ParaPro Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If a shirt originally costs $45 and is on sale for 20% off, what is the sale price?

$36.00 (Correct answer)
$40.00
$25.00
$9.00

Correct answer: $36.00

20% of $45 = $9 (the discount). Sale price = $45 - $9 = $36.00.

Question 2: A student reads a passage and then retells it in their own words without including their opinion. This is called:

Predicting
Analyzing
Summarizing (Correct answer)
Evaluating

Correct answer: Summarizing

Summarizing means restating the key points of a passage in one's own words without adding personal opinion.

Question 3: A parent approaches a paraprofessional before school and asks for a detailed update on her child's academic progress. The paraprofessional should:

Provide a thorough verbal report since she works directly with the student
Tell the parent the child is doing fine and redirect her to the teacher (Correct answer)
Decline to speak with parents under any circumstances
Share progress report grades from the teacher's gradebook

Correct answer: Tell the parent the child is doing fine and redirect her to the teacher

Academic progress reporting is the classroom teacher's responsibility. The paraprofessional should warmly redirect the parent to the teacher rather than overstep professional boundaries or share incomplete information.

Question 4: Which revision corrects the dangling modifier in this sentence? 'Running down the hall, the bell rang.'

Running down the hall, the students heard the bell ring. (Correct answer)
The bell rang while running down the hall.
Running down the hall, and then the bell rang.
The bell was ringing and the students ran down the hall.

Correct answer: Running down the hall, the students heard the bell ring.

The participial phrase 'Running down the hall' must logically modify the subject of the main clause. Only option C makes the students (not the bell) the ones running down the hall.

Question 5: The 400 square inches that make up Rose's spherical archery target. How big is her target's diameter?

40 inches (Correct answer)
20 inches
200 inches
400 inches

Correct answer: 40 inches

Area of a circle =πr2 400π square inches =πr2 400=r2 Since 202=2020=400, we might need to "guess and check" before concluding that r=20 is correct. We are asked to find the diameter, which is twice the radius: D=2r D=2(20) D=40 inches

Question 6: Which sentence is a run-on and needs correction?

After the rain stopped, the children went to the park.
She finished her homework, she went outside to play. (Correct answer)
The dog barked loudly.
The library closes at nine o'clock.

Correct answer: She finished her homework, she went outside to play.

'She finished her homework, she went outside to play' is a comma splice (a type of run-on): two independent clauses joined only by a comma, without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 7: Read the passage: 'The teacher handed back the tests without a word. Several students slumped in their chairs. One student quietly put his paper face-down on the desk.' What is the most reasonable inference?

The test has not yet been graded.
The teacher is angry at the students.
The students performed poorly on the test. (Correct answer)
The students all received perfect scores.

Correct answer: The students performed poorly on the test.

Slumping and hiding a paper face-down are behaviors typically associated with disappointment over poor results. The silence and body language collectively imply the class did not do well.

Question 8: Which word best fills the blank to show contrast? 'The first solution was costly; ______, it was the most effective option available.'

similarly
therefore
furthermore
nevertheless (Correct answer)

Correct answer: nevertheless

'Nevertheless' signals that despite the cost, the solution was still the most effective option.

Question 9: A student reads a passage about photosynthesis and struggles to answer questions. The paraeducator notices the student does not pause at periods. Which skill needs the most support?

Vocabulary development
Reading fluency and phrasing (Correct answer)
Background knowledge building
Phonics

Correct answer: Reading fluency and phrasing

Ignoring punctuation signals a fluency phrasing problem; students must learn to use punctuation marks as cues for expression and meaning.

Question 10: In which of the following statements is a preposition missing?

Jawan tucked his shirt into his pants.
Mark cannot identify the problem. (Correct answer)
Shirley spent her money on candy.
Jimmy took his book off the table.

Correct answer: Mark cannot identify the problem.

Explanation: A preposition is a word that describes how a verb and an object are related.

Question 11: A table shows the number of books checked out from the school library each day for a week: Monday (50), Tuesday (65), Wednesday (60), Thursday (75), Friday (100). What is the average number of books checked out per day?

65
60
75
70 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 70

First, add the number of books for each day: 50 + 65 + 60 + 75 + 100 = 350. Then, divide the total by the number of days (5) to find the average: 350 / 5 = 70.

Question 12: What is an inference?

A word defined in a glossary
A conclusion drawn using evidence and reasoning beyond what is stated (Correct answer)
A direct quote from a text
A heading that introduces a new section

Correct answer: A conclusion drawn using evidence and reasoning beyond what is stated

An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from clues in the text combined with prior knowledge.

Question 13: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To provide a concluding thought
To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To define a vocabulary word
To give a specific example

Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph and tells the reader what the paragraph is about.

Question 14: A reading passage describes events in the order they happened. This is called:

Spatial order
Chronological order (Correct answer)
Random order
Order of importance

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events in the sequence in which they occurred, from earliest to latest.

Question 15: While a student is reading a passage aloud, they stumble on the word 'enormous.' What is the best initial strategy for a paraprofessional to use to help the student decode the word?

Ask the student to look at the picture for a clue.
Immediately tell the student the word.
Tell the student to skip the word and move on.
Encourage the student to break the word into smaller parts or chunks (e-nor-mous). (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Encourage the student to break the word into smaller parts or chunks (e-nor-mous).

Guiding a student to break a multi-syllable word into smaller, more manageable chunks is an effective decoding strategy. This technique, known as structural analysis or syllabication, helps students tackle complex words independently. Simply providing the word or telling them to skip it does not build their decoding skills.

Question 16: A number line shows points at −3, 0, and 4. What is the distance between −3 and 4?

7 (Correct answer)
1
3
4

Correct answer: 7

Distance = |4 − (−3)| = |4 + 3| = 7.

Question 17: A student reads: 'He raced down the hall, his backpack bouncing wildly.' What can be inferred from this sentence?

He forgot his backpack.
He is in a hurry. (Correct answer)
He is walking slowly and carefully.
He is angry at someone.

Correct answer: He is in a hurry.

The words 'raced' and 'bouncing wildly' suggest rapid movement, implying the person is in a hurry.

Question 18: Which of the following sentences contains a misplaced modifier?

Running late, he grabbed his keys and dashed out the door.
The teacher graded all the papers carefully.
She almost drove her children to school every day. (Correct answer)
The students completed their assignments before the deadline.

Correct answer: She almost drove her children to school every day.

'Almost' is misplaced; the sentence should say 'She drove her children to school almost every day.'

Question 19: Which shape has exactly 4 equal sides and 4 right angles?

Rectangle
Rhombus
Square (Correct answer)
Trapezoid

Correct answer: Square

A square has 4 equal sides AND 4 right angles, unlike a rhombus which may not have right angles.

Question 20: Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

The childrens books were on the shelf.
The children's books were on the shelf. (Correct answer)
The childrens' books were on the shelf.
The childrens's books were on the shelf.

Correct answer: The children's books were on the shelf.

'Children' is an irregular plural (no -s). To form the possessive of an irregular plural, add 's: children's. The apostrophe shows possession by the children.

Question 21: When assisting a student with comprehension, a paraprofessional asks, 'What do you think will happen next?' This is an example of:

Identifying the main idea
Making a connection
Summarizing
Making a prediction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making a prediction

Asking what will happen next prompts the student to use prior knowledge and text clues to make a prediction.

Question 22: A student writes: 'The dog runned fast.' How should a paraeducator guide the student to correct this error?

Cross out 'runned' and write 'ran' for the student
Ask the student what happened in the past and whether 'runned' sounds correct (Correct answer)
Tell the student to look up every word in the dictionary
Ignore the error since the meaning is clear

Correct answer: Ask the student what happened in the past and whether 'runned' sounds correct

Guiding students with questions helps them self-correct and builds their understanding of verb tenses.

Question 23: A line graph tracks a school's library book checkouts over 6 months. The line rises steeply between October and November, then levels off through January. What can you conclude?

Checkouts peaked in January
The library received new books in January
The largest increase in checkouts happened between October and November (Correct answer)
Checkouts decreased after November

Correct answer: The largest increase in checkouts happened between October and November

A steep rise between two points on a line graph indicates the greatest rate of increase occurred during that period.

Question 24: Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence? 'Every student must bring _____ own pencil.'

its
their
his or her (Correct answer)
our

Correct answer: his or her

'Every student' is singular, so the pronoun must be singular. 'His or her' is the formally correct singular pronoun reference. (In formal written English tested on the ParaPro, 'his or her' is preferred over 'their' with a singular antecedent.)

Question 25: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?

