ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
English as a Second Language Standard I - (answer) The ESL teacher understands fundamental language
concepts and knows the structure and conventions of the English language.
English as a Second Language Standard II - (answer) The ESL teacher has knowledge of the foundations
of ESL education and factors that contribute to an effective multicultural and multilingual learning
environment.
English as a Second Language Standard III - (answer) The ESL teacher understands the processes of
first- and second-language acquisition and uses this knowledge to promote students' language
development in English.
English as a Second Language Standard IV - (answer) The ESL teacher understands ESL teaching
methods and uses this knowledge to plan and implement effective, developmentally appropriate ESL
instruction.
English as a Second Language Standard V - (answer) The ESL teacher has knowledge of the factors that
affect ESL students' learning of academic content, language and culture.
English as a Second Language Standard VI - (answer) The ESL teacher understands formal and informal
assessment procedures and instruments (language proficiency and academic achievement) used in ESL
programs and uses assessment results to plan and adapt instruction.
English as a Second Language Standard VII - (answer) The ESL teacher knows how to serve as an
advocate for ESL students and facilitate family and community involvement in their education.
Competency 001: The ESL teacher understands fundamental language concepts and knows the structure
and conventions of the English language - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Understands the nature of language and basic concepts of language systems (e.g., phonology,
morphology, syntax, lexicon, semantics, discourse, pragmatics) and uses this understanding to facilitate
student learning in the ESL classroom.
B. Knows the functions and registers of language (e.g., social versus academic language) in English and
uses this knowledge to develop and modify instructional materials, deliver instruction and promote ESL
students' English-language proficiency.
C. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this
understanding to develop ESL students' English-language proficiency.
,ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
D. Knows the structure of the English language (e.g., word formation, grammar, vocabulary and syntax)
and the patterns and conventions of written and spoken English and uses this knowledge to model and
provide instruction to develop the foundation of English mechanics necessary to understand content-
based instruction and accelerated learning of English in accordance with the English Language
Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
Competency 002: The ESL teacher understands the processes of first-language (L1) and second-language
(L2) acquisition and the interrelatedness of L1 and L2 development. - (answer) The beginning ESL
teacher:
A. Knows theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition.
B. Uses knowledge of theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition to select effective,
appropriate methods and strategies for promoting students' English-language development at various
stages.
C. Knows cognitive processes (e.g., memorization, categorization, generalization, metacognition)
involved in synthesizing and internalizing language rules for second-language acquisition.
D. Analyzes the interrelatedness of first- and second-language acquisition and ways in which L1 may
affect development of L2.
E. Knows common difficulties (e.g., idiomatic expressions; L1 interference in syntax, phonology and
morphology) experienced by ESL students in learning English and effective strategies for helping students
overcome those difficulties.
Competency 003: The ESL teacher understands ESL teaching methods and uses this knowledge to plan
and implement effective, developmentally appropriate instruction. - (answer) The beginning ESL
teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
domains of listening, speaking and reading and writing.
B. Knows effective instructional methods and techniques for the ESL classroom, and selects and uses
instructional methods, resources and materials appropriate for addressing specified instructional goals
and promoting learning in students with diverse characteristics and needs.
C. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL
instruction, engaging students in critical thinking and fostering students' communicative competence.
D. Knows how to integrate technological tools and resources into the instructional process to facilitate
and enhance student learning.
E. Applies effective classroom management and teaching strategies for a variety of ESL environments and
situations.
,ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
Competency 004: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' communicative language
development in English. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the
listening and speaking domains.
B. Understands the role of the linguistic environment and conversational support in second-language
development, and uses this knowledge to provide a rich, comprehensible language environment with
supported opportunities for communication in English.
C. Applies knowledge of practices, resources and materials that are effective in promoting students'
communicative competence in English.
D. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge
to select and use effective strategies for developing students' oral language proficiency in English in
accordance with the ELPS.
E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping ESL students transfer language skills from L1 to
L2.
F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second
language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in listening and/or speaking in
accordance with the ELPS.
G. Knows how to provide appropriate feedback in response to students' developing English-language
skills.
Competency 005: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' literacy development in
English. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the
reading and writing domains.
B. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge
to select and use effective strategies for developing students' literacy in English.
