If you need help studying for the Praxis Middle School English Language Arts test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free Praxis Middle School ELA practice test!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the Praxis Middle School ELA test. There are 112 questions in total, with most being selected-response and some being constructed-response.
110 questions
Selected-response questions require you to select the correct answer from a list of options. Multiple-choice questions are the most common example, but you may also see true-or-false questions and “matching” questions, which ask you to match terms or concepts with their definitions.
Constructed-Response (CR)
2 questions
The constructed-response questions require you to write your answer instead of selecting from a list of choices. Your response to these questions is generally expected to be at least a few sentences, but you’ll be given specific details and instructions before you take the test.
The time limit for the test is 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes). There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed!
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the test:
1. READING
51 questions
- Major works and authors of US, British, and World literature
- Defining characteristics of literary genres and subgenres
- Using textual evidence to support literal and inferential interpretations of text
- Theme development within and across works
- The contribution of literary elements to a text’s meaning
- The contribution of word choice to a text’s meaning and tone
- The contribution of poetic devices to a poem’s meaning
- Literacy skills
- Patterns that are used to develop central ideas
- Methods used to convey purpose and perspective
2. LANGUAGE USE AND VOCABULARY
16 questions
- Conventions of standard English grammar and usage
- Using affixes and context to determine word meaning
- Using reference materials to support correct language usage
- Variations in dialect and diction across regions and time periods
3. WRITING, SPEAKING, AND LISTENING
26 questions
- The characteristics of various types of writing
- The characteristics of clear and coherent writing
- Effective research practices
- Effective speech/presentation delivery
- Appealing to a specific audience
- Knowing what constitutes an effective written argument
4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS INSTRUCTION
19 questions
- Research-based approaches to supporting language acquisition and vocabulary development
- Instructing students to be productive in collaborative discussions
- Instructing students to communicate effectively using technology
- Approaches to grouping and differentiated instruction
- Choosing texts for students based on interests and ability
- Teaching adolescent reading
- Teaching components of writing
- Formative and summative assessment of reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Incorporating student input into the design and use of curriculum and assessments
How to Register
To register for the test, you’ll need to create an account on the ETS website. Once your account has been created, you can submit your application to take the test.
When you submit your registration, you will need to pay the $156 testing fee.
Praxis Scores
The Praxis Middle School ELA test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 100 and 200. The passing score varies from state to state, but most states set the passing score at 164.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Receiving Your Score
When you receive your skill report, it will tell you how many questions you missed in each section and generally whether you passed or not.
Your scores will become available on your Praxis account on the score reporting date. When you get the score back depends on the testing date.
Online Praxis MS ELA Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online Praxis Middle School ELA prep course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The Praxis Praxis Middle School ELA course includes:
- Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
- 300+ Praxis MS ELA Practice Questions
- More than 500 Digital Flashcards
- Over 130 Instructional Videos
- Money-back Guarantee
- Free Mobile Access
- and More!
The Praxis Praxis Middle School ELA prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their Praxis Praxis Middle School ELA exam. Click below to check it out!
FAQs
How many questions are on the Praxis Middle School ELA test?
The test contains 112 questions.
What is the time limit for the Praxis Middle School ELA test?
The test is timed at 2 hours and 40 minutes.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Middle School ELA test?
The passing score varies from state to state but is usually 164.
How much does the Praxis Middle School ELA test cost?
The testing fee is $156.