A nativist account of language development rests on a purported inborn capacity for acquiring language. What did Noam Chomsky, who proposed it in the 1960s, call that capacity?Wikipedia, Language acquisition device (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 003 (language development and reading acquisition).
A student writes "gonna" and "kinda" in a formal lab report but not in essays for English class. A mini-lesson on the variety of language used for a particular purpose or communicative situation would be a lesson on what?Wikipedia, Register (sociolinguistics) (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 002 (the various uses of language).
"Can you open the window?" is taken by most listeners as a request, not as a question about strength. Which system of language deals with meaning that depends on context in this way?Wikipedia, Pragmatics (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 001 (the constructive, dynamic process of reading).
Show all 50 questions (47 more)
Meaning and communication, continued
In the written word "ship", the letters s and h together stand for one sound. What is the smallest functional unit of a writing system, whether one letter or several, called?Wikipedia, Grapheme (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 001 (the constructive, dynamic process of reading).
One evening a tenth grader reads a first-aid manual to carry away its steps, then reads a poem for what it makes her feel and picture. Which theorist of reading named these two stances efferent and aesthetic?Wikipedia, Louise Rosenblatt (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 001 (the constructive, dynamic process of reading).
The simple view of reading multiplies decoding by language comprehension. What does the multiplication imply for a child who cannot yet decode at all?Wikipedia, Simple view of reading (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 001 (the constructive, dynamic process of reading).
Which approach, made popular by Gloria Ladson-Billings in the early 1990s, uses student culture to aid instruction and treats it as a strength?Wikipedia, Culturally relevant teaching (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 005 (factors in language development and literacy).
Which researcher developed a readability formula with Edgar Dale in 1948 and went on to write Learning to Read: The Great Debate and Stages of Reading Development?Wikipedia, Jeanne Chall (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 003 (language development and reading acquisition).
Genres and craft of literature and language 7
A paragraph reads: "Litter kept piling up in the park. The council placed ten new bins along the paths, and within a month the lawns were clean." Which expository text structure does it use?The text and figures printed in the question. Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 008 (characteristics of literary genres).
A specialist building a classroom library wants books honored for the way they portray the Latino cultural experience. Which award, first given in 1996, should she look for?Wikipedia, Pura Belpré Award (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 006 (literature written for students).
A storyteller swears it is the plain truth that a river froze so fast one winter that the fish were caught in mid-leap. Which narrative genre is this?Wikipedia, Tall tale (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 008 (characteristics of literary genres).
Chapter one of a novel mentions, in passing, a storm far out at sea. In chapter twelve the storm wrecks the harbor. Which narrative device has the author used?Wikipedia, Foreshadowing (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 009 (mechanics and craft).
For a unit on the Dust Bowl, students compare a farmer's diary from 1935 with a chapter of a history book published last year. What is the diary?Wikipedia, Primary source (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 007 (using literature in reading instruction).
Many young adult novels follow a protagonist's psychological and moral growth from youth into adulthood. What is this genre called?Wikipedia, Bildungsroman (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 006 (literature written for students).
Students reading a textbook chapter on westward expansion ask whose voices are missing and who gains from the way the story is told. Which approach to texts are they practicing?Wikipedia, Critical literacy (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 007 (using literature in reading instruction).
Skills and processes 8
A poster for a phone tells students, "Everyone in your grade already has one." Which persuasive technique does a media literacy lesson name here?Wikipedia, Propaganda techniques (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 012 (literacy as a lifelong skill).
A sixth grader drafting a story stops to plan again, rewrites an earlier scene, and fixes a sentence before she goes on drafting. What does this show about the writing process?Wikipedia, Writing process (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 011 (the developmental nature of the language arts).
A student studies her vocabulary cards in four short sessions spread over two weeks, not in one long session the night before the quiz. Which study technique is this?Wikipedia, Distributed practice (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 014 (study strategies).
A teacher of English learners plans read-alouds the children can mostly follow, with a few structures just past what they can yet produce. Which of Krashen's hypotheses is she applying?Wikipedia, Input hypothesis (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 011 (the developmental nature of the language arts).
A teacher wants two spoken words that share a rime although they are spelled differently. Which pair fits?Wikipedia, Syllable (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 013 (reading comprehension strategies).
An English learner chats easily at recess after one year, yet still struggles with the language of her science textbook. Which pair of terms from Jim Cummins describes the two kinds of proficiency?Wikipedia, Cognitive academic language proficiency (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 011 (the developmental nature of the language arts).
