Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide
What comes with Cirrus Test Prep’s Praxis Study Guide?
You probably think this is a typical study guide. However, Cirrus Test Prep’s unofficial Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide: Content and Interpretation (5086) Test Prep and Practice Questions for the Praxis II (5086) Exam 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 Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide gives you the edge you need to score higher and pass the first time.
Best of all, Cirrus Test Prep’s Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide offers you:
A full review of what you need to know for the Praxis exam
Praxis 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 Praxis prep book covers all the material that will be on your exam, including:
Economics
Sociology
Psychology
US History
Government
Geography
… and also comes with a FULL Praxis practice test, so that you will be ready on test day.
But before you buy Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide, you may find yourself wondering, what is the Praxis? What’s on the Praxis? How is the Praxis scored? How is the Praxis administered? We are the Praxis experts, and we are happy to answer all your questions below!
Some Frequently Asked Questions about the Praxis…
What is the Praxis?
Praxis Series tests are a part of teaching licensure in approximately forty states. Each state uses the tests and scores in different ways, so be sure to check the certification requirements in your state by going to the ETS website. There, you will find information detailing the role of the Praxis tests in determining teaching certification in your state, what scores are required, and how to transfer Praxis scores from one state to another.
What is on the Praxis?
The content in this guide will prepare you for the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge and Interpretation (5086) exam. This test assesses whether you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to become a secondary school social studies teacher using both a multiple-choice section and a written section that includes three constructed-response essay questions. These three essay questions are interdisciplinary and designed to exercise your critical thinking skills and gauge your ability to interpret social studies resources like maps and charts. You have a maximum of two hours to complete the entire test. It is recommended that you spend approximately ten minutes on each short essay and an hour and a half on the multiple-choice questions, but you may use the two hours allotted as you see fit.
How is the Praxis exam scored?
The multiple-choice questions are equally weighted. The ninety multiple-choice questions comprise 75 percent of your overall score, while the three constructed-response essays comprise the other 25 percent. The preceding tables offer a breakdown of the concepts covered in the multiple-choice sections of the test.
Keep in mind that some multiple-choice questions are experimental questions for the purpose of the Praxis test writers and will not count toward your overall score. However, since those questions are not indicated on the test, you must respond to every question. There is no penalty for guessing on Praxis tests, 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!
On the constructed-response section, the graders of the responses assign a score of 0 – 3 to each response. A score of a 3 is earned by a response that shows thorough understanding of the prompt by being accurate and complete. An adequate understanding of the prompt with a mostly complete and accurate answer will earn a score of 2, while a score of a 1 will be given to an answer that shows little understanding of the prompt with mostly inaccurate or incomplete information. A response that does not answer the questions or is wholly incorrect will receive a score of 0. The scores of the three constructed-response essays are equally weighted to comprise twenty-five percent of your overall score.
Your score report will be available two to three weeks after the test date and will stay on your Praxis account for one year, but you can also opt for a paper report. The score report includes your score and the passing score for the states you identified as score recipients.
How is the Praxis administered?
The Praxis Series tests are available at testing centers across the nation. To find a testing center near you, go to the ETS website. At this site, you can create a Praxis account, check testing dates, register for a test, or find instructions for registering via mail or phone. The Praxis Social Studies exam is administered as a computerized test. The Praxis website allows you to take a practice test to acclimate yourself to the computerized format.
On the day of your test, be sure to bring your admission ticket (which is provided when you register) and photo ID. The testing facility will provide pencils and erasers and an area outside of the testing room to store your personal belongings. You are allowed no personal effects in the testing area. Cell phones and other electronic, photographic, recording, or listening devices are not permitted in the testing center at all, and bringing those items may be cause for dismissal, forfeiture of your testing fees, and cancellation of your scores. For details on what is and is not permitted at your testing center, refer to the testing center’s website.
Why should I use Cirrus Test Prep’s Praxis 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 Praxis II Social Studies Study Guide?
You can find Praxis II Social Studies 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!
ETS 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.
To help you prepare for your Praxis test, we have developed a list of 30 test-taking tips that have been shown to be very helpful for students of all ages and backgrounds when taking standardized tests.