Maria loves to read, and her brother prefers watching movies. (Correct answer)
Running through the park, she tripped on a root.
The dog barked loudly at the mail carrier.
Although it was raining, the game continued.

Correct answer: Maria loves to read, and her brother prefers watching movies.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and.'

Question 26: A data set shows the following values: 5, 7, 7, 9, 11, 13, 13, 13, 15. What is the mode of this data set?

11
13 (Correct answer)
9
7

Correct answer: 13

The mode is the value that appears most often; 13 appears three times, more than any other value.

Question 27: A paraprofessional asks a student, 'What do you think will happen next in the story?' This question develops which reading skill?

Phonemic awareness
Identifying text structure
Making predictions (Correct answer)
Summarizing

Correct answer: Making predictions

Asking what will happen next prompts prediction, which is a comprehension strategy that engages students with the text by connecting prior knowledge and textual clues.

Question 28: A student encounters the word 'prehistoric.' Knowing that 'pre-' means 'before,' the student determines the word means:

Before recorded history (Correct answer)
Outside of history
During recorded history
After recorded history

Correct answer: Before recorded history

The prefix 'pre-' means 'before,' so 'prehistoric' refers to the time before recorded history.

Question 29: Which sentence is LEAST relevant to the main idea of this paragraph? 'The water cycle is essential for life on Earth. It begins with evaporation, where the sun heats water in rivers and oceans. This water vapor rises, cools, and forms clouds through condensation. Many regions face challenges with water scarcity.'

Many regions face challenges with water scarcity. (Correct answer)
The water cycle is essential for life on Earth.
It begins with evaporation, where the sun heats water in rivers and oceans.
This water vapor rises, cools, and forms clouds through condensation.

Correct answer: Many regions face challenges with water scarcity.

The paragraph's main idea is to describe the process of the water cycle. The sentence about water scarcity introduces a related but different topic, making it the least relevant to the paragraph's focus.

Question 30: Which of the following sentences uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?

She was tired, but she finished the project. (Correct answer)
She, was tired but she finished the project.
She was tired but, she finished the project.
She was tired but she, finished the project.

Correct answer: She was tired, but she finished the project.

When a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joins two independent clauses, a comma is placed before the conjunction: 'She was tired, but she finished the project.'

Question 31: Which revision best improves the coherence of this passage? 'Dogs make great pets. Cats are also popular. Fish are easy to care for. My neighbor has a dog named Rex.'

Change 'dogs' to 'puppies' throughout the passage.
Begin with 'My neighbor has a dog named Rex' to personalize the topic.
Remove the sentence about the neighbor's dog and focus on general pet qualities. (Correct answer)
Add more details about fish care requirements.

Correct answer: Remove the sentence about the neighbor's dog and focus on general pet qualities.

Removing the off-topic personal anecdote about Rex keeps the paragraph focused on its general topic of popular pets.

Question 32: Which reading strategy helps a student understand an unfamiliar word by examining the words and sentences around it?

Using context clues (Correct answer)
Scanning
Skimming
Summarizing

Correct answer: Using context clues

Using context clues means examining surrounding words and sentences to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Question 33: A science textbook passage reads: 'Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells.' The author's point of view is best described as:

Neutral and objective (Correct answer)
Critical and argumentative
Emotional and personal
Humorous and lighthearted

Correct answer: Neutral and objective

The passage presents factual, scientific information without expressing any personal opinion or emotional language, indicating a neutral and objective point of view typical of informational writing.

Question 34: A student writes a paragraph with five supporting details but no topic sentence. What revision should the paraprofessional suggest?

Add more supporting details
Move the paragraph to the conclusion
Remove three of the supporting details
Add a topic sentence at the beginning that states the main idea the details support (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Add a topic sentence at the beginning that states the main idea the details support

A paragraph without a topic sentence lacks a controlling idea. Adding a topic sentence at the beginning tells readers what the paragraph is about and unifies the supporting details.

Question 35: Read the passage: 'The gym was eerily quiet. The usual shouts and sneaker squeaks were absent. A single tumbleweed of dust drifted across the floor.' What can you infer?

The gym is empty and has not been used recently. (Correct answer)
Students are warming up silently.
The janitor just finished cleaning.
A game is about to begin.

Correct answer: The gym is empty and has not been used recently.

