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PRAXISCode: 5714Reading📚 Common Core AlignedPart of Combined 5753

Praxis® Communication and Literacy:
Reading (5714)
Practice Test & Study Guide

Comprehensive preparation for teachers entering the profession — covering all 3 official content categories aligned to Common Core State Standards for Reading. All questions are passage-based; no outside content knowledge required.

55
Questions
85 min
Time limit
Varies
Passing score*
3
Content categories
$130
Exam fee
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All questions are passage-based — no outside content knowledge required. Every question on the 5714 can be answered using only information contained within the provided passage or statement. You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of the topics covered. Read each passage carefully and answer based solely on what is stated or implied in the text.

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56 questions in 85 minutes — approximately 91 seconds per question. The exam uses four passage formats: paired passages (~200 words, 4–7 questions), long passages (~200 words, 4–7 questions), short passages (~100 words, 2–3 questions), and brief statements (1 question each). Paired passage sets include cross-text comparison questions that count among the most challenging on the exam.

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Source: All exam details are drawn from the official ETS Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) Study Companion. The exam aligns to Common Core State Standards for Reading. Passing scores vary by state — always confirm at ets.org/praxis/states.

Free Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) Sample Quiz

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Which best describes the primary purpose of a topic sentence?

Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) — Test at a Glance

Key facts directly from the official ETS test specifications.

TEST NAME
Comm. & Lit.: Reading
Praxis Subject Assessment
TEST CODE
5714
Computer-delivered
TOTAL QUESTIONS
56
All selected-response
TIME LIMIT
85 min
~91 seconds per question
ALL QUESTIONS
Passage-based
No outside knowledge needed
REGISTRATION FEE
$130
Paid to ETS at registration
PASSING SCORE
Varies
Set by state/agency
SCORE REPORTING
~5 wks
After test date

About the Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) Exam

What you need to know before you register.

The Communication and Literacy Test in Reading measures academic skills in reading needed to prepare successfully for a career in education. All skills assessed have been identified as needed for college and career readiness, in alignment with the Common Core State Standards for Reading. There is particular emphasis on skills critical to learning and achievement in teacher preparation programs — specifically the ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate texts of different kinds.

The reading material on the test varies in difficulty and is drawn from a variety of subject areas and real-life situations that educated adults are likely to encounter. Each passage is followed by questions based on its content and related to reading skills. Every question can be answered using only information contained within the passage — no question requires outside knowledge of the content.

The exam uses four types of stimulus material: paired passages totaling approximately 200 words (4–7 questions each); long passages of approximately 200 words (4–7 questions); short passages of approximately 100 words (2–3 questions); and brief statements followed by a single question. Passages are drawn from both print and electronic media — newspapers, magazines, journals, nonfiction books, novels, online articles, and visual representations such as diagrams, charts, drawings, maps, floor plans, and graphs.

This test can be taken independently or as part of the Communication and Literacy Combined (5753), which allows you to take both the Reading and Writing (5724) subtests in the same session. Scores are reported separately for each subtest. Some questions may not count toward your score — these are unscored pretest items you cannot identify.

Four Passage Formats on the Exam

The 5714 uses four distinct types of stimulus material — knowing the format of each helps you pace and strategize effectively during the test.

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Paired Passages
Two related passages totaling ~200 words. Followed by 4–7 questions — including cross-text comparison questions asking you to identify agreement, disagreement, or relationship between the two texts. These are the most complex items on the exam.
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Long Passages
Single passages of approximately 200 words. Followed by 4–7 questions covering all three content categories: main idea, tone, structure, word meaning, argument evaluation, and application of ideas.
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Short Passages
Single passages of approximately 100 words. Followed by 2–3 questions. Allow faster pacing than long passages but test the same range of skills — read carefully even for short excerpts.
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Brief Statements
A single sentence or short statement followed by one question. Often tests inference, assumption identification, or logical conclusions. Fastest format but can be among the most analytically demanding.

Passage sources include: Newspapers, magazines, academic journals, nonfiction books, novels, online articles, and visual representations (diagrams, charts, drawings, maps, floor plans, graphs). Questions in every format may pose tasks of varying difficulty and test any of the skills in the Content Topics.

Official Exam Blueprint: 3 Content Categories

The official ETS blueprint defines 3 content categories. Key Ideas and Details and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas are equally weighted at 35% each; Craft, Structure, and Language Skills accounts for 30%.

Category I
Key Ideas and Details
Identifying accurate summaries or paraphrases of main ideas and primary purposes; identifying supporting ideas and specific details; drawing inferences and implications that can reasonably be drawn from directly stated content. This category tests your ability to understand what a passage explicitly says and what it logically implies.
35%
~17–22 questions
Category II
Craft, Structure, and Language Skills
Identifying the author's tone or attitude; recognizing how a passage is organized (cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, sequence); identifying key transition words and how they are used; identifying the role that specific information plays in an argument; determining word meanings in context; distinguishing fact from opinion.
30%
~14–19 questions
Category III
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
Interpreting texts that include visual representations (charts, graphs, maps, diagrams); evaluating arguments — identifying relationships among ideas, determining whether evidence strengthens or weakens an argument, identifying unstated assumptions, drawing conclusions; analyzing and comparing two texts — recognizing similar situations, applying ideas to new contexts, identifying points of agreement and disagreement.
35%
~17–22 questions

Key Topics by Content Category

Specific skills tested within each category — drawn directly from the official ETS content specifications.

I

Key Ideas and Details

~17–22 questions · 35%
Main idea identification: Identify accurate summaries or paraphrases of the main idea or primary purpose of a reading selection — what is the passage primarily concerned with?
Paraphrasing main idea: Distinguish an accurate paraphrase of a passage's central argument from distorted, too-narrow, or too-broad summaries of the same idea
Supporting ideas: Identify accurate summaries or paraphrases of the supporting ideas and specific details in a reading selection — what does the passage state as evidence?
Supporting detail retrieval: Locate specific information stated in the text; identify which answer choice accurately reflects a detail from the passage vs. one that misrepresents or distorts it
Inferences: Identify inferences and implications that can reasonably be drawn from the directly stated content of a reading selection — what does the passage logically imply?
Reasonable conclusions: Distinguish warranted inferences (those supported by evidence in the text) from unwarranted ones (those that require information not provided in the passage)
II

Craft, Structure, and Language Skills

~14–19 questions · 30%
Author's attitude and tone: Identify accurate descriptions of the author's tone or attitude toward the material — is the author admiring, critical, neutral, skeptical, ironic, celebratory, or nostalgic?
Tone word vocabulary: Questions may offer a word (e.g., "uncanny") and ask which substitute best maintains the original meaning — tests both vocabulary and contextual precision
Transition words and phrases: Identify key transition words (however, therefore, in contrast, as a result) and how they signal logical relationships between ideas — contrast, cause, addition, illustration
Text organization patterns: Identify how a passage is organized — cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, chronological sequence, description, or mixed structures
Role of specific information: Identify the role that an idea, reference, or piece of information plays in the author's discussion or argument — does it support, qualify, contrast, introduce, or conclude?
Word meanings in context: Determine what a word or phrase means as used in a specific passage — the correct answer fits the passage's context, not just the most common dictionary definition of the word
Fact vs. opinion: Determine whether information presented in a reading selection is presented as fact (verifiable, objective claim) or opinion (value judgment, personal view, or unsupported assertion)
Author's purpose in using specific language: Understand why an author makes particular word choices, uses figurative language, or structures a sentence a specific way
III

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

~17–22 questions · 35%
Diverse media and visual representations: Interpret texts that include visual representations — charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, drawings, floor plans. Select the conclusion best supported by data in a graph; identify what a chart or diagram shows about a trend or comparison
Relationships among ideas: Identify the logical relationships among ideas presented in a reading selection — how do different parts of the argument connect, support, or qualify each other?
Evidence evaluation: Determine whether evidence strengthens, weakens, or is irrelevant to the arguments made in a reading selection — a critical thinking skill tested with both single and paired passages
Underlying assumptions: Determine the unstated assumptions on which an argument or conclusion is based — what must be true for the author's reasoning to hold? What has the author taken for granted?
Drawing conclusions: Draw conclusions from material presented in a reading selection — which conclusion is best supported by the information given? (Tests logical reasoning, not recall)
Application of ideas: Recognize ideas or situations that are similar to what has been presented in a reading selection; apply the ideas in a passage to a new situation or context not explicitly described
Cross-text agreement and disagreement: Recognize points of agreement and disagreement between two texts in paired passage sets — which claim do both authors support? Where do they disagree or take different approaches?
Relationship between paired passages: Describe the logical or structural relationship between two passages — does Passage 2 offer a specific example of Passage 1's general claim? Refute it? Expand on it? Provide a counterexample?

Interactive Question Formats

Most questions are standard single-answer multiple choice, but the exam also uses interactive formats. Familiarize yourself with all of them before test day.

Single-Answer Multiple Choice
Select one answer from a list of options. The most common format on the exam. Typically uses "which of the following" phrasing.
Select All That Apply
Select all correct answers from a list — there may be one, two, or three correct options. Do not assume only one answer is correct.
Sentence Selection
Select a specific sentence within a reading passage (by clicking it) that best answers the question. Tests ability to locate precise textual evidence.
Graphic/Visual Interpretation
Select an answer based on a chart, graph, map, diagram, or other visual. Read the visual carefully before reading the answer choices.
Drag-and-Drop
Drag answer choices to their correct locations in a table, paragraph, or graphic. Used less frequently — follow on-screen instructions carefully.
Drop-Down Menu
Select an answer from a drop-down menu embedded within a sentence or paragraph to complete it correctly.

Taking the Reading (5714) as Part of the Combined Test (5753)

Many candidates take the Reading subtest as part of the Communication and Literacy Combined (5753) alongside the Writing subtest.

The Communication and Literacy Combined (5753) allows you to schedule and take both Reading (5714) and Writing (5724) in the same testing session. Each subtest is separately scored and can also be taken independently. Taking the combined test simply means both appear in one appointment — the Reading subtest structure, content, and timing are identical whether taken alone or as part of the combined test.

If you register for the combined session, plan for approximately 185 minutes total: 85 minutes for Reading (5714) followed by 100 minutes for Writing (5724). Scores are reported separately for each subtest, and states set passing score requirements independently for each.

Registration, Test Day & Scoring

Everything you need to know before and on exam day.

Registration

Where to registerpraxis.ets.org
Exam fee$130
Testing formatsIn-person or remote
Also available asCombined test (5753)
Arrive (in-person)30 min early

Scoring

Score typeScaled score
Raw score basisCorrect answers only
Passing scoreVaries by state
Results available~5 weeks post-test
State requirementsets.org/praxis/states

In-Person Testing

Test centersPrometric locations
Personal itemsStored in locker
Scratch paperProvided at station
Admission ticketPrint from ETS account

Remote Testing

Browser requiredETS Secure Test Browser
DeviceLaptop or desktop only
Equipment neededWebcam, mic, speakers
Proctor typeLive remote proctor

Passing Score Requirements by State

Passing scores vary by state and are set independently for the Reading and Writing subtests.

Important: Passing score requirements for the Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) are set individually by each state or licensing agency. Always verify the exact passing score for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.

Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a scaled score. There is no penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question, even if you need to guess. Some questions are unscored pretest items you cannot identify, so treat every question equally.

How to Prepare for the Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading Exam

Strategies aligned to the exam's passage-based design, four passage formats, and three content categories.

Key Ideas and Details and Integration are both 35% — together they're 70% of the exam.

Category I (main idea, supporting ideas, inferences) and Category III (argument evaluation, visual interpretation, cross-text comparison) together account for 34–44 questions. Prioritize these two categories in your preparation. Craft, Structure, and Language Skills (30%) is equally important but slightly smaller.

All questions are answerable from the passage alone — never use outside knowledge.

The official ETS instructions explicitly state: "Answer all questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage; you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of the topics." If you know something about a topic that isn't in the passage, ignore it. Choosing an answer based on outside knowledge is one of the most common wrong-answer traps on this exam.

For paired passage questions, identify the relationship between the two passages before reading the questions.

Paired passage sets include 4–7 questions, several of which ask about the relationship, agreement, or disagreement between the two texts. As you read, briefly note: Does Passage 2 support, extend, qualify, or contradict Passage 1? What does each author emphasize that the other does not? Having this framework before reading the questions makes cross-text questions significantly faster.

Distinguish between what a passage says and what it implies — inferences are a major tested skill.

Category I includes inference questions that ask what can "reasonably be drawn" from the passage. The correct answer is always the one that follows logically from the passage's stated content. Beware of choices that go too far beyond the passage (over-inference) or that merely restate what is explicitly said (under-inference). The correct inference is plausible given the passage but not directly stated.

For visual representation questions, read the chart or graph before the question choices.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas includes questions based on diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and other visual formats. Spend 20–30 seconds understanding what the visual shows — axes, categories, trends, time periods — before reading the question. This prevents misreading the data under time pressure.

Know the six major text organization patterns and their signal words.

Category II tests ability to identify text structure (cause/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, chronological, description, persuasive argument). Each has characteristic signal words: "however/on the other hand" = contrast; "as a result/therefore" = cause-effect; "first/then/finally" = sequence. Recognizing the structure quickly helps you answer both organization questions and transition-word questions.

Download the official ETS Study Companion for 5714 and complete all 18 sample questions with explanations.

The official PDF contains full sample questions with detailed answer explanations that describe exactly what skill is being tested and why each wrong answer is incorrect. Working through these is the closest you can get to authentic exam items. The passage types in the companion (ecotourism paired passage, LBJ/Kennedy passage, Michelangelo passage) directly model exam difficulty and question style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers sourced directly from the official ETS Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) Study Companion.

How many questions are on the Praxis Reading (5714)?+
The exam contains 56 selected-response questions with an 85-minute time limit. Questions span 3 content categories: Key Ideas and Details (35%, ~17–22 questions), Craft, Structure, and Language Skills (30%, ~14–19 questions), and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (35%, ~17–22 questions). All questions are based on reading passages or brief statements.
Do I need outside knowledge to answer the questions?+
No. All questions can be answered using only the information contained within the passage. You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of the topics covered in the passages. Answer every question based solely on what is stated or implied in the text provided.
What types of passages are on the Praxis Reading (5714)?+
The exam uses four passage formats: paired passages (~200 words, 4–7 questions); long passages (~200 words, 4–7 questions); short passages (~100 words, 2–3 questions); and brief statements (1 question each). Passages are drawn from newspapers, magazines, journals, nonfiction books, novels, online articles, and visual representations such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and maps.
What content categories are on the Praxis Reading (5714)?+
The exam covers 3 content categories: (I) Key Ideas and Details — 35%, ~17–22 questions (main ideas, supporting ideas, inferences); (II) Craft, Structure, and Language Skills — 30%, ~14–19 questions (tone, text organization, word meanings, fact vs. opinion); (III) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas — 35%, ~17–22 questions (visual representations, argument evaluation, cross-text analysis).
What standards is the Praxis Reading (5714) aligned to?+
The exam is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Reading. All skills assessed have been identified as needed for college and career readiness, with particular emphasis on skills critical to learning and achievement in teacher preparation programs.
Can I take the Reading (5714) as part of the Combined test (5753)?+
Yes. The Communication and Literacy Combined (5753) allows you to take both Reading (5714) and Writing (5724) in the same testing session. Scores are reported separately for each subtest. The combined test simply schedules both subtests in one appointment — the Reading test's structure and timing are identical regardless of how you register.
What is the passing score for the Praxis Reading (5714)?+
Passing scores vary by state or licensing agency. Always verify the specific requirement for your state at ets.org/praxis/states before registering.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the Praxis Reading (5714)?+
No. Your score is based solely on correct answers. There is no penalty for wrong answers — always answer every question, even if you need to guess. Never leave a question blank.

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Adaptive practice questions covering all 3 official ETS content categories — passage-based, just like the real exam. Domain-level analytics so you know exactly where to focus.

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Sources: ETS Praxis Communication and Literacy: Reading (5714) Study Companion (official PDF, praxis.ets.org); ETS official test page for 5714 (praxis.ets.org/test/5714.html); Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts; ETS Praxis Test Schedule 2025–26. Praxis® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS). This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by ETS. Passing score requirements vary by state — always verify at ets.org/praxis/states.
Last Updated: May 22, 2026