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Pennsylvania Keystone Exam Actual exam
Questions with Correct Answers and
explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST
RELEASED
Pennsylvania Keystone Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Pennsylvania Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments required for high school graduation
for students in the classes of 2023 and beyond . The exams measure proficiency in three core
subjects: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature . Each exam consists of two modules that take approximately
1.5 hours per module, featuring a mix of multiple-choice questions (approximately 60-75%) and
constructed-response/open-ended questions (25-40%) . Students take the corresponding Keystone
Exam upon completing the associated course, regardless of grade level, and have unlimited
opportunities to retake exams to achieve proficiency . Graduation requirements can be met through five
pathways under Act 158, including scoring Proficient or Advanced on all three exams, achieving a
composite score of 4452, or demonstrating readiness through CTE concentrator status, alternative
assessments (SAT, ACT, PSAT, ASVAB), or evidence-based portfolios .
Question 1
A student completing Algebra I in middle school must take which exam?
A) The Grade 8 PSSA Math assessment
B) No exam is required for middle school students
C) The Algebra I Keystone Exam
D) The Pre-Algebra Keystone Exam
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Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Students are required to take the corresponding Keystone Exam after completing
the associated course, regardless of their grade level .
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT one of the three Keystone Exam subjects required for graduation?
A) Algebra I
B) Chemistry
C) Biology
D) Literature
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The Keystone Exams cover three subjects: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature.
Chemistry is not a Keystone subject .
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Question 3
A student scores Proficient on Algebra I, Advanced on Literature, but Basic on Biology. Which graduation
pathway could this student use?
A) Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency only
B) Pathway 2: Keystone Composite only
C) Both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2
D) Neither Pathway 1 nor Pathway 2
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The Keystone Composite pathway requires a composite score of 4452 across the
three exams with no exam falling below Basic. A Basic score disqualifies Pathway 1 (all exams must be
Proficient or Advanced) .
Question 4
During the Literature Keystone Exam, a student encounters an unfamiliar word. What strategy should
they use first?
A) Skip the question entirely
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B) Use context clues from surrounding sentences
C) Ask the test proctor for the definition
D) Assume the word means the same as a similar-looking word
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Context clues in surrounding sentences can help determine or clarify the meaning of
unfamiliar, multiple-meaning, or ambiguous words .
Question 5
What is the minimum number of pieces of evidence recommended for each constructed response on
the Literature Keystone Exam?
A) One piece of evidence
B) Two pieces of evidence
C) Three pieces of evidence
D) No evidence is required
Pennsylvania Keystone Exam Actual exam
Questions with Correct Answers and
explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST
RELEASED
Pennsylvania Keystone Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Pennsylvania Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments required for high school graduation
for students in the classes of 2023 and beyond . The exams measure proficiency in three core
subjects: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature . Each exam consists of two modules that take approximately
1.5 hours per module, featuring a mix of multiple-choice questions (approximately 60-75%) and
constructed-response/open-ended questions (25-40%) . Students take the corresponding Keystone
Exam upon completing the associated course, regardless of grade level, and have unlimited
opportunities to retake exams to achieve proficiency . Graduation requirements can be met through five
pathways under Act 158, including scoring Proficient or Advanced on all three exams, achieving a
composite score of 4452, or demonstrating readiness through CTE concentrator status, alternative
assessments (SAT, ACT, PSAT, ASVAB), or evidence-based portfolios .
Question 1
A student completing Algebra I in middle school must take which exam?
A) The Grade 8 PSSA Math assessment
B) No exam is required for middle school students
C) The Algebra I Keystone Exam
D) The Pre-Algebra Keystone Exam
, Page 2 of 141
Correct Answer: C
Summary Rationale: Students are required to take the corresponding Keystone Exam after completing
the associated course, regardless of their grade level .
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT one of the three Keystone Exam subjects required for graduation?
A) Algebra I
B) Chemistry
C) Biology
D) Literature
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The Keystone Exams cover three subjects: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature.
Chemistry is not a Keystone subject .
, Page 3 of 141
Question 3
A student scores Proficient on Algebra I, Advanced on Literature, but Basic on Biology. Which graduation
pathway could this student use?
A) Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency only
B) Pathway 2: Keystone Composite only
C) Both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2
D) Neither Pathway 1 nor Pathway 2
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: The Keystone Composite pathway requires a composite score of 4452 across the
three exams with no exam falling below Basic. A Basic score disqualifies Pathway 1 (all exams must be
Proficient or Advanced) .
Question 4
During the Literature Keystone Exam, a student encounters an unfamiliar word. What strategy should
they use first?
A) Skip the question entirely
, Page 4 of 141
B) Use context clues from surrounding sentences
C) Ask the test proctor for the definition
D) Assume the word means the same as a similar-looking word
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Context clues in surrounding sentences can help determine or clarify the meaning of
unfamiliar, multiple-meaning, or ambiguous words .
Question 5
What is the minimum number of pieces of evidence recommended for each constructed response on
the Literature Keystone Exam?
A) One piece of evidence
B) Two pieces of evidence
C) Three pieces of evidence
D) No evidence is required
