100+ Free PAPA Practice Questions
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A draft essay argues for later high school start times. Which organizational plan would be most effective?
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Key Facts: PAPA Exam
3
Modules
Pearson PAPA test information
36 / 36 / 36
Selected-Response Items by Module
Pearson PAPA test design
45m / 75m / 75m
Module Time Limits
Pearson PAPA test information
220 / 193 / 220
Passing Scores
Pearson PAPA test information
$110
All-Modules Fee
Pearson PAPA test information
PAPA has three modules: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Pearson lists 36 selected-response items for Reading, 36 for Mathematics, and 36 plus constructed-response writing tasks for Writing. Current passing scores are Reading 220, Mathematics 193, and Writing 220. Fees are $37, $44, and $37 by module, or $110 for all three. As of current PDE guidance, basic-skills testing is no longer a general Pennsylvania baccalaureate teacher-preparation entry requirement after the statutory change effective July 1, 2025, but PAPA remains usable for the 2.8 GPA admissions alternative.
Sample PAPA Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your PAPA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In a passage about a community garden, the author says volunteers worked through a 'sparse' budget by sharing tools and seeds. What does 'sparse' most nearly mean in this context?
2A paragraph first explains that city trees reduce heat, then gives examples of shaded sidewalks, cooler bus stops, and lower summer energy use. What is the paragraph's main idea?
3A passage describes a problem in the first paragraph, explains why past solutions failed in the second, and recommends a new policy in the third. Which organizational structure is being used?
4Which statement is a fact rather than an opinion?
5A passage says a researcher is cautious because a study used only 12 participants. What conclusion is best supported?
6In an editorial, the author calls a proposed rule 'a sensible first step' but says it will need revision after public feedback. What is the author's tone?
7A sentence says the mayor's remarks 'bolstered' public confidence after the storm. Which word is the best synonym for 'bolstered'?
8A passage argues that local newspapers remain important because they report school-board decisions, zoning changes, and public-safety issues. Which detail best supports the argument?
9Which sentence best states a passage's primary purpose if the passage explains how composting works and lists steps for starting a bin?
10A passage says a grant will fund bus passes, evening tutoring, and weekend meals for students. Which summary is most accurate?
About the PAPA Exam
PAPA is Pennsylvania's Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment for basic academic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. The official PAPA test design uses three separately scored computer-based modules. Current PDE guidance says the basic-skills assessment is no longer required for general entry into Pennsylvania baccalaureate teacher preparation programs, but basic-skills tests such as PAPA may still be used for the Chapter 354.31 admissions alternative tied to a 2.8 GPA.
Assessment
Three computer-based modules: Reading has 36 selected-response items, Mathematics has 36 selected-response items, and Writing has 36 selected-response items plus 2 sentence correction assignments and 1 extended constructed-response assignment.
Time Limit
Reading 45 minutes; Mathematics 75 minutes; Writing 75 minutes; plus 15-minute CBT tutorial/NDA and 15-minute breaks between modules when all three are taken in one session.
Passing Score
Reading 220; Mathematics 193; Writing 220
Exam Fee
$37 Reading, $44 Mathematics, $37 Writing, or $110 for all three modules (Pennsylvania Department of Education / Pearson Evaluation Systems)
PAPA Exam Content Outline
Reading
Determine word and phrase meanings, recognize purpose and organization, analyze evidence and relationships among ideas, and make inferences about tone, point of view, assumptions, conclusions, and implications.
Mathematics
Use number sense, computation, algebra, equations, functions, geometry, measurement, data analysis, statistics, probability, problem solving, reasoning, and mathematical communication.
Writing
Revise for effective writing, coherence, organization, precise language, grammar, usage, mechanics, sentence correction, and focused analytical writing.
How to Pass the PAPA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Reading 220; Mathematics 193; Writing 220
- Assessment: Three computer-based modules: Reading has 36 selected-response items, Mathematics has 36 selected-response items, and Writing has 36 selected-response items plus 2 sentence correction assignments and 1 extended constructed-response assignment.
- Time limit: Reading 45 minutes; Mathematics 75 minutes; Writing 75 minutes; plus 15-minute CBT tutorial/NDA and 15-minute breaks between modules when all three are taken in one session.
- Exam fee: $37 Reading, $44 Mathematics, $37 Writing, or $110 for all three modules
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PAPA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PAPA?
PAPA is the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment, a Pennsylvania basic-skills assessment administered through Pearson as part of the PECT testing program.
How many PAPA modules are there?
There are three modules: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Candidates may register for one module or all three modules in a single appointment.
How many questions are on the PAPA?
Pearson lists 36 selected-response items for Reading, 36 selected-response items for Mathematics, and 36 selected-response items plus 2 sentence correction assignments and 1 extended constructed-response assignment for Writing.
What scores pass PAPA?
The official qualifying scores are 220 for Reading, 193 for Mathematics, and 220 for Writing. Pearson's site still displays a composite-score option, but PDE's later admissions guidance says composite scoring is not applicable to the Chapter 354.31(5) admissions exception.
Is PAPA still required in Pennsylvania?
For general entry into Pennsylvania baccalaureate teacher preparation programs, PDE guidance says the basic-skills assessment is no longer required effective July 1, 2025. PAPA can still be used as a basic-skills testing option for the 2.8 GPA admissions alternative under Chapter 354.31(5), depending on program policy.
How much does PAPA cost?
Pearson lists $37 for Reading, $44 for Mathematics, $37 for Writing, and $110 for all three modules.