C. Understands that English is an alphabetic language and applies effective strategies for developing ESL
students' phonological knowledge and skills (e.g., phonemic awareness skills, knowledge of English
letter-sound associations, knowledge of common English phonograms) and sight-word vocabularies (e.g.,
phonetically irregular words, high-frequency words).
, ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
D. Knows factors that affect ESL students' reading comprehension (e.g., vocabulary, text structures,
cultural references) and applies effective strategies for facilitating ESL students' reading comprehension
in English.
E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping students transfer literacy knowledge and skills
from L1 to L2.
F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second
language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in reading, and/or writing in accordance
with the ELPS.
G. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students' English literacy development (e.g., interrupted
schooling, literacy status in the primary language, prior literacy experiences) an
Competency 006: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' content area learning,
academic-language development and achievement across the
curriculum. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL
instruction that is linguistically accommodated (communicated, sequenced and scaffolded) to the
students' levels of English language proficiency; engaging students in critical thinking; and developing
students' cognitive-academic language proficiency across content areas.
B. Knows instructional delivery practices that are effective in facilitating ESL students' application of
various learning strategies (e.g., preteaching key vocabulary; helping students apply familiar concepts
from their cultural backgrounds and prior experiences to new learning; using metacognition, using
hands-on and other experiential learning strategies; using realia, media and other visual supports
[graphic organizers] to introduce and/or
reinforce concepts) across content areas.
C. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select instructional strategies and resources that
facilitate ESL students' cognitive- academic language development and content-area learning.
D. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students' content-area learning (e.g., prior learning
experiences, familiarity with specialized language and vocabulary, familiarity with the structure and uses
of textbooks and other print resources) and applies effective strategies for addressing those factors.
Competency 007: The ESL teacher understands formal and informal assessment procedures and
instruments used in ESL programs and uses assessment results to plan and adapt instruction. - (answer)
The beginning ESL teacher:
English as a Second Language Standard I - (answer) The ESL teacher understands fundamental language
concepts and knows the structure and conventions of the English language.
English as a Second Language Standard II - (answer) The ESL teacher has knowledge of the foundations
of ESL education and factors that contribute to an effective multicultural and multilingual learning
environment.
English as a Second Language Standard III - (answer) The ESL teacher understands the processes of
first- and second-language acquisition and uses this knowledge to promote students' language
development in English.
English as a Second Language Standard IV - (answer) The ESL teacher understands ESL teaching
methods and uses this knowledge to plan and implement effective, developmentally appropriate ESL
instruction.
English as a Second Language Standard V - (answer) The ESL teacher has knowledge of the factors that
affect ESL students' learning of academic content, language and culture.
English as a Second Language Standard VI - (answer) The ESL teacher understands formal and informal
assessment procedures and instruments (language proficiency and academic achievement) used in ESL
programs and uses assessment results to plan and adapt instruction.
English as a Second Language Standard VII - (answer) The ESL teacher knows how to serve as an
advocate for ESL students and facilitate family and community involvement in their education.
Competency 001: The ESL teacher understands fundamental language concepts and knows the structure
and conventions of the English language - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Understands the nature of language and basic concepts of language systems (e.g., phonology,
morphology, syntax, lexicon, semantics, discourse, pragmatics) and uses this understanding to facilitate
student learning in the ESL classroom.
B. Knows the functions and registers of language (e.g., social versus academic language) in English and
uses this knowledge to develop and modify instructional materials, deliver instruction and promote ESL
students' English-language proficiency.
C. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this
understanding to develop ESL students' English-language proficiency.
,ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
D. Knows the structure of the English language (e.g., word formation, grammar, vocabulary and syntax)
and the patterns and conventions of written and spoken English and uses this knowledge to model and
provide instruction to develop the foundation of English mechanics necessary to understand content-
based instruction and accelerated learning of English in accordance with the English Language
Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
Competency 002: The ESL teacher understands the processes of first-language (L1) and second-language
(L2) acquisition and the interrelatedness of L1 and L2 development. - (answer) The beginning ESL
teacher:
A. Knows theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition.
B. Uses knowledge of theories, concepts and research related to L1 and L2 acquisition to select effective,
appropriate methods and strategies for promoting students' English-language development at various
stages.
C. Knows cognitive processes (e.g., memorization, categorization, generalization, metacognition)
involved in synthesizing and internalizing language rules for second-language acquisition.
