119 TExES Bilingual Generalist 4 - 8 Exam Practice Questions

1. Strategies that help create an effective bilingual learning environment may include:

A. Require memorization
B. Use idiom and slang
C. Enunciating clearly
D. All of the above

2. Instructional methods using the native language of the student include:

A. Transitional bilingual
B. Developmental bilingual
C. Two-way immersion
D. All of the above

3. Methods used to teach English as a Second Language may include:

A. Grammar-based
B. Communication-based
C. Content-based
D. All of the above

4. Which of the following is a not part of the continuum of learning theory?

A. Silent/receptive
B. Speech emergence
C. Questioning
D. Advanced learning proficiency

5. How can an instructor help English Language Learners acquire proficiency?

A. Build on language concepts already acquired
B. Require memorization
C. Use lecture format only
D. All of the above

6. Characteristics of fluent readers may include:

A. Can read quickly
B. Focus on the words
C. Verbal presentation is expressive
D. All of the above

7. Cultural influences should be integrated into teaching English Language Learners because it:

A. Becomes an aid in public speaking
B. Enhances retention of knowledge
C. It is not important
D. All of the above

8. The basics of math are:

A. Addition and division
B. Geography
C. Calculus
D. All of the above

9. Social studies projects should:

A. Require memorization of facts
B. Should be pulled directly from provided curriculum
C. Combine independent study with group activities
D. All of the above

10. Students need to understand the history of science to:

A. Recognize that proven hypotheses never change
B. Understand why a theory was proven wrong
C. Students do not need to understand the history of science
D. All of the above

ANSWER KEY EXAM 119

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 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:

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

The main English Language Learner programs that use the student's native language are:

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 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. Students are also helped to acclimate to their new environment.

3. Answer: D

The three methods most commonly used to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) are grammar-based, communication-based and content-based. Grammar-based teaches students the rules: Structure, function and vocabulary. Emphasis is on why and how. Communication-based teaches how to use English in every day, realistic situations. It emphasizes practical conversational usage. Content-based teaches grammar and vocabulary and uses written assignments to practice these skills. It emphasizes an integrated approach to learning English.

4. Answer: C

No matter what the age and intelligence of the person or the subject matter, 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 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.

5. Answer: A

There are four key concepts that help English Language Learners acquire proficiency in both written and spoken English:

Increase Comprehensibility by using pictures, props, gestures and voice variations to explain and demonstrate. Use short sentences and avoid slang and idioms. Build on the language concepts the student already has.
Encourage Interaction by asking questions and assigning group activities. This provides ELL students with many opportunities to practice what they know and increase their confidence, so they are able to learn more effectively.
Increase Thinking and Study Skills by asking thought-provoking questions and assigning complex topics for research and writing projects. Establish and expect the same high standards from every student.
Use The Native Language to increase understanding and comprehension. Translating questions and assignments into the student's native language clarifies instructions and helps them understand what is expected.

6. Answer: C

Fluency is the ability to read and comprehend the written word accurately and quickly. Fluent readers recognize words and expressions and understand their meaning. When reading out loud, their presentation is smooth, expressive and effortless. They don't focus on words; they concentrate on meaning. They make connections between knowledge they already have and ideas and concepts discovered in the new information. A student who is a good reader in his native language will be a good reader in English. However, when assessing an English Language Learner's level of competency, just because he "sounds" good, it doesn't necessarily follow that he understands the meaning in the message. It is important to ask open-ended questions about the text to determine his comprehension level. If the student doesn't understand what he is reading, it doesn't matter how fast he says the words, it is meaningless gibberish.

7. Answer: B

Home, church, community and culture all play vital roles in every student's life. This is especially true with students from various ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing and working with these influences will help students acquire the skills they need, retain the knowledge and apply it outside the classroom. Understanding, evaluating, integrating and sharing information gleaned from the literature of many eras and a variety of genres helps students appreciate diversity and enhances their knowledge of the world. The ability to read, write, analyze and communicate ideas and concepts effectively should always be the goal. A great way to motivate students is to offer material that is interesting to them on topics they care about. This helps them understand their world. To prevent boredom and help students retain key concepts, build on previously acquired knowledge, link new data with old information and create lesson plans that relate to their lives. Encourage student discussion. As they share ideas and ask questions, alternate perspectives are presented, considered and integrated.

8. 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.

9. Answer: C

An important goal of teaching social studies is imparting the values and mores of society and encouraging adolescents to be involved, engaged, active members of the world. It is critical that teachers use real problems appropriate to the students' age and prod them to use their creativity and unique vision of events to dissect problems and devise solutions. Part of the process is to challenge students thinking and viewpoints by offering stimulating subjects from which to select reading, writing, and 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.

10. Answer: B

Adolescents come to school with background knowledge and a basic understanding of how things work. They have reached conclusions based on their perception of the physical world and what they learned in previous classes. A wise teacher uses students' knowledge and natural curiosity when introducing and explaining complicated scientific concepts. He/she builds on ideas already known and corrects any misconceptions. Teachers should 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.

TExES Exam - Main

Last Updated: 02/21/2013

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