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

In early literacy instruction, an understanding of phonics primarily helps students do which of the following?
  • A. Develop an increasingly large vocabulary
  • B. Learn how to recognize common sight words
  • C. Develop strategies to determine the meaning of words from context
  • D. Learn the skills necessary for decoding unfamiliar words
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Phonics instruction is essential for helping students learn to decode unfamiliar words by connecting sounds to letters. This foundational skill allows them to read new words independently. Option A, while important, focuses on vocabulary development, which is more related to exposure and context rather than phonics. Option B pertains to sight words, which are often memorized rather than decoded using phonics. Option C involves context clues, a strategy that complements but does not primarily rely on phonics skills. Thus, option D best captures the primary role of phonics in early literacy.
Place each of the following stages of writing development in order from beginning to most advanced.
  • A. Scribbling
  • B. Letter-like symbols
  • C. Strings of letters
  • D. Letter-sound correspondence
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D,C,B,A

Understanding the stages of writing development is crucial for recognizing how young learners progress. - **Letter-sound correspondence (D)** represents an advanced stage where children begin to connect sounds with specific letters, indicating a deeper understanding of language. - **Strings of letters (C)** follow, where children start to combine letters, even if not forming actual words, showing their grasp of letter formation and sequencing. - **Letter-like symbols (B)** come next; at this stage, learners create shapes that resemble letters but may not have consistent meanings. - **Scribbling (A)** is the initial stage, where children express themselves through random marks, laying the foundation for later writing. This progression highlights the increasing complexity of writing skills.
Which TWO of the following scenarios demonstrate proper active listening?
  • A. Lana claps enthusiastically as a speaker concludes.
  • B. Martin raises his hand to ask a speaker a relevant question.
  • C. Juan busily takes notes on the content of a speech.
  • D. Luke looks around the room while a speaker begins.
  • E. Alison smiles at a speaker and nods her head when she agrees.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B, C

Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker and demonstrating understanding and attention. Option B exemplifies this by Martin raising his hand to ask a relevant question, showing he is processing the information and seeking clarification. Option C also reflects active listening, as Juan takes notes, indicating he is focused on the content and intends to retain the information. In contrast, Option A, while enthusiastic, does not reflect engagement with the speaker's message. Option D shows Luke's lack of attention, as looking around suggests distraction. Option E, though positive, does not demonstrate active engagement with the content being presented.
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.