Unofficial practice for MTEL Earth and Space Science (74): universe, geosphere, water and air, human activity, each answer sourced.
Pick an answer, then press Check answer.Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason.Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.
Print covers the next 48 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.
Exam mode: 48 questions, no time limit.
Your totals on this device
0answered
0right
none yetpercent right
none yetbest exam score
Seen 0 of 48 questions
More options
Which questions to ask
Missed and Flagged fill up as you go.
Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or Pearson. Bank checked October 12, 2026.
A red dwarf is smaller and dimmer than the Sun. Compared with the Sun's habitable zone, where does NASA place a red dwarf's?NASA Science, Exoplanets: The Habitable Zone (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0002
The cosmic microwave background is a glow that telescopes still detect today. According to NASA, when was this light set free?NASA Science, Universe: Overview, Recombination (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0001
During an annular solar eclipse a bright ring of the Sun stays in view around the Moon. Why does the Moon not cover the Sun completely?NASA Science, Eclipses: Types, Annular Solar Eclipse (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0002
Light from a star passes through a cloud of gas, and its spectrum then shows dark lines at certain wavelengths. What do the dark lines reveal?NASA Science, Hubble: Spectroscopy, on absorption spectra (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0001
Most asteroids orbit the Sun in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. According to NASA, what can knock an asteroid out of the belt and across the paths of the planets?NASA Science, Asteroids: Facts (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0002
Star A has twenty times the mass of star B. According to NASA, how do their lifetimes compare?NASA Science, Stars (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0001
Show all 48 questions (42 more)
Subarea II: Geosphere 12
A clastic sedimentary rock is made of pebbles surrounded by a matrix of sand. What is it called?U.S. Geological Survey, FAQ: What are sedimentary rocks? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0005
A crystal formed holding 800 atoms of a radioactive parent isotope. How many atoms of the parent are left after two half-lives?National Park Service, Radiometric Age Dating, on half-lives (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0003
A dike of igneous rock cuts across several beds of sandstone in a cliff. What does the principle of cross-cutting relationships say about their ages?National Park Service, Geologic Principles: Cross-cutting Relationships (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0003
A region is dotted with sinkholes, sinking streams, caves and springs. Which bedrock would a geologist expect to find beneath it?National Park Service, Caves and Karst: Karst Landscapes (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0005
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, why can the exact age of Earth not be read directly from Earth's own rocks?U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic Time: Age of the Earth (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0003
Most sand dunes have one long, shallow slope and one steep slope. Which way does the long, shallow slope face?National Park Service, Geology: Aeolian (Dunes) Landforms (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0005
Off the west coast of South America the oceanic Nazca Plate meets the continental South American Plate. What happens along this boundary?U.S. Geological Survey, This Dynamic Earth: Understanding plate motions, Oceanic-continental convergence (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0004
The oldest volcanic rocks on Kauai are about 5.5 million years old. On the Island of Hawaii they are under 0.7 million years old. How does the hotspot theory explain this?U.S. Geological Survey, This Dynamic Earth: "Hotspots": Mantle thermal plumes (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0004
Outwash plains make up most of the Cape Cod landscape. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, what are they made of?U.S. Geological Survey, Geologic History of Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Glacial Cape Cod (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0003
Quartz has a hardness of 7. Fluorite, which is often mistaken for quartz, has a hardness of 4. What will a student find on scratching one against the other?National Park Service, Geology: Minerals, mineral properties and the Mohs Hardness Scale (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0005
Stripes of rock with normal and reversed magnetic polarity lie in matching rows on either side of a mid-ocean ridge. Which hypothesis explained this pattern?U.S. Geological Survey, This Dynamic Earth: Developing the theory, Magnetic striping and polar reversals (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0004
Tectonic plates are pieces of the rigid lithosphere. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, what lies below the lithosphere and lets the plates move?U.S. Geological Survey, This Dynamic Earth: Inside the Earth (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0004
Subarea III: Water, atmosphere, weather and climate 18
A rock has a great deal of open space in it, yet water moves through it only with difficulty. In the terms of the U.S. Geological Survey, the rock has:U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science School: Groundwater Flow and the Water Cycle (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
A well taps an aquifer that lies between two layers of clay, and water rises in the well above the top of the aquifer. Why?U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science School: Artesian Water and Artesian Wells (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
According to NASA, what would happen if carbon dioxide were removed from Earth's atmosphere?NASA Science, Climate Change FAQ: What is the greenhouse effect? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, how does the freshwater stored in the ground compare with the liquid freshwater on Earth's surface?U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science School: How Much Water is There on Earth? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
All thunderstorms need moisture and instability. What is the third ingredient?NOAA JetStream, Ingredients for a Thunderstorm (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
Below about what depth does so little sunlight reach that photosynthesis is no longer possible in the ocean?NOAA National Ocean Service, Ocean Facts: How far does light travel in the ocean? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
In the Köppen-Geiger system, what is the most obvious feature of the dry (B) climates?NOAA JetStream, Climate Zones, B: Dry Climates (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
Leaving water vapor out, which gas makes up about 78 percent of the atmosphere?NOAA JetStream, The Atmosphere, chemical makeup of the atmosphere (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
Many of the world's deserts lie near 30 degrees north and south. Which feature of the global circulation is found at those latitudes?NOAA JetStream, Global Atmospheric Circulations (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
Much of the ocean's salt comes from rocks on land. According to NOAA, how does it get from the rocks to the sea?NOAA National Ocean Service, Ocean Facts: Why is the ocean salty? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
Over the last million years the tilt of Earth's axis has varied between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees. What is this Milankovitch cycle called, and what does a greater tilt do?NASA Science, Milankovitch (Orbital) Cycles and Their Role in Earth's Climate, Obliquity (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
