Coverage by content domain
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
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Praxis test alignment
240's Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency.
Based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the lessons, practice questions, flashcards, videos, and study materials included in this guide.
Transparent coverage
Our curriculum team begins with the official test framework, identifies the knowledge and skills candidates are expected to demonstrate, and maps instruction and practice to those expectations.
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
Every competency is marked covered, partially covered, or a gap, so you can see where the guide is strongest and where to add your own review.
Alignment records provide a maintainable source of truth when exam frameworks, names, or objectives are updated.
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.
3Domains
95Competencies reviewed
100%Test-aligned
95Covered
0Partially covered
0Gaps
This study guide is based on the current official exam framework. We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.
SMR I.A · Literature0 questions · 0 materials · 0 cards · 0 videosCoverage gap identified
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Knows major works and authors of United States, British, World (including non-Western), and Young Adult literature | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 2. Knows the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of major works and authors of United States, British, and World literature | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 3. Understands the defining characteristics of primary literary genres | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 4. Knows the defining characteristics of major forms within each primary literary genre (e.g., poetry: ballad, haiku) | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 5. Understands how textual evidence supports interpretations of a literary text | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 6. Understands how authors develop themes in a variety of genres | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 7. Understands how literary elements (e.g., characterization, setting, tone) contribute to the meaning of a text | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 8. Understands how figurative language contributes to the effect of a text | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 9. Understands how poetic devices and structure contribute to the effect of a poem | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 10. Understands how reading strategies (e.g., making predictions, making connections, summarizing) support comprehension | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 11. Knows commonly used research-based strategies for reading instruction (e.g., activating prior knowledge, modeling metacognitive practices, active reading) | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 12. Is familiar with various literary theories (e.g., reader-response, feminist criticism) for interpreting and critiquing literary texts | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
SMR I.B · Informational Texts and Rhetoric0 questions · 0 materials · 0 cards · 0 videosCoverage gap identified
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Understands how textual evidence supports interpretations of an informational text | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 2. Understands how a variety of organizational patterns and text structures can be used to develop a central idea in informational texts | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 3. Understands how word choice contributes to the effect of an informational text | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 4. Understands rhetorical strategies that authors use to convey purpose and perspective in informational texts | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 5. Understands methods that authors use to appeal to a specific audience | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 6. Understands how authors develop and support a written argument | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| 7. Knows how to interpret media and non-print texts and how they influence an audience | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
SMR II.1 · Understands the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, syntax, and mechanics254 questions · 12 materials · 66 cards · 6 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. explain the function of the different parts of speech | ELA.Parts of Speech | Covered | 29 | 1 | 13 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. identify errors in standard English grammar, usage, syntax, and mechanics (e.g., inconsistent verb tense, non-parallel structure, sentence fragments, run-ons) | ELA.Skill - Proper Writing and Grammar Conventions; ELA.Parallel Structure; ELA.Skill - Fix Punctuation; ELA.Skill - Fix Commas; ELA.Skill - Fix Capitalization; ELA.Skill - Fix Subject/Verb; ELA.Skill - Fix Modifiers; ELA.Skill - Fix Pronoun Usage; ELA.Skill - Fix Passive Voice | Covered | 188 | 9 | 52 | 5 | Covered by 9 topics (188 questions, 9 materials, 52 cards, 5 videos). |
| c. justify grammar, usage, syntax, and mechanics choices (e.g., colon versus semicolon, its versus it’s, saw versus seen, etc.) | ELA.Skill - Proper Writing and Grammar Conventions | Covered | 29 | 1 | 27 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 27 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. identify different components of sentences (e.g., clauses, phrases) | ELA.Types of Sentences (Grammar); ELA.Types of Phrases | Covered | 37 | 2 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (37 questions, 2 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| e. identify different structures of sentences (e.g., simple, complex, compound) | ELA.Types of Sentences (Grammar) | Covered | 20 | 1 | 9 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR II.2 · Understands the use of affixes, context, and syntax to determine word meaning103 questions · 3 materials · 14 cards · 2 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. apply knowledge of affixes to determine word meaning | ELA.Word Analysis from Roots and Affixes | Covered | 25 | 1 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. use context clues to determine word meaning | ELA.Skill - Meaning of Words from Contextual, Syntactic, and Semantic Clues | Covered | 66 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (66 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. apply knowledge of syntax to determine word meaning | ELA.Skill - Meaning of Words from Contextual, Syntactic, and Semantic Clues | Covered | 66 