D. Analyzes the interrelatedness of first- and second-language acquisition and ways in which L1 may
affect development of L2.
E. Knows common difficulties (e.g., idiomatic expressions; L1 interference in syntax, phonology and
morphology) experienced by ESL students in learning English and effective strategies for helping students
overcome those difficulties.
Competency 003: The ESL teacher understands ESL teaching methods and uses this knowledge to plan
and implement effective, developmentally appropriate instruction. - (answer) The beginning ESL
teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
domains of listening, speaking and reading and writing.
B. Knows effective instructional methods and techniques for the ESL classroom, and selects and uses
instructional methods, resources and materials appropriate for addressing specified instructional goals
and promoting learning in students with diverse characteristics and needs.
C. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL
instruction, engaging students in critical thinking and fostering students' communicative competence.
D. Knows how to integrate technological tools and resources into the instructional process to facilitate
and enhance student learning.
E. Applies effective classroom management and teaching strategies for a variety of ESL environments and
situations.
,ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
Competency 004: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' communicative language
development in English. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the
listening and speaking domains.
B. Understands the role of the linguistic environment and conversational support in second-language
development, and uses this knowledge to provide a rich, comprehensible language environment with
supported opportunities for communication in English.
C. Applies knowledge of practices, resources and materials that are effective in promoting students'
communicative competence in English.
D. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge
to select and use effective strategies for developing students' oral language proficiency in English in
accordance with the ELPS.
E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping ESL students transfer language skills from L1 to
L2.
F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second
language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in listening and/or speaking in
accordance with the ELPS.
G. Knows how to provide appropriate feedback in response to students' developing English-language
skills.
Competency 005: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' literacy development in
English. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Knows applicable Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the English Language Proficiency
Standards (ELPS) and knows how to design and implement appropriate instruction to address the
proficiency level descriptors for the beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced-high levels in the
reading and writing domains.
B. Understands the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading and writing and uses this knowledge
to select and use effective strategies for developing students' literacy in English.
C. Understands that English is an alphabetic language and applies effective strategies for developing ESL
students' phonological knowledge and skills (e.g., phonemic awareness skills, knowledge of English
letter-sound associations, knowledge of common English phonograms) and sight-word vocabularies (e.g.,
phonetically irregular words, high-frequency words).
, ESL CERTIFICATION EXAM 2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
D. Knows factors that affect ESL students' reading comprehension (e.g., vocabulary, text structures,
cultural references) and applies effective strategies for facilitating ESL students' reading comprehension
in English.
E. Applies knowledge of effective strategies for helping students transfer literacy knowledge and skills
from L1 to L2.
F. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select focused, targeted and systematic second
language acquisition instruction to English-language learners in grade 3 or higher who are at the
beginning or intermediate level of English-language proficiency in reading, and/or writing in accordance
with the ELPS.
G. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students' English literacy development (e.g., interrupted
schooling, literacy status in the primary language, prior literacy experiences) an
Competency 006: The ESL teacher understands how to promote students' content area learning,
academic-language development and achievement across the
curriculum. - (answer) The beginning ESL teacher:
A. Applies knowledge of effective practices, resources and materials for providing content-based ESL
instruction that is linguistically accommodated (communicated, sequenced and scaffolded) to the
students' levels of English language proficiency; engaging students in critical thinking; and developing
students' cognitive-academic language proficiency across content areas.
B. Knows instructional delivery practices that are effective in facilitating ESL students' application of
various learning strategies (e.g., preteaching key vocabulary; helping students apply familiar concepts
from their cultural backgrounds and prior experiences to new learning; using metacognition, using
hands-on and other experiential learning strategies; using realia, media and other visual supports
[graphic organizers] to introduce and/or
reinforce concepts) across content areas.
C. Applies knowledge of individual differences (e.g., developmental characteristics, cultural and language
background, academic strengths, learning styles) to select instructional strategies and resources that
facilitate ESL students' cognitive- academic language development and content-area learning.
D. Knows personal factors that affect ESL students' content-area learning (e.g., prior learning
experiences, familiarity with specialized language and vocabulary, familiarity with the structure and uses
of textbooks and other print resources) and applies effective strategies for addressing those factors.
Competency 007: The ESL teacher understands formal and informal assessment procedures and
instruments used in ESL programs and uses assessment results to plan and adapt instruction. - (answer)
The beginning ESL teacher:
