praxis reading language arts 5002 practice test

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

Now the Wicked Witch of the West had but one eye, yet that was as powerful as a telescope, and could see everywhere. So, as she sat in the door of her castle, she happened to look around and saw Dorothy lying asleep, with her friends all about her. They were a long distance off, but the Wicked Witch was angry to find them in her country; so she blew upon a silver whistle that hung around her neck. At once there came running to her from all directions a pack of great wolves. They had long legs and fierce eyes and sharp teeth. -L. Frank Baum, from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Write the sentence in the passage that best identifies the motive of the Wicked Witch.
  • A. They were a long distance off, but the Wicked Witch was angry to find them in her country; so she blew upon a silver whistle that hung around her neck.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: They were a long distance off, but the Wicked Witch was angry to find them in her country; so she blew upon a silver whistle that hung around her neck.

The selected sentence clearly illustrates the Wicked Witch's motive, which is her anger at the presence of intruders in her territory. This emotion drives her to take action by using the silver whistle, indicating her desire to assert control over her domain. Option A, while similar, does not capture the full essence of her motive. It merely states her anger without highlighting her subsequent action, which reveals her intent to confront the intruders. Other options may not mention her feelings or actions at all, failing to connect her emotions to her behavior, thus missing the core of her motivation.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following is the best description of repeated reading as an instructional strategy?
  • A. A student reads a passage aloud with corrections until he or she can read it fluently.
  • B. A teacher reads a passage aloud until the student feels comfortable enough to attempt it.
  • C. A student independently reads a passage aloud two to three times to demonstrate mastery.
  • D. A teacher reads a passage aloud one line at a time with the student repeating each line.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Repeated reading involves a student independently reading a passage multiple times to achieve fluency and comprehension, making option C the best description. This strategy allows learners to practice and reinforce their skills, leading to improved reading proficiency. Option A incorrectly emphasizes the role of corrections during reading, which can detract from fluency. Option B focuses on teacher-led reading, which does not align with the independent practice central to repeated reading. Option D suggests a choral approach, which may not provide the same level of individual practice necessary for mastery.
How does the author organize information in the second paragraph?
  • A. By explaining the difference between two approaches to satellites
  • B. By explaining the process of how a satellite stops working
  • C. By discussing a problem with satellites and a solution
  • D. By discussing a series of events involving satellites
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The author organizes information in the second paragraph by explaining the difference between two approaches to satellites, highlighting the contrasting methods and their implications. This structure allows readers to understand the nuances between the approaches clearly. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on the process of satellite failure, which is not the main theme. Option C misinterprets the content; while problems and solutions may be mentioned, the primary organization is not centered around this framework. Option D suggests a chronological sequence, but the paragraph does not follow a series of events; rather, it emphasizes comparative analysis.
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.
Which of the following is a quantitative measure of text complexity?
  • A. Conventions of language
  • B. Sentence length
  • C. Knowledge demands
  • D. Structure
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Quantitative measures of text complexity rely on numerical data to assess readability. Sentence length (Option B) is a key quantitative factor, as it can be measured and analyzed statistically to determine how challenging a text might be for readers. Option A, conventions of language, refers to grammatical rules and stylistic choices, which are qualitative aspects. Option C, knowledge demands, involves the background knowledge required for comprehension, making it subjective rather than quantifiable. Option D, structure, pertains to the organization of a text, which can be analyzed qualitatively. Thus, sentence length stands out as the only purely quantitative measure.