TAKS
November 05, 2008
Who has to take take this test?
All students of Texas public schools must take the ELA (English/Language Arts) test during both their tenth and eleventh-grade years.
When is the test taken?
The ELA TAKS test is always given during the spring. The 2010-11 test date will be Tuesday, March 1.
Does this test "count" for anything?
The eleventh-grade test does in fact determine whether or not a child graduates. If your child passes it during their eleventh-grade year, they won't have to ever take it again. If they fail it, on the other hand, they will have a few chances to retake it before the end of their senior year.
What is on the test?
The ELA test consists of the following three sections:
> Reading Comprehension
~ This section consists of two reading selections. The first one is a fiction work,
while the second is a nonfiction work. Students are then given a set of multiple-
choice questions over each story. This section also includes an illustration that
ties in with the theme of the stories, and multiple choice questions about it.
Next the students are given three open-ended questions to which they must
provide short but concise written responses.
> Writing
~ This section provides the students with a writing prompt. The prompt will tie in
with the theme of the two reading selections and the illustration. The prompt will
direct the students to create a personal narrative, a story from their life, that
explores this theme, showing they can connect to the story.
> Editing & Proofreading
~ In this section, students are given two different short selections to read. In a
multiple-choice format, students must proofread and edit for such things as
spelling, capitalization, grammar, sentence structure, and arrangement of ideas.
What can I do to help my child prepare for the test?
> Motivation
~ Intrinsic--This type of motivation is the "inside drive" that students have to
succeed. Parents and teachers must work together to show students
the importance of wanting to succeed, with or without outside
rewards. Encourage your child to set goals and work toward them for
personal satisfaction.
~ Extrinsic--This type of motivation includes outside rewards. They can be as
simple as an extended curfew, or as grand as a new car. Teenagers
respond well to this type of motivation!
> Preparation
~ Mental Preparation--We the teachers are working our hardest on your student's
mental preparation. These are the critical-thinking skills and subject skills
required to succeed on the TAKS test. You can help by encouraging your child
to read in their spare time, monitoring their progress on schoolwork and
homework, and assuring regular attendance in all classes.
~ Physical Preparation--Our brains run off the fuel that we put into our body.
Everyone knows to go to bed early the night before a big test, and to eat a
healthy breakfast that morning. But remember, your child's brain needs the
proper fuel throughout the year, when all the information is being learned!
Help your child by monitoring their diet; offer healthy snacks at home, and limit
the amount of sweets and sodas your child consumes. Also encourage them to
get to bed early enough each night to get the 8.5 - 9.5 hours of sleep
recommended for adolescents.
What does an ELA TAKS test look like?
Follow this link to see a released ELA TAKS test: Released TAKS Tests
Click one of the Grade 11 ELA links. You can also look at sample compositions.
