Reading Competencies Tested on the PAPA
The PAPA reading subtest contains six general objectives which define the knowledge and skills that Minnesota educators and teacher educators have determined to be important for educators to possess. Each objective is expanded upon by descriptive statements. Descriptive statements provide examples of the range, type, and level of content that may appear on the test for questions measuring the objective.
An outline showing these objective and descriptive statements is shown below.
0001 Determine the meanings of words and phrases used in a variety of texts.
- applying knowledge of word structure, context, and syntax to determine the meanings of words and phrases
- determining the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases
- determining the denotative and connotative meanings of words and phrases
- recognizing synonyms and antonyms for words and phrases
0002 Recognize purpose, main idea, and organization in a variety of texts.
- identifying the primary purpose of a paragraph or passage
- identifying the main idea of a paragraph or passage
- distinguishing between general statements and specific details
- recognizing organizational structures
- recognizing an accurate summary or outline of a paragraph or passage
0003 Analyze and evaluate ideas and information presented in a variety of texts.
- analyzing relationships between ideas (e.g., cause and effect, problem and solution, comparing and contrasting)
- distinguishing between statements of fact and expressions of opinion
- assessing the evidence and reasons used to support an idea or argument for their relevance, importance, and sufficiency
- evaluating the credibility, objectivity, and reliability of an author or the sources used by an author
0004 Make inferences from ideas and information presented in a variety of texts.
- identifying the author's tone, opinion, or point of view
- identifying the assumptions underlying an author's argument or ideas
- drawing conclusions from ideas and information presented in a paragraph or passage
- recognizing the implications of ideas and information presented in a paragraph or passage
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