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (66 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. analyze nuances of word meaning and figures of speech | ELA.Teaching - Common Idioms and Foreign Phrases | Covered | 12 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.3 · Understands the use of print and digital reference materials to support and enhance language usage19 questions · 1 materials · 10 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. determine the most appropriate print or digital reference material (spell checker, style manual, dictionary, glossary) for a particular language usage task | ELA.Reference Materials Advanced | Covered | 19 | 1 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (19 questions, 1 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.4 · Is familiar with variations in dialect and diction across regions, cultural groups, and time periods47 questions · 3 materials · 19 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify variation in dialect and diction across regions, cultural groups, and time periods | ELA.Greek and Latin Roots; ELA.Dialects and Variations in Language; ELA.Influences on Language | Covered | 47 | 3 | 19 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (47 questions, 3 materials, 19 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. understand the concept of dialect and its appropriateness depending on purpose and audience | ELA.Dialects and Variations in Language | Covered | 16 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.5 · Knows commonly used research-based approaches for supporting language acquisition and vocabulary development for diverse learners117 questions · 4 materials · 38 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. recognize examples of commonly used research-based strategies for language acquisition and vocabulary development | ELA.Multimodal Teaching; ELA.Basic Linguistic Concepts; ELA.Teaching - Increasing Vocabulary | Covered | 95 | 3 | 32 | 2 | Covered by 3 topics (95 questions, 3 materials, 32 cards, 2 videos). |
| b. evaluate the effectiveness of specific strategies to support language acquisition and vocabulary development | ELA.Determining Meaning of Words; ELA.Teaching - Increasing Vocabulary | Covered | 75 | 2 | 20 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (75 questions, 2 materials, 20 cards, 2 videos). |
| c. interpret research and apply it to particular instructional challenges related to language acquisition and vocabulary development | ELA.Teaching - Increasing Vocabulary | Covered | 53 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (53 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR III.1 · Understands the distinct characteristics of various modes of writing (e.g., informative, argumentative)98 questions · 3 materials · 21 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. distinguish between common modes of writing (e.g., argumentative, informative/ explanatory, narrative) | ELA.Writing Types and Various Contexts | Covered | 52 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (52 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. identify examples of common types within modes of writing (e.g., journal, letter, essay, speech, blog) | ELA.Teaching - Spoken vs Written English; ELA.Teaching - Writing Types and Various Contexts | Covered | 46 | 2 | 16 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (46 questions, 2 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. determine which mode is the most appropriate for an author’s purpose and audience | ELA.Writing Types and Various Contexts | Covered | 52 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (52 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.2 · Understands how awareness of task, purpose, and audience contribute to effective writing77 questions · 2 materials · 14 cards · 1 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify how the task, purpose, or intended audience affects a piece of writing | ELA.Writing Types and Various Contexts | Covered | 52 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (52 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. choose the most appropriate type of writing for a task, purpose, and audience | ELA.Writing Types and Various Contexts | Covered | 52 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (52 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. evaluate the effectiveness of a piece of writing for a specific task, purpose, and audience | ELA.Skill - Evaluate Writing | Covered | 25 | 1 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR III.3 · Understands the characteristics of clear and coherent writing (e.g., supporting details, organization, conventions)144 questions · 8 materials · 12 cards · 4 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify details that develop a main idea | ELA.Skill - Supporting Ideas | Covered | 46 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (46 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. organize a text clearly and coherently | ELA.Skill - Improve Organization; ELA.Clear and Effective Organization | Covered | 26 | 2 | 8 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (26 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. use varied and effective transitions throughout a text | ELA.Skill - Choosing Transition Words | Covered | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. justify stylistic choices within a clear and coherent piece of writing | ELA.Skill - Purpose of Stylistic Choices; ELA.Teaching - Clear and Coherent Style | Covered | 23 | 2 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. introduce, develop, and conclude a text effectively | ELA.Skill - Pick Opening Line (Prompt); ELA.Skill - Pick Closing Line | Covered | 29 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (29 questions, 2 materials, 0 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR III.4 · Understands effective and ethical research practices, including evaluating the credibility of multiple print and digital sources, gathering relevant information, and citing sources accurately129 questions · 6 materials · 40 cards · 4 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify relevant information during research on a given topic | ELA.The Research Process; ELA.Types of Sources | Covered | 44 | 2 | 15 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (44 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. evaluate the credibility of a print or digital source | ELA.Credible Sources | Covered | 29 | 1 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. identify effective research practices (e.g., formulating a question, narrowing or broadening a topic, choosing effective sources) | ELA.The Research Process | Covered | 24 | 1 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (24 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. identify the components of a citation | ELA.Proper Use of Source Information; ELA.Skill - Cite Sources | Covered | 37 | 2 | 10 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (37 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 2 videos). |
