Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 61: English

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Number of Items by Subarea
  • Subarea I: 48–50 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 48–50 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.

The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
I Reading and Language 01–07 40%
II Rhetoric and Composition 08–13 40%
80%
Open-Response*
III Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis of a Literary or Informational Text 14 10%
Development of an Argument in Response to a Written Text 15 10%
20%

*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.

 

Subarea I–Reading and Language

Objective 0001: Apply knowledge of the characteristics of major genres of literature.

For example:

Objective 0002: Apply knowledge of American literature from the seventeenth through the twenty-first century that represents a range of American perspectives reflecting diversity of gender; race; ethnicity; sexual orientation; nation of origin; religion; age; disability; and cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds.

For example:

Objective 0003: Apply knowledge of British literature from the Anglo-Saxon through the contemporary period.

For example:

Objective 0004: Apply knowledge of contemporary and historical literature from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe from ancient times through the twenty-first century.

For example:

Objective 0005: Apply knowledge of informational texts.

For example:

Objective 0006: Apply knowledge of the structure and development of Standard American English.

For example:

Objective 0007: Apply knowledge of theory, research, and instructional practice related to language acquisition and reading.

For example:

 

Subarea II–Rhetoric and Composition

Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of principles of rhetoric and characteristics of effective writing and writing instruction.

For example:

Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of techniques for writing arguments.

For example:

Objective 0010: Apply knowledge of techniques for writing informative/explanatory texts.

For example:

Objective 0011: Apply knowledge of techniques for conducting academic research to build and present knowledge.

For example:

Objective 0012: Apply knowledge of techniques for writing narratives.

For example:

Objective 0013: Apply knowledge of techniques for speaking and/or expressive communication and listening and/or receptive communication to use in a variety of contexts.

For example:

 

Subarea III–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0014: Prepare an organized, developed written analysis of a literary or informational text.

For example:

Objective 0015: Prepare an organized, developed written analysis of an argument.

For example: