Creating Science Practice Questions for ELA Testing

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - December 14th, 2014

Science practice questions, along with study materials for history, social studies and math, are often sticking points when it comes to test preparation. Many parents feel confused. After all, the ELA tests place a heavy focus on English language literacy – where do the other subjects fit in?

In reality, the ELA tests aren’t solely focused on English, although comprehension and other English skills do play a large role. The ELA tests are based on the State Standards Initiative, which strives to ensure a higher degree of learned knowledge for graduating high school seniors. In order to accomplish this goal, the tests assess learned knowledge and skills at every grade level to ensure each child is progressing appropriately. While English skills are a big part of success in life after high school, the importance of other core subjects can’t, and is not, ignored.

At Home Preparation

There are plenty of ready-made study materials available for purchase, both in stores and online. If you choose this option, make sure you’re purchasing a guide specifically tailored to your state’s accepted Standards. Each state has the option to reject or accept portions of the test, as well as the option to add subjects. If you’re not sure of your state’s decisions, check online or with your child’s school authorities.

You can view some helpful science practice questions at http://www.homeinstructionschools.com/shack/3-8examreview.html to familiarize yourself with wording and format. This is especially helpful if you choose to replace or supplement ready-made materials with science practice questions you’ve chosen or created yourself.

Once you feel comfortable in choosing appropriate questions, simply take a look at your child’s current science textbook. Using text-based questions is best, due to the English emphasis of the ELA test battery. Be sure to choose questions which include both English language skills and more traditional learned knowledge such as facts and dates. When practicing, try to ensure that your child not only knows the correct answers to questions, but has a good grasp of the language used to ask those questions.