Silence, absence of activity sounds, and a dust tumbleweed all imply the gym is vacant and has been unused for some time. A clean gym would not have a dust tumbleweed.

Question 36: A text includes headings, bold terms, and numbered lists. These are examples of:

Narrative elements
Point of view markers
Figurative language
Text features (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Text features

Headings, bold terms, and numbered lists are text features that help organize and highlight information.

Question 37: In a well-organized paragraph, supporting sentences should:

contradict the topic sentence to show balance
introduce a new topic to add variety
summarize the entire essay's argument
provide details, examples, or evidence related to the topic sentence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: provide details, examples, or evidence related to the topic sentence

Supporting sentences develop the topic sentence by adding relevant details, examples, or evidence.

Question 38: A student has difficulty understanding a passage. A paraprofessional suggests rereading confusing sections. This strategy is called:

Previewing
Annotating
Self-monitoring and fix-up strategies (Correct answer)
Skimming

Correct answer: Self-monitoring and fix-up strategies

Self-monitoring involves recognizing when comprehension breaks down and applying fix-up strategies like rereading to restore understanding.

Question 39: A student writes: 'Dogs make great pets. They are loyal and friendly. Also dogs are easy to train.' Which revision BEST improves the paragraph's flow?

Change 'dogs' to 'puppies' in every sentence
Combine the sentences using transitions: 'Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and easy to train.' (Correct answer)
Add more sentences about cats
Delete the third sentence entirely

Correct answer: Combine the sentences using transitions: 'Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and easy to train.'

Combining the three choppy sentences into one using the conjunction 'because' and a list with proper transitions creates smoother, more cohesive writing.

Question 40: A passage states: 'Although Maria was nervous, she delivered her speech with poise.' What is the best meaning of 'poise'?

Grace and composure (Correct answer)
Hesitation
Loudness
Confusion

Correct answer: Grace and composure

The contrast signal 'although she was nervous' implies poise means the opposite — grace and composure.

Question 41: In a compare-and-contrast passage, which signal word would most likely indicate a difference between two subjects?

However (Correct answer)
Also
Furthermore
Similarly

Correct answer: However

The word 'however' is a contrast signal word that indicates the author is about to point out a difference.

Question 42: Which transitional word or phrase best completes this sentence: 'The student studied hard for weeks; ______, she passed the exam with flying colors.'

however
in contrast
as a result (Correct answer)
on the other hand

Correct answer: as a result

'As a result' correctly signals that the exam success was a consequence of the hard studying.

Question 43: Which sentence is written correctly?

Running through, the park the dog wagged its tail.
Running through the park the dog wagged its tail.
Running through the park, the dog wagged its tail. (Correct answer)
Running through the park the dog wagged it's tail.

Correct answer: Running through the park, the dog wagged its tail.

A comma is required after an introductory participial phrase ('Running through the park'), and 'its' (possessive) is correct — not 'it's' (it is).

Question 44: Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in a persuasive essay?

To entertain readers with a fictional story
To convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint (Correct answer)
To describe the steps in a process
To inform readers about historical events

Correct answer: To convince readers to adopt a particular viewpoint

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to agree with the author's position or take an action.

Question 45: If 5n + 7 = 32, what is the value of n?

3
5 (Correct answer)
7
8

Correct answer: 5

5n = 32 − 7 = 25, so n = 25 ÷ 5 = 5.

Question 46: A student reads a story where the main character stops eating lunch with his friends and starts sitting alone. The author never states how the character feels. What can a reader most reasonably infer?

The character is experiencing a conflict or emotional difficulty with friends. (Correct answer)
The character is not hungry at lunchtime.
The character has been told to sit in a different area.
The character prefers a different cafeteria.

Correct answer: The character is experiencing a conflict or emotional difficulty with friends.

A sudden change in social behavior — avoiding former friends — is a classic implied signal of interpersonal conflict or emotional distress. The text provides no evidence for hunger, location preference, or rules.

Question 47: Which of the following represents the number 4,207 in expanded form?

4,000 + 207
4,000 + 200 + 7 (Correct answer)
4,000 + 20 + 7
400 + 200 + 7

Correct answer: 4,000 + 200 + 7

4,207 = 4,000 + 200 + 7, reflecting the thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones places.

Question 48: Which of the following is an example of an inference a student might make while reading?

