Praxis PPST w/ CD (REA)-The Best Test Prep for Pre-Professional Skills Test

ABOUT THIS BOOK and Testware®

You are preparing to take the Praxis® I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST). Perhaps you are taking it for the first time. Perhaps you are retaking the exam. Whatever the case, this book, together with our exclusive REA TESTware® software, will help you pass.
While working through this book and the CD-ROM, you will acquire a thorough and accurate understanding of what it takes to master the PPST. The comprehensive review material in this book covers all subject areas known to appear on the PPST, providing you with all the information you need to take this challenging certification exam.
Test-takers should note that every time the PPST is administered, multiple versions of the exam are created and distributed to each testing center. These versions may contain a mix of different questions with different answers. This test versioning can add a greater level of uncertainty for the test-taker. Are you sure you are studying every topic enough? Are you adequately prepared for every test subject you may encounter on the PPST? You can rest assured. One important purpose of this book is to prepare you for every possible version of the PPST. We at REA believe you cannot prepare enough for this career-building exam.
Apart from the book itself, we give you two full-length simulated PPST tests on CD-ROM. We strongly recommend that you begin your preparation with the TESTware® practice exams. The software provides the added benefits of automatic scoring and enforced time conditions.

ABOUT OUR PRACTICE EXAMS You will be allotted three hours to take the actual exam. This same amount of time is allotted to take each of our practice tests. REAs tests are carefully based on the current PPST exams, and thus contain every type of question that you can expect to see on test day, whether you take the paper-and-pencil PPST or the computerized PPST. Each practice test question is thoroughly explained in easy-to-follow detail. Sample responses are also provided for the essays to help you better understand and master the test material.

ABOUT THE TEST Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used for?
The PPST is used by many states as a gateway exam to certification and is part of the Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers. The PPST falls under the umbrella of Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments and is designed to test the reading, writing, and mathematics skills of its candidates.
If you do not achieve a passing score on the PPST, dont panic. You can take the test again, so you can work on improving your score in preparation for your next administration.
Who Administers the Test?
Like all Praxis Series tests, the PPST is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and involves the assistance of educators throughout the country. The test development process is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.
When Should the PPST Be Taken?
The PPST is usually taken immediately before the completion of a teacher certification program at a college or university. This gives candidates enough time to retake the test if they are not pleased with their score. Our practice tests will familiarize you with the format of the exam so that you do not have to go through the anxiety of learning about the PPST during the actual exam.
When and Where Is the Test Given?
The PPST is administered seven times a year at testing centers throughout the United States. Tests are usually administered on a Saturday; however, the test may be taken on an alternate day if a conflict, such as a religious obligation, exists.
When you register for the PPST, your registration bulletin will contain test dates and administration sites. You may obtain a registration bulletin by contacting:
ETS - The Praxis Series P.O. Box 6051
Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
Phone: (609) 921-9000
Website: www.ets.org/praxis Is there a Registration Fee?
Yes, you must pay a fee to take the PPST. Fee waivers are available for candidates who are unable to afford registration. You must be enrolled in a college undergraduate program and must prove that you are required by a registered score recipient to take the exam. Details regarding income eligibility levels are contained in the registration bulletin.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK What Should I Study First?
Read over our review material, and then take the first practice test. This will help you pinpoint your areas of weakness. Study those sections in which you had the most difficulty first, and then move on to those areas that presented less of a challenge to you.
When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to begin studying for the PPST. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study. Give yourself enough time to become familiar with the format of the test and the material it covers. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more comfortable and confident you will be on the day of the test.

FORMAT OF THE PPST The PPST is divided into three sections:
The Reading Comprehension Test The Reading Test measures your ability to understand and analyze written information. The test consists of several written passages and about 40 multiple-choice questions to test your understanding of those passages. You have one hour to complete this section of the exam.
The Mathematics Test The Mathematics Test measures competency in mathematical skills that an educated adult will require. It focuses on the ability to solve problems in a quantitative context. Several problems involve the integration of several skills into one problem-solving situation. The test consists of about 40 multiple-choice questions, which you have one hour to complete.
The Writing Test The Writing Test assesses the ability to communicate in written form using appropriate language and grammar. There are two separately timed sections in the writing test. The first consists of approximately 45 multiple-choice questions testing your facility with the use of standard English, and you have 30 minutes to complete it. The second section consists of an essay on an assigned topic to be written in 30 minutes.

ABOUT THE REVIEW SECTIONS The Reading Comprehension Review The Reading Comprehension Review is designed to enhance the reading comprehension skills necessary to achieve a high score on the PPST. Strategies for attacking reading comprehension questions are thoroughly explained, and a four-step approach to answering the test questions is completely outlined. In addition, a vocabulary enhancer is included to help you better understand the passages on the test.
The Basic Math Skills Review The Mathematics Review will help you reinforce the arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric concepts that will be tested on the PPST. Drill questions are included that will help you sharpen your mathematical skills. A valuable reference table offers quick access to important formulae and an index of mathematical symbols. Careful review of this section should give you all the information you need to pass this section of the PPST.
The Writing Skills Review The Writing Skills Review contains a wealth of information concerning the structure, content, and form of the PPST essay. Regardless of the topic you are assigned on the exam, a concise, well-constructed essay is essential to achieve a passing score. Careful study of the Essay Writing Review will hone your essay writing abilities, so that you will be able to write your essay with confidence.

