If you’re planning to become a teacher in Florida, then preparing for the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam is simply required. With four subtests required to pass overall, there is plenty for you to cover! Fortunately, 240 Tutoring is here to help. This guide will take you through all of the need-to-know information about the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam, providing you with a general overview to help you get started on your journey to teaching.
FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) Exam Overview
The FTCE General Knowledge Essay (825) exam covers the following competencies:
- Select the appropriate mode of writing to use for a specific purpose, task or occasion, and audience.
- Demonstrate a variety of expository or argumentative techniques to convey information, including the use of an organizational structure appropriate to the subject.
- Provide a section that effectively introduces the topic.
- Formulate a relevant thesis or claim.
- Organize ideas and details logically.
- Use logical reasoning by providing relevant supporting evidence to argue a position and rebut counterclaims or to explain and analyze information.
- Use a variety of transitional words and techniques effectively throughout a written text.
- Demonstrate proficient use of college-level, standard written English (e.g., varied word choice, a variety of sentence patterns, language conventions, semantics).
- Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from, or supports, the argument or information presented.
- Maintain consistent point of view.
- Use appropriate voice and tone.
By understanding each competency, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. A balanced approach will lead you to success in the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) Exam.
Time Limit
You will have 50 minutes to complete this subtest.
Passing Score
For the GK Essay, the passing score is at least 8 out of 12 points.
Each examinee’s response on the General Knowledge Essay is scored holistically by two raters using the scoring rubric available in the Test Information Guide for the General Knowledge Test, which evaluates both the substance of the essay and the composition skills demonstrated by the examinee. These elements include ideas, focus, organization, style (diction and sentence structure), and mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and usage). The two raters’ scores are combined to achieve the examinee’s total score. (If the raters’ scores differ by more than one point, an FTCE Chief Rater resolves the discrepancy.) The scoring rubric ranges from 1 to 6 score points, resulting in combined totals that range from 2 to 12 score points. To achieve a passing score of 8 score points, an examinee’s response would require a minimum score point of 4 from each rater.
Learn more about the exam’s scoring in our FTCE General Knowledge Essay Scoring Guide.
Exam Registration
Cost
The FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam costs $32.50 for the first attempt and all subsequent attempts (there used to be a complicated first-take/retake fee system, but Florida recently nixed that).
Check out the FTCE website to learn more about additional testing fees (also here).
As a side note: if you happen to fail the exam (which we hope you won’t): there is an option called a Score Verification session, wherein for $75 you can review your test and submit scoring challenges for review. This could result in a score being changed from a Fail to a Pass, so it’s an option worth knowing about should you find yourself in this position!
Registration Information
You can register for the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam year round. You can start the registration process by logging into your FTCE/FELE account. From there, you will schedule your test based on available dates and locations.
Scoring and Reporting
Once you’ve completed the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) you will receive an official score report within 4 weeks of your test date.
You can use the FTCE website to view score report dates to get a better idea of when to expect your score report based on the date you took your test.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and mindset, we can help you manage the stress and ace the test. Here are some test preparation tips to help you make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the FTCE General Knowledge Subtest 1: Essay (825) exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize your study materials and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subject area. This will ensure you cover all the necessary content and give yourself enough time for review.
- Review core concepts and skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques. Use textbooks, online resources, and study guides to refresh your knowledge.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Regularly practice sample questions and full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. This will help you build endurance and confidence in answering different questions.
- Analyze your performance in practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind correct answers and learn from any mistakes you make.
- Use official FTCE Subtest 1: Essay exam preparation materials, specifically designed to align with the exam content and format. These resources will give you a realistic idea of what to expect on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections.
- Use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and flashcards, to organize and reinforce information. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to comprehend and remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a few moments at the beginning of each section to read and understand the instructions thoroughly. This will help you approach the questions with clarity.
- Prioritize easier questions: Start with the questions you find easier, as this will help you build confidence and save time for the more challenging ones.
- Pace yourself: Keep an eye on the time and allocate it wisely for each question. If you’re stuck on a difficult question, move on and return to it later if you have time.
- For multiple choice tests like this one, keep in mind that you ALWAYS want to at least submit a guess answer to every question, even if you aren’t sure!
Remember, staying calm and focused on the task can greatly improve your performance during the exam. Use these exam-day instructions to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your FTCE General Knowledge Subtest 1: Essay (825) exam, you must be well-prepared and aware of the instructions to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Checking Required Documents
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all the necessary documents to bring with you. These typically include:
- Admission ticket: Make sure your admission ticket is printed and ready to present at the test center.
- Valid identification: Bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Necessary materials: Some exams may require you to bring specific materials, such as calculators or pencils. Check the exam guidelines to ensure you have the necessary materials with you.
Next Steps
- Got questions about your FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) scores? We got you covered in our scoring guide!
- Looking for some study help? Check out our FTCE General Knowledge: Essay (825) exam study guide.