The title says 'Winter Storm'
The author's name is listed at the top
The character must be cold because she is wearing a heavy coat inside (Correct answer)
The passage mentions snow fell for six hours

Correct answer: The character must be cold because she is wearing a heavy coat inside

An inference is a conclusion drawn from clues in the text that is not directly stated, such as concluding a character is cold based on her actions.

Question 49: A nonfiction passage describes events in the order they happened. This organizational pattern is called:

Chronological order (Correct answer)
Comparison and contrast
Spatial order
Order of importance

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events in the sequence in which they occurred over time.

Question 50: In the ParaPro Reading section, a 'text structure' question may ask a student to identify how a passage is organized. Which structure presents a problem followed by its solution?

Problem and solution (Correct answer)
Cause and effect
Chronological order
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Problem and solution

Problem-and-solution text structure describes an issue and then explains how it was or could be resolved.

Question 51: A paraprofessional is working with a student who can read words accurately but struggles to understand the meaning of the text. This student most likely needs support with:

Reading comprehension (Correct answer)
Letter recognition
Reading fluency
Phonics

Correct answer: Reading comprehension

Reading comprehension is the process of constructing meaning from a text. A student who can decode words but cannot understand the content has a deficit in comprehension skills, which include making connections, visualizing, and understanding vocabulary in context.

Question 52: A student reads a passage about the American Revolution and then identifies the main idea as 'wars are bad.' A paraprofessional helps the student improve this. Which is a BETTER main idea statement?

'George Washington was a general.'
'The American Revolution happened a long time ago.'
'The American colonists fought for independence from British rule because of unfair taxation and lack of political representation.' (Correct answer)
'There were many battles.'

Correct answer: 'The American colonists fought for independence from British rule because of unfair taxation and lack of political representation.'

A strong main idea statement identifies the specific topic and the central point the passage makes about that topic — not a vague generalization or a single detail.

Question 53: Which sentence best serves as a concluding sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of daily exercise?

Many people enjoy running in the morning.
Exercise equipment can be expensive to purchase.
In summary, regular physical activity improves both physical and mental well-being. (Correct answer)
Some individuals prefer team sports over solo workouts.

Correct answer: In summary, regular physical activity improves both physical and mental well-being.

A concluding sentence summarizes the paragraph's main idea, which here is the benefits of exercise.

Question 54: A newspaper article states: 'City council members voted 5-2 to approve the new budget, which allocates $2 million for road repairs.' This sentence best reflects which point of view?

Second-person persuasive
First-person omniscient
Third-person objective (Correct answer)
First-person subjective

Correct answer: Third-person objective

Reporting facts without personal opinion reflects a third-person objective point of view.

Question 55: Round 3,846 to the nearest hundred.

3,900
4,000
3,800 (Correct answer)
3,850

Correct answer: 3,800

The tens digit is 4 (less than 5), so 3,846 rounds down to 3,800.

Question 56: Read the passage: 'Maria put on her heaviest coat, grabbed her umbrella, and stepped outside. She immediately turned back and reached for her snow boots.' What can you infer about the weather?

There was a thunderstorm with lightning.
It was cold and snowy or icy outside. (Correct answer)
It was hot and humid outside.
It was a warm, rainy day.

Correct answer: It was cold and snowy or icy outside.

Maria's actions — heavy coat, umbrella, and snow boots — all point to cold, wintry weather with snow or ice on the ground. No detail suggests heat or a thunderstorm.

Question 57: The word 'benevolent' in the sentence 'The benevolent donor gave generously to the shelter' most nearly means:

Well-meaning and kind (Correct answer)
Secretive and cautious
Wealthy and powerful
Reluctant and hesitant

Correct answer: Well-meaning and kind

Benevolent describes someone who is kind, charitable, and well-intentioned.

Question 58: A student reads: 'The scientist's hypothesis was corroborated by three independent studies.' What does 'corroborated' mean?

Disproved by evidence
Ignored by researchers
Supported or confirmed (Correct answer)
Questioned by peers

Correct answer: Supported or confirmed

Corroborated means supported or confirmed, especially by additional evidence.

Question 59: Which of the following is an example of correct parallel structure?

She likes swimming, running, and biking. (Correct answer)
She likes to swim, to running, and biker.
She likes swimming, to run, and biked.
She likes to swim, running, and to bike.

Correct answer: She likes swimming, running, and biking.

