praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

A series of tests developed by ETS to assess the skills and knowledge of prospective teachers.

The following passage is titled "Where Do Old Satellites Go When They Die?" by NASA. Like every other machine, satellites do not last forever. Whether their job is to observe weather, measure greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, or point away from Earth to study the stars, eventually all satellites grow old, wear out, and die, just like old washing machines and vacuum cleaners. So what happens when a trusty satellite's time has come? These days there are two choices, depending on how high the satellite is. For the closer satellites, engineers will use its last bit of fuel to slow it down. That way, it will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. The second choice is to send the satellite even farther away from Earth. It can take a lot of fuel for a satellite to slow down enough to fall back into the atmosphere. That is especially true if a satellite is in a very high orbit. For many of these high satellites, it takes less fuel to blast it farther into space than to send it back to Earth.
The author supports the claim that satellites do not last forever through the use of which of the following?
  • A. An anecdote about why satellites stop working when they do
  • B. Examples of the ways satellites stop working over time
  • C. A comparison of satellites to other common machines that stop working
  • D. Suggestions for ways to keep satellites working over time
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author effectively demonstrates that satellites do not last forever by comparing them to other common machines that also have limited lifespans. This comparison highlights the inevitability of wear and tear in technology, providing a relatable context for readers. Option A, an anecdote, may illustrate a specific instance but lacks the broader applicability needed to support the claim. Option B provides examples of satellite failures but does not frame them within a comparative context that strengthens the argument. Option D suggests preventive measures but does not address the inherent limitations of satellites, which is central to the claim.

Other Related Questions

A group of students work together at a literacy center where the individual letters "p," "i," and "g" are printed on card stock. One student puts the three letters together and says, "I made 'pig'!" The activity best supports which of the following reading skills?
  • A. Building words with onsets
  • B. Dividing words using syllabication
  • C. Blending phonemes to make words
  • D. Segmenting phonemes to make words
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The activity involves combining individual letters to form the word "pig," which directly supports blending phonemes. Blending is the skill of merging individual sounds to create a complete word, exemplified by the student saying "I made 'pig'." Option A, building words with onsets, focuses specifically on the initial consonant sounds, which is not the primary skill demonstrated here. Option B, dividing words using syllabication, pertains to breaking words into syllables, while this activity emphasizes merging sounds instead. Option D, segmenting phonemes, involves breaking words into their individual sounds, which is the opposite of what the student is doing in this scenario.
Match each of the following Greek roots with its definition
  • A. man; human; humanity
  • B. time
  • C. bad; hard; unlucky
  • D. art; science; skill
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A: anthrop, B: chron, C: dys, D: techn

Understanding Greek roots enhances vocabulary and comprehension. - **A: anthrop** relates to man, human, or humanity, aligning perfectly with its definition, as seen in words like "anthropology." - **B: chron** signifies time, as in "chronology," making it a precise match for its definition. - **C: dys** refers to bad, hard, or unlucky, evident in terms like "dysfunctional," which reflects negative connotations. - **D: techn** denotes art, science, or skill, correctly associated with "technology," indicating expertise or craftsmanship. Each root accurately corresponds to its definition, reinforcing the importance of Greek etymology in understanding language.
Which TWO of the following are the primary reasons for engaging students in shared reading activities?
  • A. Providing additional support for struggling students
  • B. Encouraging students to make new friendships
  • C. Minimizing the need for a variety of classroom texts
  • D. Reducing the amount of text students need to memorize
  • E. Supporting students in building their sight-word knowledge
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A, E

Engaging students in shared reading activities primarily supports struggling students by offering guided instruction and modeling of reading strategies (A). This collaborative environment fosters comprehension and confidence, making it easier for them to grasp complex texts. Additionally, shared reading enhances sight-word knowledge (E), which is crucial for developing fluent reading skills, as students encounter and practice these words in context. In contrast, while encouraging friendships (B) is valuable, it is not a primary focus of shared reading. Minimizing the need for varied texts (C) overlooks the importance of exposing students to diverse materials. Lastly, reducing memorization (D) does not align with the goal of shared reading, which aims to enhance understanding and retention through active engagement with the text.
Based on the information in the passage, which of the following is an appropriate student inference?
  • A. Bradley is old.
  • B. Bradley is a bully.
  • C. Bradley is a good spitter.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The inference that Bradley is a bully is supported by evidence in the passage that describes his interactions with peers in a negative light, suggesting aggressive behavior. Option A, stating that Bradley is old, lacks textual support and does not relate to his behavior or character. Option C, claiming that Bradley is a good spitter, might be inferred humorously but does not align with the serious context of bullying presented in the passage. Thus, the most logical inference focuses on Bradley's negative social interactions, indicating bullying behavior.