Icts English Language Arts Practice Test
Illinois Certification Testing System ELA practice test
- 1.
Which of the following theories of learningemphasizes the roles of backgroundknowledge and context in the readingprocess?
- A.
Behaviorism
- B.
Constructivism
- C.
Nativism
- D.
Cognitivism
Correct Answer
B. ConstructivismExplanation
Constructivism is a theory of learning that emphasizes the roles of background knowledge and context in the reading process. According to constructivism, learners actively construct their own understanding of the world by building on their prior knowledge and experiences. In the context of reading, this means that readers draw on their existing knowledge and use it to make connections and meaning from the text. They also consider the context in which the reading takes place, such as the author's background and the cultural or historical context of the text. This theory highlights the importance of the learner's active engagement and interpretation in the reading process.Rate this question:
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- 2.
An eighth grade student has weak phonicsskills. A variety of the language artsteacher's instructional strategies have beenunsuccessful in improving the student'sability to rapidly decode unfamiliar,phonetically regular words. This teachercould best respond by taking which of thefollowing steps next?
- A.
Collaborate with the school's special education teacher to design an instructional intervention to improve the student's phonics skills.
- B.
Help the student compensate for this reading difficulty by developing the student's skill in using context and other word identification strategies.
- C.
Consult with the school's reading specialist about screening the student for a possible reading disability.
- D.
Interview the student's parents or guardians to determine whether personal or social factors are affecting the student's learning.
Correct Answer
C. Consult with the school's reading specialist about screening the student for a possible reading disability.Explanation
Since the student's weak phonics skills have not improved despite various instructional strategies, it is important to consider the possibility of a reading disability. Consulting with the school's reading specialist for screening the student can help identify any underlying reading difficulties and provide appropriate interventions and support. Collaborating with the special education teacher, helping the student compensate with context, or interviewing the parents may be helpful, but they do not directly address the possibility of a reading disability, which is the best next step in this situation.Rate this question:
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- 3.
An English teacher designs an activity inwhich students work together to identifyas many words as possible that share acommon root (e.g., transport, portable,export). This activity is most likely topromote students' vocabulary developmentby helping the students learn to:
- A.
Use a word's grammatical category to infer its meaning.
- B.
Distinguish between a word's denotative meaning and its connotative meaning.
- C.
Infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word by analyzing its structure.
- D.
Determine which of several meanings of a word is most likely in a given context.
Correct Answer
C. Infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word by analyzing its structure.Explanation
The activity of identifying words that share a common root helps students infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word by analyzing its structure. By recognizing the root in different words, students can make educated guesses about the meaning of new words that they encounter. This promotes vocabulary development as it allows students to expand their understanding of words and make connections between them based on their shared roots.Rate this question:
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- 4.
An eighth grade student who is astruggling reader will participate in aprogram in which older students readaloud predictable or rhyming books toearly-elementary students. This activityis most likely to promote the eighth gradestudent's reading development in whichof the following ways?
- A.
Motivating the student to read ageappropriate literature
- B.
Developing the student's phonemic awareness
- C.
Encouraging the student to use metacognitive strategies
- D.
Improving the student's reading fluency
Correct Answer
D. Improving the student's reading fluencyExplanation
By participating in a program where older students read aloud predictable or rhyming books to early-elementary students, the struggling eighth grade reader is likely to improve their reading fluency. This is because listening to fluent readers can help the student develop a better sense of pacing, rhythm, and expression in their own reading. Additionally, hearing the words pronounced correctly and seeing how they are used in context can also improve the student's overall reading fluency.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following types of instructionalactivities for middle school studentsis likely to be most effective in promotingthe students' oral reading fluency?
- A.
Preparing and delivering brief, extemporaneous speeches based on assigned reading
- B.
Using interactive journal writing to reflect on literary texts
- C.
Creating graphic organizers to summarize information in nonfiction texts
- D.
Rehearsing and performing readers' theater productions
Correct Answer
D. Rehearsing and performing readers' theater productionsExplanation
Rehearsing and performing readers' theater productions is likely to be most effective in promoting the students' oral reading fluency because it allows them to practice reading aloud in a meaningful and engaging way. By participating in readers' theater, students can improve their fluency, expression, and comprehension skills as they take on different roles and perform in front of an audience. This activity provides a real-life context for practicing oral reading and can help students become more confident and fluent readers.Rate this question:
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- 6.
A high school English teacher couldbest model how to apply comprehensionstrategies such as predicting andquestioning by:
- A.
Asking students a series of openended questions about a selection.
- B.
Drawing a semantic map on the board based on information in a informational text.
- C.
Retelling a short story after students have silently read the text.
- D.
Engaging in a think-aloud process while reading aloud a selection to the class.
Correct Answer
D. Engaging in a think-aloud process while reading aloud a selection to the class.Explanation
Engaging in a think-aloud process while reading aloud a selection to the class is the best way for a high school English teacher to model how to apply comprehension strategies such as predicting and questioning. By verbalizing their thoughts and making their thinking process explicit, the teacher demonstrates to students how to actively engage with the text, make predictions, and ask questions to enhance their understanding. This modeling technique helps students develop their own comprehension skills and encourages them to apply similar strategies when reading independently.Rate this question:
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- 7.
As part of an essay-writing assignment,a high school student has selected a mainidea but is having difficulty figuring outwhich details to include. Which of thefollowing prewriting strategies is likelyto be most effective in addressing thisdifficulty?
- A.
Listing
- B.
Brainstorming with a classmate
- C.
Freewriting
- D.
Creating a semantic map
Correct Answer
D. Creating a semantic mapExplanation
Creating a semantic map is likely to be the most effective prewriting strategy in addressing the difficulty of figuring out which details to include in an essay. A semantic map, also known as a concept map or a mind map, visually organizes information and ideas. By creating a semantic map, the student can visually see the relationships between the main idea and various details, helping them to select the most relevant and important details to include in their essay. This strategy allows for a comprehensive and organized approach to brainstorming and organizing thoughts, making it easier for the student to determine which details to include in their essay.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Read the passage below; then answer the two questions that follow.1It is not often that the publication of a single book marks an important turning point in the emergence of a major social movement. 2But Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique did just that. 3Unlike most books, Friedan struck a nerve in her widely read work. 4In the book, she used a number of case studies to examine the alienation felt by many American housewives. 5These were women who had been told that marriage and family provided all one could reasonably expect from life and later found that it did not. 6Friedan's book tried to explain this discrepancy by looking at the ways in which educators, women's magazines, and advertisers manipulated the feminine mystique to convince women that happiness was a house filled with the latest consumer goods. 7The women who responded to Friedan's message did not immediately take their case into the streets. 8They did, however, begin to reexamine their lives. 9Many also began searching, often outside the home, for new means of achieving the sense of fulfillment they had been promised.8. Which of the following sentences shouldbe revised to correct a misplacedmodifier?
- A.
Sentence 3
- B.
Sentence 6
- C.
Sentence 7
- D.
Sentence 9
Correct Answer
A. Sentence 3Explanation
Sentence 3 should be revised to correct a misplaced modifier.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following revisions isneeded to correct an error in usage?
- A.
Sentence 1: Change that to when.
- B.
Sentence 2: Delete just.
- C.
Sentence 5: Change it to they.
- D.
Sentence 9: Insert that after fulfillment.
Correct Answer
C. Sentence 5: Change it to they.Explanation
In the given question, the error in usage is identified in Sentence 5. The correction needed is to change the pronoun "it" to "they". This implies that the subject being referred to is plural, rather than singular.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following statements bestdescribes the most important advantageof posting student writing on a Web site?
- A.
It provides an interactive forum in which students can judge each other's writing.
- B.
Being able to present one's work in a public medium encourages students to work in diverse genres.
- C.
It allows students to assess the quality of their own writing.
- D.
Being able to communicate with a real-life audience gives students incentives to improve their writing.
Correct Answer
D. Being able to communicate with a real-life audience gives students incentives to improve their writing.Explanation
Posting student writing on a website allows students to communicate with a real-life audience, which in turn motivates them to improve their writing. When students know that their work will be read by others, they are more likely to put effort into their writing and strive for quality. This real-life audience provides a sense of accountability and creates an incentive for students to produce their best work. Additionally, receiving feedback and engaging in discussions with this audience can help students gain a deeper understanding of their own writing and make improvements.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The reading technique of scanning islikely to be most effective for a readerwho wants to:
- A.
Determine an author's logic.
- B.
Locate specific examples of a process described by the author.
- C.
Assess an author's credibility.
- D.
Synthesize information from a text to develop a thesis.
Correct Answer
B. Locate specific examples of a process described by the author.Explanation
The reading technique of scanning involves quickly looking through a text to find specific information. It is most effective for locating specific examples of a process described by the author because it allows the reader to quickly identify and extract the relevant information without having to read the entire text in detail. Scanning helps the reader to focus on specific keywords or phrases related to the process and locate the examples quickly and efficiently.Rate this question:
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- 12.