'Swimming, running, and biking' uses parallel gerund (-ing) forms consistently for all three items in the list — correct parallel structure.

Question 60: Read the following sentences. Which order creates the most logical paragraph? 1. Finally, rinse the dishes and place them in the drying rack. 2. First, fill the sink with warm soapy water. 3. Next, scrub each dish thoroughly with a sponge.

1, 2, 3
3, 1, 2
2, 1, 3
2, 3, 1 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2, 3, 1

The logical sequence for washing dishes is: fill the sink, scrub the dishes, then rinse them.

Question 61: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

We will visit the museum on friday March 5.
We will visit the museum on Friday March 5.
We will visit the museum on friday, march 5.
We will visit the museum on Friday, March 5. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: We will visit the museum on Friday, March 5.

Days of the week and months are proper nouns and must be capitalized. A comma separates the day of the week from the date.

Question 62: Which text structure is used when an author describes a problem and then offers solutions?

Cause and effect
Compare and contrast
Problem and solution (Correct answer)
Chronological order

Correct answer: Problem and solution

Problem and solution structure presents an issue and then discusses ways to resolve it.

Question 63: Which sentence provides the best supporting detail for the topic sentence: 'Regular exercise is crucial for a student's well-being'?

Many schools have sports teams.
Some students prefer reading to sports.
The school gym is open after classes.
Physical activity can improve concentration and memory. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Physical activity can improve concentration and memory.

This sentence directly supports the topic sentence by providing a specific, proven benefit of exercise (improving concentration and memory), which is directly related to a student's well-being and academic performance.

Question 64: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To provide evidence and examples for the main idea
To transition smoothly to the next paragraph
To summarize all details presented in the paragraph
To introduce the paragraph's main idea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To introduce the paragraph's main idea

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph, giving readers a preview of what follows.

Question 65: A science textbook passage explains how photosynthesis converts sunlight into energy using diagrams and step-by-step descriptions. The author's main purpose is to —

express the author's love of plants
entertain students with plant facts
persuade students to study biology
inform students about a biological process (Correct answer)

Correct answer: inform students about a biological process

Textbook passages that explain processes using diagrams and descriptions are written to inform.

Question 66: Which text feature would a paraprofessional help a student use to quickly find information about a specific topic in a nonfiction book?

The index (Correct answer)
The copyright page
The dedication page
The glossary

Correct answer: The index

An index is located at the back of a nonfiction book and lists topics alphabetically with corresponding page numbers for quick reference.

Question 67: When a reader monitors comprehension and realizes they do not understand a passage, the most effective fix-up strategy is to:

Guess the meaning and continue reading
Ask a classmate to summarize it
Reread the confusing section more carefully (Correct answer)
Skip to the end of the chapter

Correct answer: Reread the confusing section more carefully

Rereading a confusing passage more carefully is a key metacognitive fix-up strategy for comprehension.

Question 68: When a student identifies the main idea of a paragraph, they are identifying:

The central point the paragraph is about (Correct answer)
The title of the passage
The author's biography
A supporting detail

Correct answer: The central point the paragraph is about

The main idea is the central point or most important message that the paragraph communicates.

Question 69: Choose the best transition word to complete the sentence: 'The students studied hard for the test; __________, they all received high scores.'

for example
meanwhile
however
consequently (Correct answer)

Correct answer: consequently

The word 'consequently' indicates a result or effect. Because the students studied hard (cause), they received high scores (effect).

Question 70: A paragraph that begins with 'There are three main reasons why recycling is important' should be followed by sentences that:

describe the history of recycling programs
compare recycling to other environmental practices
argue against the importance of recycling
list and explain each of the three reasons (Correct answer)

Correct answer: list and explain each of the three reasons

When a topic sentence announces a specific number of reasons, the body sentences must address each one.

Question 71: 1. Galileo reexamined Saturn in 1612 and was completely baffled and demoralized to see that his triple star had been replaced by a single disk. 2. Is it possible that some mocking demon has tricked me, he asks in his letter?'' 3. And at this point, it would be pertinent to mention that Saturn's rings can appear to vanish from view in a few places—or to be so close to disappearing that they can only be seen with the most advanced telescopes. 4. In addition, if the plane of the ring passes through the earth, we can only see its very thin edge, and when the sun and the earth are on opposite sides of the ring, the face of the ring that is presented to us is in shadow and therefore invisible. This was the case in 1612 when Galileo lost the ring. 5. Later, when the planet appeared to have two arms, Galileo's confusion was further heightened. However, he was unable to solve the puzzle, and in 1626, he was rendered legally blind, ending his career as an astronomer. The question is based on the following passage. Which type of detail acts as a supporting detail in sentence 4 of the passage?

Testimonial
Definition
Explanation (Correct answer)
Anecdote

Correct answer: Explanation

Sentence 4 acts as an explanation because it provides detailed reasons and conditions for why Saturn's rings appeared to vanish in 1612, causing Galileo's confusion. It clarifies the phenomenon by describing how the ring's plane passing through Earth and the sun's position relative to the Earth and ring made the rings invisible, thereby explaining the preceding statement.

Question 72: Which sentence uses a semicolon CORRECTLY?

The movie was long; but entertaining.
She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
He likes; soccer football and basketball.
I like apples; and oranges.

Correct answer: She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially with a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' followed by a comma: 'She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.'

Question 73: Which of the following is the best topic sentence for a paragraph with these supporting details: The students use tablets for research. Interactive whiteboards display multimedia lessons. Online platforms allow for collaborative projects.

Interactive whiteboards are expensive.
Online projects require internet access.
Technology has become an integral part of the modern classroom. (Correct answer)
Students enjoy using tablets.

Correct answer: Technology has become an integral part of the modern classroom.

All the supporting details are examples of how technology is used in a modern classroom. This sentence effectively introduces and summarizes the specific examples that follow.

Question 74: A passage says: 'The committee's decision was met with ambivalence — some members cheered while others groaned.' What does 'ambivalence' suggest?

Enthusiastic celebration
Strong unanimous approval
Complete indifference
Mixed or conflicting feelings (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mixed or conflicting feelings

Ambivalence refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.

Question 75: Which of the following best describes a right angle?

An angle that measures exactly 90° (Correct answer)
An angle that measures exactly 60°
An angle that measures exactly 180°
An angle that measures exactly 45°

Correct answer: An angle that measures exactly 90°

A right angle measures exactly 90 degrees, forming a perfect corner.

Question 76: I'd like to take my family camping this summer. There are so many activities that I wish to perform when camping. I'd want to go fishing and swimming. Along with my younger sister, I wish to spend the night in a tent. My 8-year-old sister enjoys pink. My family could build a campfire and use it to prepare food. We're able to make hot dogs. My preferred food is the hot dog. The ideal vacation would be a camping excursion. When helping a student revise their passage above, what question should a para ask?

Did you spell all the words correctly?
Did you use capital letters?
Do you have full sentences?
What details could we add about your camping trip? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: What details could we add about your camping trip?

The student's passage provides a basic outline of desired camping activities but lacks vivid descriptions and specific details that would make the writing more engaging and informative. Asking 'What details could we add about your camping trip?' encourages the student to elaborate on their experiences, feelings, and observations, transforming a simple list of activities into a richer, more descriptive narrative. This question directly addresses the need for elaboration and sensory details, which are crucial for effective revision.

Question 77: A rectangular box is 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, and 4 cm tall. What is its volume?

12 cubic cm
47 cubic cm
60 cubic cm (Correct answer)
24 cubic cm

Correct answer: 60 cubic cm

Volume of a rectangular prism = length × width × height = 5 × 3 × 4 = 60 cubic cm.

Question 78: A paraprofessional notices a student erasing and rewriting the same sentence repeatedly during drafting. What should the paraprofessional say?

'Don't worry about making it perfect right now — just get your ideas down.' (Correct answer)
'Skip that part and write the conclusion instead.'
'Stop writing and wait for the teacher.'
'Your sentence is wrong — let me fix it.'

Correct answer: 'Don't worry about making it perfect right now — just get your ideas down.'

During drafting, the priority is capturing ideas, not perfection. Reassuring the student that imperfection is expected reduces anxiety and keeps writing moving forward.

Question 79: A classroom has 24 students. If 3/8 of them scored above 90% on a test, how many students scored above 90%?

12
9 (Correct answer)
6
8

Correct answer: 9

3/8 × 24 = 9 students scored above 90%.

Question 80: Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?

The list of supplies are on the table.
Each of the students were given a worksheet.
Neither the teacher nor the aides was available.
The teacher and her aide are preparing the lesson. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The teacher and her aide are preparing the lesson.