Scientists drill cores from polar ice and mountain glaciers and measure oxygen isotopes, methane and dust in them. What do these measurements serve as?NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Paleoclimatology: Ice Core (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
The Sun emits shortwave light and ultraviolet energy. Why does Earth radiate long-wavelength infrared energy?NOAA JetStream, The Earth-Atmosphere Energy Balance (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
Temperature swings between day and night are much greater over land than over the ocean. Which reason does NOAA give?NOAA JetStream, The Sea Breeze, differential heating (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
When sea ice forms in the polar regions, what happens to the seawater around it?NOAA National Ocean Service, Currents Tutorial: Thermohaline Circulation (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0006
Which description fits a tropical cyclone, as NOAA defines it?NOAA JetStream, Tropical Cyclone Introduction (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
Which group holds only high-level clouds among the ten basic cloud types?NOAA JetStream, Ten Basic Clouds (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0008
Within a jet stream the winds blow from west to east. Why are jet streams strongest in winter?NOAA JetStream, The Jet Stream (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0007
Subarea IV: Earth and human activity 12
A lake far from any power plant, and across a border, turns acidic. How does the EPA explain acid rain so far from its sources?U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, What is Acid Rain? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0011
A major explosive eruption injects sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, and the lower atmosphere then cools. Why?U.S. Geological Survey, Volcano Hazards Program: Volcanoes Can Affect Climate (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0010
A town restores the wetlands along its river as a flood-control measure. According to the EPA, how do wetlands lower flood heights?U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Why are Wetlands Important?, Flood Protection (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0011
According to NOAA, how does the carbon held in the ocean compare with the carbon in the atmosphere?NOAA Education, Carbon cycle, Carbon storage and exchange (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0009
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, how do all nuclear power plants release energy from their fuel?U.S. Energy Information Administration, Energy Explained: Nuclear explained (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0009
Burning coal emits sulfur dioxide. Which equipment do some electric power plants use to cut the sulfur leaving their smokestacks?U.S. Energy Information Administration, Energy Explained: Coal and the environment (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0009
Large amounts of groundwater are pumped from fine-grained sediments under a farming valley, and the land surface sinks. What explains the sinking?U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science School: Land Subsidence (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0011
On a summer afternoon a downtown district is several degrees warmer than the farmland around the city. Which cause does the EPA give for such a heat island?U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, What Are Heat Islands? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0011
One earthquake is given a single moment magnitude but many different Modified Mercalli values. Why?U.S. Geological Survey, FAQ: What is the difference between earthquake magnitude and earthquake intensity? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0010
What can U.S. Geological Survey scientists say today about a significant earthquake in a given area?U.S. Geological Survey, FAQ: Can you predict earthquakes? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0010
Why do scientists not use the term "tidal wave" for a tsunami?U.S. Geological Survey, FAQ: What are tsunamis? (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0010
Why does the U.S. Energy Information Administration class geothermal energy as a renewable source?U.S. Energy Information Administration, Energy Explained: Geothermal explained (read 2026-10-12). Written to MTEL Earth and Space Science (74), objective 0009
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test objectives of MTEL Earth and Space Science, field 74, as the test information guide prints them on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure website (https://www.mtel.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/MA_SG_OBJ_74.htm and https://www.mtel.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/MA074_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-12): 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response items in 4 hours; multiple-choice subareas I Earth's Place in the Universe (10% of the score, objectives 0001 and 0002), II Earth's Systems: Geosphere (20%, objectives 0003 to 0005), III Earth's Systems: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate (30%, objectives 0006 to 0008) and IV Earth and Human Activity (20%, objectives 0009 to 0011), and the open-response subarea, 20%. This bank holds 6, 12, 18 and 12. Every fact was read on 2026-10-12 in the public page named under its question: NASA Science, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, NOAA (JetStream, the National Ocean Service and the National Centers for Environmental Information), the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The one calculated answer (two half-lives) was worked a second time. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
The MTEL earth science test is Earth and Space Science (74). Our own 48 practice questions cover its four multiple-choice subareas. Unofficial: not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or Pearson.
Read the full guide
The four subareas
By the test objectives: Earth's place in the universe, 10% of the score; the geosphere, 20%; the hydrosphere, atmosphere, weather and climate, 30%; Earth and human activity, 20%. This bank holds 6, 12, 18 and 12, and names the objective behind each question.
What the real test adds
Two open-response assignments carry the other 20%: one asks for a labeled graph, formula or diagram, the other for a planned investigation with its safety considerations. The test page says calculators are prohibited.
Massachusetts on the test
Objective 0003 names the geologic past of New England and Massachusetts: the Appalachian Mountains, the Connecticut River Valley, Cape Cod and the Islands. The Cape Cod question here is written from the U.S. Geological Survey's account.
The objectives include weather maps and their symbols. This bank asks everything in words, with no map or diagram.
Questions and answers
Is there an MTEL earth science study guide?
The MTEL site publishes a test information guide for Earth and Space Science (74): the test objectives, sample questions, a sample open-response assignment, a practice test and a study outline chart. This page is separate; its questions are our own.
How many questions are on the MTEL Earth and Space Science test?
2 open-response assignments and 100 multiple-choice questions, in 4 hours of testing time on a computer at a test center, with no separate time for either part. The MTEL site adds that some questions may not count toward the score.
What is the passing score for the MTEL earth science test?
The MTEL site gives a qualifying score of 240. That score also counts the two open-response assignments, so the number right on this page is not a prediction.
What is on the MTEL earth science test?
Eleven multiple-choice objectives: the universe, the solar system, geologic history, plate tectonics, Earth materials, water systems, the atmosphere, weather and climate, geochemical cycles and resources, natural hazards, and the effects of human activity.