SCORING YOUR PRACTICE TESTS How Do I Score My Practice Tests?
Educational Testing Service does not set the passing scores for the PPST. The bar is set by the institutions that require the test. Each test is scored separately, and a conversion table is included in this section that will help you convert your raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) into your scaled score (the score that a given institution will use to determine whether or not youve passed).
PPST Reading Test Conversion Table Number Correct Scaled Score Number Correct Scaled Score
40 187
39 186
38 186
37 185
36 184
35 183
34 182
33 181
32 180
31 179
30 178
29 177
28 177
27 176
26 175
25 174
24 173
23 172
22 171
21 170
20 169
19 168
18 168
17 167
16 166
15 165
14 164
13 163
12 162
11 161
10 160
9 159
8 159
7 158
6 157
5 156
4 155
3 154
2 153
1 152
0 151
PPST Mathematics Test Conversion Table Number Correct Scaled Score Number Correct Scaled Score
40 190
39 189
38 188
37 187
36 186
35 185
34 184
33 183
32 182
31 181
30 180
29 179
28 178
27 177
26 176
25 175
24 174
23 173
22 172
21 171
20 170
19 169
18 168
17 167
16 166
15 165
14 164
13 163
12 162
11 161
10 160
9 159
8 158
7 157
6 155
5 154
4 153
3 152
2 151
1 150
0 150
PPST Writing Test Conversion Table Multiple-
Choice Essay Score Section (Sum of Two Readings)
(# Right) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
0-2 150 152 154 155 157 159 160 162 163 165 167 168 170
3 150 152 154 155 157 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 170
4 151 153 154 156 158 159 161 162 164 166 168 169 171
5 151 153 155 156 158 160 162 163 165 166 168 170 171
6 152 154 155 157 158 160 162 163 165 167 169 170 172
7 152 154 156 157 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 170 172
8 153 154 156 158 159 161 163 164 166 168 170 171 173
9 153 155 157 158 160 162 163 165 166 168 170 171 173
10-11 154 155 157 158 160 162 164 165 167 169 170 172 174
12 154 156 158 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 171 172 174
13 154 156 158 159 161 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 174
14 155 157 158 159 161 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 174
15 155 157 159 160 162 164 166 167 169 170 172 174 175
16 156 158 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 171 173 174 176
17 156 159 160 161 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 174 176
18 157 158 160 162 163 165 167 168 170 172 174 175 177
19 157 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 170 172 174 175 177
20 158 159 161 162 164 166 168 169 171 173 174 176 178
21 158 160 162 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 175 176 178
22 158 160 162 163 165 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 178
23 159 161 162 164 166 167 169 170 172 174 176 177 179
24 159 161 163 164 166 168 170 171 173 174 176 178 179
25 160 162 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 175 177 178 180
26 160 162 164 165 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 178 180
27 161 162 164 166 167 169 171 172 174 176 178 179 181
28-29 161 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 174 176 178 179 181
30 162 163 165 166 168 170 172 173 175 177 178 180 182
31 162 164 166 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 179 180 182
32 162 164 166 167 169 171 173 174 176 178 179 181 182
33 163 165 166 168 170 171 173 174 176 178 180 181 183
34 163 165 167 168 170 172 174 175 177 179 180 182 183
35 164 166 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 179 181 182 184
36 164 166 168 169 171 173 174 176 178 179 181 182 184
37 165 166 168 170 171 173 175 176 178 180 182 183 185
38 165 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 178 180 182 183 185
39 166 167 169 170 172 174 176 177 179 181 182 184 186
40 166 168 170 171 173 174 176 178 179 181 182 184 186
41 166 168 170 171 173 175 177 178 180 182 183 185 186
42 167 169 170 172 174 175 177 178 180 182 184 185 187
43 167 169 171 172 174 176 178 179 181 182 184 186 187
44 168 170 171 173 174 176 178 179 181 183 185 186 187
45 168 170 172 173 175 177 178 180 182 183 185 186 188
The multiple-choice section of the PPST Writing Test is scored very much the same as the other sections. However, the essay portion of the exam is read and rated by two writing experts. The essays are scored on a six-point scale, with six being an exceptional essay and one being an unsatisfactory essay. Zero is used for essays that are completely off-topic. Therefore, provided that you respond to the topic, your score will be between 2 and 12. You may use the table above to determine your scaled score by locating the number of questions youve answered correctly in the first column, and following that to the row represented by your essay score.
Recently reported average scores for the PPST are as follows:
Reading Test: 177
Mathematics Test: 178
Writing Test: 176