While conducting research on the Internet,a student comes across a Web site containingbrief excerpts from a variety offamous nineteenth-century speeches. Thestudent would like to incorporate severalof these excerpts into a research paper.Before doing so, it is most important thatthe student:
- A.
Determine whether the author of the Web site is an authority on the period.
- B.
Check the excerpts against primary sources to ensure that they have not been taken out of context.
- C.
Check whether any of the Web site's links provide additional information relating to the speakers.
- D.
Examine secondary sources to establish the historical context of the speeches.
Correct Answer
B. Check the excerpts against primary sources to ensure that they have not been taken out of context.Explanation
The student should check the excerpts against primary sources to ensure that they have not been taken out of context. This is important because without checking the primary sources, the student cannot be certain that the excerpts accurately represent the original speeches. By comparing the excerpts with the primary sources, the student can ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information they are incorporating into their research paper.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A political speaker is scheduled to givea speech to an audience of constituents.To prepare for the speech, the speakerstudies the demographic profile of theaudience so that generalizations made inthe speech can be designed to appeal tospecific segments of the audience. Whenanalyzing and using data in this way, it ismost important for the speaker to:
- A.
Plan to spend an equal amount of time speaking to each segment of the audience.
- B.
Inform the audience that demographic data has been used in the preparation of the speech.
- C.
Ensure that any generalizations used in the speech are not stereotypical in nature.
- D.
Provide full source citations for any demographic data used in the preparation of the speech.
Correct Answer
C. Ensure that any generalizations used in the speech are not stereotypical in nature.Explanation
The speaker should ensure that any generalizations used in the speech are not stereotypical in nature. This is important because using stereotypes can be offensive and can alienate certain segments of the audience. By avoiding stereotypes, the speaker can appeal to a wider range of constituents and create a more inclusive and respectful speech.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following best describes whyindirect listener feedback is important to aspeaker?
- A.
It prevents the speaker from accidentally offending the listener.
- B.
It allows the speaker to prevent external interference from inhibiting the reception of his or her message.
- C.
It helps the speaker overcome communication anxieties.
- D.
It enables the speaker to calculate the effect that his or her message is having on the listener.
Correct Answer
D. It enables the speaker to calculate the effect that his or her message is having on the listener.Explanation
Indirect listener feedback is important to a speaker because it allows them to assess the impact of their message on the listener. By observing the listener's reactions, body language, and non-verbal cues, the speaker can gauge whether their message is being understood, received positively, or if any adjustments need to be made. This feedback helps the speaker to fine-tune their communication and ensure that their intended message is effectively conveyed.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A high school student often experienceslistener apprehension when talking withteachers and has difficulty understandingand recalling what they say. Whendiscussing this problem with an Englishteacher, the student says: "I listen reallyreally hard to every single thing they say,but it's just too hard to remember it all!"Which of the following responses by theEnglish teacher is likely to be most helpfulto the student in addressing this difficulty?
- A.
"Try to stop worrying about your own reactions and what people think of you. Concentrate instead on analyzing the content and tone of the speaker's message."
- B.
"Even good listeners can have trouble paying attention. When your mind starts to wander, make a conscious effort to refocus on the speaker."
- C.
"You may be jumping to conclusions about what the speaker is saying and misunderstanding the message. Use critical-thinking skills to analyze each point the speaker makes."
- D.
"Sometimes a person can listen too hard. It isn't necessary or even possible to remember every detail of what a person says. Concentrate on getting the main ideas."
Correct Answer
D. "Sometimes a person can listen too hard. It isn't necessary or even possible to remember every detail of what a person says. Concentrate on getting the main ideas."Explanation
The English teacher's response is likely to be most helpful to the student because it acknowledges that listening too hard can actually be counterproductive. The teacher explains that it is not necessary or possible to remember every detail of what someone says, and instead encourages the student to focus on understanding the main ideas. This response helps alleviate the student's anxiety about trying to remember everything, and provides a practical approach to improving comprehension and recall.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A speaker is nervous about delivering apresentation to a large, formal audience.Which of the following strategies is likelyto be most effective in minimizing thespeaker's communication anxiety?
- A.
Acknowledging the nervousness to the audience at the outset of the presentation
- B.
Memorizing every word and detail of the presentation as if it were a stage performance
- C.
