student); the process is the same.
A parent, teacher or peer reads a passage out loud at about eighty (80) to one hundred (100) words per minute. The material needs to be at the student's level of comprehension.
The student reads the text silently several times.
The student reads the passage out loud. Encouragement and constructive feedback is offered. It usually takes four times before the student is able to read the text without errors.

5. Answer: B

Learning new words is important to comprehension and integration of unfamiliar information. For a student to remember new words and add it to his active vocabulary, it should be relevant to him and essential to understanding the material. Paraphrasing gives the main idea plus essential details necessary to understand and clarify the core idea. Students should be able to make a connection to information they already know, relate the term to personal experience or use it to solve a real problem. Discussing examples and/or applications of the word in a different context along with examples of how not to use it also help. Context clues often help determine the meaning. These indirect learning hints include definitions, descriptions, examples and restatements. Since most words are learned by listening to conversations, people use this tool all the time even if they do it unconsciously.

6. Answer: B

There are two reasons to read; for pleasure and to learn. Whatever the motivation, ideas are being formed and connections are being made to already known information. Students read to improve comprehension, develop a broad, eclectic background of knowledge and to expand their vocabulary. Using class discussions to highlight, summarize, review and critique the material contribute to a positive reading experience. Comprehension improves when students actively think about what they are reading, apply learned knowledge and connect new information to their world. They need to know how to determine the importance of information and discriminate between "must remember" and "it's interesting but not necessary." Carefully worded questions help students learn what to look for when they read.

7. Answer: B

Students need to understand that the language process is integral to learning and developing skills in all fields of study; not just English. Language is not static or one-dimensional. Students need to know that language varies depending upon the audience (parents, peers, professors), has structural rules, patterns and conventions and changes over time with continued use. It entails speaking, listening and writing. It requires the speaker, the listener and the writer to respond, interpret, assess and integrate. In today's information age, media and technology play important roles. It is critical students be taught methods to dissect and discriminate the digital data received and learn to scrutinize the sources from which it comes. The classroom should be a place where students feel safe to explore, ask questions, take risks and develop effective listening, speaking and writing skills.

8. Answer: B

A well-written paper takes thought and preparation. Explaining each step will help students produce well-crafted, interesting papers in all their classes; not just language arts.
Brainstorm by reading and researching different subjects to generate ideas. Take notes and highlight important facts. Write down book and article titles, authors and page numbers.
Develop an outline of the main topics to be covered. This guide can be general or detailed depending upon the writer's preference.
Write the first version or rough draft to get the ideas on paper. Sometimes this is called the "sloppy copy."
Revise the rough draft by rewriting awkward sentences, adding and deleting information and improving the introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Edit the revised version. Correct spelling and grammar errors.
Ask for feedback. Have a parent or peer review and comment.
Make corrections
Print (publish) the final version.
Learn from the teacher's comments.

9. Answer: A

Read with expression and enthusiasm. Let students decide the topics to read. Encourage critical thinking, ask probing questions, and pose different scenarios. Assign written essays, reports and term papers. Giving students the latitude to choose subjects encourages creativity. Critiquing and editing helps them learn to think critically and assess their work more accurately. Listen carefully to what each student says, what they say to each other and be attentive during discussions. Paraphrase to make sure meaning and intent is clear. Always use proper English when lecturing, interacting with groups and during private conversations with students. Have students take turns leading class discussions, reading out loud and making formal presentations.

10. Answer: B

One of the primary purposes for education is to teach students to become critical thinkers. Language arts classes are fertile fields to sow the seeds of original thinking. One method is to teach students not only facts but also how to think about and discover answers through research and reasoning. Students learn better, retain data longer, recall it easier and integrate it more effectively when they understand the how and the why; not just the what. Probing deeper by exploring texts through different lenses (social, historical, ethical, political, cultural, psychological, personal) is an extremely effective way to help students move beyond first impressions and obvious interpretations. Asking open-ended questions and responding to students' concerns, ideas and unique interpretations is another way to probe deeper, elaborate further and encourage them to move beyond their initial understanding. Assigning challenging problems, collectively developing solutions and applying them to contemporary issues makes learning exciting and relevant to the real world.

TExES Exam - Main