Test Information Guide
Overview and Test Objectives
Field 101/201: Communication and Literacy Skills
Test Overview
| Format |
Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test Reading Subtest (101)
Writing Subtest (201)
|
|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
Reading Subtest (101)
Writing Subtest (201)
|
| Time | 4 hours for one or both subtests (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 on each subtest |
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.
The open-response items require candidates to prepare written responses to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, summarizing, and development of ideas in essay form on specified topics.
The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.
Test Objectives
Reading Subtest (101)
Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.
| Objective | Approximate Test Weighting | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice | ||
| 0001 | Meaning of Words and Phrases | 16.7% |
| 0002 | Main Idea and Supporting Details | 16.7% |
| 0003 | Writer's Purpose and Point of View | 16.7% |
| 0004 | Relationships Among Ideas | 16.7% |
| 0005 | Critical Reasoning | 16.7% |
| 0006 | Outlining, Summarizing, Graph Interpretation | 16.7% |
| 100% | ||
Objective 0001: Determine the meaning of words and phrases in the context in which they occur.
For example:- Identify the meaning of commonly used words.
- Determine the meaning of a word with multiple meanings.
- Determine the meaning of an uncommon word or phrase.
- Identify synonyms or antonyms for words used in a given passage.
- Determine the meaning of figurative language.
Objective 0002: Understand the main idea and supporting details in written material.
For example:- Identify the explicit main idea of a paragraph or passage.
- Identify the implied main idea of a paragraph or passage.
- Identify ideas, information, data, and details that support, illustrate, or elaborate the main idea of a paragraph or passage.
Objective 0003: Identify a writer's purpose, point of view, and intended meaning.
For example:- Identify a writer's stated or implied purpose for writing.
- Identify the audience for a given piece of writing.
- Identify why a writer has included specific information or examples.
- Identify the likely response of an audience to a writer's choice of words or phrases.
- Interpret content, word choice, and phrasing to determine a writer's opinion or point of view.
Objective 0004: Analyze the relationships among ideas in written material.
For example:- Identify cause-and-effect relationships.
- Identify the order of events or steps described in written material.
- Analyze relationships between similar ideas or ideas in opposition.
- Draw conclusions from information stated or implied within a passage.
Objective 0005: Use critical reasoning skills to evaluate written material.
For example:- Identify the assumptions underlying a writer's argument.
- Assess the relevance of facts, examples, or data to a writer's argument.
- Distinguish between statements of fact and expressions of opinion.
- Assess a writer's objectivity or bias.
Objective 0006: Apply skills for outlining and summarizing written materials and interpreting information presented in graphic form.
For example:- Identify an effective outline or graphic representation of information presented in a paragraph or passage.
- Identify an effective summary of information presented in a paragraph or passage.
- Interpret information presented in graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams.
- Draw conclusions based on information presented in graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams.
- Select the graphic form best suited to the presentation of information contained in a paragraph or passage.
Writing Subtest (201)
Pie chart of approximate test weighting for objectives 0007 through 0012 outlined in the table below.
| Objective | Approximate Test Weighting | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice/Short-Answer | ||
| 0007 | Establish and Maintain a Main Idea | 15% |
| 0008 | Sentence Construction, Grammar, Usage | 10% |
| 0009 | Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation | 10% |
| 0010 | Revise Sentences Containing Errors | 15% |
| 50% | ||
| Open-Response | ||
| 0011 | Summary Exercise | 15% |
| 0012 | Composition Exercise | 35% |
| 50% | ||
Objective 0007: Understand methods for establishing and maintaining a central theme or main idea.
For example:- Identify effective thesis statements and topic sentences.
- Identify information, statements, or details that detract from the development of a main idea.
- Identify ineffective repetition and redundancy.
- Reorganize sentences or paragraphs to achieve a logical sequence of ideas.
- Identify effective transitions from one paragraph to another.
Objective 0008: Recognize common errors of sentence construction, grammar, and usage.
For example:- Identify sentence fragments and run-on sentences (comma splices, fused sentences).
- Identify verbs in the wrong tense or form, incorrect shifts in tense or person, lack of subject-verb agreement, and wrong or missing verb endings.
- Identify vague pronoun references, lack of agreement between pronouns and antecedents, and incorrect shifts in pronoun person and number.
- Identify misplaced or dangling modifiers.
- Identify wrong or missing prepositions.
- Identify incorrect use of relative pronouns (that, which, who).
- Identify imprecise or inappropriate words and phrases.
- Identify common errors in the use of homonyms (accept/except, affect/effect, its/it's, their/there/they�re, to/too/two, weather/whether, who's/whose, your/you're).
Objective 0009: Recognize common errors of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
For example:- Identify common spelling errors.
- Identify common errors in standard capitalization.
- Identify missing commas after an introductory phrase and missing commas in a compound sentence.
- Identify missing or misplaced apostrophes.
Objective 0010: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and revise sentences containing common errors of sentence construction, grammar, usage, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
For example:- Revise sentences to correct errors related to sentence construction.
- Revise sentences to correct common errors related to grammar and usage.
- Revise sentences to correct common errors related to spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Objective 0011: Demonstrate the ability to prepare an effective summary.
For example:- Summarize the main ideas, key arguments, and significant supporting details presented in an extended passage.
- Demonstrate effective paragraph and sentence construction.
- Demonstrate command of standard English conventions of grammar and usage, without making common errors.
- Demonstrate command of standard English conventions of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, without making common errors.
Objective 0012: Demonstrate the ability to prepare a well-organized and focused piece of writing for a given purpose and audience, using standard English conventions.
For example:- Take a position on an issue, proposition, or statement related to education and defend that position.
- Maintain a central theme or main idea through the effective use of a thesis statement, topic sentences, and transitions.
- Develop a well-organized argument using sound reasoning and relevant supporting information and/or examples.
- Demonstrate effective paragraph and sentence structure and employ vocabulary appropriate for the audience and the purpose of the writing task.
- Use precise and appropriate words and phrases.
- Demonstrate command of standard English conventions of grammar and usage, without making common errors.
- Demonstrate command of standard English conventions of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation, without making common errors.