Preparing mentally for probable mistakes and planning ways to recover when such errors occur
- D.
Being careful and thorough in preparing for the speech and allowing plenty of time to rehearse
Correct Answer
D. Being careful and thorough in preparing for the speech and allowing plenty of time to rehearseExplanation
Preparing carefully and thoroughly for the speech and allowing plenty of time to rehearse is likely to be the most effective strategy in minimizing the speaker's communication anxiety. By being well-prepared, the speaker will feel more confident and knowledgeable about the topic, which can help reduce anxiety. Additionally, practicing the presentation multiple times can help the speaker become more comfortable with the material and the delivery, further reducing anxiety.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The literary works of contemporarywriters Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie,and Gabriel Garcia Marquez tend to sharewhich of the following characteristics?
- A.
The depiction of a simple and orderly world view
- B.
An emphasis on traditional literary structures
- C.
A derision of the ideal of spiritual redemption
- D.
The use of experimental narrative forms
Correct Answer
D. The use of experimental narrative formsExplanation
The correct answer is the use of experimental narrative forms. This is because contemporary writers Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez are known for their innovative and unconventional approaches to storytelling. They often break traditional literary structures and experiment with narrative techniques to create unique and engaging narratives. Their works are characterized by non-linear narratives, multiple perspectives, and blending of genres. This emphasis on experimental narrative forms sets them apart from writers who adhere to more traditional storytelling methods.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Read the poem below, "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman; then answer the twoquestions that follow.I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck, The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,The wood-cutter's song, the ploughboy's on his way in the morning, or at noon intermission or at sundown, The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of the girl sewing or washing, Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows, robust, friendly,Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.18. Which of the following techniques is usedin this poem to enhance the impression ofmultiple voices raised in song?
- A.
Internal rhymes
- B.
Syntactic parallelism
- C.
Metrical regularity
- D.
Onomatopoeia
Correct Answer
B. Syntactic parallelismExplanation
In this poem, Walt Whitman uses syntactic parallelism to enhance the impression of multiple voices raised in song. Syntactic parallelism is the repetition of a similar grammatical structure in successive phrases or lines. Whitman achieves this by structuring each stanza in a similar way, with the subject of the stanza followed by a description of their action and the song they are singing. This repetition of structure creates a sense of unity and harmony among the various voices, emphasizing the collective spirit of America singing.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The verse form of this poem contributes toits meaning primarily by:
- A.
Emphasizing the diverse individual cadences found in the voices of the American people.
- B.
Illustrating his qualifications as a poetic spokesperson for the American people.
- C.
Allowing him to celebrate the patriotic unity and loyalty of the American people.
- D.
Establishing a metaphor for the disciplined industriousness of the American people.
Correct Answer
A. Emphasizing the diverse individual cadences found in the voices of the American people.Explanation
The verse form of the poem contributes to its meaning primarily by emphasizing the diverse individual cadences found in the voices of the American people. This suggests that the poem utilizes different rhythms, tones, and styles to represent the varied perspectives and experiences of Americans. By doing so, the poem celebrates the richness and diversity of the American people's voices, highlighting their individuality and unique contributions to the nation's identity.Rate this question:
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- 20.
While reading an assigned novel, eachstudent in a ninth grade English classcompiles a scrapbook that a centralcharacter from the novel might have kept.The items in the scrapbook may includesignificant items that are mentioned in thenovel as well as other items that are notspecifically mentioned but are in keepingwith the character. Which of the followingextensions of this activity would bestpromote students' skill in interpreting andanalyzing characters in fiction texts?
- A.
Students present a portion of their scrapbooks to the class and explain what the items reveal about the character.
- B.
Students vote on which scrapbook best reflects the designated character from the novel.
- C.
Students compile another scrapbook for a secondary character in the novel and write a paragraph comparing the two scrapbooks.
- D.
Students make changes in their scrapbooks based on feedback from the teacher and from other students in the class.
Correct Answer
A. Students present a portion of their scrapbooks to the class and explain what the items reveal about the character.Explanation
This extension of the activity would best promote students' skill in interpreting and analyzing characters in fiction texts because it requires students to not only compile the scrapbook but also analyze and interpret the significance of the items they have chosen. By presenting their scrapbooks to the class and explaining what the items reveal about the character, students are engaging in critical thinking and deepening their understanding of the character's traits, motivations, and development throughout the novel. This activity also allows for peer feedback and discussion, further enhancing students' ability to analyze and interpret characters in fiction texts.Rate this question:
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