A newcomer hears "spill the beans" and looks at the floor. Why are idioms hard for English learners?Wikipedia, Idiom. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
A student knows "table" as furniture and is puzzled when the math teacher says "read the table". Which area of linguistics studies the meaning of linguistic expressions?SIL Glossary of Linguistic Terms, Semantics. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
According to the interaction hypothesis, usually credited to Michael Long, how is input made comprehensible to a learner?Wikipedia, Interaction hypothesis. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
After a vocabulary quiz, a student writes down which of his study methods worked and which did not. What is this reflecting on one's own thought called?Wikipedia, Metacognition. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
Show all 50 questions (46 more)
Language concepts and language acquisition, continued
The English Language Proficiency Standards list six interrelated components of language acquisition: phonetics, phonology, semantics, syntax, morphology and which other?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(2), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
The English Language Proficiency Standards name informal and formal language. What do they call the English students need to interact, exchange ideas and engage in various settings?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(3), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
How do the English Language Proficiency Standards in 19 TAC §120.20 describe social and academic registers?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(3), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
The plural ending of regular English nouns is pronounced in three ways. In which word is it pronounced /z/?Wikipedia, Morpheme. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
The revised English Language Proficiency Standards name five proficiency levels. Which one do they say is "also known as the silent period"?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(e)(1), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
"Sam ate apples" shows the default word order of an English sentence. What is that order?Wikipedia, Subject–verb–object word order. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
Which claim does Krashen's natural order hypothesis make?Wikipedia, Input hypothesis. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
Which theorist proposed the language acquisition device, an instinctive mental capacity that lets an infant acquire and produce language?Wikipedia, Language acquisition device. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 002
Which two language domains do the English Language Proficiency Standards call the receptive, or input, skills?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(4), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain I, competency 001
ESL instruction and assessment 22
The 2007 standards that the exam framework follows (19 TAC §74.4) call for focused, targeted and systematic second language acquisition instruction for which students?19 Texas Administrative Code §74.4(b)(4) and §120.20(b)(4) (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 003
A new student's home language survey shows a language other than English. Within what time must the school give the state-approved English language proficiency test for identification?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1226(b), Testing and Classification of Students (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
A newcomer had no opportunity to attend school for several years before arriving. Which term does Colorín Colorado give for students like her?Colorín Colorado, How to Support ELL Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFEs). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 005
A second grader new to English listens but does not yet speak. What does Colorín Colorado's article on oral language development advise?Colorín Colorado, Oral Language Development and ELLs: 5 Challenges and Solutions. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 004
A teacher collects samples of a student's writing, drawings and recorded oral work through the year to show growth toward curricular objectives. Which informal assessment method is this?Colorín Colorado, Using Informal Assessments for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
A teacher names a category, and teammates take turns around the group saying an item that fits it. Which cooperative structure builds oral language in this way?Colorín Colorado, Cooperative Learning Strategies. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 004
A teacher sets up cooperative learning teams of four. How does Colorín Colorado advise placing the English learners?Colorín Colorado, Cooperative Learning Strategies. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 003
According to Colorín Colorado, about what share of the words in a text must students know if they are going to comprehend it?Colorín Colorado, Pre-Reading Activities for ELLs. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 005
According to the English Language Proficiency Standards, what do students' expressive skills, speaking and writing, allow a teacher to do?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(4), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 004
After a student is reclassified as English proficient, for how long does the language proficiency assessment committee monitor the student's academic progress?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1220(k), Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
Before presenting a new topic, how does Colorín Colorado suggest drawing on what English learners already know about it?Colorín Colorado, Reading Comprehension Strategies for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 006
Before reading, a teacher goes through a book with students, pointing out the illustrations and asking what they notice and how the details may relate to the story. What is this strategy called?Colorín Colorado, Reading Comprehension Strategies for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 005
Besides key content vocabulary, which words does Colorín Colorado say English learners may need to be taught explicitly, giving "because" and "explain" as examples?Colorín Colorado, Reading Comprehension Strategies for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 005
How does TELPAS assess emergent bilingual students in kindergarten and grade 1?Texas Education Agency, TELPAS Resources. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
In language teaching, what are realia?Wikipedia, Realia (education). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 006
In the ESL/content-based program model of 19 TAC §89.1210, a teacher certified in ESL delivers instruction in which subjects?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1210(d), Program Content and Design (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 003
In which grades may an emergent bilingual student not be reclassified as English proficient?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1226(j), Testing and Classification of Students (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
Instruction in a Texas ESL program is given in English. What does 19 TAC §89.1210 say the program shall be designed to incorporate?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1210(b)(1)(B), Program Content and Design (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 003
Reclassification as English proficient under 19 TAC §89.1226(i) takes three criteria. Two are the state English proficiency test rating and the state reading assessment standard. What is the third?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1226(i), Testing and Classification of Students (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
What are high frequency sight words?Wikipedia, Sight word. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 005
With a new textbook, a teacher shows the table of contents and glossary and points out bold print, chapter headings and summaries. What does Colorín Colorado say this prepares students to do?Colorín Colorado, Reading Comprehension Strategies for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 006
With beginner and intermediate English learners, how many items does Colorín Colorado say it is best to assess at a time in a performance-based assessment?Colorín Colorado, Using Informal Assessments for English Language Learners. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain II, competency 007
Foundations, culture, family and community 15
A district cannot hire enough certified ESL teachers. By what date must it apply for an ESL waiver under 19 TAC §89.1207?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1207, Bilingual Program Exceptions and ESL Program Waivers (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
A district is not required to offer a bilingual program to some of its emergent bilingual students. Under 19 TAC §89.1205, what must it provide them?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1205(c), Required Bilingual and ESL Programs (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
A parent denies placement in the ESL program. What still happens under 19 TAC §89.1240?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1240, Parental Authority and Responsibility (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 010
An emergent bilingual student also qualifies for special education. Under 19 TAC §89.1230, who reviews her progress and recommends how to meet her educational needs?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1230, Eligible Students with Disabilities (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 010
Castañeda v. Pickard, decided by the Fifth Circuit in 1981, was filed against which Texas school district?Wikipedia, Castañeda v. Pickard. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
In which language or languages must a parent be told that a child has been identified as an emergent bilingual student and recommended for an ESL program?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1240, Parental Authority and Responsibility (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 010
Plyler v. Doe (1982) struck down a Texas statute. What did that statute do?Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982) (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
Texas Education Code §29.055(a) defines an ESL program as intensive instruction in English from teachers trained in what?Texas Education Code §29.055(a). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
Under Texas Education Code §29.057, with whom shall students enrolled in a special language program be placed in classes?Texas Education Code §29.057(b). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 009
What do the revised English Language Proficiency Standards say educators must integrate into classroom instructional practices?19 Texas Administrative Code §120.20(c)(5), English Language Proficiency Standards (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 009
What is the longest that recent immigrant emergent bilingual students may remain enrolled in a newcomer center under 19 TAC §89.1235?19 Texas Administrative Code §89.1235, Facilities (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
Where must a Texas district locate its ESL program?Texas Education Code §29.057(a). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 009
Which claim is central to John Schumann's acculturation model?Wikipedia, Acculturation model. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 009
Which remedy did the Supreme Court prescribe in Lau v. Nichols (1974)?Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974) (Legal Information Institute copy). Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 008
Why does Colorín Colorado advise finding an adult interpreter for a parent conference and not relying on the student?Colorín Colorado, How to Reach Out to Parents of ELLs. Written to TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) Domain III, competency 010
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the exam framework of TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154) in Section 3 of the preparation manual on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website, https://www.tx.nesinc.com/Content/StudyGuide/TX_SG_obj_154.htm (copyright Texas Education Agency), read 2026-10-09: 80 selected-response questions in three domains, Language Concepts and Language Acquisition about 25% (competencies 001 and 002), ESL Instruction and Assessment 45% (003 to 007), and Foundations of ESL Education, Cultural Awareness and Family and Community Involvement 30% (008 to 010). This bank holds 50 in those shares: 13, 22 and 15. Every fact was read on the public page named under its question (33 pages, each opened 2026-10-09): Texas Education Code Chapter 29, Subchapter B; 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 89, Subchapter BB, and the English Language Proficiency Standards in §74.4 (2007) and §120.20 (in classrooms from 2026-2027), in the Legal Information Institute copy; the Texas Education Agency's TELPAS page; Lau v. Nichols and Plyler v. Doe; Colorín Colorado; the SIL Glossary of Linguistic Terms; and Wikipedia for terms of linguistics and second language acquisition. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
A free ESL 154 practice test for TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental: 50 questions of our own across the exam's three domains. Unofficial, and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the Texas Education Agency or Pearson.
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
Language Concepts and Language Acquisition carries about 25% of the exam, ESL Instruction and Assessment 45%, and Foundations of ESL Education, Cultural Awareness and Family and Community Involvement 30%. The 50 questions here split 13, 22 and 15.
Length and timing
The exam asks 80 selected-response questions in 4 hours 45 minutes of testing, inside a 5-hour appointment. Exam mode gives these 50 questions 178 minutes, the same pace.
Texas rules as they read now
Law questions quote Education Code Chapter 29 and 19 TAC Chapter 89, which now say emergent bilingual student. The English Language Proficiency Standards changed in 2026-2027: §120.20 names five levels where the framework's §74.4 named four.
TELPAS keeps the four 2007 proficiency levels through 2027-2028 while classrooms use the five-level standards, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Questions and answers
Is there an ESL 154 practice test PDF?
Yes. Print a question sheet of as many of the 50 questions as you choose, with the answer key on its own page, and pick Save as PDF in your browser's print window.
Is this TExES ESL Supplemental 154 practice test free online?
Yes. All 50 questions are free, with no account and no sign-up.
What score do you need to pass the TExES 154 certification test?
The exam's page gives 240 as the passing score. Scores are scaled and the exam may include questions that do not count, so this page shows a count of right answers and no pass or fail.
Does this ESL Supplemental 154 practice test use real exam questions?
No. Every question was written for this site from one competency of the framework and one public source. The real exam and the sample questions in the preparation manual were not used or reworded.