• 50 questions

ILTS Economics 244 Practice Test

Unofficial practice for ILTS Social Science: Economics (244): two fifths economics, three fifths general social science.

$1,000 earns 5 percent a year for two years. How much more does annual compounding pay than simple interest?

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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Exam mode: 40 questions, 78 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Illinois State Board of Education or Pearson. Bank checked October 12, 2026.

Next step ILTS History (315): the same first two subareasILTS Psychology (248) practice test

All 50 questions

Social science foundational skills 10

  • A class studies the bank runs of early 1933. Which item is a primary source for that study? Wikipedia, Primary source (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0001 (sources, tools and methods of social science inquiry).
  • A historian divides U.S. economic history into the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era and the New Deal years. What is this practice called? Wikipedia, Periodization (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0002 (analysis, interpretation and evaluation in social science inquiry).
  • A report finds that towns with more bank branches also have higher average incomes. What can be concluded from this finding alone? Wikipedia, Correlation does not imply causation (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0002 (analysis, interpretation and evaluation in social science inquiry).
  • A researcher wants to estimate average household savings in a town of 4,000 households. Which plan is a simple random sample? Wikipedia, Simple random sample (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0001 (sources, tools and methods of social science inquiry).
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Social science foundational skills, continued

  • A student previews a chapter on banking, turns each heading into a question, reads to answer it, recites the answer and later reviews. Which reading method is this? Wikipedia, SQ3R (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0003 (reading in the social science classroom).
  • A table lists a country's trade in billions of dollars over three years. Exports: 50, 55, 60. Imports: 40, 60, 80. Which statement does the table alone support? The answer rests on the text printed in the question and on the wording of the objective (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0002 (analysis, interpretation and evaluation in social science inquiry).
  • A teacher models how an economist reads a supply graph and how a historian questions who wrote a document. Which approach to reading instruction is this? Wikipedia, Disciplinary literacy (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0003 (reading in the social science classroom).
  • In groups reading an article on the Federal Reserve, students take turns leading the talk through predicting, questioning, clarifying and summarizing. Which method is this? Wikipedia, Reciprocal teaching (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0003 (reading in the social science classroom).
  • Students plan to survey classmates about their part-time earnings. Which step follows the Belmont Report's principle of respect for persons? Wikipedia, Belmont Report (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0001 (sources, tools and methods of social science inquiry).
  • Which sentence from an editorial on a proposed steel tariff is a factual claim that evidence could test? The answer rests on the text printed in the question and on the wording of the objective (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0002 (analysis, interpretation and evaluation in social science inquiry).

