New York State Literacy CST Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How can you identify the central idea from a paragraph?
• How would you describe the relationship between Reading and Writing components on the CST?
• What is a run-on sentence and how can you fix it?
• What test is designed to be administered under specified conditions with norms used for comparisons?
• Why is paraphrasing important in both reading and writing?
• Which approach describes instruction where groups are formed based on ability for short periods and then changed as needs change?
• Which term is the study of speech structure in language that includes both the patterns of basic speech units and the tacit rules of pronunciation?
• What is text-dependent analysis?
• Which term describes the ability to recognize the sounds of spoken language and how they can be blended, segmented and manipulated to form new words?
• What are text features and give examples?
• Which term is associated with the study of meaning?
• Which text structure shows information arranged by cause and effect?
• In reading a literary passage, which question best reflects analysis of author’s craft?
• What role does tone play in interpreting a text and how can you identify it?
• Which type of question assesses Reading: Informational Text?
• Which term is the study of relationships between phonemes and graphemes (letters) that represent the phonemes?
• A graphic organizer helps plan a descriptive paragraph by organizing which of the following before drafting?
• What is the best practice for integrating quotes smoothly into your writing?
• Two consecutive consonants that represent one new speech sound are called?
• When integrating quotations into an extended-response, which approach is most effective?
• Identify a sample credible evidence type in informational texts.
• Which literacy approach is described as undermining the crucial role phonics plays?
• Why is citing textual evidence important on the CST?
• Which skill is tested when you determine why the author chose certain words to convey meaning?
• What is the difference between a claim and evidence?
• What strategy helps you determine whether a text is primarily informative or persuasive?
• How can you use text features to determine the sequence of events in a narrative?
• Which term refers to speech sound units that differentiate meaning?
• What is the role of evidence in argumentative writing?
• Not listed as a focus in coping with dyslexia?
• In poetry, how can you identify the speaker’s mood and why is it important?
• What role do transitions play in writing quality on the CST?
• Which term describes the process of sounding out unknown words by linking letters to sounds?
• What term describes the process of turning a spoken message into written symbols?
• What term refers to the smallest units of meaning in words?
• Which term describes readers who monitor their reading to make sense, use semantic, syntactic and visual clues, identify new information, and self-correct?
• Which term refers to a score that has been transformed from a raw score on a standardized test into an equivalent score earned by the average student in the norming group?
• How should you plan time on the CST to handle reading and writing tasks?
• What is the difference between a paraphrase and a quotation?
• Two words that share the same written form but have different meanings are called
• In nonfiction, what is the primary purpose of a caption?
• What strategy helps you handle a double-entry reading where you read two texts on the same topic?
• In writing, what is a thesis statement and what makes it effective?
• In CST literary analysis, which elements are analyzed to assess voice and perspective?
• Which pair is commonly associated with the leveled reading texts used in balanced literacy?
• Which term describes grouping children with similar instructional needs, with groups changing as needs change?
• Which type of clues rely on a reader's prior knowledge, sense of the story and pictures to support predicting and confirming meaning?
• Which term describes a morpheme that can stand alone with meaning?
• Which term relates to the meaning of words and phrases in context?
• What is the effect of figurative language like metaphor or simile on reader understanding?
• Which phonics-based critique is associated with the claim that balanced literacy undermines the crucial role phonics plays?
• How do captions or graphs in a nonfiction text aid understanding?
• How are sentence variety and fluency assessed in writing tasks?
• Which concept occurs when readers use knowledge of graphemes to predict and confirm text, where graphemes may be words, syllables, or letters?
• When analyzing a character's development, which three elements are useful to track?
• How do you craft a conclusion that reinforces your thesis in argumentative writing?
• How should you use graphics and visual data when answering comprehension questions?
• How would you determine if a passage has a reliable and relevant source?
• Citing evidence accomplish?
• Which term describes the alignment of print on the page so that each line ends with a sentence or phrase?
• Tone and stance?
• Which term describes readers who understand that print contains a consistent message, recognize high-frequency words, and use pictures to help predict meaning?
• How can you improve sentence variety in your writing?
• Which term matches the description 'same written form, different meaning'?
• Which cognitive process involves awareness and regulation of one's own thinking and learning strategies?
• What is 'conventions of standard English' error types commonly tested?
• What is the primary purpose of narrative passages?
• Which term describes morphemes that must be attached to another morpheme to convey meaning, such as -ed?
• Which statistic describes how far a student's score deviates from the mean on a standardized assessment?
• When comparing a documentary and a feature article on the same topic, what should you look for to identify bias?
• When comparing two passages with similar topics, which strategy helps you evaluate differences in perspective?
• Which elements best determine an author's point of view in nonfiction?
• Bias in media can be identified by looking for which signals?
• What is 'author's craft'?
• How can you annotate text effectively for CST reading questions?
• How should a writer balance paraphrase and quotation for credibility?
• Which approach best shows how sources support a claim?
• Which term describes language understanding and interpretation?
• Taberski focuses on interconnected interactions with a learner. Which option is NOT listed as one of these four parts?
• What is an inference, and how is it supported in a text?
• What is the benefit of using signal phrases when quoting?
• How should writers incorporate evidence to avoid plagiarism?
• How do you determine the meaning of a word using context?
• What is the role of graphics and visual data in reading comprehension items?
• Which statement best describes Reading Recovery?
• Which term refers to words with the same spelling and pronunciation, but different meanings?
• Which term describes two consecutive consonants representing one sound?
• Which feature provides definitions of terms used in a text?
• Which term describes the use of knowledge about letter-sound relations to predict and confirm reading?
• What is the initial focus in teaching letter sound associations?
• What is the difference between primary and secondary sources, and why does it matter?
• Which author is connected with teaching letter sound associations explicitly, including consonants and short vowels?
• Which term refers to the use of knowledge of letter-sound and sound/letter relations to predict and confirm reading?
• How does evidence from multiple paragraphs help you assess a claim?
• What is the difference between a theme and a topic?
• What visual organizer is used to introduce a topic and represents many words associated with a target word?
• What is the term for the study of meaning?
• Which term refers to the smallest unit of sound that can distinguish meaning in a language?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of transitions in writing on the CST?
• Which language standard domains are tested in NYS ELA CST?
• In a narrative, which element helps reveal a character’s motivation?
• Which feature of a text most strongly supports determining the author’s attitude toward the topic?
• What is inference in reading?
• How do you analyze imagery and symbolism in a literary passage?
• Which term refers to an oral reading error made by a child that differs from the actual printed text?
• Which term is described as the study of meaning?
• Which researcher is associated with early reading research in the material?
• What strategies help with extended-response tasks requiring analysis of multiple sources?
• Which type of evidence best supports a claim in a constructed-response answer?
• What is the role of author’s tone in constructing meaning?
• Which term describes constructing meaning by integrating prior knowledge and monitoring strategies?
• What concept refers to teacher support enabling a child to accomplish a task they could not do alone, fading as independence grows?
• Which approach is described as an integrated, flexible approach to literacy instruction with reading and writing taught together?
• Which formats are commonly used on the CST?
• Which element most strongly signals an author’s intent to persuade a reader?
• What aspects of writing are evaluated in the Writing domain?
• Which factor is least relevant when assessing a source's credibility?
• Which term describes words that share the same spelling and pronunciation, but have different meanings?
• When answering a text-dependent question, what should you do after identifying evidence?
• Which statement describes the relationship between phonics instruction and reading scores when phonics is abandoned?
• Which statement best describes how a strong thesis functions in an extended-response comparing sources?
• Which label best describes readers who recognize most high-frequency words, use pictures to confirm meaning, and follow emergent reading?
• What is evaluative writing in the context of the CST?
• In the writing process, what is the role of 'prewriting'?
• How is Listening and Speaking integrated into the NYS ELA CST?
• Which type of reading describes the ability to read and correctly interpret instructions, recipes, coupons, classified ads, notices, and signs in everyday life?
• In an informational text, which statement best distinguishes the central idea from the topic?
• Which concept is described as being used by learners while self-monitoring to integrate information from text and illustrations to construct meaning?
• What term describes how far a child's score on a standardized test is from the average score, in standard deviation units?
• What term describes two vowels in a single syllable where both sounds are heard?
• What best explains how imagery functions in conveying meaning?
• Reading Recovery is designed to operate in what setting?
• What is the purpose of examining tone when comparing passages?
• Which visual organizer represents many words associated with a target word?
• In informational text, which feature is typically evaluated?
• Which term refers to a book read repeatedly and used for reading and writing activities?
• What is a major evidence-based skill students must demonstrate in NYS ELA CST when answering questions?
• What is the purpose of an author’s use of rhetorical devices?
• Which authors are credited with developing the leveled reading texts used in balanced literacy?
• What is "point of view" in literature?
• Which type of question assesses Reading: Literary Text?
• When editing your own writing for conventions, what are the top five errors to check?
• In poetry analysis, how does line length and stanza breaks contribute to meaning?
• Why are passages from both Literary Text and Informational Text included on the CST?
• Which term describes the understanding that words are composed of sounds, focusing on phonemes within spoken words?
• Define text structure and name some common types.
• Which sequence is most helpful when analyzing a character's development?
• Which step belongs to the prewriting stage?
• Why is it important to examine the structure of a paragraph (topic sentence and supporting details) when answering questions?
• What is the difference between a fact and an opinion, and how can you tell in a text?
• Which term refers to a text read repeatedly and used for reading and writing?
• In a short story, which approach is most reliable for identifying the theme?
• How does analyzing an author's purpose help in answering CST questions?
• Which term is defined as sharing the same written form as another word, but has a different meaning?
• How do headings and subheadings assist reading comprehension?
• How can you determine the structure of a text on the CST?
• Which term describes constructing meaning from what is read, drawing on prior knowledge, culture and social background, and monitoring strategies?
• What is the purpose of a constructed-response item on the CST?
• When identifying a claim in an argument, what should you distinguish from reasons?
• Which statement best explains how a theme is identified in a short story?
• When citing textual evidence in your response, what should you include besides quoting or paraphrasing?
• How can you approach a short answer that asks you to summarize?
• Identify a primary source example.
• Which of the following is NOT a typical component in evaluating the credibility of an online source?
• Which approach emphasizes learning from part to whole and begins with a phonics approach?
• When analyzing a nonfiction passage, which strategy best helps differentiate proven facts from supported claims?
• Which statement best describes the role of a thesis statement in a persuasive essay?
• What are the smallest units of meaning in words called?
• What term describes changing information from one code to another, such as converting writing into spoken language?
• What is the central idea of a passage?
• What is the process of hearing a spoken word and identifying its phonemes or syllables?
• What is a counterclaim and why is it important in argumentative writing?
• Which instructional approach involves a teacher guiding a child through silent reading with prompts and questions, and engaging in interactive discussion about the text?
• Which practice most reliably confirms your answer is supported by the text?
• Which statement best describes the difference in purpose between narratives and informational texts?
• What does 'diction' refer to in an author's craft?
• What is central idea with supporting details?
• Which term refers to the strategy of solving and identifying new words using multiple cueing systems?
• How do authors use literary devices to convey theme without stating it outright?
• How might you determine the credibility of a source in a CST informational text?
• What passages are typically included on the NYS ELA CST?
• Which statement about tone is least accurate?
• Which area is explicitly listed as a focus for fostering language skills?
• Which feature helps identify the organization of a text, such as how ideas are arranged?
• What is the recommended strategy for answering text-dependent CST questions?
• What is the difference between theme and central idea?
• To determine a word's meaning from context, you should first
• What is a paraphrase, and how does it differ from direct quotation?
• What best describes evidence-based writing?
• Where are the cues for the central idea often found in a text?
• Which statement about evaluating online sources is NOT a recommended practice?
• When including a quotation in an answer, which practice is essential?
• Which factor best indicates a source is reliable and relevant?
• What kind of assessment uses norms to compare scores against a reference group?
• How does context help determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
• What are the primary content areas tested on the NYS ELA CST?
• What term describes the process of turning spoken language into written symbols?
• Which term means repetition of vowel sounds?
• Which of the following is a direct feature of the five basic phonemic awareness types mentioned?
• What does it mean to cite textual evidence in your response?
• When a writer contrasts two ideas within a passage, which technique is being used?
• Which foundational skills may appear on the CST in certain grade spans?
• What is the best practice for answering multiple-choice questions?
• What happens if phonics is abandoned?
• What should you do after drafting your answer?
• The balanced literacy approach emphasizes focus on emergent literacy behavior. Which term best captures this emphasis?
• Which is an inferential question about a text?
• Which term describes reading materials such as instructions, recipes, coupons, classifieds, notices, and signs that must be read and interpreted in school and society?
• Who argues that reading should be taught according to students' needs regardless of a fixed method?
• What is the purpose of a hook in a narrative?
• Which group of readers is described as understanding that print contains a consistent message and may use pictures to predict meaning?
• Which process involves sounding out a printed sequence of letters based on knowledge of letter-sound correspondences?
• Which term concerns the meaning of words and phrases?
• Which term describes the system of sounds used in a language, including patterns of speech units and pronunciation rules?
• When asked to cite evidence, what should you do?
• Which term describes the teacher's intervention in the child's independent reading to help the child pronounce or comprehend a specific word or prompt?
• Which concept states that written spelling represents spoken word?
• Which term studies the system of sounds in a language, including how sounds are organized and pronounced?
• Which statement best describes how to support an inference in a text?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the five basic types of phonemic awareness by first grade?
• Which area is identified as a focus for fostering skills in students with dyslexia?
• Which term denotes a teacher-guided method where the child reads with prompts and questions and may require extra support due to text complexity?
• Which term is defined as the method of representing spoken language through letters and diacritics?
• What does the Language domain primarily assess?
• Which issue should be corrected first when editing for readability?
• Which concept states that letters represent spoken sounds in reading and writing?
• Which practice helps you verify the credibility of information in a nonfiction text?
• Which description best matches the sequence text structure?
• How can you determine the central idea of an informational passage most efficiently?
• How can you identify the author’s purpose in a nonfiction text?
• How should you handle literal vs. figurative language in questions?
• In nonfiction, what is a 'caption' and how does it help comprehension?
• What is the role of evidence in argument writing?
• Which cueing type is described as focusing on decoding and understanding using visual information?
• What foundational skills might appear on the CST in certain grade spans?