Mastering the NWEA MAP Reading Test

Tips for Success on the NWEA MAP Reading Test:

- Carefully read all passages several times, noting main ideas and details

- Underline or highlight key points and evidence when answering questions 

- Pay attention to literary elements like character, setting, plot, protagonist, antagonist

- Focus on the author's craft, tone, and purpose 

- Analyze informational texts for central ideas and supporting details

- Define unfamiliar vocabulary using context clues

- Take your time and re-read confusing sections several times

- Review your work to catch any errors or missed questions before proceeding

- Use close reading strategies - read the passage multiple times

- Find explicit text evidence to support your answers

- Eliminate wrong answer choices on multiple-choice questions

- Practice with sample passages at your reading level 

- Learn test structure and question types beforehand

- Ask your teacher to clarify concepts you are struggling with

- Believe in yourself and your reading skills - you've got this!

Here is a sample reading passage with 5 comprehension questions targeting a RIT level of 210-220 for the NWEA MAP test:

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the NWEA MAP Reading Test with passage examples and sample questions:

Overview of NWEA MAP Reading Test:

The test covers reading comprehension and analysis of both literary and informational texts. It adapts to each student's learning level.

Test Sections:

Literature 

- Assesses comprehension of stories, dramas, and poetry

- Focuses on literary elements like character, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone

Sample Passage:

The New Girl

As Kim walked into Mr. Jones' classroom, she felt nervous meeting all the new faces staring back at her. "Class, I'd like you to meet our new student Kim," said Mr. Jones. Kim gave a small wave before taking the empty seat in the front row. She sat quietly through the math lesson, trying to keep up. When the bell rang for lunch, Lily from the desk next to Kim's turned and asked, "Want to sit with me and my friends?" Kim smiled and gathered her things to join Lily, feeling relieved she was making friends already.

Sample Questions:

- What is the setting of this passage? (Mr. Jones' classroom)

- What is the tone of the passage? (nervous shifting to relieved)

- Which detail helps develop the theme? (Lily inviting Kim to sit with her friends)

Informational Texts

- Assesses comprehension of nonfiction texts like essays, articles, speeches  

- Focuses on identifying key ideas, details, craft, and structure

Sample Passage: 

Kids Can Help the Environment 

There are many ways kids can help protect the environment. First, turn off lights and electronics when not in use. This conserves electricity. Walk or bike for transportation when possible. This reduces emissions from vehicles. Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic. This cuts down on waste and plastic pollution. Recycle paper, plastics, bottles, and cans. This gives materials a second life.

Sample Questions:

- What is the main idea of this passage? (ways kids can help the environment)  

- Which detail explains how to reduce emissions? (Walk or bike for transportation)

- What can kids recycle according to the passage? (paper, plastics, bottles, cans)

Let me know if you need any other specific examples for the NWEA MAP Reading Test!

Here is an example passage applying the close reading strategies from The Reading Sage:

The Ball Game 

Jamal loved playing catch with his dad in the evenings after dinner. His dad would pretend to pitch like a major league baseball player, and Jamal would swing his plastic bat as hard as he could. Even though Jamal usually missed or tipped the ball, his dad always cheered him on.  

One day, Jamal's dad surprised him with two tickets to a baseball game that night. Jamal could barely contain his excitement as they drove to the stadium. As they walked to their seats, Jamal gazed in awe at the immaculate field. He cheered loudly when the home team came up to bat. In the 5th inning, Jamal was allowed to go pitch in the kids zone. He threw as hard as he could at the target. Though he missed, Jamal didn't mind - he felt like a real major league player. That night was the best night ever.

First read:

- Main ideas: Jamal loves playing baseball with his dad, he gets surprised with baseball game tickets, he gets to pitch in the kids zone at the stadium.

- Theme: baseball brings joy and connection.

Second read:

- How does Jamal feel when he enters the stadium? (in awe)

- How does Jamal react after missing the pitch at the kids zone? (doesn't mind, feels like a real player)

Third read: 

Question: What is the main idea of the passage?

Answer: Jamal loves playing baseball with his dad and gets to have a memorable major league experience. (CIRCLE - first paragraph)

Question: How does Jamal most likely feel at the end of the story?

Answer: That it was the best night ever. (UNDERLINE - last sentence)

The New Bike

Jessica woke up on Saturday morning excited for her birthday party. She bounded down the stairs hoping to see the new blue bike she had been wanting for months. But instead of a shiny new bike, all she saw was mom making pancakes in the kitchen.  

"Happy birthday, sweetie!" said mom. "Your party isn't until this afternoon, so eat up and get ready."

Jessica tried not to feel disappointed. She ate her birthday pancakes half-heartedly, staring out the window. After breakfast, she went upstairs to get dressed. When she came back down, she noticed dad was gone. 

"Where's dad?" she asked.

"Oh, he just had to run a quick errand," said mom. "Why don't you watch some TV while you wait for your friends to arrive?"

Jessica flipped through the channels, but she was too excited for her party to focus. She kept glancing at the clock. Finally, the doorbell rang, and her friends shouted "Surprise!" as she opened the door. After pizza and cake, it was time to open presents. 

When all the gifts were unwrapped, Jessica realized there was no bike. She tried not to look disappointed as she thanked her friends for the great presents. Then dad stood up and said, "We have one more surprise for you. Come look outside!"

Jessica ran out the front door, and there on the lawn sat a brand new blue bike with a big bow on it. Jessica jumped up and down, then jumped on the bike and took it for a spin around the block. It was the best birthday ever!

Comprehension Questions:

1. Who is the protagonist in this passage? 

2. What is the main conflict Jessica experiences? 

3. How does the dialogue help develop the plot?

4. What is the theme of the story?

5. How does the setting impact the sequence of events?

Highlighted literary elements:

- Protagonist: Jessica

- Dialogue: "Happy birthday sweetie!" said mom. 

- Conflict: Jessica expects a bike for her birthday but doesn't get one initially

- Theme: Don't lose hope, good things are still possible

Academic vocabulary: 

half-heartedly, errand, focus, glance, discipline

Here are 4 more passage ideas with comprehension questions targeting RIT levels 210-240 for the NWEA MAP Reading test:

210-220 

The Science Fair Disaster

Jake worked for weeks on his volcano science fair project. The day before the fair, he was ready for a test run. But when Jake added the baking soda, instead of oozing lava, the volcano exploded, covering his kitchen in sticky gray mush. Jake was devastated that his project was ruined. But his dad said not to give up - they would work to fix it together. After hours of redesigning, repainting, and testing, Jake's volcano was finally ready. At the fair the next day, Jake's volcano had a perfect eruption, wowing the judges and earning him first place.  

Questions:

1. What is the central conflict in the passage?

2. How did Jake respond to the initial failure?

3. What is the theme of the story?

4. How did Jake solve the problem with his dad's help?

5. How might the setting of the kitchen have impacted the volcano explosion?

220-230

The Priceless Crystal

Ava opened the attic door, looking for her old baby clothes. She stumbled on an old box and out tumbled a beautiful crystal vase. Ava gazed at the rainbow colors dancing in the sunlight. She noticed a stamp on the bottom that read "1897 World Fair, Chicago." Could this be an antique from the famous fair? Ava excitedly called her mom to look. Her mom explained that the vase had been passed down generations. Even though it was likely precious, what mattered most was the family memories it represented. Ava decided she would one day pass it down to her children too.

Questions:  

1. What is the theme of this passage?

2. How does the imagery impact the tone? 

3. What can the reader infer about Ava's values?

4. How might the setting provide clues to the vase's history?

5. How does the vase contribute to the characterization of Ava?

230-240

The Invention

Malik studied the rickety windmill design in his engineering book. While efficient, the windmills broke easily in storms. Malik imagined a way to improve the design by adjusting the turbine alignment. He made sketches and calculations late into the night. In the workshop, Malik carefully built a model, tweaking each piece to maximize durability. During a thunderstorm, Malik tested his windmill model outside. Though the storm destroyed a standard windmill, Malik's innovative design withstand the gales. His unique invention would go on to provide cheap, clean energy across the country.  

Questions:

1. What is the central conflict Malik faces?

2. How does Malik work to resolve the conflict? 

3. What key traits does the passage reveal about Malik?

4. How does the setting impact the sequence of events?  

5. What is the theme of the passage?