praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

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

At about 11 p.m. on Christmas, Washington's army commenced its crossing of the half-frozen river at three locations. The 2,400 soldiers led by Washington successfully braved the icy and freezing river and reached the New Jersey side of the Delaware just before dawn. The other two divisions, made up of some 3,000 men and crucial artillery, failed to reach the meeting point at the appointed time. —'Washington Crosses the Delaware,' from the History Channel Web site Christmas, 6 PM... It is fearfully cold and raw and a snow-storm is setting in. The wind is northeast and beats in the faces of the men. It will be a terrible night for the soldiers who have no shoes... but I have not heard a man complain... December 26, 3 AM I have never seen Washington so determined as he is now. He stands on the bank of the stream, wrapped in his cloak, superintending the landing of his troops. He is calm and collected, but very determined. —Diary of Colonel John Fitzgerald, December 25 and December 26, 1776
Which of the following best describes a benefit of having students read both excerpts?
  • A. Students can analyze the differences between a primary and a secondary source document.
  • B. Students can compare the facts in the primary source to the emotions expressed in the secondary source.
  • C. Students can understand different points of view when forming an opinion about an event.
  • D. Students can learn to recognize whether sources are reliable.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Analyzing both excerpts allows students to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, enhancing their understanding of historical context and perspective. Option B is misleading; while comparing facts and emotions is valuable, it does not specifically address the unique characteristics of primary versus secondary sources. Option C is also important, yet it focuses more on perspectives rather than the source types themselves. Option D, while relevant to evaluating reliability, does not emphasize the distinction between primary and secondary sources, which is central to the learning objective. Understanding these differences is crucial for critical analysis in historical studies.

Other Related Questions

Which THREE of the following describes how an illustrator's use of space enhances a children's picture book?
  • A. Drawing attention to an object
  • B. Making everything more realistic
  • C. Suggesting action and movement
  • D. Creating an illusion of distance
  • E. Implying loneliness or isolation
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C,D

An illustrator’s use of space can significantly enhance a children's picture book in several ways. Option A highlights how space can draw attention to specific objects, guiding the reader’s focus and enhancing storytelling. Option C emphasizes the ability of space to suggest action and movement, making scenes dynamic and engaging. Option D explains how space can create an illusion of distance, adding depth and context to the illustrations. Conversely, Option B, while relevant, does not specifically pertain to the unique role of space in illustration. Option E, although it can be a thematic element, is more about emotional context rather than the structural use of space in visual storytelling.
Which THREE of the following words contain diphthongs?
  • A. Boy
  • B. Mother
  • C. Buy
  • D. Apple
  • E. Coin
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,C,E

Diphthongs are complex vowel sounds that begin with one vowel sound and glide into another within the same syllable. Option A, "Boy," contains the diphthong /ɔɪ/, where the sound transitions from "o" to "i." Option C, "Buy," features the diphthong /aɪ/, transitioning from "a" to "i." Option E, "Coin," includes the diphthong /ɔɪ/, moving from "o" to "i." In contrast, Option B, "Mother," has a single vowel sound /ʌ/, and Option D, "Apple," contains the vowel sound /æ/, both lacking the glide characteristic of diphthongs. Thus, A, C, and E correctly identify words with diphthongs.
Which of the following is a compound-complex sentence?
  • A. I want to go on vacation with Sally to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Florida.
  • B. Even though the sun was shining, my mother told me I could not go to the pool.
  • C. Holly needs to go to the grocery store, but she does not have enough time to go there today.
  • D. Since we like to go on roller coasters, we go all the time, but we have not been on that coaster yet.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

A compound-complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. Option D meets this criterion, featuring the independent clauses "we go all the time" and "we have not been on that coaster yet," along with the dependent clause "Since we like to go on roller coasters." Option A is a simple sentence listing vacation destinations, lacking independent clauses. Option B contains one independent clause and one dependent clause, making it a complex sentence. Option C has two independent clauses joined by "but," classifying it as a compound sentence. Thus, only option D combines both elements required for a compound-complex sentence.
Which of the following is best identified as a simple sentence?
  • A. William, Jorge, and Roberto waited for the storm to pass.
  • B. The plane was late, so I did not get to see my grandfather.
  • C. The dogs went into the backyard, and then they ate their food.
  • D. Because they could not see the sun, the boys got lost on the hike.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause that expresses a complete thought. Option A, "William, Jorge, and Roberto waited for the storm to pass," meets this criterion as it contains a subject and a verb and does not include any dependent clauses or additional conjunctions. Option B features a compound sentence, combining two independent clauses with "so." Option C also presents a compound structure, linking two independent clauses with "and." Lastly, Option D is a complex sentence, as it includes a dependent clause ("Because they could not see the sun") along with an independent clause. Thus, only Option A qualifies as a simple sentence.