Praxis 5713
Core Academic Skills: Reading
Maryland Passing Score
156
MSDE Score Code
7403
Retake Wait
28 days
Score Valid
10 years
Exam Domain Breakdown
10 Free Practice Questions
Question 1 · Craft, Structure, and Language Skills
The three primary author's purposes for writing are:
- ATo analyze, to argue, to describe
- BTo inform, to persuade, and to entertain
- CTo compare, to sequence, and to explain
- DTo narrate, to summarize, and to evaluate
Explanation
The three foundational author's purposes are: to inform (expository/informational texts — explaining, describing, instructing), to persuade (argumentative texts — convincing readers to adopt a position), and to entertain (narrative/literary texts — engaging readers through story, character, and events). Multiple purposes can coexist in a single text.
Question 2 · Craft, Structure, and Language
An article moves from the 1300s to the 1800s to the 2000s while discussing the evolution of trade. The organizational structure is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Moving through historical time periods in sequence = chronological organization, common in historical and explanatory texts.
Question 3 · Key Ideas and Details
Read the passage: 'The monarch butterfly undertakes one of nature's most remarkable journeys, traveling up to 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico each fall. Despite weighing less than a paper clip, it navigates using a combination of sunlight and an internal magnetic compass.' What is the main idea?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
The main idea synthesizes the passage's focus: remarkable long-distance migration using complex navigation—not just one detail like weight.
Question 4 · Craft, Structure, and Language
A passage begins by describing a problem, then explains its causes, and ends with proposed solutions. This text structure is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Problem-solution structure: presents a problem, analyzes it, and proposes solutions—a common structure in argumentative and informational texts.
Question 5 · Key Ideas and Details
Read: 'Marie Curie was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.' Which detail would MOST directly support this claim?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
The specific Nobel Prize dates and fields directly support the 'two Nobel Prizes' claim with precise factual evidence.
Question 6 · Craft, Structure, and Language
Read: 'First, the student brainstorms. Next, she creates an outline. Then she drafts. Finally, she revises.' This passage is organized:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Sequential structure presents steps or events in the order they occur; signal words (first, next, then, finally) indicate this structure.
Question 7 · Key Ideas and Details
In an informational text, what is the purpose of a supporting detail?
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Supporting details provide the evidence, examples, data, or elaboration that substantiate the main idea or topic sentence.
Question 8 · Key Ideas and Details
A paragraph begins: 'Many historians argue that the printing press was the most transformative invention of the last millennium.' Each subsequent sentence discusses different ways the press changed society. The function of the first sentence is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
An opening sentence that makes a broad claim followed by supporting evidence is a topic sentence—the organizational signal for the paragraph's main idea.
Question 9 · Craft, Structure, and Language
Read: 'The evidence was ambiguous: it could support either theory equally.' 'Ambiguous' in this context means:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Ambiguous = open to multiple interpretations; the context—'could support either theory'—demonstrates this directly.
Question 10 · Craft, Structure, and Language
An author organizes a history of the Internet by starting with ARPANET in 1969 and ending with modern social media. This is:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Explanation
Chronological structure organizes events in time order—most common in historical narratives and process explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maryland passing score for Praxis 5713?
The Maryland passing score for the Praxis 5713 (Core Academic Skills: Reading) is 156. This is set by MSDE and differs from other states. Always verify current requirements at msde.maryland.gov.
What is the MSDE score recipient code for Maryland?
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) score recipient code is 7403. Select this code at every Praxis registration to have your scores sent directly to MSDE for licensure processing.
How long do I have to wait to retake the Praxis 5713?
Maryland requires a 28-day wait between Praxis 5713 attempts. This wait applies regardless of your score. Plan your test dates accordingly.
How many questions are on the Praxis 5713?
The Praxis 5713 contains 120 selected-response questions plus 2 constructed-response items (for PLT exams). You have 2 hours to complete the exam.
What domains does the Praxis 5713 cover?
The Praxis 5713 covers Key Ideas and Details (30%), Craft, Structure, and Language Skills (30%), Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (25%), Vocabulary in Context (15%).
How long are Praxis 5713 scores valid in Maryland?
Praxis scores are valid for 10 years from the test date in Maryland. Scores do not expire for the purposes of Maryland teacher certification within this window.
Can I use a calculator on the Praxis 5713?
No on-screen calculator is provided for the Praxis 5713.
Does PraxisPass tell me when I'm ready to book the Praxis 5713?
Yes. PraxisPass is the only platform that tells you exactly when to book your exam. When your Pass Probability Score (PPS) for the 5713 reaches 90%, sustained over 7 consecutive days with 2 passing mock exams, PraxisPass declares you ready and prompts you to schedule.
Is PraxisPass free to use for the Praxis 5713?
PraxisPass offers a permanent free tier that includes your Exam Readiness Score diagnostic, Pass Probability Score baseline, and your first complete 25-minute study mission for the 5713. The Individual plan at $19/month unlocks unlimited study sessions across all 50+ Maryland Praxis exams.