| e. cite source material appropriately | ELA.Skill - Cite Sources | Covered | 18 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos). |
| f. integrate information from source material to maintain the flow of ideas | ELA.Teaching - Persuasive Writing Skills; ELA.Proper Use of Source Information | Covered | 38 | 2 | 20 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (38 questions, 2 materials, 20 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR III.5 · Understands components of effective speech and presentation delivery65 questions · 4 materials · 20 cards · 1 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify characteristics of effective delivery of a speech or presentation (e.g., eye contact, visual aids, tone) | ELA.Oral Presentation Skills; ELA.Teaching - Effective Digital Presentations; ELA.Skill - Compare Multiple Representations | Covered | 55 | 3 | 16 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (55 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different media to present ideas | ELA.Types of Media | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.6 · Knows approaches for instructing students on the effective use of digital media to support and enhance communication34 questions · 2 materials · 14 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify techniques for instructing students to choose and use technological tools (e.g., presentation software, blogs, wikis) for effective communication | ELA.Teaching Technology - Writing Skills; ELA.Teaching Technology - Media Tools | Covered | 34 | 2 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (34 questions, 2 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. evaluate the effectiveness of specific technology-based strategies to achieve enhanced understanding of communication goals | ELA.Teaching Technology - Media Tools | Covered | 14 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.7 · Understands commonly used research-based approaches to teaching components of writing84 questions · 4 materials · 47 cards · 1 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. recognize commonly used research-based strategies (e.g., writing workshop, modeling) for teaching components of the writing process | ELA.Teaching - Writing Skills - Advanced; ELA.Teaching - Narrative Writing Skills | Covered | 46 | 2 | 38 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (46 questions, 2 materials, 38 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. identify research-based strategies for teaching particular writing tasks | ELA.Effective ELA Learning Environment; ELA.Teaching - Stages of the Writing Process; ELA.Teaching - Writing Skills - Advanced | Covered | 60 | 3 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (60 questions, 3 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. interpret research and apply it to particular writing instruction challenges | ELA.Teaching - Writing Skills - Advanced | Covered | 22 | 1 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (22 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.8 · Understands purposes and methods of assessing reading, writing, speaking, and listening105 questions · 5 materials · 30 cards · 1 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. recognize a variety of research-based approaches to and purposes of formative and summative assessment of reading, writing, speaking, and listening (e.g., use of rubrics, conferencing techniques, providing useful feedback) | ELA.Types of Assessment; P.Types of Rubrics; ELA.Teaching - Writing Feedback; ELA.Assessment - Writing Skills | Covered | 90 | 4 | 24 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (90 questions, 4 materials, 24 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of research-based approaches to and purposes of formative and summative assessment of reading, writing, speaking, and listening (e.g., use of rubrics, conferencing techniques, providing useful feedback) | ELA.Types of Assessment; ELA.Teaching - Self and Peer Writing Assessment | Covered | 66 | 2 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (66 questions, 2 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
SMR III.9 · Understands the components of effective oral communication in a variety of settings (e.g., one-on-one, in groups)20 questions · 1 materials · 8 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. identify a variety of techniques (e.g., selecting age-appropriate topics, facilitating appropriate discussion behavior, ensuring accountability) to ensure productive participation and active listening in collaborative discussions | ELA.Teaching - Advanced Using Groups | Covered | 20 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. evaluate the effectiveness of specific strategies for students initiating and participating effectively in discussions | ELA.Teaching - Advanced Using Groups | Covered | 20 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR III.10 · Knows that students bring various perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds to reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and how to incorporate that awareness into classroom instruction77 questions · 3 materials · 13 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. use knowledge of students’ individual and group identities to plan instruction responsive to their needs | ELA.Support for Reluctant Readers and Writers; ELA.Matching Readers to Text | Covered | 18 | 2 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. know strategies for creating a safe environment for reading, writing, speaking, and listening to take place | P.Adaptations for Diversity - ELL | Covered | 59 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (59 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.
We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.
We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.
We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.
We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.
When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.
Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.
Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis.
The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis study guide.
240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.
This guide is 100% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.
This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.
Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.
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