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100+ Free TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Practice Questions

Pass your TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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The five themes of geography include location, place, region, movement, and

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B
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to track
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Exam

100

Selected-Response Questions

TExES 118 test page

5h / 4h45m

Appointment / Testing Time

TExES 118 test page

240

Scaled Passing Score

Texas educator testing program

$116

Current CBT Fee

TExES fees page

71%

Domain I Social Studies Content Weight

TExES 118 exam framework

29%

Domain II Foundations and Instruction Weight

TExES 118 exam framework

7

Competencies Across Two Domains

TExES 118 preparation manual

100-300

Scaled Score Range

Texas educator testing program

For 2026 planning, the official TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) framework is a 100 selected-response question exam delivered in a 5-hour appointment, with a 240 scaled passing score and a $116 fee. The framework weights Domain I Social Studies Content (history, geography, economics, government and citizenship, and culture/science/technology) at approximately 71% and Domain II Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction at approximately 29%. Candidates should ground their study in the official 118 preparation manual competencies and confirm the current Required Texas Certification Tests chart before registering.

Sample TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which event is generally considered the start of the American Revolutionary War in 1775?
A.The signing of the Declaration of Independence
B.The Boston Tea Party
C.The Battles of Lexington and Concord
D.The ratification of the Constitution
Explanation: The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. They produced the 'shot heard round the world' and marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.
2The Texas Revolution culminated in 1836 with a decisive Texan victory at which battle?
A.The Battle of the Alamo
B.The Battle of San Jacinto
C.The Battle of Goliad
D.The Battle of Gonzales
Explanation: The Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, was the decisive engagement of the Texas Revolution. Sam Houston's army defeated Santa Anna's forces in about 18 minutes, securing Texas independence.
3Which of the following is a primary source for a student studying the Texas Declaration of Independence?
A.A textbook chapter summarizing the event
B.The original 1836 document signed at Washington-on-the-Brazos
C.A documentary film produced in 2010
D.An encyclopedia entry about Texas history
Explanation: A primary source is a firsthand record created at the time of an event. The original 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence was produced by the participants themselves, making it a primary source.
4In economics, what does the term 'opportunity cost' refer to?
A.The total money spent on a purchase
B.The value of the next best alternative given up when making a choice
C.The cost of producing a good
D.The tax paid on a transaction
Explanation: Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that is forgone when a choice is made. Because resources are scarce, every economic decision involves giving up something else.
5Which branch of the U.S. federal government has the power to declare war?
A.The executive branch
B.The judicial branch
C.The legislative branch
D.The state governments
Explanation: Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress (the legislative branch) holds the power to declare war. This is a key example of the separation of powers and checks and balances among the branches.
6A map that shows the elevation, mountains, rivers, and other natural features of a region is best described as a
A.political map
B.physical map
C.climate map
D.population map
Explanation: A physical map displays natural features such as elevation, landforms, mountains, and bodies of water. It helps students understand the physical geography of a region.
7The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is historically significant primarily because it
A.established the United States Constitution
B.limited the power of the monarch and established the principle of rule of law
C.created the first democracy in ancient Greece
D.ended slavery in the British Empire
Explanation: The Magna Carta limited the English king's power and established that the monarch was subject to the law. It is a foundational document influencing later constitutional ideas about limited government and individual rights.
8Which Texas industry boomed after the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901?
A.The cotton textile industry
B.The petroleum and energy industry
C.The cattle ranching industry
D.The shipbuilding industry
Explanation: The 1901 Spindletop gusher near Beaumont launched the modern Texas petroleum industry, transforming the state's economy. It marked the beginning of Texas as a major center of oil production and energy.
9In a free market economy, the prices of most goods and services are primarily determined by
A.government regulation alone
B.the interaction of supply and demand
C.the decisions of a central planning committee
D.the cost of advertising
Explanation: In a market economy, prices are set primarily through the interaction of supply and demand. When demand rises or supply falls, prices tend to increase, and the reverse causes prices to fall.
10When teaching social studies, a teacher who wants students to evaluate competing accounts of the same historical event is best developing students' skills in
A.memorizing dates and names
B.critical thinking and analyzing point of view
C.copying textbook definitions
D.completing matching worksheets
Explanation: Comparing competing accounts requires students to analyze point of view, bias, and evidence, which builds critical-thinking skills. This aligns with social studies skills competencies emphasizing inquiry and source analysis.

About the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Exam

The TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam certifies that an entry-level Texas teacher has the social studies knowledge and skills needed for grades 4-8. The official framework organizes the exam into two domains: Domain I covers social studies content (history, geography, economics, government and citizenship, and culture/science/technology), and Domain II covers social studies foundations, skills, and instruction.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

5h appointment (4h 45m testing)

Passing Score

240 (scaled)

Exam Fee

$116 (Texas Educator Certification Examination Program / Pearson)

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Exam Content Outline

71%

Domain I: Social Studies Content

History (US, world, Texas), geography, economics, government and citizenship, and culture/science/technology/society across competencies 001-005.

29%

Domain II: Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction

Social studies as inquiry, primary and secondary sources, critical thinking, and effective instruction and assessment for grades 4-8 across competencies 006-007.

How to Pass the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 240 (scaled)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 5h appointment (4h 45m testing)
  • Exam fee: $116

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Start with Domain I content since history, geography, economics, government, and culture make up about 71% of the exam
2Memorize key Texas history anchors: the Texas Revolution, San Jacinto, 1845 statehood, Spindletop in 1901, Juneteenth, and the cattle-drive era
3Review the five themes of geography and practice reading maps, globes, latitude and longitude, and thematic and physical maps
4Learn core economics concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, factors of production, and interdependence
5Study US and Texas government structure, separation of powers, federalism, the Bill of Rights, and citizens' rights and responsibilities
6For Domain II, practice analyzing primary versus secondary sources, evaluating evidence, and choosing inquiry-based instructional strategies for grades 4-8

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the TExES Social Studies 4-8 (118) exam?

The official 118 test page lists 100 selected-response questions. Your appointment is scheduled for 5 hours, including about 4 hours 45 minutes of actual testing time after tutorial and administrative steps. Some questions may be unscored field-test items.

What passing score do I need for the TExES 118?

The passing standard is a scaled score of 240. TExES scaled scores range from 100 to 300, so aim for consistent performance across all competencies rather than guessing a raw-score cutoff.

How much does the TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam cost?

The current computer-based testing fee for the 118 exam is $116. Always confirm the current fee at registration because Texas educator test fees can change.

Which domains are weighted most heavily on the TExES 118?

Domain I, Social Studies Content, makes up about 71% of the exam and covers history, geography, economics, government and citizenship, and culture/science/technology. Domain II, Social Studies Foundations, Skills, and Instruction, makes up about 29%.

What topics does the TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam cover?

The exam covers United States, world, and Texas history; physical and human geography; economics; government and citizenship; culture and the impact of science and technology; and social studies inquiry, skills, and instruction for grades 4-8.

How should I study for the TExES 118 effectively?

Use the official 118 preparation manual to study each competency, prioritize Domain I content since it is about 71% of the exam, and practice with scenario-based items on Texas history, geography, economics, civics, and social studies instruction.