So you’re taking the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) exam and you’re asking some of the following questions:
- Where do I find a free practice test?
- An exam breakdown?
- How do I register for the test?
Those are all great questions, and you’ve found the right place to get them answered!
My name is Kayman McIver, and at Best in Class we are here to help you get familiar with everything you need to know about the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12(231) exam!
TExES ELAR 7-12 Video Overviews
Searching for study material for your certification exam can be overwhelming! This video from 240 Tutoring gives some great tips on finding the best study material for you!
For a quick look at the type of questions you might see on the TExES ELAR 7-12 test, check out this video:
First Thing to Know
This test is a part of the collection of TExES exams required by the state of Texas for prospective teachers. TExES is an acronym for Texas Examination of Educator Standards. It is required that all teachers take an exam that is specific to the content they will teach to demonstrate that they have the requisite knowledge for instruction.
The ELAR 7-12 exam is required for those teaching English Language Arts courses at the secondary level (middle or high school). Some of the courses that fall into this category are language arts, reading, writing, and more specialized courses offered by some high schools such as fiction or short story writing.
The identification number for the ELAR 7-12 test is 231. Each TExES exam has been assigned a number by the state for simplified reference. The titles of the tests are often long and can be similar to one another; therefore, each test has its own number.
TExES ELAR 7-12 Exam Breakdown
The ELAR 7-12 exam is a five-hour computer-administered test (CAT). The test contains 100 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions. The 100 multiple-choice questions cover the following four domains:
| Domain | Approximate Percentage of Exam |
| I: Integrated Language Arts, Diverse Learners, and the Study of English | 15% |
| II: Literature, Reading Processes, and Skills for Reading Literary and Nonliterary Texts | 40% |
| III: Written Communication | 30% |
| IV: Oral Communication and Media Literacy | 15% |
The two constructed-response questions require a typed answer in essay format. The first question will require a literary analysis and the second question will cover writing assessment and pedagogy.
The five-hour time limit includes both portions of the test: the multiple-choice questions and the constructed responses. It is recommended that you spend three hours or less on the multiple-choice questions to allow two hours for the constructed-response questions; however, how to divide the time is up to you. If you do not pass, you will be required to take both parts again, as the score is comprehensive.
What is a Passing Score
The passing score for the exam is 240 out of 300, but this does not mean you must answer 80% of the questions correctly. Each question has a different weight, and there are field questions that do not count toward your overall score. In general, if you answer about 70% of the questions correctly and demonstrate reasonable knowledge on the constructed-response questions, you should pass.
How to Register for the TExES ELAR 7-12 Exam
New to Teaching?
If you are new to the field of education, you must first participate in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to become a teacher. These programs are for individuals who have already completed a college degree and want to become certified teachers. Representatives of EPPs can explain the details and requirements, so pick up the phone and call!
5 Best Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
Once you have approval from your certification program, signing up for the test is simple! Just follow these quick steps:
- Visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
- Create an account. If you click on the Sign In button, you will see an option to create an account.
- Once you’re logged in, click the Register button that is near the top of the page.
- Now click on the AAFCS, TASC, TExES tab near the center of the page.
- Click the orange Register Now button. If you’re not already logged in, this page will also prompt you to enter your email address and password.
The system will now take you through a series of questions in order to determine your testing needs. Among those questions will be an opportunity to select the ELAR 7-12 (231) exam from a list of your approved exams. Note that you will not be able to schedule your test date and location until after you have paid for the test. You can, however, look at the available seats prior to purchasing your ticket by clicking on Check Appointment Availability, and you have 170 days to register for an exam after purchasing a registration.
Already Certified?
If you have a standard certification to teach in Texas, then you can add the ELAR 7-12 by following these steps:
- Visit the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
- Create an account. If you click on the Sign In button, you will see an option to create an account.
- Once you’re logged in, click the Register button that is near the top of the page.
- Now click on the AAFCS, TASC, TExES tab near the center of the page.
- Click the orange Register Now button. If you’re not already logged in, this page will also prompt you to enter your email address and password.
The system will now take you through a series of questions in order to determine your testing needs. Note that you will not be able to schedule your test date and location until after you have paid for the test. You can, however, look at the available seats prior to purchasing your ticket by clicking on Check Appointment Availability, and you have 170 days to register for an exam after purchasing a registration.
Once you pass the exam, you are qualified to teach English Language Arts and Reading in the state of Texas!
Yay!
TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Free Practice Test
So you’re ready to take the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) and you want to know if you’ll pass.
And more than that, you want to know what specific areas to focus on as you prepare for the exam.
Well, you’re in the right place. We are going to tell you all about the best practice tests for the ELAR 7-12.
Best Free Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES ELAR 7-12 Practice Test
240 Tutoring has been helping teachers pass their exams since 2011. They offer an online, completely free practice test for the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam. The practice test will give you a free score breakdown so you can see exactly what you need to study.
TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Paid Practice Test
Best Paid Practice Test
240 Tutoring’s TExES ELAR 7-12 Practice Test and Study Guide
240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide that has tons of practice test questions. The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) study guide includes more than 350 questions, 95 pages of content, and loads of flash cards. It also has a separate supplemental study guide for the constructed-response questions, which is huge!
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.
So while it is a paid practice test, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 study guides for just one monthly price of $39.99. So subscribing to one study guide gives you access to both study guides.
Runner-Up for Practice Test
Study.com
Study.com offers a free practice test with 15 questions. Each question includes an explanation video after you have answered, and you can skip to the results at any time. This practice test can give you a quick idea of the type of questions to expect, but with only 15 questions it won’t cover all of the concepts that you need to know.
Honorable Mention
Exam Edge
Exam Edge provides a free sample test consisting of 12 questions, with lengthier practice tests available for purchase. You can choose how many practice tests to purchase, but keep in mind that this will only include practice questions and explanations, not a separate study guide.
TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Free Study Guide
So you’re ready to take the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 exam and you want to know what to study.
And more than that, you want to know what specific areas to focus on and what study guide is right for you.
Well, you’re in the right place. We are going to tell you about the absolutely best study guides for the ELAR 7-12.
Best Free Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES ELAR 7-12 Ultimate Guide
The TExES ELAR 7-12 Ultimate Guide covers all of the domains of the test, highlighting one to three concepts within each domain. This gives you an idea of all the information you will find on the full study guide and it’s a great starting point as you prepare.
TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Paid Study Guide
Best Paid Study Guide
240 Tutoring’s TExES ELAR 7-12 Practice Test and Study Guide
240 Tutoring also offers a full study guide that has tons of practice test questions. The TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) study guide includes more than 350 questions, 95 pages of content, and loads of flash cards. It also has a separate supplemental study guide for the constructed-response questions, which is huge!
Best of all? The study guide comes with a money-back guarantee that you will pass the test.
So while it is a paid practice test, you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
BONUS: 240 Tutoring is a month-to-month subscription. You get all of the TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 study guides for just one monthly price of $39.99. So subscribing to one study guide gives you access to both study guides.
Runner-Up for Study Guide
Study.com
Study.com offers a paid study guide that includes 23 chapters and multiple lessons within each chapter. The lessons are presented as videos and include practice quizzes after each lesson. It provides a lot of information, but it’s probably far more than you need to know, which could be overwhelming for many test takers.
Honorable Mention
Certify Teacher
Certify Teacher provides a study guide with flashcards and practice questions to fully prepare you. The upfront cost is $80 and your subscription ends when you pass your exam, or after three years. The program is tailored to the user based on practice test questions, but there is not a free test to try before you buy, or even a sample of what you can expect in the study guide.
Kayman McIver has been teaching for 13 years and loves her awkward middle school students. Over the years, she has taught elementary and secondary students with a variety of abilities and is excited to help you begin a career in education!
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TExES English Language Arts and Reading 7-12 (231) Exam Review