STUDYING FOR THE PPST Everyone has a different learning environment that works best for them, and it is very important that you find the one that works best for you. Some students prefer to set aside a few hours every morning to study, while others prefer to study at night before going to sleep. Some students are capable of studying while waiting on line, or even while eating lunch. Other students require absolute silence in a well-lit room to study. Only you can determine what works best for you, but be consistent and use your time wisely. Develop a routine that works for you and stick to it.
When you are taking the practice tests, you should try to duplicate the testing conditions as closely as possible. Turn off the television and radio, and sit down in a quiet area as free from distraction as possible. Make sure to time yourself, and allow yourself no more time for the practice tests than you would have on the actual exam. Start off by setting a timer for the time that is allotted to each section of the exam, and be sure to reset it for the appropriate amount of time whenever you start a new section.
As you complete each practice test, score your exam and thoroughly review the detailed explanations to all the questions you answered incorrectly. Concentrate on one question at a time by reviewing the question and the explanation, and by studying the appropriate review material until you are confident that you completely understand the material.
Keep track of your scores on the individual practice tests. By doing this, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. You should carefully study the review sections that cover your areas of difficulty to help reinforce your skills in those areas.

TEST-TAKING TIPS Even though you have probably taken standardized tests like the PPST before, you may still be experiencing some anxiety about the exam. This is perfectly normal and there are several ways to help alleviate it listed below.
o Become comfortable with the format of the PPST. When you are taking the practice tests, simulate the testing conditions as closely as possible. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test a few times, you will boost your chances of doing well. The test-taking experience will not be unfamiliar to you, and this will allow you to take the PPST with much more confidence.
o Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read all the answer choices so that you do not make a mistake by jumping to conclusions.
o Use the process of elimination. Go through all the answer choices and eliminate obviously incorrect answers immediately. If you are able to eliminate one or two answer choices, you will be able to make an educated guess.
o Work quickly and steadily. You only have one hour for each section, so pace yourself carefully. Do not spend too much time on any one question. By taking the practice tests included in this book, you will become better able to manage your time.
o Learn the directions and format of each test section. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of each section will not only save time, but also help you avoid nervousness and the mistakes that nervousness can cause.
o Be sure that the answer oval you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the multiple-choice sections of the PPST are graded by a machine, misplacing one response can throw off your entire score. Periodically check to be sure that you have not unintentionally left a space blank, or filled in two answer choices for a single question.
o Guess, guess, guess. You are not penalized for incorrect responses on the PPST. Your score is based on the number of questions you have answered correctly. Therefore, even if you have absolutely no idea what the answer to a given question might be, you still have a 20 percent chance of being right. If you are able to eliminate even one or two of the answer choices, your chances of guessing correctly are greatly increased.

THE DAY OF THE TEST Before the Test On the day of the test, you should wake up early after a good nights rest. You should have a good breakfast and dress in layers that can be removed or added as the conditions in the testing center require. You do not want to be distracted by hunger, or by being too cold or too warm. Plan to arrive at the testing center early. This will allow you to relax and collect your thoughts before the test, and will also spare you the anguish that comes with being late. As an added incentive to make sure that you arrive early, keep in mind that no one will be admitted into the testing center after the test has begun.
Before you leave for the testing center, make sure that you have your admission ticket and another form of identification, which must contain a recent photograph, your name, and signature (i.e., your drivers license, student identification card, or alien registration card). You will not be admitted to the testing center if you do not have proper identification.
YOU MUST ALSO BRING SEVERAL SHARPENED NUMBER 2 PENCILS, AS NONE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TESTING CENTER!
You may wear a watch to the testing center, however, try to avoid wearing a watch with an audible alarm or signal. Such watches can make sudden noises that may distract other candidates, and unnerve you too. Dictionaries, notebooks, briefcases, or packages are not permitted in the testing center. Drinking, smoking, and eating are also prohibited.
During the Test Once you enter the test center, follow all the rules and instructions given by your test supervisor. Failure to do so runs you the risk of being dismissed from the testing center. You may also have your scores canceled.
After all testing materials have been distributed, the test supervisor will give you directions for filling out your answer sheet. Fill out this sheet carefully since the information you enter will be printed on your score report. Remember to fill in your name exactly as it appears on the admission ticket to avoid confusion later on.
Scrap paper is not provided, but you are permitted write in your test booklet. Mark your answers in the appropriate spaces on the answer sheet. Each numbered row will contain five ovals corresponding to each answer choice for that question. Fill in the oval that corresponds to your answer darkly, completely, and neatly. Should you change your answer, remember to erase the old answer entirely from the page. Only one answer should be marked for each question. This is very important, because answer sheets are machine scored, and stray marks can cause the machine to score your answers incorrectly.
After the Test Once your test materials have been collected, you will be dismissed. Proceed to the exit.
Congratulations! You are well on your way to certification.
Talking to Your Fellow Test-Takers, After the Test. Keep in mind that several versions of the PPST are administered during each testing period. The test-takers around you were very likely working on tests with completely different questions and answers than yours. So, do not be alarmed when talking to friends and acquaintances about their PPST test-taking experiences and you do not "remember" the questions they are discussing.