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MTEL Middle School Humanities Test

The MTEL Middle School Humanities Test is designed for Massachusetts educators interested in pursuing a career teaching humanities at the middle school level.

The test is organized into two sections. The multiple-choice section asks 80 questions for a total value of 80% of the overall MTEL Middle School Humanities Test score. These questions are concerned with four subareas: Literature and Language; Reading, Rhetoric and Composition; History; and Geography, Government and Economics. Of these, the two subareas carrying the greatest weight are Literature and Language, and History; both are addressed with 25 questions each. The remaining two subsections, Reading, Rhetoric and Composition; and Geography, Government and Economics, are given 15 questions each.

In the open-response section of the MTEL Middle School Humanities Test candidates are presented with two writing prompts. The first is designed to demonstrate candidates' depth of knowledge and degree of competency regarding both theoretical understanding of English and the ability to apply it. The second writing prompt assesses both the candidate's understanding of theory and application in the area of history.

MTEL Middle School Humanities Test Practice Questions

1. Which of the following does not contribute to language development?

1. Rules, patterns and conventions
2. Changes over time
3. Is one-dimensional
4. Continues after formal schooling has ended

2. Dr. Fred M. Newmann’s standards for authentic intellectual work include:

1. Obtaining knowledge
2. Disciplined inquiry
3. Applying knowledge
4. All of the above

3. The privileges of citizenship do not include:

1. Obeying the laws
2. Owning a house
3. Right to vote
4. Paying taxes

4. Economics is:

1. A physical science
2. Local
3. Studied at the micro and macro levels
4. All about math

5. What does the US motto, E Pluribus Unum, mean?

1. From many, one
2. A second chance
3. Free and open society
4. Combination of many cultures

Answer Key | MTEL Middle School Humanities Test Breakdown