Test Breakdown

 

The exam contains some selected-response items (multiple choice questions) and some constructed-response items (essay-like writing assignments). The selected-response items count for 40% of the total test score and the constructed-response items count for 60% of the total test score. The ALST is a 210 minute self-paced exam.

 

 

 

 

 

Selected-response:

The ALST contains narrative and expository passages. Each passage is accompanied by selected-response items, designed to measure comprehension of the passages. In total, the ALST contains 40 selection-response items. It’s expected that the Selected-Response section will take about 110 minutes to complete.

 

Constructed-response:

The ALST contains two forms of constructed-response items: (1) focused response and (2) extended response. The ALST contains two focused-response items and one extended response item. A focused response is based on two expository passages. To construct a focused-response, the test taker reads two passages on a single topic and constructs a written response that integrates information and perspectives of both passages. The focused-response should be approximately 150 words in length. It is expected that both focused-response items will be completed in approximately 20 minutes. The ALST contains one extended response item. This item is based on the two passages read for the focused response item. The extended response item should be approximately 500 words in length. It is expected that the extended response item will be completed in 60 minutes.

 

 

*Additional information on the test content can be viewed on this PDF document provided by NYSTCE .

 *All resources developed with permission from the New York State Education Department.