Children differ in the time they take to name aloud a page of familiar colors or digits. Of what do these differences in rapid automatized naming give a strong prediction?Wikipedia, Rapid automatized naming (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 013 (reading comprehension strategies).
In one classroom, children choose their own books, form small temporary groups by book choice, and meet on a regular schedule to talk about what they read, guided by their own notes. What is this structure called?Wikipedia, Literature circle (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 010 (a literate environment in the classroom).
Instruction 10
A reading program has pupils guess an unknown word from the picture before looking at its letters. How does Michigan's early literacy law treat such methods in instruction for pupils with characteristics of dyslexia?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 016 (enhancing students' reading comprehension).
A teacher groups "sign", "signal", "signature", "design" and "resign" on a chart to show the base they share. What is such a set of related words called?Wikipedia, Word family (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 019 (promoting vocabulary development).
A third grader already reads at a sixth-grade level. Her teacher pre-tests each unit and swaps the material she has mastered for more demanding reading. Which strategy for gifted students is this?Wikipedia, Gifted education (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 020 (a learning environment for all students).
After a trip to an orchard, a first grader tells the teacher about it. She writes down his account exactly as he says it, and the two read it back together. Which approach to beginning literacy is this?Wikipedia, Language Experience Approach (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 015 (literacy instruction theories).
For a unit on biomes each student learns one topic alone, presents it to a mixed home group, then meets with the classmates who had the same topic to reconcile what they found. Which cooperative structure is this?Wikipedia, Jigsaw (teaching technique) (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 017 (enhancing students' oral communication).
In April 2000 the National Reading Panel issued "Teaching Children to Read", which summarized research in eight areas of literacy instruction. Which set of areas was among the eight?Wikipedia, National Reading Panel (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 016 (enhancing students' reading comprehension).
Michigan's early literacy law defines an approach as systematic, direct, explicit, cumulative and diagnostic instruction that stresses the structure of language, from the speech sound system to discourse. Which approach?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 015 (literacy instruction theories).
Michigan's early literacy law describes an intervention response team that plans for pupils with significant and persistent needs. Which member must the team include?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 020 (a learning environment for all students).
On which premise does the whole language philosophy of reading instruction rest?Wikipedia, Whole language (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 015 (literacy instruction theories).
To start a personal narrative, students write without stopping for six minutes, with little concern for conventions or mechanics. Which prewriting technique is this?Wikipedia, Free writing (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 018 (enhancing students' written communication).
Assessment 7
A child reads "She ran to her house" where the text says "She ran to her home." Under the view of reading behind miscue analysis, what does the substitution suggest?Wikipedia, Miscue analysis (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 022 (implementing literacy assessment).
A Michigan third grader scores not proficient in reading on the state English language arts assessment. Under the early literacy law, what must the department send the parent by July 31?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 023 (appropriate uses of assessment).
A norm-referenced reading test reports that a sixth grader scored in stanine 5. What does that tell her teacher?Wikipedia, Stanine (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 021 (principles of reading assessment).
A screening test gives each pupil almost the same score when it is repeated a week later, but it turns out to measure vocabulary and not decoding, as claimed. In the terms of Michigan's early literacy law, what is the test?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 021 (principles of reading assessment).
Every two weeks a specialist gives a short measure to pupils already in an intervention group, to decide whether their support should go on or change. In Michigan's early literacy law, what kind of assessment is this?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 023 (appropriate uses of assessment).
Students write a reading goal for the term. Which goal fits the research finding that specific and ambitious goals improve performance more than easy or general ones?Wikipedia, Goal setting (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 024 (uses of self-assessment).
Under Michigan's early literacy law, from the 2027-2028 school year, which pupils must be screened for characteristics of dyslexia no fewer than three times in a school year?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 022 (implementing literacy assessment).
Professional, program, and curriculum development 10
A Michigan district sends each pupil's individual reading improvement plan to its intermediate school district, as the early literacy law requires. What must the copies leave out?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 026 (professional practices related to students and others).
A reading specialist helps a school plan its use of federal funds that give priority to schools in obvious need and to low-achieving schools. Under which title of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, headed in 1965 "for the education of children of low-income families", do the funds come?Wikipedia, Elementary and Secondary Education Act (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 029 (the role of reading specialists in curriculum development).