Social science foundational knowledge 20

  • $1,000 earns 5 percent a year for two years. How much more does annual compounding pay than simple interest? Wikipedia, Compound interest (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0005 (economic concepts and systems, and personal finance).
  • A child learns from family, school and peers which behaviors her society expects. What is this lifelong process called? Wikipedia, Socialization (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0009 (human behavior, cultures and societies).
  • A country's birth and death rates were both high a century ago and are both low today. Which model describes this change? Wikipedia, Demographic transition (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0008 (human and physical geography).
  • A farmer can plant one field in corn worth $9,000, soybeans worth $8,000 or wheat worth $6,000. She plants corn. What is the opportunity cost of the corn? Wikipedia, Opportunity cost (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0005 (economic concepts and systems, and personal finance).
  • A lesson traces how a river port's trade ties it to cities upstream and overseas. Which of the five themes of geography is the focus? Wikipedia, Five themes of geography (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0008 (human and physical geography).
  • A planner layers digital maps of income, bus routes and grocery stores to find neighborhoods with poor access to food. Which tool does this? Wikipedia, Geographic information system (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0008 (human and physical geography).
  • A prime minister loses the support of a majority of the legislature and must leave office. Which system of government works this way? Wikipedia, Parliamentary system (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0004 (political concepts, systems and processes).
  • A saver keeps $180,000 in one account in his name alone at one FDIC-insured bank. Is the full balance insured? Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Deposit Insurance FAQs (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0005 (economic concepts and systems, and personal finance).
  • A traveler calls bargaining in another country's markets "backward" because prices are fixed in shops at home. What does the judgment show? Wikipedia, Ethnocentrism (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0009 (human behavior, cultures and societies).
  • After 1492, horses and cattle reached the Americas while American crops reached Europe, Africa and Asia. What is this transfer called? Wikipedia, Columbian exchange (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0006 (world history).
  • Both Congress and a state legislature may levy an income tax on the same resident. What kind of power is the power to tax? Wikipedia, Concurrent powers (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0004 (political concepts, systems and processes).
  • Sociologists describe a society whose members are ranked in layers by wealth, income, education and occupation. What is this ranking called? Wikipedia, Social stratification (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0009 (human behavior, cultures and societies).
  • Two car loans carry the same interest rate, but one also charges an origination fee. Which figure lets a borrower compare the yearly cost of the two? Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR? (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0005 (economic concepts and systems, and personal finance).
  • Under the Homestead Act of 1862, how much surveyed government land could a qualifying settler claim? National Archives, Milestone Documents: Homestead Act (1862) (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0007 (U.S. history).
  • What did Alexander Hamilton's First Report on the Public Credit propose for the debts the states still owed from the Revolutionary War? Wikipedia, First Report on the Public Credit (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0007 (U.S. history).
  • What is the main reason to spread savings across many different investments? Investor.gov (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), Diversification (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0005 (economic concepts and systems, and personal finance).
  • Where and about when did the Industrial Revolution begin? Wikipedia, Industrial Revolution (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0006 (world history).
  • Which description fits the Silk Road? Wikipedia, Silk Road (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0006 (world history).
  • Which economic power does Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution give to Congress? National Archives, The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0004 (political concepts, systems and processes).
  • Which New Deal law established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation? Wikipedia, 1933 Banking Act (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0007 (U.S. history).

Foundations of economics and market economies 8

  • A bakery's ovens and delivery van belong to which factor of production? Wikipedia, Capital (economics) (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0010 (economic concepts, terms, theories and systems).
  • A city has dozens of coffee shops, each with its own blends, decor and brand. Which market structure does this describe? Wikipedia, Monopolistic competition (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0011 (market economies).
  • A factory's smoke raises medical bills for neighbors who neither make nor buy its product. What do economists call this cost? Wikipedia, Externality (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0011 (market economies).
  • A late frost destroys much of the orange crop. Other things equal, what happens in the market for oranges? Wikipedia, Supply and demand (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0011 (market economies).
  • A shopper compares a $40 jacket with a $60 jacket to decide which is the better buy. Which function of money is at work? Wikipedia, Money (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0010 (economic concepts, terms, theories and systems).
  • A theater raises ticket prices 10 percent and sells 20 percent fewer tickets. What does this show? Wikipedia, Price elasticity of demand (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0011 (market economies).
  • According to Keynesian economics, why can a market economy stay in recession without a policy response? Wikipedia, Keynesian economics (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0010 (economic concepts, terms, theories and systems).
  • Which idea does Adam Smith's "invisible hand" describe? Wikipedia, Invisible hand (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0010 (economic concepts, terms, theories and systems).

U.S. and international economic systems 12

  • A government allows no more than 50,000 tons of foreign sugar into the country each year. What is this policy? Wikipedia, Import quota (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0014 (international economics and global interdependence).
  • A state charges every shopper the same 6 percent sales tax. Why do economists call such a tax regressive? Wikipedia, Regressive tax (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0013 (the role of government in the U.S. economy).
  • A worker's pay rises 3 percent in a year when consumer prices rise 5 percent. What happened to the worker's real wage? Wikipedia, Real wages (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0012 (the U.S. economy).
  • According to the Federal Reserve's H.6 release, which of these is counted in M1? Federal Reserve Board, Money Stock Measures - H.6 Release (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0012 (the U.S. economy).
  • During a slowdown, Congress raises spending on public works and sends households a tax rebate. Which kind of policy is this? Wikipedia, Fiscal policy (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0013 (the role of government in the U.S. economy).
  • The Federal Open Market Committee directs the purchase of Treasury securities from dealers. Which tool of monetary policy is in use? Federal Reserve Board, Open Market Operations (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0013 (the role of government in the U.S. economy).
  • How does the national debt differ from a budget deficit? U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data, What is the national deficit? (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0013 (the role of government in the U.S. economy).
  • In one day a worker in Country A can make 12 chairs or 4 tables; a worker in Country B can make 6 chairs or 3 tables. Which statement is correct? Wikipedia, Comparative advantage (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0014 (international economics and global interdependence).
  • The Mexican peso depreciates against the U.S. dollar. Other things equal, what happens to Mexican goods sold in the United States? Wikipedia, Currency appreciation and depreciation (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0014 (international economics and global interdependence).
  • Self-checkout machines end many cashier jobs, and the laid-off cashiers lack the skills for the openings in software support. Which type of unemployment is this? Wikipedia, Structural unemployment (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0012 (the U.S. economy).
  • Which feature most sets a corporation apart from a sole proprietorship? Wikipedia, Limited liability (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0012 (the U.S. economy).
  • Which organization is a lender of last resort for member countries in a balance of payments crisis? Wikipedia, International Monetary Fund (read 2026-10-12). Outline: ILTS Social Science: Economics (244) test framework, objective 0014 (international economics and global interdependence).

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test framework of the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) field 244, Social Science: Economics, as the ILTS site prints it (https://www.il.nesinc.com/Content/STUDYGUIDE/IL_SG_OBJ_244.htm and the test page https://www.il.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/IL244_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-12): Social science foundational skills, 20%; Social science foundational knowledge, 40%; Foundations of economics and characteristics of market economies, 16%; U.S. and international economic systems, 24%; 100 multiple-choice questions, 80 of them scorable, 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time, passing score 240. This bank holds 50 questions, spread 10, 20, 8 and 12 over those subareas. Every fact was read on 2026-10-12 in the public page named under its question: the Federal Reserve Board (the H.6 release and its page on open market operations), the U.S. Treasury's Fiscal Data site, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Investor.gov of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Archives (the Constitution and the Homestead Act), and the Wikipedia article named for each remaining question. 2 questions rest on a table or sentences printed in the question and on the wording of the objective. Licence: Questions, passages, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This ILTS Economics 244 practice test is free, unofficial and not affiliated with the Illinois State Board of Education or Pearson. Its 50 questions of our own follow the four subareas of Social Science: Economics, with a timed exam mode.

Read the full guide

ILTS Economics (244): what the four subareas weigh

The framework, read October 12, 2026, gives economics two of four subareas: foundations of economics and market economies, 16%, and U.S. and international economic systems, 24%. Foundational skills, 20%, and foundational knowledge, 40%, come first. This bank holds 10, 20, 8 and 12.

Economics inside the shared subareas

Objectives 0001 to 0009 read the same, word for word, in the frameworks of the history (315) and psychology (248) fields. Here they lean toward economics: objective 0005, on economic concepts and personal finance, has five questions, and the history questions are on industry, trade, debt, banking and land.

Pace

Exam mode asks 40 questions in 78 minutes, the pace of the real test.

  • The framework names Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and Milton Friedman. Know what each argued.
  • Objective 0013 lists three tools of monetary policy: open market operations, the discount rate and the reserve requirement.

Questions and answers

What is on the ILTS Economics 244 test?

Fourteen objectives. Nine are general social science: inquiry, reading, government, economics and personal finance, world and U.S. history, geography and the behavioral sciences. Five are economics: concepts and systems, market economies, the U.S. economy, the role of government and international economics.

What score do you need to pass ILTS 244?

A scaled total of 240 or above, on a scale from 100 to 300. Each multiple-choice question counts the same and a wrong answer costs nothing. The Illinois State Board of Education established the passing scores.

How long is the ILTS economics test?

The appointment lasts 3 hours 30 minutes: 15 minutes for the tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, then 3 hours 15 minutes for 100 multiple-choice questions. The framework counts 80 of them as scorable.

How soon can you retake ILTS Economics?

The ILTS retake policy sets a wait of 14 days before a content-area test may be taken again, and the registration process is completed again each time.

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