Praxis Practice Questions

Praxis 5205 Practice Questions

Teaching Reading: Elementary EducationPractice with free Praxis 5205 sample questions covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. Every question includes a detailed explanation so you understand the reasoning, not just the right answer.

90
Total Questions
2 hours
Time Limit
Varies by state (typically 159)
Passing Score
~$130
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 250+ Praxis 5205 practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A first-grade teacher notices that a student can identify the beginning sound in 'bat' but cannot segment the word into all three individual phonemes. Which skill does this student need to develop further?

AA) Phonological awareness at the syllable level
BB) Complete phonemic segmentation
CC) Onset-rime blending
DD) Print awareness and letter identification
2

Which of the following instructional approaches is MOST consistent with systematic, explicit phonics instruction?

AA) Introducing letter-sound correspondences in a planned sequence, with direct teacher modeling and guided practice
BB) Allowing students to discover spelling patterns on their own through extensive independent reading
CC) Teaching phonics rules only when students make errors during oral reading
DD) Focusing primarily on whole-word memorization with sight word flashcards
3

A second-grade student reads a passage aloud at 45 words per minute with frequent pauses and word-by-word reading. Which area of reading development should the teacher target FIRST to improve this student's overall reading performance?

AA) Vocabulary development through read-alouds
BB) Reading fluency through repeated oral reading with feedback
CC) Comprehension strategies such as summarizing and predicting
DD) Independent silent reading for at least 30 minutes daily
4

A teacher wants to help third-grade students learn the meaning of unfamiliar words they encounter during independent reading. Which vocabulary strategy teaches students to be the MOST self-sufficient?

AA) Providing a pre-made vocabulary list with definitions before each reading assignment
BB) Teaching students to use context clues, word parts (prefixes, suffixes, roots), and reference materials
CC) Having students copy dictionary definitions into a vocabulary notebook
DD) Assigning weekly vocabulary quizzes to reinforce word memorization
5

A reading teacher is selecting a text for a guided reading lesson focused on making inferences. Which type of text would be MOST appropriate for this purpose?

AA) A procedural text with step-by-step instructions for a science experiment
BB) A narrative passage where character motivations and feelings are implied but not directly stated
CC) An informational text with bold headings, captions, and a glossary of key terms
DD) A decodable text designed for practicing short vowel patterns

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About the Praxis 5205

Format & Structure

Total Questions
90
Time Limit
2 hours
Format
Selected-response (multiple choice)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Varies by state (typically 159)
Registration Fee
~$130

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Praxis 5205?

The Praxis 5205, officially titled 'Teaching Reading: Elementary Education,' is an ETS assessment that measures a candidate's knowledge and skills related to reading instruction for elementary students. It covers foundational reading skills like phonological awareness and phonics, as well as fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. Many states require this assessment for elementary teaching licensure or a reading endorsement.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5205?

The Praxis 5205 contains 90 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. You'll have 2 hours to complete all of them. The questions span several content categories including phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension -- each weighted differently on the overall score.

What score do I need to pass the Praxis 5205?

Passing scores vary by state, but a common requirement is around 159. Some states set the bar slightly higher or lower. You should check the ETS Praxis website or your state's Department of Education for the exact passing score in your area. Scores range from 100 to 200 on the Praxis scaled score system.

How should I study for the Praxis 5205?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the five major content areas: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Take practice questions to pinpoint where you're strongest and where you need the most work. Focus your study time on weak areas and make sure you understand the research behind reading instruction -- the assessment emphasizes evidence-based practices. A study plan of 3-5 weeks with daily 30-60 minute sessions tends to work well for most people.

Who needs to take the Praxis 5205?

The Praxis 5205 is typically required for aspiring elementary teachers, reading specialists, and literacy coaches. States that require it usually expect the assessment for initial teaching licensure, a reading endorsement, or a specialist certification. If you're pursuing an elementary education degree or adding a reading credential, check with your state's licensing board to confirm whether you need this specific assessment.

How much does the Praxis 5205 cost?

The registration fee for the Praxis 5205 is approximately $130 as of 2026. Additional fees may apply for late registration, test center changes, or score verification. Some teacher preparation programs or school districts offer reimbursement, so it's worth asking before you pay out of pocket.

Can I retake the Praxis 5205 if I don't pass?

Yes, you can retake the Praxis 5205. ETS requires a 28-day waiting period between attempts, and you'll need to pay the full registration fee each time. There's no limit on the total number of retakes. If you didn't pass on your first try, review your score report to see which content categories need the most improvement, and adjust your study plan before the next attempt.

What content areas does the Praxis 5205 cover?

The Praxis 5205 is organized around five core areas of reading instruction: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency, Vocabulary Development, and Reading Comprehension (including text structures and genres). Questions focus not just on what these concepts are, but on how to teach them effectively -- so you'll need to understand instructional strategies and assessment methods for each area.

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