TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Exam Overview
Planning to teach upper-level English in Texas? First you’ll have to pass the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam gauges your ability to instruct students in reading, writing, and other aspects of language arts. Since this exam is an important part of becoming an English teacher, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing it. But there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the TExES ELAR 7-12 test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the TExES ELAR 7-12 (231) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 content exam with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam to understand what it covers.
The TExES ELAR 7-12 (231) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and two in-depth written responses. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete this test.
The multiple-choice questions assess your knowledge in the following content domains:
- Integrated Language Arts, Diverse Learners and the Study of English
- Literature, Reading Processes and Skills for Reading Literary and Nonliterary Texts
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication and Media Literacy
You must also complete two written responses. The first will be a literary analysis exercise. The second will test your ability to assess student writing.
For specific details on topics that may appear on the exam, check out the information provided by the official TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 prep guide. Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. As you begin preparing for the TExES English Language Arts and Reading exam, focus on concepts you know will be challenging.
Your study plan might also consider how often each content domain appears on the test. Did you know that the Literature, Reading Processes and Skills for Reading Literary and Nonliterary Texts domain accounts for 40% of questions on the TExES ELAR 7-12 exam? That’s nearly half the test! By contrast, only about 15% of the exam deals with Oral Communication and Media Literacy. If you’re already proficient in the latter, it’s logical to spend much more time studying Literature, Reading Processes and Skills for Reading Literary and Nonliterary Texts.
Overall, a thoughtful and balanced approach to studying the four content domains listed above will set you up for success on the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam.
Time Limit
You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam.
Passing Score
The passing score for the TExES ELAR 7-12 (231) exam is a 240.
Number of Questions
The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 test has 100 multiple-choice questions that cover four different content areas. It also has two written response questions.
Cost
The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam costs $116. Visit the TExES website for more information on payment and additional fees.
Registration Information
You can register for the TExES English Language Arts and Reading exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an NES account. Pay for the ELAR 7-12 test online and then choose a convenient time, date, and exam site.
Scoring Information
Your TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) scores will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This typically falls within 28 days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExES scores via email if you selected this option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your report. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
Want to learn more about TExES ELAR scores? Explore the details with our TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content domains of the TExES ELAR 7-12 (231) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Split your study blocks among all four content domains, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for every topic that appears on this exam.
Review Key Concepts and Skills
- As you prepare for the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam, start by ensuring that you have a strong foundation in basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation. This will give you the skills you need to deal with more advanced topics.
- In the months preceding the ELAR 7-12 test, try to read as much as you can. If you don’t regularly consume literary classics, poetry, or other complex material, this is the time to refamiliarize yourself with their cadences and vocabulary. You don’t want to miss easy exam questions because you struggled to parse an excerpt.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions in every content category. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses in ELA, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 4 hours and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real TExES exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use charts, flashcards, and timelines to organize terms and concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining an idea to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
Check Required Items
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: To take any TExES content exam, you’ll need to present two forms of photo ID. Both IDs must also show your signature, and neither may be expired.
- Necessary materials: To combat cold exam rooms, the TExES website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet. Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer all 100 multiple-choice questions and both free-response questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. TExES content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to fill out the compliance agreement you’ll sign before starting.
- Adaptive questions: The TExES ELAR exam is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question affects the difficulty level of the next question. Missing too many easy questions can start to limit the difficulty of your test, making it harder to gain enough points to pass. For this reason, you should take the exam seriously from beginning to end.
- Test difficulty: Don’t assume you’re doing poorly just because the test seems tough. No matter how well you’re performing, this exam will feel challenging due to its adaptive design. Keep calm and carry on!
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam within 4 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of each section to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: Don’t spend excessive time on the multiple-choice section and leave yourself scrambling to complete the written prompts. Rushing makes it very hard to outline and compose a thoughtful response.
- Anticipate needs: If you feel you’ll need a bathroom break during this lengthy test, be sure to budget a few extra minutes.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the TExES English Language Arts and Reading exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 test.
Conclusion
The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam is key to becoming an upper-level English teacher in the state of Texas. To pass this exam, you’ll need to show proficiency in various topics related to teaching students to read, write, and analyze texts.
While the scope of this test is broad, don’t let it intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the TExES ELAR exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 Resources
