100+ Free MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Practice Questions
Pass your MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Subtest 1 (194) and Subtest 2 (195) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
A teacher reflects on "comprehensible input" when planning pacing. Which adjustment most directly increases the comprehensibility of teacher talk for beginning English learners?
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Key Facts: MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Exam
240
Passing Scaled Score
MTLE score scale (100-300)
$78.50
Fee Per Subtest (2026)
Minnesota PELSB testing information
~50 SR each
Selected-Response Questions Per Subtest
MTLE ESL test framework
Up to 1 hour
Testing Time Per Subtest
MTLE ESL test framework
4 subareas
Content Subareas Across 2 Subtests
MTLE ESL (194/195) test framework
67%
Heaviest Subarea Weight (Subtest 2 Subarea II)
MTLE 195 test framework
2 subtests
Tests 194 and 195 Required
MTLE ESL test page
MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) is Minnesota's ESL content licensure test, delivered by Pearson as a two-part computer-based exam. Subtest 1 (Test Code 194) has two subareas weighted 50% each: Linguistic and Cultural Foundations of ESL (objectives 0001-0003) and Foundations of ESL Instruction, Communication, and Assessment (objectives 0004-0006). Subtest 2 (Test Code 195) has English Learners in Context (33%, objectives 0007-0008) and Content and Communication Instruction and Assessment for English Learners (67%, objectives 0009-0012). Each subtest has approximately 50 selected-response questions in up to 1 hour, the current fee is $78.50 per subtest, and the passing scaled score is 240 on a 100-300 scale. This free 100-question bank mirrors the official subarea weightings so candidates can practice across every subarea of both subtests.
Sample MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1An ESL teacher is analyzing the word "unbelievable" to help students understand how English words are built. The teacher identifies "un-," "believe," and "-able" as the smallest meaningful units in the word. Which branch of linguistics is the teacher applying?
2A newcomer student from a language that does not contrast the sounds /l/ and /r/ consistently substitutes one for the other in English (for example, saying "lice" for "rice"). This difficulty is best explained by the concept of which of the following?
3According to Jim Cummins, basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS) typically develop in 1 to 3 years, while cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP) takes considerably longer. Approximately how long does research suggest is needed for English learners to develop grade-level academic language proficiency?
4Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis proposes that language is acquired most effectively when learners are exposed to which of the following?
5A second-grade newcomer rarely speaks in English for the first several weeks of school but appears to listen attentively and follows directions. This behavior is most consistent with which stage of second-language acquisition?
6Krashen's Affective Filter Hypothesis predicts that language acquisition is hindered when learners experience which of the following?
7An ESL teacher notices that a Spanish-speaking student already understands that letters represent sounds and reads left to right. The teacher builds on these existing skills when teaching English reading. This instructional decision is grounded in which principle of literacy development?
8In the sentence "The teacher gave the students their assignments," the rules governing the order and arrangement of the words are studied within which area of linguistics?
9A high school English learner can chat easily with peers about social topics but struggles to comprehend a science textbook chapter. This pattern most directly illustrates the distinction between which two constructs?
10A teacher wants to apply knowledge of pragmatics to support an English learner. Which classroom situation most clearly involves pragmatic competence?
About the MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Exam
The MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) test is the content assessment for the Minnesota ESL teaching license. It is delivered by Pearson as a computer-based exam in two subtests: Subtest 1 (Test Code 194) covers Linguistic and Cultural Foundations of ESL and Foundations of ESL Instruction, Communication, and Assessment; Subtest 2 (Test Code 195) covers English Learners in Context and Content and Communication Instruction and Assessment for English Learners. Each subtest has approximately 50 selected-response questions.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Up to 1 hour per subtest
Passing Score
Scaled score of 240 (scale 100-300)
Exam Fee
$78.50 per subtest ($157 for both) (Minnesota PELSB / Pearson)
MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Exam Content Outline
Linguistic and Cultural Foundations of ESL (Subtest 1, Subarea I)
Objectives 0001-0003: understanding linguistics as applied to ESL instruction (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and the history of English); the fundamentals of first- and second-language acquisition and literacy development, including theories such as Krashen's input hypothesis and Cummins's BICS/CALP and interdependence; and the cultural, historical, and sociopolitical influences on English learner education, including Lau v. Nichols and key federal policy.
Foundations of ESL Instruction, Communication, and Assessment (Subtest 1, Subarea II)
Objectives 0004-0006: ESL program models and instructional approaches and methods (sheltered instruction, SIOP, dual-language, push-in/pull-out, scaffolding, and differentiation); how schools function within the community and how to communicate and collaborate with families, colleagues, and community members; and assessment concepts and techniques for English learners, including identification, ACCESS for ELLs, formative and summative assessment, accommodations, bias, and reclassification.
English Learners in Context (Subtest 2, Subarea I)
Objectives 0007-0008: variables that can affect ESL learning and teaching, including age and the critical period, motivation, aptitude, prior education, personality, and acculturation; and how to plan and manage ESL instruction, including setting integrated content and language objectives, analyzing language demands, grouping, and modifying teacher talk for comprehensibility.
Content and Communication Instruction and Assessment for English Learners (Subtest 2, Subarea II)
Objectives 0009-0012: assessing and developing English learners' academic language (vocabulary tiers, complex structures, nominalization); listening and speaking; reading and writing (cognates, text structure, the writing process, the language experience approach); and content-area learning to promote students' full inclusion, including text adaptation, performance assessment, and data-informed instruction.
How to Pass the MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score of 240 (scale 100-300)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Up to 1 hour per subtest
- Exam fee: $78.50 per subtest ($157 for both)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
MTLE English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the MTLE English as a Second Language (194/195) test?
The test has two subtests. Subtest 1 (194) covers Linguistic and Cultural Foundations of ESL (50%) and Foundations of ESL Instruction, Communication, and Assessment (50%). Subtest 2 (195) covers English Learners in Context (33%) and Content and Communication Instruction and Assessment for English Learners (67%). All questions are selected-response.
How many questions are on the MTLE ESL test and what is the format?
Each subtest contains approximately 50 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions, for about 100 questions total across Subtest 1 (194) and Subtest 2 (195). Both subtests are computer-based and require no reference materials.
What is the passing score for the MTLE ESL test?
MTLE results are reported on a scale from 100 to 300, and the passing score is a scaled score of 240. You must pass each subtest, and scores from the two subtests are reported separately.
How much does the MTLE ESL test cost in 2026?
The current MTLE fee is $78.50 per subtest, so taking both the ESL Subtest 1 (194) and Subtest 2 (195) costs about $157. Always confirm the exact amount in your Pearson MTLE registration account before checkout.
How long is each MTLE ESL subtest?
Each subtest is allotted up to 1 hour of testing time, though you should plan to arrive early and budget about 1 hour and 15 minutes at the test site to allow for check-in. The two subtests can be scheduled separately.
Who administers the MTLE ESL test and who is it for?
The MTLE is overseen by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and administered by Pearson. The ESL (194/195) test is required for candidates seeking the Minnesota English as a Second Language (Grades K-12) teaching license.