The ParaPro Assessment has been replaced by ParaPathways (5757), and the reading and writing part is now its own subtest: ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758). If you’re training to become a paraeducator, here’s a free 15-question practice test with answers and explanations, plus everything you need to know about the format.
Taking the math subtest too? Try our ParaPathways math practice test (5759).
ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758) at a Glance
| Detail | ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758) |
|---|---|
| Questions | About 51 |
| Time | 85 minutes |
| Reading | About 30 questions (roughly 60%) |
| Writing | About 21 questions (roughly 40%) |
| Question types | Mostly selected response, delivered by computer |
| Calculator | None (the on-screen calculator is only for math, 5759) |
| Score scale | 310 to 350 |
| Passing score | Set by your state, district or employer |
Reading and Writing is timed separately from Mathematics, and you need to pass each subtest on its own. If you pass one and not the other, you only retake the one you missed. Always check your state’s requirements, because passing scores and deadlines vary.
Free ParaPathways Reading and Writing Practice Test
Read each question, choose an answer, then check your score. Explanations appear after you check. Questions 1 to 4 are about Passage A, and questions 5 and 6 are about Passage B.
Passage A: The school garden began with a single raised bed and a donated bag of soil. Within two years, students were growing tomatoes, beans and herbs, and the cafeteria began using the harvest in its salads. Teachers noticed that students who worked in the garden were more willing to try vegetables at lunch. The program now plans to add a compost bin so that food scraps from the cafeteria can go back into the soil.
Passage B: Although the library extended its evening hours, the number of evening visitors stayed about the same. Librarians suspect that most students did not know about the change, because it was announced only on the library’s website.
What the Reading Questions Test
Reading questions check whether you can understand and use what you read, the same skills you’ll help students with every day:
- Main idea and key details of a short passage
- Vocabulary in context: working out a word’s meaning from the sentence around it
- Inferences: what the writer implies but doesn’t say
- Text structure: cause and effect, compare and contrast, sequence
- Fact versus opinion
- Classroom application: how you’d support a student who’s struggling with a reading skill
What the Writing Questions Test
Writing questions focus on standard written English. You won’t write an essay; you’ll spot and fix errors:
- Grammar: subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, verb tense
- Sentence structure: run-ons, fragments and comma splices
- Punctuation: commas, apostrophes, semicolons
- Spelling and word choice: commonly confused words like their, there and they’re
- Classroom application: giving useful feedback on a student’s writing
How to Pace 85 Minutes
With about 51 questions in 85 minutes, you have about 1 minute 40 seconds per question. Writing questions are usually quicker than reading questions, which need time for the passage.
- Read the question first, then the passage, so you know what to look for.
- Bank time on writing questions. Many take under a minute.
- Flag and move on if a question takes more than 2 minutes, then come back.
- Never leave a blank. Make your best guess before time runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758)?
About 51 questions in 85 minutes: roughly 30 reading and 21 writing.
Is ParaPathways harder than ParaPro?
The skills are similar, but the reading and writing content is now its own timed subtest. Passing scores are set by each state, so check yours.
What is a passing score on ParaPathways 5758?
Scores are reported on a 310 to 350 scale, but ETS doesn’t set one passing score. Your state, district or employer sets it.
Can I use a calculator on the reading and writing subtest?
No. The on-screen calculator is only provided for the Mathematics subtest (5759).
Do I have to pass both subtests?
Yes. Reading and Writing and Mathematics are scored separately, and you need to pass each one. You only retake the subtest you didn’t pass.
Final Thoughts
ParaPathways Reading and Writing (5758) tests the reading and writing skills you’ll use with students every day. Take the practice test above, review every explanation, and spend extra time on any skill you missed. Then confirm your state’s passing score and test deadline before you book.
This site is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. ParaPathways and ParaPro are trademarks of their owners. All practice questions are original.