A researcher spends a school year inside one fourth-grade classroom, watching and interviewing, to describe its reading culture as the children and the teacher themselves see it. Which research methodology is this?Wikipedia, Ethnography (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 030 (literacy research).
A seventh grade teacher reports signs she has seen in one pupil. Which sign is on the list in Michigan's early literacy law that calls for screening a pupil in grades 4 to 12 for characteristics of dyslexia?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 025 (assisting students with reading difficulties).
A specialist planning workshops for veteran teachers builds on their classroom experience and involves them in planning and evaluating the sessions. Which body of principles about adult learners, proposed as a theory by Malcolm Knowles, is she applying?Wikipedia, Andragogy (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 028 (professional development programs).
In the definition of "evidence-based" in Michigan's early literacy law, which kind of study supplies "strong evidence"?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 030 (literacy research).
Michigan's early literacy law defines a reading leadership team. Who leads it?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 029 (the role of reading specialists in curriculum development).
Michigan's early literacy law says dyslexia may include secondary consequences. Which does it name?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 025 (assisting students with reading difficulties).
The objectives name the National Council of Teachers of English among professional organizations. What is the stated purpose of the NCTE, formed in 1911?Wikipedia, National Council of Teachers of English (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 027 (promoting professional growth).
Under Michigan's early literacy law, which assignment must a district-identified literacy coach not be given?Michigan Legislature, Revised School Code, MCL 380.1280f (read 2026-10-16). Outline: MTTC Reading Specialist (092) test objectives, objective 028 (professional development programs).
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test objectives of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) field 092, Reading Specialist, as the MTTC site prints them (https://www.mttc.nesinc.com/Content/STUDYGUIDE/MI_SG_obj_092.htm and the test page https://www.mttc.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/MI092_TestPage.html, read 2026-10-16): Meaning and Communication, objectives 001-005, 16%; Genres and Craft of Literature and Language, 006-009, 14%; Skills and Processes, 010-014, 16%; Instruction, 015-020, 20%; Assessment, 021-024, 14%; Professional, Program, and Curriculum Development, 025-030, 20%; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours 30 minutes of testing time, passing score 220. This bank holds 50 questions, spread 8, 7, 8, 10, 7 and 10 over those subareas. Every fact was read on 2026-10-16 in the public page named under its question: section 1280f of the Revised School Code on the Michigan Legislature's site (13 questions on Michigan's early literacy law), and the Wikipedia article named for each remaining question. 1 question rests on a text 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 MTTC Reading Specialist practice test covers field 092 with 50 questions of our own, weighted toward instruction and program leadership as the test is. It is unofficial, written without any part played by the Michigan Department of Education or by Pearson.
Read the full guide
What field 092 weighs
Thirty objectives in six subareas, read October 16, 2026: meaning and communication 16%; genres and craft of literature and language 14%; skills and processes 16%; instruction 20%; assessment 14%; professional, program, and curriculum development 20%. This bank holds 8, 7, 8, 10, 7 and 10, the same shares. Doing all 50 in 75 minutes matches the real test's rate.
The specialist's side of Michigan law
Thirteen questions rest on MCL 380.1280f: what a literacy coach may not be assigned, who leads a reading leadership team, dyslexia screening from 2027-2028, structured literacy, what counts as strong evidence, and the notice the department mails by July 31.
Three objectives have no counterpart among the 27 of Reading (005): professional development programs (028), curriculum development (029) and literacy research (030).
Objective 030 names its research methodologies: ethnographic, descriptive and experimental.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the MTTC Reading Specialist test?
One hundred, in multiple-choice form, on a computer. Candidates get 2 hours 30 minutes to answer them, in an appointment booked for 2 hours 45 minutes.
What score passes MTTC Reading Specialist (092)?
The passing score is 220, the figure the department uses for MTTC tests, on a scale whose ends are 100 and 300. BR is the endorsement code the test page gives.
Who takes Reading Specialist (092) and not Reading (005)?
The test page calls Reading Specialist (092) a graduate program, used only as an additional K–12 endorsement for people who already hold teaching certificates. It says the two tests are not interchangeable and tells candidates to ask their advisor.
Is there an MTTC Reading Specialist study guide?
Yes. Its four sections are on the MTTC site: program and test information, how to prepare, the test objectives, and sample multiple-choice questions. Registration adds an online practice test. The questions here come from neither.