praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

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

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.

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.
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.
When evaluating the student's writing, the teacher should highlight which of the following as a strength?
  • A. A clear focus in paragraph 1
  • B. Coherent development of ideas in paragraph 2
  • C. A clear transition between the paragraphs
  • D. Effective use of figurative language in both paragraphs
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Highlighting the coherent development of ideas in paragraph 2 emphasizes the student's ability to organize and elaborate on their thoughts effectively, which is crucial for persuasive and analytical writing. Option A, while important, only addresses focus in a single paragraph, lacking the depth of development seen in option B. Option C, though valuable, pertains to transitions, which are secondary to the overall idea development. Option D focuses on figurative language, which, while creative, may not contribute as significantly to the clarity and logic of the argument as the coherent development of ideas does.
Children at the phonetic stage of spelling are most likely to do which of the following?
  • A. Show an understanding of sound-symbol relationships
  • B. Include all the necessary letters in a word, though some letters may be reversed
  • C. Use morphology to spell unfamiliar words
  • D. Learn irregular spelling patterns
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Children at the phonetic stage of spelling primarily demonstrate an understanding of sound-symbol relationships, as they rely on their knowledge of sounds to represent words phonetically. Option B is incorrect because, while children may include some letters, they often omit or misplace letters rather than reversing them. Option C is not applicable at this stage, as children typically do not use morphological knowledge to spell unfamiliar words; they focus on phonetics instead. Option D is also inaccurate, as children at this stage are still mastering basic phonetic spelling and generally struggle with irregular spelling patterns.