Free Practice Questions for NS RWM8

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Key Facts: NS RWM8 Exam

Grade 8

Annual provincial assessment administered to all enrolled Grade 8 public school students across Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

May / June

Official testing window conducted online during late spring on designated school digital devices.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

Level 3

Performance level representing meeting Nova Scotia provincial curriculum expectations for Grade 8 learning outcomes.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

No Fee

Publicly funded provincial assessment administered at zero cost to families and students across all regional centres.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

3 Subjects

Comprehensive evaluation covering Grade 8 curriculum standards in Reading comprehension, Written composition, and Mathematics.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

Digital Platform

Delivered securely via school computers with integrated digital tools including formula sheets, accessibility aids, and rulers.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

PLANS

Program of Learning Assessment for Nova Scotia Students managed by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

4 Levels

Standardized reporting scale ranging from Level 1 (below standard) to Level 4 (exceeds provincial curriculum expectations).

Nova Scotia PLANS / EECD

A free online Nova Scotia Grade 8 provincial reading, writing, and mathematics assessment in May/June 2026. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not the official Vretta form or writing-task substitute.

Sample NS RWM8 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NS RWM8 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the value of $\sqrt{144} - \sqrt{49}$?

A.5

B.7

C.12

D.95

Explanation: The square root of 144 is 12 because $12 \times 12 = 144$, and the square root of 49 is 7 because $7 \times 7 = 49$. Subtracting 7 from 12 gives $12 - 7 = 5$.

2A right triangle has legs of length $6\text{ cm}$ and $8\text{ cm}$. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A.10 cm

B.14 cm

C.48 cm

D.100 cm

Explanation: According to the Pythagorean theorem ($a^2 + b^2 = c^2$), $6^2 + 8^2 = 36 + 64 = 100$. Taking the square root of 100 yields a hypotenuse length of $10\text{ cm}$.

3Evaluate the expression: $(-15) \div 3 + (-4) \times (-2)$.

A.3

B.-13

C.13

D.-3

Explanation: First, division gives $(-15) \div 3 = -5$. Next, multiplication gives $(-4) \times (-2) = 8$. Finally, adding these results gives $-5 + 8 = 3$.

4A jacket in Halifax originally costs $80.00. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price before tax?

A.$60.00

B.$20.00

C.$55.00

D.$65.00

Explanation: A discount of 25% on $80.00 is $0.25 \times 80 = $20.00$. Subtracting the discount from the original price gives $80.00 - 20.00 = $60.00$.

5In Nova Scotia, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is 15%. What is the total cost of a book priced at $20.00 including tax?

A.$23.00

B.$21.50

C.$25.00

D.$35.00

Explanation: The HST amount is 15% of $20.00, which is $0.15 \times 20 = $3.00$. Adding the tax to the original price gives $20.00 + 3.00 = $23.00$.

6A car travels 240 kilometres in 3 hours at a constant speed. At this same rate, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

A.400 km

B.360 km

C.480 km

D.144 km

Explanation: First, calculate the unit rate of speed: $240\text{ km} \div 3\text{ hours} = 80\text{ km/h}$. Then multiply the unit rate by 5 hours: $80\text{ km/h} \times 5\text{ hours} = 400\text{ km}$.

7Which benchmark range does $\sqrt{75}$ lie between?

A.Between 8 and 9

B.Between 7 and 8

C.Between 6 and 7

D.Between 9 and 10

Explanation: Since $8^2 = 64$ and $9^2 = 81$, and 75 is between 64 and 81, $\sqrt{75}$ must lie between 8 and 9 (approximately 8.66).

8Simplifying the rational number fraction expression $\left(-\dfrac{3}{4}\right) \times \left(-\dfrac{8}{9}\right)$ yields:

A.\frac{2}{3}

B.-\frac{2}{3}

C.\frac{24}{13}

D.-\frac{11}{13}

Explanation: Multiplying two negative rational numbers yields a positive product: $\dfrac{(-3) \times (-8)}{4 \times 9} = \dfrac{24}{36}$. Dividing numerator and denominator by 12 simplifies the fraction to $\dfrac{2}{3}$.

9A school population in Sydney, NS grew from 400 students to 450 students over one year. What was the percent increase?

A.12.5%

B.50%

C.11.1%

D.25%

Explanation: The absolute increase is $450 - 400 = 50$ students. Percent increase is calculated by dividing the increase by the original amount: $\dfrac{50}{400} = 0.125 = 12.5\%$.

10The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is $13\text{ cm}$ and one leg is $5\text{ cm}$. What is the length of the unknown leg?

A.12 cm

B.8 cm

C.18 cm

D.144 cm

Explanation: Using the Pythagorean theorem $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, we set $a^2 + 5^2 = 13^2$, so $a^2 + 25 = 169$. Subtracting 25 gives $a^2 = 144$, so $a = \sqrt{144} = 12\text{ cm}$.

About the NS RWM8 Exam

The Nova Scotia Assessment: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics/Mathématiques in Grade 8 (RWM8) is an online provincial assessment for 2025–2026, written on school devices during May 19–June 2, 2026. Reading and writing include selected-response comprehension across narrative, information, poetry/song, and visual texts plus essay and story writing tasks. Mathematics covers number, patterns and relations, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability in selected-response format. French Immersion students complete reading and writing in English and mathematics in French. The assessment does not determine report-card promotion by itself; families receive performance reports and schools use results for instructional planning. This OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation — not an official translation, online-platform simulation, or substitute for constructed-response writing.

Exam sponsor: Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (PLANS). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Online assessment: Reading and Writing in four parts (~45 minutes each) including two writing activities; Mathematics in four parts (~30 minutes each) covering number, patterns and relations, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability.

Time Limit

Multiple online sessions during May 19–June 2, 2026

Passing Score

Performance Levels 1-4 (Level 3 meets expectation)

Exam / Certification Fees

No fee — publicly funded provincial assessment.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (PLANS): official exam information

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Number Operations & Rates

Square roots, Pythagorean theorem, rational-number operations, rates, ratios, proportions, and percent problems.

15%

Patterns & Algebra

Linear relations, slope, multi-step equations, and algebraic expressions.

10%

Geometry & Measurement

Surface area and volume of prisms/cylinders, angle relationships, and spatial reasoning (late Unit 8G01 content is excluded by spring timing).

10%

Data Analysis & Probability

Two-way tables, scatter plots, and probability of independent events.

20%

Reading: Prose & Informational

Critical reading of informational and narrative prose at literal, non-literal, and analysis levels.

10%

Reading: Literary & Visual

Poetry/literary devices and visual/media texts.

10%

Writing: Persuasive & Narrative

Essay and story structure, thesis, coherence, and rhetorical choices practised as MCQs.

10%

Grammar & Conventions

Advanced punctuation, modifiers, parallelism, and precise word choice.

Preparing for the NS RWM8 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Performance Levels 1-4 (Level 3 meets expectation)
Assessment: Online assessment: Reading and Writing in four parts (~45 minutes each) including two writing activities; Mathematics in four parts (~30 minutes each) covering number, patterns and relations, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability.
Time limit: Multiple online sessions during May 19–June 2, 2026
Exam / certification fees: No fee — publicly funded provincial assessment. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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NS RWM8: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice solving multi-step algebra equations by isolating variables step-by-step and checking your solution in the original equation.

2Review spatial formulas for cylinders and prisms, ensuring you distinguish between total surface area (including end bases) and volume.

3Annotate non-fiction passages as you read to identify the author's central claim, tone, supporting evidence, and main argument structure.

4Master linear graphing concepts by identifying slope as rise over run ($m$) and $y$-intercept ($b$) directly from tables and context problems.

5Study advanced punctuation rules, particularly how semicolons join closely related independent clauses and how colons introduce explanatory lists.

6Practice multi-step percentage problems involving discounts followed by Nova Scotia HST (15%) to build accuracy in realistic consumer math.

7Analyze visual media texts like infographics and editorial cartoons by examining target audience, visual layout, color choice, and persuasive intent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Grade 8 RWM8 assessment in Nova Scotia?

The RWM8 is an online provincial assessment administered on school-provided digital devices. It includes selected-response (multiple-choice) items for reading comprehension and mathematics, as well as digital writing tasks where students compose narrative and persuasive texts directly in the online platform.

When do Nova Scotia Grade 8 students write the RWM8 assessment?

For 2025–2026, RWM8 is scheduled May 19–June 2, 2026. Schools administer the online parts across multiple classroom sessions within that window.

Are calculators and formula sheets permitted during the mathematics sessions?

PLANS publishes an M8 formula sheet for the mathematics component, and the Grade 8 overview notes that some mathematics tasks may require a calculator while others emphasize mental mathematics. Follow the tools permitted in the official online session.

How are RWM8 results reported to students and parents?

Individual Student Reports (ISRs) are generated by PLANS / EECD and sent to schools in the fall. Results use four performance levels: Level 1 (below expectations), Level 2 (approaching expectations), Level 3 (meets provincial expectations), and Level 4 (exceeds provincial expectations).

What digital tools are provided within the online testing system?

Students complete RWM8 on school devices through the provincial online platform. PLANS publishes sample assessments and teacher/admin quick-start guides for the 2025–2026 online administration; classroom teachers explain which on-screen tools are available during the official sessions.

How should Grade 8 students prepare for the RWM8 written composition tasks?

Students should practice organizing persuasive and narrative essays with clear thesis statements, logical paragraph transitions, vivid details, strong topic sentences, and careful proofreading for grammar and punctuation.

Does the RWM8 assessment count toward a student's final report card mark?

RWM8 is a provincial system assessment used to understand achievement relative to curriculum expectations. Official PLANS guidance emphasizes instructional and system use; it is not described as a course-credit examination like NSE Mathematics 10.

What topics carry the most weight in the Grade 8 mathematics component?

Mathematics questions are balanced across four strands: Number Operations & Rates (15%), Patterns & Algebra (15%), Geometry & Measurement (10%), and Data Analysis & Probability (10%), emphasizing real-world applications and multi-step problem solving.

Is this practice bank the same as the official online RWM8?

No. OpenExamPrep publishes an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation. Official RWM8 writing tasks are constructed-response compositions on the provincial online platform and are not replaced by these MCQs.

Free Practice Questions for NS RWM8

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Key Facts: NS RWM8 Exam

Sample NS RWM8 Practice Questions

About the NS RWM8 Exam

Our practice resources: topics covered

Preparing for the NS RWM8 Exam

What You Need to Know

Using Our Practice Resources

NS RWM8: Suggested Study Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions