If you’re planning to become a teacher, then preparing for the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing Subtest (201) exam might be required. 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 Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing Subtest (201) exam, providing you with a general overview to help you get started on your journey to teaching.
Exam Overview
The Communication and Literacy Skills: Writing Subtest (201) exam questions cover 2 main categories:
- Multiple Choice (50%)
- Establish and Maintain a Main Idea (15%)
- Sentence Construction, Grammar, Usage (10%)
- Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation (10%)
- Revise Sentences Containing Errors (15%)
- Open-Response (50%)
- Summary Exercise (15%)
- Composition Exercise (35%)
By understanding the breakdown of each competency, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. A balanced approach to studying all sections will lead you to success in the Writing Subtest (201) exam.
Time Limit/Number of Questions
This subtest includes 35 multiple-choice items, seven (7) short-answer sentence correction items, and two open-response items—a summary exercise and a composition exercise. The summary exercise requires candidates to spend about 20–30 minutes to prepare an adequate response; the composition exercise requires candidates to spend about 45–60 minutes to prepare an adequate response. The multiple-choice and short-answer item section counts for 50 percent of the candidate’s score, the summary exercise counts for 15 percent of the candidate’s total test score, and the composition exercise counts for 35 percent of the candidate’s total subtest score. The exam is 3 hours long.
Passing Score
A scaled score of 240 is required to pass.
You can find our full scoring guide here.
Exam Registration
Cost
The exam costs $85 if taken alone, or $112 if taken in conjunction with the Reading Subtest (101).
Registration Information
You can register for the exam year round. You can start the registration process by logging into your MTEL account and following the instructions. Online proctoring is typically offered one week per month.
Scoring and Reporting
Test takers can view their scores 2-5 weeks following the exam, with the official score report being posted at the end of a testing cycle. How long you have to wait depends on when you took your exam within that cycle (for example, for a testing period May 1-16, the results may post June 5 for all exams taken in that time frame). See the MTEL website for more information on score report dates.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the 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 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 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 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