When two subjects are joined by 'and,' the verb is plural. 'The teacher and her aide are' is correct. In the other sentences, the true subject is singular and requires a singular verb.

Question 81: Which expression represents 'seven less than three times a number n'?

3(n − 7)
7 − n + 3
7 − 3n
3n − 7 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3n − 7

'Three times a number n' is 3n, and 'seven less than' means subtract 7 from it, giving 3n − 7.

Question 82: An inference is best described as:

A logical conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning beyond what is directly stated (Correct answer)
The author's opinion stated in the first sentence
A summary of the main idea of a passage
A statement directly and explicitly written in the text

Correct answer: A logical conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning beyond what is directly stated

An inference goes beyond what is literally stated — it uses clues from the text combined with background knowledge to reach a logical conclusion not explicitly written.

Question 83: Which sentence is an example of a run-on sentence?

She studied all night; consequently, she felt tired.
It was a beautiful day we decided to go to the park. (Correct answer)
After the storm passed, we cleaned up the yard.
The game was exciting, and the crowd cheered loudly.

Correct answer: It was a beautiful day we decided to go to the park.

Two independent clauses are joined without a conjunction or punctuation, creating a run-on sentence.

Question 84: Which sentence is a fragment?

The children played in the yard for hours.
Because the test was cancelled. (Correct answer)
Maria studied every night and improved her grade.
The teacher explained the assignment clearly.

Correct answer: Because the test was cancelled.

'Because the test was cancelled' is a dependent clause — it cannot stand alone as a sentence because it lacks an independent clause to complete the thought.

Question 85: A paraprofessional is helping a student measure the length of a pencil using a ruler. The student places the pencil starting at the 1-inch mark and reads the endpoint at 7 inches. What answer should the student record?

7 inches
6 inches (Correct answer)
1 inch
8 inches

Correct answer: 6 inches

The length is the difference between endpoints: 7 − 1 = 6 inches; starting at any mark other than zero requires subtraction.

Question 86: Which transition word BEST shows a contrast between two ideas?

Furthermore
Therefore
Additionally
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or contradiction between two ideas, helping readers understand that the second idea differs from or limits the first.

Question 87: A student writes: 'The library has many books. It also has computers. There are magazines there too. You can study there.' What is the primary weakness of this paragraph?

It lacks a clear topic sentence and sentence variety. (Correct answer)
The sentences are too long and complex.
The paragraph is too long and should be split.
It contains factual errors about libraries.

Correct answer: It lacks a clear topic sentence and sentence variety.

The paragraph lacks a unifying topic sentence and uses repetitive short sentence structures throughout.

Question 88: The prefix 'mis-' in the word 'misinterpret' most likely means:

Again
Wrongly or incorrectly (Correct answer)
Together
Before

Correct answer: Wrongly or incorrectly

The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or incorrectly, so misinterpret means to interpret incorrectly.

Question 89: A student reads a passage about dolphins and identifies three specific behaviors they exhibit. These behaviors are best described as:

Themes
Text features
Main ideas
Supporting details (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Supporting details

Supporting details are specific facts, examples, or descriptions that support and expand upon the main idea.

Question 90: Which sentence corrects the misplaced modifier in the following: 'Covered in mud, the teacher told the boy to go to the nurse's office.'

The teacher told the boy covered in mud to go to the nurse's office. (Correct answer)
The teacher, covered in mud, told the boy to go to the nurse's office.
To go to the nurse's office, the teacher told the boy covered in mud.
The teacher told the boy to go to the nurse's office covered in mud.

Correct answer: The teacher told the boy covered in mud to go to the nurse's office.

The original sentence implies the teacher was covered in mud. The corrected sentence clarifies that the boy was the one covered in mud by placing the modifying phrase 'covered in mud' right next to 'the boy'.

Question 91: When a paraeducator is asked to perform a task outside their job description, what is the appropriate response?

Ask students for their opinion on whether to comply
Clarify the request with the supervisor and check the job description (Correct answer)
Refuse the task and file a grievance
Complete the task immediately without question

Correct answer: Clarify the request with the supervisor and check the job description

Paraeducators should seek clarification from the supervisor and refer to their job description to determine if the task is within their role.

ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment measures the reading, writing, and math skills of prospective and practicing paraprofessionals.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds