The Anatomy of the NYS ELA/Math Exams

The exam is a timed test with multiple choice, constructed response, extended response, and editing questions. Depending on their grade level, students are tested on different skills.

Math

Contains multiple-choice, short-response and extended response questions; for short/extended response, students need to show work.


Grade Number of Questions Test Length Question Type
Grade 3 46 questions 100 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; Probability and Statistics
Grade 4 57 questions 140 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; Probability and Statistics
Grade 5 49 questions 110 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; Probability and Statistics
Grade 6 50 questions 120 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; Probability and Statistics
Grade 7 53 questions 125 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement; Probability and Statistics
Grade 8 54 questions 135 minutes total Number Sense and Operations; Algebra; Geometry; Measurement

ELA

Contains multiple-choice, short-response and extended response questions. Each ELA test is made up of 2 or 3 books depending on the grade level.


Grade Length
Grade 3 3 books, 150 minutes total
Grade 4 3 books, 160 minutes total
Grade 5 3 books, 150 minutes total
Grade 6 2 books, 170 minutes total
Grade 7 2 books, 170 minutes total
Grade 8 2 books, 170 minutes total

All ELA exams have the following three sections:


Section Test Content
Listening
  • Listen to passages and answer comprehension questions:
    • Grades 3, 4, 6: literary - short stories, folk tales
    • Grades 5, 7, 8: informational - biographies, essays, autobiographies
  • Passages selected for grade-level-appropriate vocabulary and content
  • Students will not see questions prior to hearing the listening selection
Reading
  • Read passages (literary/informational material) and answer comprehension questions that demonstrate understanding of the passages
  • Passages selected for grade-level-appropriate vocabulary and content
Writing
  • Four short-response questions and one extended-response question
  • Three types of writing: narrative, persuasive, and informative
  • Students will write from a variety of prompts and for many different audiences
  • Evaluated based on how well the writing addresses the task and demonstrates understanding of the passages

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