Common Core History Practice Questions

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - June 29th, 2016

Common Core History

While the ELA Common Core test battery keeps its main focus on English language skills, other subjects are tested as well. Common Core history is one of these.

Test prep is practically the norm these days; the number of standardized tests being given to students of all ages demands a high level of performance. While test prep can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, the most effective test preparation is relaxed and (somewhat) fun for students.

Relaxed Practicing Skills

Relaxed practicing benefits students in several ways. It avoids the creation of testing anxiety, which is a recognized condition resulting in inaccurately poor testing scores. In addition, it gives parents and children a chance to have fun together while building knowledge and skills.

Your child’s age, grade and level should all be incorporated into testing prep. If your child is in the typical grade for their age and not in any remedial or advanced-placement courses, there’s no need to make any adjustments. If your child is struggling in some subjects or has been placed in gifted classes, work with their teachers to create or choose a test-prep regimen tailored to their individual needs and abilities.

Choosing a Method

Some parents choose to use outdated versions of a test, such as the one found at http://www.cde.ca.gov/Ta/tg/sr/documents/cstrtqhss8.pdf. These questions, released by the test’s creators, are not being currently used but can provide valuable insight into how questions are worded.

Another option is to purchase a ready-made set of study materials, either hard copy or software based. Many parents find this to be the most convenient option, although it is more expensive than others. Before you purchase study materials, check to ensure that they are tailored to the correct grade, subjects and state. States have the option to reject or accept each portion of the Common Core battery, as well as the option to add on subjects they feel are important. If you’re not sure which subjects will be tested, contact your child’s teachers.

Your child’s history and social studies textbooks are an excellent (and free) resource for history practice questions. You can create a DIY study guide simply by choosing relevant pieces of text and using the small quizzes found in most current textbooks. Be sure to include plenty of questions which involve English reading and comprehension skills. While the ELA Common Core includes subjects other than English, a strong grasp of language skills is helpful across all subject areas.