AZELLA Practice Test

Reading and writing questions for grades 2 to 12 in four bands, with speaking and writing prompts to print.

Read the text. "Maya planted a bean seed in a paper cup. She put the cup by the window and gave it a little water each morning. For five days nothing happened, and Maya felt sad. On the sixth day a tiny green sprout pushed up through the soil. Maya ran to show her grandfather." What is this story mostly about?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Arizona Department of Education. Bank checked October 7, 2026.

The real test: AZELLA

Who takes it
New students flagged by the Home Language Survey take the placement test. English learners take the spring reassessment each year until they score Proficient.
Units
Five. Unit 1 is Listening, units 2 to 4 cover Reading and Writing, and unit 5 is Speaking.
Share of points, grades 4 to 12
Reading 33%, Writing 32%, Speaking 19%, Listening 16%.
Share of points, grades 2 and 3
Reading 32%, Writing 30%, Speaking 20%, Listening 18%.
How it is given
On paper in kindergarten and grade 1, with three answer choices. Mostly on a computer in grades 2 to 12, with four.
Levels
Pre-Emergent/Emergent, Basic, Intermediate and Proficient.

Checked October 7, 2026 against the AZELLA Blueprint (revised 2023), the AZELLA Item Specifications (2023) and the spring 2026 Overall Proficiency Determination of the Arizona Department of Education. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The department's AZELLA page
Speaking and writing prompts to print 20 lines, made to print

Speaking and writing prompts by grade band

Name ____ Date ____

Say each speaking prompt aloud in full sentences. Write each writing answer on the lines. Unofficial practice prompts; none is from the real test.

Grades 2-3

  • Speak Tell about your favorite game. Say how to play it.
  • Speak Describe what you see on your way to school.
  • Speak Tell what you like to do on a rainy day, and why.
  • Write Write two or three sentences about a friend.
  • Write Write two or three sentences that tell how to make a sandwich.

Grades 4-5

  • Speak Should students have homework on weekends? Give your opinion and one reason.
  • Speak Retell a story you know in order: the beginning, the middle and the end.
  • Speak Explain how to take care of a pet.
  • Write Write a paragraph: should your school have a garden? Give two reasons.
  • Write Write a paragraph that explains how to get ready for a test.

Grades 6-8

  • Speak Explain one rule at your school. Say whether you agree with it and why.
  • Speak Describe a time you solved a problem. Tell the steps in order.
  • Speak Compare two ways of getting to school.
  • Write Write a paragraph for or against phones in class. Support your claim with two reasons.
  • Write Write a paragraph that sums up a book, a show or an article you know.

Grades 9-12

  • Speak Should the high school day start later? State a claim and support it with two reasons.
  • Speak Explain a process you know well, such as preparing a meal.
  • Speak Describe a goal you have and the steps you will take to reach it.
  • Write Write a paragraph on this claim: "Every student should learn a second language." Use examples.
  • Write Write a paragraph that explains one cause and its effect in your school or community.

Source: Own prompts. The kinds of task (speaking prompts in every band, two or three written sentences in grades 2 and 3, a written paragraph in grades 4 to 12) follow the AZELLA Item Specifications (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), linked from https://www.azed.gov/assessment/azella, read 2026-10-07. Checked October 7, 2026.

Next step More reading and language practice, grade 4In high school? Practice grammar questions

Grades 2-3: all 15 questions

Reading 8

  • Read the sentence: "Please whisper in the library so others can read." What does whisper mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the sentence: "The puppy was so tiny that it fit in my hand." What does tiny mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Maya planted a bean seed in a paper cup. She put the cup by the window and gave it a little water each morning. For five days nothing happened, and Maya felt sad. On the sixth day a tiny green sprout pushed up through the soil. Maya ran to show her grandfather." How did Maya feel before the sprout came up? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
Show all 15 questions (12 more)

Reading, continued

  • Read the text. "Maya planted a bean seed in a paper cup. She put the cup by the window and gave it a little water each morning. For five days nothing happened, and Maya felt sad. On the sixth day a tiny green sprout pushed up through the soil. Maya ran to show her grandfather." What does the word sprout mean in this story? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Maya planted a bean seed in a paper cup. She put the cup by the window and gave it a little water each morning. For five days nothing happened, and Maya felt sad. On the sixth day a tiny green sprout pushed up through the soil. Maya ran to show her grandfather." What is this story mostly about? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our class should have a reading corner. First, a quiet corner helps us think about our books. Next, soft pillows make reading feel cozy. Last, we can keep our favorite books there so they are easy to find. A reading corner will help everyone read more." What does the writer want? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our class should have a reading corner. First, a quiet corner helps us think about our books. Next, soft pillows make reading feel cozy. Last, we can keep our favorite books there so they are easy to find. A reading corner will help everyone read more." Which reason does the writer give? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our class should have a reading corner. First, a quiet corner helps us think about our books. Next, soft pillows make reading feel cozy. Last, we can keep our favorite books there so they are easy to find. A reading corner will help everyone read more." Which word tells you the final reason is coming? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 9: how a text is organized and linked; Reading domain

Writing 7

  • Which sentence about the birds is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the book is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the kite is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? My sister lost ____ hat. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? The cat is hiding ____ the bed. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? There are three ____ on the table. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? Yesterday we ____ to the park. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain

How this list was compiled: Outline: the AZELLA Blueprint (revised 2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/05/AZELLA%204%20Public%20Blueprint%20Final%20.pdf, and the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 2-3 (2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2023/10/AZELLA%202019%20Item%20Specifications_G2-3_Public%20Facing_508%20Compliant_FINAL_10-26-23.pdf, of the Arizona Department of Education, both linked from its AZELLA page, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/azella, read 2026-10-07. Every text and sentence a question asks about is our own and holds its own answer; no outside fact is stated. Licence: Own work. Texts, questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site. Nothing is copied or reworded from an AZELLA test, a sample test or another practice test. Only a question's opening words, such as "Which word belongs in the blank?", follow the kinds the item specifications name.

Grades 4-5: all 15 questions

Reading 8

  • Read the sentence: "Lena was reluctant to jump into the cold pool, so she waited at the edge." What does reluctant mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the sentence: "The bridge was so narrow that only one person could cross at a time." What does narrow mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Diego stared at the trail. The path to the lake split in two, and the sign had fallen over. His little brother tugged his sleeve. "Are we lost?" Diego took a slow breath. He remembered his aunt's advice: the lake is just past the tall red rock. He spotted the rock above the trees on the left path. "This way," he said calmly." How does Diego decide which way to go? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
Show all 15 questions (12 more)

Reading, continued

  • Read the text. "Diego stared at the trail. The path to the lake split in two, and the sign had fallen over. His little brother tugged his sleeve. "Are we lost?" Diego took a slow breath. He remembered his aunt's advice: the lake is just past the tall red rock. He spotted the rock above the trees on the left path. "This way," he said calmly." What does the word spotted mean in this text? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Diego stared at the trail. The path to the lake split in two, and the sign had fallen over. His little brother tugged his sleeve. "Are we lost?" Diego took a slow breath. He remembered his aunt's advice: the lake is just past the tall red rock. He spotted the rock above the trees on the left path. "This way," he said calmly." What problem do the brothers face? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our school should start a garden club. A garden would give students fresh vegetables to taste at lunch. In addition, caring for plants teaches patience, because a seed needs weeks of water before anything can be picked. Some people say a garden costs too much. However, families have already offered to donate seeds and tools. For these reasons, the principal should approve the club." How does the author answer the worry about cost? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our school should start a garden club. A garden would give students fresh vegetables to taste at lunch. In addition, caring for plants teaches patience, because a seed needs weeks of water before anything can be picked. Some people say a garden costs too much. However, families have already offered to donate seeds and tools. For these reasons, the principal should approve the club." What is the author's claim? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Our school should start a garden club. A garden would give students fresh vegetables to taste at lunch. In addition, caring for plants teaches patience, because a seed needs weeks of water before anything can be picked. Some people say a garden costs too much. However, families have already offered to donate seeds and tools. For these reasons, the principal should approve the club." Which phrase shows that the author is adding another reason? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 9: how a text is organized and linked; Reading domain

Writing 7

  • Which sentence about the letter is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the museum is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the puzzle is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? At noon yesterday, the students ____ lunch when the bell rang. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? Each of the players ____ a water bottle. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? Mr. Ortiz gave the books to Sara and ____. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? Two ____ built a nest beside the pond. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain

How this list was compiled: Outline: the AZELLA Blueprint (revised 2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/05/AZELLA%204%20Public%20Blueprint%20Final%20.pdf, and the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 4-5 (2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2023/10/AZELLA%202019%20Item%20Specifications_G4-5_Public%20Facing_508%20Compliant_FINAL_10-26-23.pdf, of the Arizona Department of Education, both linked from its AZELLA page, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/azella, read 2026-10-07. Every text and sentence a question asks about is our own and holds its own answer; no outside fact is stated. Licence: Own work. Texts, questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site. Nothing is copied or reworded from an AZELLA test, a sample test or another practice test. Only a question's opening words, such as "Which word belongs in the blank?", follow the kinds the item specifications name.

Grades 6-8: all 15 questions

Reading 8

  • Read the sentence: "Heavy rain forced the city to postpone the parade until the following weekend." What does postpone mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the sentence: "The scientist's explanation was so concise that it fit on a single index card." What does concise mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Cedar Middle School now asks students to lock their phones away until the final bell. Supporters argue that students focus better without constant alerts. A science teacher there reported that her classes finished group work faster after the rule began. Critics respond that families need a way to reach students during the day. The school office, however, can still pass along urgent messages." How does the text respond to the critics' concern? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
Show all 15 questions (12 more)

Reading, continued

  • Read the text. "Cedar Middle School now asks students to lock their phones away until the final bell. Supporters argue that students focus better without constant alerts. A science teacher there reported that her classes finished group work faster after the rule began. Critics respond that families need a way to reach students during the day. The school office, however, can still pass along urgent messages." How is the text organized? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Cedar Middle School now asks students to lock their phones away until the final bell. Supporters argue that students focus better without constant alerts. A science teacher there reported that her classes finished group work faster after the rule began. Critics respond that families need a way to reach students during the day. The school office, however, can still pass along urgent messages." Which evidence do supporters of the rule offer? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The debate team had lost its first three matches, and the room was quiet when Coach Rivera walked in. Instead of scolding anyone, she wrote one word on the board: listen. "You have strong arguments," she said, "but you answer the speech you expected, not the one your opponent gave." Tomas frowned, then nodded. At the next match he took notes on every point before he stood to reply." According to Coach Rivera, why has the team been losing? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The debate team had lost its first three matches, and the room was quiet when Coach Rivera walked in. Instead of scolding anyone, she wrote one word on the board: listen. "You have strong arguments," she said, "but you answer the speech you expected, not the one your opponent gave." Tomas frowned, then nodded. At the next match he took notes on every point before he stood to reply." What does the word scolding mean in this text? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The debate team had lost its first three matches, and the room was quiet when Coach Rivera walked in. Instead of scolding anyone, she wrote one word on the board: listen. "You have strong arguments," she said, "but you answer the speech you expected, not the one your opponent gave." Tomas frowned, then nodded. At the next match he took notes on every point before he stood to reply." What does Tomas's behavior at the next match show? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain

Writing 7

  • Which sentence about the books is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the brother and sister is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the project is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? ____ it was raining, the team finished the race. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? By the time we reached the theater, the movie ____ already started. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? Neither the coach nor the players ____ ready when the bus arrived. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? The student ____ project won first prize thanked her teacher. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain

How this list was compiled: Outline: the AZELLA Blueprint (revised 2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/05/AZELLA%204%20Public%20Blueprint%20Final%20.pdf, and the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 6-8 (2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2023/10/AZELLA%202019%20Item%20Specifications_G6-8_Public%20Facing_508%20Compliant_FINAL_10-26-23.pdf, of the Arizona Department of Education, both linked from its AZELLA page, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/azella, read 2026-10-07. Every text and sentence a question asks about is our own and holds its own answer; no outside fact is stated. Licence: Own work. Texts, questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site. Nothing is copied or reworded from an AZELLA test, a sample test or another practice test. Only a question's opening words, such as "Which word belongs in the blank?", follow the kinds the item specifications name.

Grades 9-12: all 15 questions

Reading 8

  • Read the sentence: "Because the instructions were ambiguous, half the class solved a different problem." What does ambiguous mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the sentence: "The committee reached a consensus after hours of discussion, and every member signed the plan." What does consensus mean? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Amara had rehearsed the speech until the words felt like stones worn smooth in her pocket. Yet when she reached the podium, the auditorium lights erased every sentence. She gripped the wooden edge, looked past the front row, and found her grandmother's steady gaze. The opening line returned, then the next. By the final paragraph her voice no longer trembled; it carried to the last seat." How does Amara change from the beginning of the text to the end? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
Show all 15 questions (12 more)

Reading, continued

  • Read the text. "Amara had rehearsed the speech until the words felt like stones worn smooth in her pocket. Yet when she reached the podium, the auditorium lights erased every sentence. She gripped the wooden edge, looked past the front row, and found her grandmother's steady gaze. The opening line returned, then the next. By the final paragraph her voice no longer trembled; it carried to the last seat." What does the phrase "the auditorium lights erased every sentence" suggest? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 2: the meaning of words and phrases; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "Amara had rehearsed the speech until the words felt like stones worn smooth in her pocket. Yet when she reached the podium, the auditorium lights erased every sentence. She gripped the wooden edge, looked past the front row, and found her grandmother's steady gaze. The opening line returned, then the next. By the final paragraph her voice no longer trembled; it carried to the last seat." What helps Amara begin speaking? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 1: construct meaning from text; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The Lakeview school board is considering a later start time for its high school. Board member Ruiz argues that first-period attendance has fallen for three years and that a later bell would reverse the trend. Her evidence, however, comes from a single winter month. The proposal also leaves out the cost of new bus schedules. Before voting, the board should request a full year of attendance records and a transportation budget." What does the author recommend? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The Lakeview school board is considering a later start time for its high school. Board member Ruiz argues that first-period attendance has fallen for three years and that a later bell would reverse the trend. Her evidence, however, comes from a single winter month. The proposal also leaves out the cost of new bus schedules. Before voting, the board should request a full year of attendance records and a transportation budget." What weakness does the author identify in Ruiz's evidence? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 8: analyze the arguments of others; Reading domain
  • Read the text. "The Lakeview school board is considering a later start time for its high school. Board member Ruiz argues that first-period attendance has fallen for three years and that a later bell would reverse the trend. Her evidence, however, comes from a single winter month. The proposal also leaves out the cost of new bus schedules. Before voting, the board should request a full year of attendance records and a transportation budget." Which word signals a contrast with the sentence before it? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 9: how a text is organized and linked; Reading domain

Writing 7

  • Which sentence about the applicants is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the essay is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which sentence about the team is written correctly? Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? If the committee ____ the budget earlier, the project would have started on time. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? She is the engineer ____ the firm hired to redesign the bridge. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? The data ____ by three independent teams before the report was published. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain
  • Which word belongs in the blank? The mayor postponed the vote; ____, the council met to discuss the plan. Own text and question. The kind of question follows the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (Arizona Department of Education, 2023), standard 10: accurate use of standard English; Writing domain

How this list was compiled: Outline: the AZELLA Blueprint (revised 2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/05/AZELLA%204%20Public%20Blueprint%20Final%20.pdf, and the AZELLA Item Specifications, grades 9-12 (2023), https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2023/10/AZELLA%202019%20Item%20Specifications_G9-12_Public%20Facing_508%20Compliant_FINAL_10-26-23.pdf, of the Arizona Department of Education, both linked from its AZELLA page, https://www.azed.gov/assessment/azella, read 2026-10-07. Every text and sentence a question asks about is our own and holds its own answer; no outside fact is stated. Licence: Own work. Texts, questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site. Nothing is copied or reworded from an AZELLA test, a sample test or another practice test. Only a question's opening words, such as "Which word belongs in the blank?", follow the kinds the item specifications name.

How it works

Unofficial reading and writing practice for AZELLA, the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment, in four grade bands. Every text and question was written for this site. Not affiliated with the Arizona Department of Education.

Read the full guide

What these questions practice

Arizona's blueprint gives reading and writing about a third of the points each in grades 2 to 12; speaking and listening share the rest. The reading questions here ask about a short text, the meaning of a word or how a text is organized. The writing questions ask which word fits a blank or which sentence is written correctly, the kinds the state's item specifications describe. Real passages are longer than these.

Which grades this covers

The bands 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12 are the ones the state's blueprint and item specifications use. Kindergarten and grade 1 take a paper test with three answer choices, which this page does not cover.

  • For a blank, say the full sentence aloud with each choice and listen for the one that sounds complete.

Questions and answers

What is the AZELLA test?

The Arizona English Language Learner Assessment measures English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It places new students, and English learners take it again each spring until they score Proficient.

Is there an official AZELLA online practice test?

The department's AZELLA page says its practice tests are on the state's testing portal, under the Test Administrator tile, where test administrators run practice sessions for students. This page is separate, unofficial practice that runs in any browser.

What score is proficient on AZELLA?

By the state's spring 2026 rules, a student needs a total scale score at or above the Proficient cut for the grade and at least Intermediate in all four domains. A percent right on this page is not a scale score.

Does this practice cover listening and speaking?

Listening needs recorded sound, so it is not practiced here. For speaking, print the prompt sheet under the questions and have the student answer each prompt aloud in full sentences.

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