NES English Language Arts Study Guide

What comes with Cirrus Test Prep’s NES ELA Study Guide?

You probably think this is a typical study guide. However, Cirrus Test Prep’s unofficial NES English Language Arts Study Guide: Test Prep and Practice Questions for the National Evaluation Series Tests isn't like other study guides. Because we know you value your time, our unofficial study guide includes a quick yet full review of everything on the test with real examples, graphics, and information. Cirrus Test Prep’s NEW NES English Language Arts Study Guide gives you the edge you need to score higher and pass the first time.

Best of all, Cirrus Test Prep’s NES English Language Arts Study Guide offers you:

• A full review of what you need to know for the NES exam

• NES practice questions for you to practice and improve and worked through practice problems with explanations

• Test tips and strategies to help you score higher

• Real world examples

Our NES prep book covers all the material that will be on your exam, including:

• Reading

• Language Use and Vocabulary

• Writing, Speaking, and Listening

… and also comes with a FULL NES practice test, so that you will be ready on test day.

But before you buy NES English Language Arts Study Guide, you may find yourself wondering, what is the NES? What is on the NES? How is the NES scored? How is the NES administered? We are the NES experts, and we are happy to answer all your questions below!

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the NES…

What is the NES?

The NES is a national testing program that assesses an examinee’s knowledge and skills in accordance with professionally accepted standards of teaching. Each state and school district uses the tests and scores in different ways, so be sure to check the certification requirements in your state. The NES website contains information detailing the role of the NES tests in determining teaching certification in your state, what scores are required, and how to transfer scores from one state to another.

What is on the NES?

The NES is a multiple-choice test designed to assess whether your knowledge and skills meet the qualification necessary to become an English language arts educator. You have up to three hours to answer approximately 150 questions covering five subject areas.

You will answer approximately thirty-five questions (23 percent of the test) about vocabulary, reading comprehension, and reading various text forms. Questions in this section will assess your own reading comprehension and vocabulary usage as well as your understanding of teaching strategies that reinforce vocabulary and language development. Be aware of the characteristics of various types of texts, including informational, persuasive, and technical (functional), and be comfortable reading and gleaning information from each. You will need to understand how authors develop a written argument through textual evidence, diction, structure, appeals, and other rhetorical strategies.

You will answer approximately thirty-five questions (23 percent of the test) about analyzing and interpreting different types of literature, including fiction, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. This section will require knowledge of major works and authors from around the world as well as historical movements in literature and the impacts of culture and society on literary movements. Questions will explore literary genres and their major forms, literary elements, poetic devices, and their contributions to a text.

You will answer approximately twenty-nine questions (19 percent of the test) about English language conventions, composition, writing process, and research. Generally, this section assesses your ability to follow the conventions of standard American English, including grammar, mechanics, and syntax. Know the elements of effective composition, such as an eloquent thesis, clear exposition, and concision of text. You should understand the writing process and have the ability to select appropriate writing forms and to organize ideas. Research skills are also assessed in this section, such as authenticating the credibility of a source, properly citing sources, and following the criteria of style guides.

You will answer approximately thirty-five questions (23 percent of the test) about the four modes of writing: narrative, expository, persuasive, and critical (analytical). You should know the characteristics of each type and how different writing modes can more or less effectively address an author’s purpose. Narrative writing, used to relate a personal experience, like many types of writing relies on authorial decisions about effective diction and appropriate style and tone. The purpose of expository writing is to explain a factual subject and provide information, so be on the lookout for how different organizational approaches and use of evidence support that purpose. Like expository writing, persuasive writing uses organization and evidence, but also establishes a clear position and utilizes argumentative strategies to support that position. Critical writing includes interpreting or critiquing works like literature and contains elements of persuasive writing, as well as a deep understanding of the elements of the medium of critique.

You will answer approximately eighteen questions (12 percent of the test) about oral and visual communication. In addition to reading and writing skills, you will need to demonstrate your ability to interpret visual forms of media and determine meaning and bias from visual messages and graphics. Know the purposes and characteristics of effective listening and communication and the barriers that hinder interpersonal exchange. Questions will explore the societal conventions and nonverbal cues that influence communication.

How is the NES scored?

On the NES, the number of correctly answered questions are used to create your scaled score. Scores are scaled to a number in the range of 100 – 300, with a national benchmark of 220. This benchmark does not necessarily translate to a passing score. Passing scores are determined by the administration of the state in which you are applying for licensure. The score shows your performance on the test as a whole and is scaled to allow comparison across various versions of the tests. There is no penalty for guessing on the NES, so be sure to eliminate answer choices and answer every question. If you still do not know the answer, guess; you may get it right!

How is the NES administered?

The NES is a computer-administered test. The NES website allows you to take practice tests to acclimate yourself to the computerized format. The NES is available at testing centers across the nation and world. To find a testing center near you, go to the Pearson Vue website.

Why should I use Cirrus Test Prep’s NES study material?

Developed by experienced current and former educators, Cirrus Test Prep’s study materials help future educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to successfully pass their state-level teacher certification exams and enter the classroom. Each Cirrus Test Prep study guide includes: a detailed summary of the test’s format, content, and scoring; an overview of the content knowledge required to pass the exam; worked-through sample questions with answers and explanations; full-length practice tests including answer explanations; and unique test-taking strategies with highlighted key concepts. Cirrus Test Prep’s study materials ensure that new educators feel prepared on test day and beyond.

Where can I buy NES English Language Arts Study Guide?

You can find NES English Language Arts Study Guide for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Just click the link next to our book, the image of our book itself, or the links we provided in the sentence above!

Pearson Education, Inc. was not involved in the creation or production of this product, is not in any way affiliated with Cirrus Test Prep, and does not sponsor or endorse this product.