Directions to Constructed Response Questions

You have 60 minutes to write a response to two questions. On the Praxis Subject Assessment Test, one question will always deal with Fitness Analysis and Program design and the other will always deal with Lesson Design and Analysis. The constructed response exercise provides you the opportunity to demonstrate how well you support your ideas with specific examples and relevant details.  You should demonstrate your understanding of all parts of the question and organize your ideas in a logical sequence.

The following strategies may be helpful when you take a constructed response test:

READ the directions carefully. Read the entire question before attempting to answer any single part of the question. Understand the requirements of the test instructions. If there is a choice of question elements, choose the topic you can answer most knowledgeably.  If there are two or more question elements, decide the best order in which to answer the question elements.

DECIDE on the principle or concept you will use in your answer BEFORE you write your response. When the test is scored the readers will be looking for evidence that you actually applied the principle you identified and that you used the principle in the way you stated it was used.  Therefore, it is important that you incorporate that principle in your answer.  To do that effectively, you need to make this decision before you start writing your answer.

PACE your activities. Know the total amount of time allowed for the test and the time you can allot to each question. Determine the number and type of responses required by the test. Allow time to read each question, and to plan, write and review your answers. Many students fail to pace themselves effectively and end up glossing over question elements or even leaving a part of a question unanswered. This is a sure way to score poorly on the test.

ORGANIZE your response. You might even want to outline your topic ideas and supporting evidence or make brief notes before writing your response.

WRITE your response. In responding to a constructed response question, be clear, concise, and accurate. Answer each element of the question completely. Include appropriate concepts and terminology, provide evidence to support and amplify your statements and have a cohesive structure.  Do not include irrelevant material; stay on target.

THIS is not an essay question. A constructed response question does not have to be answered with sentences and paragraphs. In fact, using a free-form outline with bullets instead of numbers and letters may be the best method for answering these types of questions. Bullets eliminate the need to re-order your numbering if you make changes in your answer. Another suggestion is to leave a lot of blank space while writing your answer. This will allow you to go back later and easily add details or comments.

REVIEW your responses. Go back and evaluate your responses for content, organization, clarity, and accuracy.

PRACTICING your responses. When practicing the constructed response test, be sure to pair a Fitness Analysis and Design question with a Lesson Design and Analysis question. There will be one of each type on the Movement Forms - Analysis and Design Exam.