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 is a student's response to a prompt about E.B. White's novel Charlotte's Web . I think that Fern and Avery feel excited to roam the fair alone. Also, I think that the adults feel worried that the kids are alone in a big fair. In the story, it said, "And if you get on those swings," said Mrs. Arable, "You hang on tight. You hang on very tight, you hear?' And don't get lost,' said Mrs. Zuckerman, 'And don't get dirty.'" This shows that the adults are fretting over the kids, and acting very worried. Also, in the story, it said, "'Can I have some money?' asked Fern. 'Can I too?' asked Avery, 'Can I have a balloon?'" This shows that the kids are excited to go and roam the fair. In conclusion, Fern and Avery are excited to go to the fair, and the adults are worried about the kids.
Which of the following teacher recommendations will best help the student to strengthen the essay?
  • A. Add evidence from the text.
  • B. Focus the argument on one topic.
  • C. State the argument in the first sentence.
  • D. Write a conclusion sentence that restates the main idea.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Focusing the argument on one topic allows for a more coherent and persuasive essay, enhancing clarity and depth. This concentrated approach helps the student develop their ideas thoroughly, making their argument more compelling. Adding evidence from the text (A) is important, but without a clear focus, the evidence may not effectively support the argument. Stating the argument in the first sentence (C) is useful for clarity, but it does not address the overall structure and focus needed for a strong essay. Writing a conclusion that restates the main idea (D) is essential for summarizing, but it does not strengthen the argument itself if the essay lacks focus.

Other Related Questions

The following sentence appears in a student's draft: “There are those who believe the current menu provides enough options for students to make nutritious selections.” The sentence best exemplifies which component of an argumentative essay?
  • A. Reason
  • B. Evidence
  • C. Rebuttal
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence presents a viewpoint that counters the opposing argument, indicating that some believe the menu is sufficient for nutritious choices. This aligns with a rebuttal, which addresses and refutes opposing views in an argumentative essay. Option A, Reason, refers to the rationale supporting the main claim, which is not the focus here. Option B, Evidence, involves facts or data that support the argument, while the sentence simply states a belief rather than providing factual support. Thus, the sentence effectively serves as a rebuttal, engaging with differing opinions on the topic.
In evaluating the differences between the two accounts, a reader can infer that
  • A. the authors share a common point of view
  • B. the authors are likely sports journalists for the same newspaper
  • C. the authors each supported a different team in the game described
  • D. the authors recognized that the referees of the game favored the Hawks
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In evaluating the differences between the two accounts, it can be inferred that the authors each supported a different team in the game described. This perspective often leads to varying interpretations of key moments and decisions, reflecting their biases. Option A is incorrect because sharing a common point of view would result in similar accounts, which contradicts the premise of differences. Option B assumes a professional relationship that is not supported by the text; different viewpoints suggest they may not be affiliated. Option D implies a shared judgment about the referees, which does not align with the distinct perspectives presented in their accounts.
Which TWO of the following words feature an open syllabication pattern?
  • A. Happen
  • B. Robot
  • C. Sunlight
  • D. Artist
  • E. Silent
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B,E

Open syllabication occurs when a syllable ends in a vowel, allowing the vowel to be pronounced with a long sound. Option B, "Robot," has two open syllables: "Ro" and "bot." Each syllable ends with a vowel, making the vowel sounds long. Option E, "Silent," also features an open syllable with "Si" (the first syllable) ending in a vowel, allowing for the long vowel sound. Option A, "Happen," has a closed syllable ("hap") where the vowel is short. Option C, "Sunlight," has a closed first syllable ("sun"). Option D, "Artist," contains a closed syllable ("art"), resulting in a short vowel sound.
Which of the following statements is true?
  • A. In sentence 1, the word "knew" is functioning as an adverb.
  • B. In sentence 1, the word "knew" is functioning as a verb.
  • C. In sentence 3, the word "really" is functioning as an adjective.
  • D. In sentence 3, the word "really" is functioning as a noun.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

In sentence 1, "knew" serves as a verb, indicating an action or state of being related to knowledge. This aligns with its grammatical role as a past tense verb, which expresses what someone understood or was aware of. Option A is incorrect as "knew" cannot function as an adverb; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, not serve as the main verb in a sentence. Option C misinterprets "really," which typically acts as an adverb to modify verbs or adjectives, not as an adjective itself. Option D is also incorrect since "really" does not function as a noun; it does not represent a person, place, thing, or idea.