Social Studies 4-8
Study & Test Strategies

Strategy 1

Submitted by Gerardo

Study Strategy

I purchased Social Studies 4-8 off the PassTheTExES website. The information was very useful. It covers what the TEA expects you to know but it doesn’t show how to apply the information into actual questions. So, I went ahead and bought the CertifyTeacher program and found out that it was very helpful because it gives you practice test questions and explanations of why their answer is correct. Also, a piece of advice would be to be aware that this test is about how everything is interrelated. History, Economics, Geography, Government all are connected together. Also, learn each competency and when answering questions always refer to that competency. Also, in competency 6, know what the TEKS covers in grades 4-8. The test will definitely ask something about the TEKS in those grades. When answering questions in competency 7, always look for the answer choice that mostly involves students working together or the one that has the most activity going on.

Testing Strategy

The test is about whether you know how to apply information conceptually. For example, a history question may be about something with geography and culture and it’s up to you whether you know the history related to geography and culture. Just know whether the question is about history, geography, economics, government, or culture and how they relate to each other and you should be ok with the test. I took the test on Monday morning and got the results on Friday early morning with a passing score of 253.

Strategy 2

Submitted by Cynthia

Study Strategy

I took the test in December 2017. I had about a month and a half to prepare, but in reality only studied effectively for a total of two weeks. I passed on the first try with a score of 257. For this exam, I used a variety of study materials both free and costly. I used Barron's AP United States History Flashcards and workbook, the TExES testing website preparation manual, Passthetexes, the XAMonline Social Studies 7-12 manual (The Texas History section), PDF format 7th grade online textbooks and teacher websites, and 240tutoring. The materials I found most helpful were the teacher websites, the XAMonline preparation manual, the TExES testing website preparation manual, and 240tutoring.com. The teacher websites were helpful because they were current and from teachers from Texas schools. They had notes, assignments, and had uploaded PDF formats of their class textbooks that I could read on my phone while out and about. The testing website (ETS) preparation manual was extremely helpful for what to expect on the exam, how it was going to be graded, and of course the types of questions that would be on there. The manual also had sample questions which gave me an idea of what would be on the exam. 240tutoring.com was the most helpful, because I could study extensively some of the subjects that I am weakest in, and the subject questions they have are like the questions on the exam.

Testing Strategy

The exam was harder than I expected, though I am told that it was probably my nerves that made it seem that way. The sections I found hardest were the sections with subjects I am weakest in, such as Economics and Social Studies teaching strategies. As for advice and tips and tricks, I would say that make sure you know exactly where you are weakest in, and focus your study time in those areas. I would also recommend 240tutoring.com

Strategy 3

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used 240tutoring and the exam/prep manual provided. I studied each topic that was covered for about 3 weeks and took a couple days off work to focus on studying. John Green's crash course videos were definitely helpful. I would read the study guides then watch the video.

Testing Strategy

The test was a lot tougher than expected. I left feeling overwhelmed and felt everything that I had studied was not on the test. I took the test Wednesday and got a passing score of exactly 240 that Friday. The questions were conceptual, and most questions required understanding of passages as it pertained to History, Economics, and applying knowledge to scenarios. 240tutoring gave me a lot of background information on subjects covered, but I felt that the manual provided by the state was most helpful in determining the right choice. As many have mentioned on the other comments, do not focus on exact dates, laws, or anything in particular; just focus on learning what each topic is about. I think the test is set up to use critical thinking, rather than testing your knowledge on events in History or Social Studies. I would take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to study all that you can. Use online resources and watch John Green's crash course videos to give you additional knowledge on each topic. Good luck on your test! Take your time. Eat a good meal before and get enough rest to help you focus.

Strategy 4

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used 240tutoring.com and the TExES Social Studies 4-8 prep review. I would not rely solely on 240 since it just gives a basic understanding of Social Studies. Had I relied on that, I probably would've failed. Thankfully, I rescheduled the date and decided to study a lot more using the free prep manual available for download on the TExES website.

Testing Strategy

The Economics portion was a little tough, but I finished the test in less than 2 hours. Luckily, I passed on my first try with a 265 out of 300. You can do it!

Strategy 5

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I had taken and passed the Social Studies 7-12 composite with a 251 six months before, but the school hiring me wanted me to teach 6th grade so they had me take the Social Studies 4-8. My study strategy was similar to studying for the 7-12, but I purchased the Momentix Flash Cards for the 4-8. These flash cards were great for a refresher and were better for prepping for the test question format for the TExES compared to the Barron's AP flash cards I had used for the 7-12. I also watched the Crash Course videos for Economics, Government and Citizenship, World History and US History. I did not watch all of the videos, but mainly the first 10 or 12. For Economics and Government, that is more than enough. I spent about 6 days studying, or watching videos, for about 7-8 hours per day.

Testing Strategy

The first question made me feel defeated, so I took a minute to take some deep breaths, get in a "zone" and then the rest of the test flowed smoothly. I left feeling good about the test, other than 2 or 3 questions I had marked. Most questions were conceptual and asked you to apply the knowledge to situations, graphs, reading passages, etc. A few questions were in regards to basic "who, when, where, what, how" knowledge. I took the test on Tuesday evening and received my scores on Friday morning and passed with a 274. The 4-8 test seemed easier than the 7-12, but I believe a lot of this was that my study materials and strategy for the 4-8 test was much better than previously done/used for the 7-12. Put in the study hours, test your knowledge with practice tests, and take a few breaths to calm yourself. You will do fine.

Strategy 6

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

For the 4-8 TExES exam, I used all my study material for the 7-12th TExES exam that I had previously bought. I found the Mometrix Flashcards and 240Tutoring.com very helpful. The flashcards are very detailed, which was necessary, but they touched on subjects that were important. 240Tutoring allows you to print the study guides so that you can take notes and highlight key information. 240Tutoring summed up the information on the flashcards and was less intimidating than the note cards. John Greene's Crash Course videos also helped. I watched as many as I could and took notes while doing so. I studied for about one to three hours a day for six days.

Testing Strategy

This test was not as hard as I had anticipated for it to be. About a month before I took this test, I took the 7-12 Social Studies test and failed with a 215. I was expecting the tests to be similar but they were very different. I would say make sure you focus on Texas History, as there were several questions about Texas History. Take your time on the test. The first time I took the 7-12, I did not take my time (1.5 hours) and I believed it reflected in my score. With the 4-8 exam, I took my time (2.5 hours) and passed with a 256. I just wanted to add that I took my test on a Friday and my scores were posted by Tuesday. Good luck!

Strategy 7

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the XAM Online Book, John Greene's Crash Course Video on YouTube, and the TEA Website. Through the website you can take the previous practice tests for Social Studies for free.

Testing Strategy

Initially, I took the content exam for 7-12 and failed the test. As I was sitting there sulking, I decided on a whim to take the Social Studies 4-8. I found out my results on a Tuesday, and took the next test that Friday. I studied the book, and essentially memorized every important date, event, key word, or person for the first test. If it was in bold, I studied it and took notes! However, after taking the first test I realized that I studied completely wrong for the test. I can tell you, emphatically, that I did not receive any questions that asked me to name a person or event. Rather, the questions are focused on the 'because' rather than the 'who or when.' I didn't listen to prior reviews the first time, but this time I really only watched dozens of John Greene's Crash Course videos on economics, social studies, time periods, presidents, or social studies related. There are plenty of videos to choose from. This was the saving grace for me passing the test with a 261, up from 221 the week prior. The videos will give a general understanding of the subjects that is completely comparable to the test. Do not purchase any additional tests (like I did) or buy Flash Cards (like I did), because that's not how the test is made up. If you go the TExES Tea website and look up existing tests, you'll get a perfect idea of how the questions are worded and the generalizations of what you can expect. I know it's not specific, but the test isn't either. You need to focus on the big picture for what happened after/before an event occurred. You need to see this as students do and understand how this event impacted the people of that time period. Good luck and watch those videos. You'll thank me that you did!

