Free Praxis Core Reading (Arizona) Practice Test

Sample Praxis Core Reading practice questions

Try a few representative questions below. Each includes the correct answer and a short explanation — the same style you'll see in the full practice test.

1. Question 1Data Analysis and Interpretation

   A 5th-grade teacher is analyzing student performance on a recent standardized reading comprehension assessment. The class mean score is 75, with a standard deviation of 10. A student scored 95. What is the student's z-score, and what does this indicate about their performance relative to the class?

   • A.The z-score is 1.5, indicating the student scored one and a half standard deviations above the mean.
   • B.The z-score is 2.5, indicating the student scored two and a half standard deviations above the mean.
   • C.The z-score is 2.0, indicating the student scored two standard deviations above the mean.(Correct)
   • D.The z-score is 0.5, indicating the student scored half a standard deviation above the mean.

   Explanation

   The z-score is calculated as (X - μ) / σ, where X is the student's score, μ is the mean, and σ is the standard deviation. So, (95 - 75) / 10 = 20 / 10 = 2.0. A z-score of 2.0 means the student is two standard deviations above the class average.

2. Question 2Reading Comprehension Strategies

   A teacher is designing an intervention for students struggling with inferential reading. Which of the following instructional strategies would be MOST effective in building their ability to 'read between the lines'?

   • A.Explicitly teaching vocabulary words found in complex texts and providing definitions.
   • B.Using graphic organizers to map out plot elements and character relationships in narrative texts.
   • C.Asking students to summarize paragraphs using their own words after each reading section.
   • D.Modeling think-alouds where the teacher verbalizes their thought process for making predictions and drawing conclusions based on textual evidence and prior knowledge.(Correct)

   Explanation

   Inferential reading requires students to go beyond the literal text. Think-alouds are highly effective because the teacher explicitly demonstrates how to use textual clues, background knowledge, and logical reasoning to make inferences, which students can then emulate.

3. Question 3Assessment and Evaluation

   A principal is evaluating the effectiveness of a new reading program implemented in a K-3 school. The program emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, and early literacy skills. Which assessment would provide the MOST comprehensive data on the program's impact on foundational reading skills?

   • A.A norm-referenced reading comprehension test administered at the end of the year.
   • B.A diagnostic assessment of phonological awareness and letter-sound correspondence administered at the beginning and end of the year.(Correct)
   • C.A curriculum-based measurement (CBM) of oral reading fluency (words correct per minute) administered bi-weekly.
   • D.A teacher-created unit test assessing mastery of specific phonics patterns taught in the program.

   Explanation

   A diagnostic assessment focusing on phonological awareness and letter-sound correspondence directly measures the foundational skills targeted by the program. Administering it pre- and post-intervention allows for a clear evaluation of growth in these specific areas.

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