Strategy 8

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I purchased the following: Mometrix flash cards and the TeXeS 118 study book. I also downloaded every single free practice 118 test that I could find and studied the correct answers and explanations. I took seven days off of work, including the weekend, studied about eight hours each day for nine days. The Mometrix flash cards are incredibly detailed. They provide more information than you will actually need, but give you a lot of context that prove useful on the exam. I read through the TeXes book one time, but took my time reviewing each section. I also used the practice exams, to get a feel for the flow of the actual exam. Upon purchasing the handbook, you can send off for a free CD, which contains great test taking secrets. I found these secrets invaluable.

Testing Strategy

The test was absolutely not what I expected. I studied so many details: acts, laws, wars; which was not as important as having a general understanding of Social Studies. The test is definitely more conceptual; I think you're challenged to actually apply what it is that you've studied more so than just remembering information. This is where the flash cards were actually useful in providing a lot of detail. Again, the secrets in the CD were super useful in deciding on answers I was unsure of. I would love to be more helpful, but before the test, you sign a confidentiality agreement. I would say, focus on concepts, but know the details. I passed the first time with a 267 out of 280. You can do it!

Strategy 9

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the 240tutoring.com website and I used the materials provided by ETS. I also used the flash cards but I did not find them to be very helpful.

Testing Strategy

But for a few exceptions, the questions on the exam were nothing like the material that I studied. I found myself choosing the logical answer. I thought the test was difficult and I was convinced that I had failed. I passed the first time with a 267.

Strategy 10

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the free manual that can be downloaded and I also bought the Pass the Texes Social Studies 4-8 review book. I bought flash cards from Mometrix Media LLC for $39.99 that I found very helpful though it goes more in depth. I mainly used the free manual for the practice questions and used the Pass the Texes book to review actual material and supplemented with the flash cards. I studied a lot for this test being that I am 50 and haven't taken a test for 25 years. Probably studied 40 hours. I highly recommend both study aids that I used.

Testing Strategy

I needed about 2 1/2 of the 5 allotted to take the test. There were a couple of questions I had no clue about, but otherwise everything else was in my study material. I got a 280 on the test!

Strategy 11

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the free manual that can be downloaded and I also bought the Pass the Texes Social Studies 4-8 review book. I mainly used the free manual for the practice questions and then I used the Pass the Texes book to review actual material. I think it was $20 something dollars and I would say it is worth the money. I had to order it online here: http://www.passthetexes.com/ and it arrived within a few days of ordering. This book went through all the competencies and had overviews on all the actual facts of history, geography, economics, and government that could be tested. I found that to be the most valuable aspect so I could review the facts. This book also comes with a CD that has study tools to be used on the computer. I honestly didn't use the CD because I procrastinated studying and didn't have time to utilize it. However, if you are a responsible studier, then I would definitely recommend using this resource to help with memorizing the material. I believe there are practice questions as well on the CD, however I just didn't get to them. I passed the test, so I suppose in hindsight I can say I wouldn't study differently. However, I was not comfortable on test day with my knowledge and was concerned about passing. Again, anyone who is responsible with their studying would find this resource extremely useful to prepare with.

Testing Strategy

The test wasn't any harder or easier than I anticipated. There were a few questions that were more difficult and required some critical thinking. Of course there were some factual questions where I just didn't remember the answer and had to try to make an educated guess. Some of these straight up material questions weren't in my study manual (I went back through it after the test to check some answers I had guessed on). I recommend "marking" the questions you weren't super sure of to read again once you go through the entire test, just in case another question prompts you to remember some fact previously locked away in the recesses of your brain. I got a 272 on my first try with having just studied for about 4 hours total. Now, I am not trying to brag my smarts because that is definitely not what made me get this score. I just happen to be a good test taker and a good guesser. I wouldn't recommend this "strategy" for anyone since it is too risky and I was worried about failing. The questions I missed were evenly spread throughout the first 5 competencies which are the actual material questions in history, economics, geography, etc. There were 58 in that category on my test. There were also 22 in the Social Studies foundations/skills/instruction section and I was able to get all of those correct. I didn't find that as challenging as remembering facts learned long ago. rnrnOverall, I would tell someone to not do what I did and that I was lucky. Buy the Pass the Texes study manual because I believe it is a great resource. And when you do buy it, use it to its full potential unlike me.

Strategy 12

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I highly recommend an additional study guide with the standard (118) download you can off get of the ETS website. I used Pass the Texes 4-8 and Certifyteacher.com. The latter helped a lot as I was able to work in the office and study on my phone, they have flash cards and great practice test questions. It took me a few times to pass it, but finally did! Cover your basic American history, geography/geology as well, like convergent boundaries and erosion, basic stuff. Government was the easiest for me, know your important court cases i.e roe vs. wade, miranda vs. arizona (not in depth just be able to recognize them) brush up on the economic terms like scarcity, opportunity costs, Consumer price index, etc.

Testing Strategy

It is quite challenging as questions can vary and jump from era to era. After taking the test a few times (and failing) I finally passed. I noticed there were a handful of questions that were repetitive on the test. TAKE YOUR TIME people, especially with the competencies at the end 6 and 7, over social studies skills and instruction. I took the computer test 5 times and came up with a 237 each time. Took the paper based test once and passed it. I hate all standardize testing though. My recommendation try both paper and CAT. I got to know the test pretty well so when I took the paper based test, about halfway through I skipped to the back sections which usually is com. 6 and 7 ss skills and instructions, so i could do those first when i wasn't as fatigued. Read each question carefully, usually there are two for sure wrong answers and one kind of right answer, and one that is the correct (obviously) out of all the questions. READ and take time again, take a break and walk around for bit. Best of luck.

Strategy 13

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used the Mometrix Study Guide, PasstheTExES.com materials, and the ETS TExES materials on the website. In addition, I used YouTube videos about specific topics of Texas History, Economics and Geography. Finally, I used "America, the Story of Us" the video. In essence, I took three practice exams and focused on my weaknesses.

Testing Strategy

The test is very conceptual, a lot of cause and effects. Focus on the big picture and take your time. I took the Test on a Saturday and received my score on Tuesday. I passed with a 254. Don't overthink the test and go with your gut feeling.

Strategy 14

Submitted by Texas Teachers

Study Strategy

I used 240Tutoring and the ETS exam/prep manual provided. I watched a lot of videos following the prep manual outline. I studied for about a month, switching back and forth between the two resources, and integrated the videos. I believe it was the complete combination that assisted me the most.

Testing Strategy

The test was a bit harder than I thought it would be. The test was very conceptual. It takes your knowledge of history and applies it within many scenarios. There were only a few questions where the answer was a simple date or a person. Do not spend time memorizing dates, just have a good idea of chronology in history. I passed with a 260, and scored the highest on all of the content sections. The last part of the exam is a lot of passage reading where you need to apply, not only your knowledge of history, but your skills as Teacher too. Take your time, you have five hours. I went very slowly and it took me three hours. Read the questions slowly, and read them more than once. I caught myself missing a few key words at times, but was able to get them with another slow read. You will be fine. Good luck!

Strategy 15

Study Strategy

I highly recommend an additional study guide with the standard (118) download you can off get of the ETS website. I used Pass the Texes 4-8 and Certifyteacher.com. The latter helped a lot as I was able to work in the office and study on my phone, they have flash cards and great practice test questions. It took me a few times to pass it, but finally did! Cover your basic American history, geography/geology as well, like convergent boundaries and erosion, basic stuff. Government was the easiest for me, know your important court cases i.e roe vs. wade, miranda vs. arizona (not in depth just be able to recognize them) brush up on the economic terms like scarcity, opportunity costs, Consumer price index, etc.

Testing Strategy

It is quite challenging as questions can vary and jump from era to era. After taking the test a few times (and failing) I finally passed. I noticed there were a handful of questions that were repetitive on the test. TAKE YOUR TIME people, especially with the competencies at the end 6 and 7, over social studies skills and instruction. I took the computer test 5 times and came up with a 237 each time. Took the paper based test once and passed it. I hate all standardize testing though. My recommendation try both paper and CAT. I got to know the test pretty well so when I took the paper based test, about halfway through I skipped to the back sections which usually is com. 6 and 7 ss skills and instructions, so i could do those first when i wasn't as fatigued. Read each question carefully, usually there are two for sure wrong answers and one kind of right answer, and one that is the correct (obviously) out of all the questions. READ and take time again, take a break and walk around for bit. Best of luck.

Strategy 16

Study Strategy

I used the free manual that can be downloaded and I also bought the Pass the Texes Social Studies 4-8 review book. I mainly used the free manual for the practice questions and then I used the Pass the Texes book to review actual material. I think it was $20 something dollars and I would say it is worth the money. I had to order it online here: http://www.passthetexes.com/ and it arrived within a few days of ordering. This book went through all the competencies and had overviews on all the actual facts of history, geography, economics, and government that could be tested. I found that to be the most valuable aspect so I could review the facts. This book also comes with a CD that has study tools to be used on the computer. I honestly didn't use the CD because I procrastinated studying and didn't have time to utilize it. However, if you are a responsible studier, then I would definitely recommend using this resource to help with memorizing the material. I believe there are practice questions as well on the CD, however I just didn't get to them. I passed the test, so I suppose in hindsight I can say I wouldn't study differently. However, I was not comfortable on test day with my knowledge and was concerned about passing. Again, anyone who is responsible with their studying would find this resource extremely useful to prepare with.

Testing Strategy

The test wasn't any harder or easier than I anticipated. There were a few questions that were more difficult and required some critical thinking. Of course there were some factual questions where I just didn't remember the answer and had to try to make an educated guess. Some of these straight up material questions weren't in my study manual (I went back through it after the test to check some answers I had guessed on). I recommend "marking" the questions you weren't super sure of to read again once you go through the entire test, just in case another question prompts you to remember some fact previously locked away in the recesses of your brain. I got a 272 on my first try with having just studied for about 4 hours total. Now, I am not trying to brag my smarts because that is definitely not what made me get this score. I just happen to be a good test taker and a good guesser. I wouldn't recommend this "strategy" for anyone since it is too risky and I was worried about failing. The questions I missed were evenly spread throughout the first 5 competencies which are the actual material questions in history, economics, geography, etc. There were 58 in that category on my test. There were also 22 in the Social Studies foundations/skills/instruction section and I was able to get all of those correct. I didn't find that as challenging as remembering facts learned long ago. rnrnOverall, I would tell someone to not do what I did and that I was lucky. Buy the Pass the Texes study manual because I believe it is a great resource. And when you do buy it, use it to its full potential unlike me.

Strategy 17

Study Strategy

I used the free manual that can be downloaded and I also bought the Pass the Texes Social Studies 4-8 review book. I bought flash cards from Mometrix Media LLC for $39.99 that I found very helpful though it goes more in depth. I mainly used the free manual for the practice questions and used the Pass the Texes book to review actual material and supplemented with the flash cards. I studied a lot for this test being that I am 50 and haven't taken a test for 25 years. Probably studied 40 hours. I highly recommend both study aids that I used.

Testing Strategy

I needed about 2 1/2 of the 5 allotted to take the test. There were a couple of questions I had no clue about, but otherwise everything else was in my study material. I got a 280 on the test!

Strategy 18

Study Strategy

I used the 240tutoring.com website and I used the materials provided by ETS. I also used the flash cards but I did not find them to be very helpful.

Testing Strategy

But for a few exceptions, the questions on the exam were nothing like the material that I studied. I found myself choosing the logical answer. I thought the test was difficult and I was convinced that I had failed. I passed the first time with a 267.

Strategy 19

Study Strategy

I purchased the following: Mometrix flash cards and the TeXeS 118 study book. I also downloaded every single free practice 118 test that I could find and studied the correct answers and explanations. I took seven days off of work, including the weekend, studied about eight hours each day for nine days. The Mometrix flash cards are incredibly detailed. They provide more information than you will actually need, but give you a lot of context that prove useful on the exam. I read through the TeXes book one time, but took my time reviewing each section. I also used the practice exams, to get a feel for the flow of the actual exam. Upon purchasing the handbook, you can send off for a free CD, which contains great test taking secrets. I found these secrets invaluable.

Testing Strategy

The test was absolutely not what I expected. I studied so many details: acts, laws, wars; which was not as important as having a general understanding of Social Studies. The test is definitely more conceptual; I think you're challenged to actually apply what it is that you've studied more so than just remembering information. This is where the flash cards were actually useful in providing a lot of detail. Again, the secrets in the CD were super useful in deciding on answers I was unsure of. I would love to be more helpful, but before the test, you sign a confidentiality agreement. I would say, focus on concepts, but know the details. I passed the first time with a 267 out of 280. You can do it!

Strategy 20

Study Strategy

I used the XAM Online Book, John Greene's Crash Course Video on YouTube, and the TEA Website. Through the website you can take the previous practice tests for Social Studies for free.

Testing Strategy

Initially, I took the content exam for 7-12 and failed the test. As I was sitting there sulking, I decided on a whim to take the Social Studies 4-8. I found out my results on a Tuesday, and took the next test that Friday. I studied the book, and essentially memorized every important date, event, key word, or person for the first test. If it was in bold, I studied it and took notes! However, after taking the first test I realized that I studied completely wrong for the test. I can tell you, emphatically, that I did not receive any questions that asked me to name a person or event. Rather, the questions are focused on the 'because' rather than the 'who or when.' I didn't listen to prior reviews the first time, but this time I really only watched dozens of John Greene's Crash Course videos on economics, social studies, time periods, presidents, or social studies related. There are plenty of videos to choose from. This was the saving grace for me passing the test with a 261, up from 221 the week prior. The videos will give a general understanding of the subjects that is completely comparable to the test. Do not purchase any additional tests (like I did) or buy Flash Cards (like I did), because that's not how the test is made up. If you go the TExES Tea website and look up existing tests, you'll get a perfect idea of how the questions are worded and the generalizations of what you can expect. I know it's not specific, but the test isn't either. You need to focus on the big picture for what happened after/before an event occurred. You need to see this as students do and understand how this event impacted the people of that time period. Good luck and watch those videos. You'll thank me that you did!

Strategy 21

Study Strategy

For the 4-8 TExES exam, I used all my study material for the 7-12th TExES exam that I had previously bought. I found the Mometrix Flashcards and 240Tutoring.com very helpful. The flashcards are very detailed, which was necessary, but they touched on subjects that were important. 240Tutoring allows you to print the study guides so that you can take notes and highlight key information. 240Tutoring summed up the information on the flashcards and was less intimidating than the note cards. John Greene's Crash Course videos also helped. I watched as many as I could and took notes while doing so. I studied for about one to three hours a day for six days.

Testing Strategy

This test was not as hard as I had anticipated for it to be. About a month before I took this test, I took the 7-12 Social Studies test and failed with a 215. I was expecting the tests to be similar but they were very different. I would say make sure you focus on Texas History, as there were several questions about Texas History. Take your time on the test. The first time I took the 7-12, I did not take my time (1.5 hours) and I believed it reflected in my score. With the 4-8 exam, I took my time (2.5 hours) and passed with a 256. I just wanted to add that I took my test on a Friday and my scores were posted by Tuesday. Good luck!

Strategy 22

Study Strategy

I had taken and passed the Social Studies 7-12 composite with a 251 six months before, but the school hiring me wanted me to teach 6th grade so they had me take the Social Studies 4-8. My study strategy was similar to studying for the 7-12, but I purchased the Momentix Flash Cards for the 4-8. These flash cards were great for a refresher and were better for prepping for the test question format for the TExES compared to the Barron's AP flash cards I had used for the 7-12. I also watched the Crash Course videos for Economics, Government and Citizenship, World History and US History. I did not watch all of the videos, but mainly the first 10 or 12. For Economics and Government, that is more than enough. I spent about 6 days studying, or watching videos, for about 7-8 hours per day.

Testing Strategy

The first question made me feel defeated, so I took a minute to take some deep breaths, get in a "zone" and then the rest of the test flowed smoothly. I left feeling good about the test, other than 2 or 3 questions I had marked. Most questions were conceptual and asked you to apply the knowledge to situations, graphs, reading passages, etc. A few questions were in regards to basic "who, when, where, what, how" knowledge. I took the test on Tuesday evening and received my scores on Friday morning and passed with a 274. The 4-8 test seemed easier than the 7-12, but I believe a lot of this was that my study materials and strategy for the 4-8 test was much better than previously done/used for the 7-12. Put in the study hours, test your knowledge with practice tests, and take a few breaths to calm yourself. You will do fine.

Strategy 23

Study Strategy

I used 240tutoring.com and the TExES Social Studies 4-8 prep review. I would not rely solely on 240 since it just gives a basic understanding of Social Studies. Had I relied on that, I probably would've failed. Thankfully, I rescheduled the date and decided to study a lot more using the free prep manual available for download on the TExES website.

Testing Strategy

The Economics portion was a little tough, but I finished the test in less than 2 hours. Luckily, I passed on my first try with a 265 out of 300. You can do it!

Strategy 24

Study Strategy

I used 240tutoring and the exam/prep manual provided. I studied each topic that was covered for about 3 weeks and took a couple days off work to focus on studying. John Green's crash course videos were definitely helpful. I would read the study guides then watch the video.

Testing Strategy

The test was a lot tougher than expected. I left feeling overwhelmed and felt everything that I had studied was not on the test. I took the test Wednesday and got a passing score of exactly 240 that Friday. The questions were conceptual, and most questions required understanding of passages as it pertained to History, Economics, and applying knowledge to scenarios. 240tutoring gave me a lot of background information on subjects covered, but I felt that the manual provided by the state was most helpful in determining the right choice. As many have mentioned on the other comments, do not focus on exact dates, laws, or anything in particular; just focus on learning what each topic is about. I think the test is set up to use critical thinking, rather than testing your knowledge on events in History or Social Studies. I would take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to study all that you can. Use online resources and watch John Green's crash course videos to give you additional knowledge on each topic. Good luck on your test! Take your time. Eat a good meal before and get enough rest to help you focus.

Strategy 25

Study Strategy

I used 240Tutoring and the ETS exam/prep manual provided. I watched a lot of videos following the prep manual outline. I studied for about a month, switching back and forth between the two resources, and integrated the videos. I believe it was the complete combination that assisted me the most.

Testing Strategy

The test was a bit harder than I thought it would be. The test was very conceptual. It takes your knowledge of history and applies it within many scenarios. There were only a few questions where the answer was a simple date or a person. Do not spend time memorizing dates, just have a good idea of chronology in history. I passed with a 260, and scored the highest on all of the content sections. The last part of the exam is a lot of passage reading where you need to apply, not only your knowledge of history, but your skills as Teacher too. Take your time, you have five hours. I went very slowly and it took me three hours. Read the questions slowly, and read them more than once. I caught myself missing a few key words at times, but was able to get them with another slow read. You will be fine. Good luck!

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