SECURE TEST

Name _______________________________ ________________________________

Family/Last Name First/Given Name

Signature ______________________________________________________________
SECURE TEST 

Practice Test

4
SECURE TEST 
© 2019 Cambridge Michigan Language Assessment.
 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Look only at your own test. Examinees giving or receiving The example below shows the correct way for João Costa
answers or using notes or other aids will be disqualified, and Almeida dos Santos, tested at center no. 001, whose personal
they will fail. Examination fees will not be refunded. registration number is 100265 and who took Form A, to fill out
the information section.
Look at the TOP CENTER of PAGE ONE of your answer sheet.
Fill in the following information on the lines:
• FULL NAME: print your full name in this order: first name, then
middle initial (MI), then family name. Use all capital letters.
• SIGNATURE: sign your name.
• TODAY’S DATE: print the month, day, and year.

Look at the BOTTOM LEFT of PAGE ONE of your answer sheet.

Fill in the blocks according to the following::
• REGISTRATION: print your 6-digit personal registration
number. Include all zeros, including those at the beginning of
the number.
• CENTER: print the 3-digit test center number (the examiner
will tell you the number).
• LAN (Language): print the 2-digit code number for your native
language (the examiner will tell you the number).

Look at the columns of CIRCLES BELOW THE BLOCKS:

• Find the number that is the same as the number you have
printed in the block above.
• Darken the circle completely so that you cannot see the
number inside.
• Do this for all the numbers of your registration number, center
number and native language.
• Darken only one circle in each of the columns.

Look at the BOTTOM RIGHT of PAGE ONE of your answer

sheet:
• GENDER: darken the circle “M” next to MALE or “F” next to • Your mark must be dark enough to be read by the scanning
FEMALE. machine. The scanner cannot see very light marks.
• FORM: darken the circle for the form letter of this test. Make • Do not make any other marks on your answer sheet.
sure the letter you darken matches the form letter on the cover
• If you change your mind about an answer, erase your first mark
of this test booklet.
completely.
• Fill in only one circle for each question.
Look at the TOP MIDDLE of PAGE TWO of your answer sheet:
• Any question with more than one answer marked will be
• REGISTRATION: print your 6-digit personal registration counted wrong.
number. Include all zeros, including those at the beginning of
• If you are not sure about an answer, you may guess.
the number.
• FULL NAME: print your full name in this order: first name, then When instructed to, look through the rest of the test booklet to
middle initial (MI), then family name. Use all capital letters. see that it is complete. Check the pages quickly. You should
have 23 numbered pages in your test booklet. If there are pages
missing from your booklet, raise your hand and a proctor will
This test will be machine scored, so you must follow instructions
give you a replacement.
carefully:
• Do not bend or fold your answer sheet.
• Mark all your answers on the separate answer sheet. Answers
marked in the booklet will not be scored.
• Use a number 2 (soft) pencil.

1
BLANK PAGE
 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

Listening Section Instructions

In this section of the test, you will show your ability to understand spoken English. There are three parts in
this section, with special directions for each part.

Mark all your answers on the separate answer sheet. Do not make any stray marks on the answer sheet. If
you change your mind about an answer, erase your first answer completely. If you do not know the answer,
you may guess. Try to answer as many questions as possible.

Part 1
In this part of the test, you will hear short conversations between two people. After each conversation, you
will hear a question about it. Choose the best answer to the question from the choices printed in the test
booklet, and mark your answer on the separate answer sheet. You should mark A, B, C, or D.

There are 19 questions in Part 1. The conversations and questions will not be repeated.
Please listen carefully.

Do not turn the page until you

are told to do so.

3
BLANK PAGE
 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

1. What are the students supposed to do? 8. How does the woman feel about the trip
A. write down the most important ideas to San Diego?
B. write a research paper A. It will be more expensive than expected.
C. talk about what they learned B. A technology specialist must go.
D. talk about a different article C. Too many people are going.
D. They are bringing too many laptops.
2. What does the man think about what
the woman said? 9. What is the woman planning to do?
A. He wants to do the same thing. A. open a new business
B. He is happy that she told him. B. ask for identification
C. He is surprised by it. C. make an appointment
D. He didn’t hear her. D. get a driver’s license

3. What does the professor recommend 10. Which league did the man ask to join?
the student do? A. the one on Monday
A. research the history of literature B. the one on Wednesday
B. change her major C. the one on Thursday
C. explain how she became interested in Asia D. the one on Friday
D. include other writers in her project
11. What are the speakers commenting on?
4. Why should the man go early? A. parents taking their children to college
A. because it’s a long drive B. participating in an event with many people
B. because he wants a good seat C. giving directions to strangers
C. because the game time changed D. former students visiting their college
D. because parking is limited
12. What does the man think about going to the
5. What does the woman think about Frank’s basketball game?
predictions? A. He prefers watching television.
A. They will be useful for the company. B. He wants to go but has to work.
B. They are better than hers. C. He is not interested.
C. They will please the finance committee. D. He needs time to think about it.
D. They are unreasonable.
13. What will the woman do on Tuesday?
6. What are the speakers mainly discussing? A. email a meeting schedule to the man
A. where to buy the nicest furniture B. arrange a meeting with her coworkers
B. the best ways to organize paperwork C. write a report about a project
C. how many books the man has D. take some documents to a meeting
D. the man’s need for a bookcase
14. What does the man say about the library?
7. What will the speakers probably do next? A. There aren’t enough chairs there.
A. study alone B. The chairs there are uncomfortable.
B. arrange a time to meet C. It is too loud.
C. meet with their professor D. It is difficult to find.
D. reserve a room at the library

5
 LISTENING

15. Why did the woman mention a list?

A. She wants to sign up.
B. She needs to change her information.
C. She was not on it.
D. She wants to be removed from it.

16. What does the woman say about her experiment?

A. She has written a report of her findings.
B. The experiment has just been completed.
C. The results are as she expected.
D. She is not sure what to do next.

17. What do the speakers agree about?

A. John has many positive qualities.
B. John will probably leave the company soon.
C. They should discuss their concerns with John.
D. They think John is too young.

18. How do the speakers feel about the new

photocopier?
A. It is too expensive.
B. It is too big for their office.
C. It is worse than the old one.
D. It is more complicated than the old one.

19. Why is the office dark?

A. It is nighttime.
B. Someone turned off the lights.
C. The office lost power.
D. There is a storm outside.

6
 LISTENING

Part 2
In this part of the test, you will hear longer conversations between two people. After each conversation, you
will answer some questions about it. Choose the best answer to the question from the choices printed in the
test booklet, and mark your answer on the separate answer sheet. You should mark A, B, C, or D.

There are 14 questions in Part 2. The conversations and questions will not be repeated. If you want to, you
may take notes in your booklet as you listen. Please listen carefully.

Do not turn the page until you

are told to do so.

7
 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

20. What is the woman trying to do? Notes

A. choose a topic for a research project
B. decide what to study
C. make an appointment with her advisor
D. complete an assignment

21. What does the man say the woman should consider?
A. when classes are offered
B. how much time she has to study
C. what type of job she wants
D. what her parents think

22. How does the woman feel about her decision?

A. confused
B. pressured
C. hopeful
D. calm

23. What does the man mean when he says:

W9
A. He thought she had already made a decision.
B. He thought she had graduated last semester.
C. He thought she had finished the
required courses.
D. He thought she already had a job offer.

24. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

A. where the doctor’s office is located
B. when the man should visit the doctor
C. the man’s health problems
D. the doctor’s schedule

25. What will the man probably do later?

A. take some medicine
B. talk with the doctor
C. check his calendar
D. go back to the doctor’s office

26. What does the woman say might be a problem?

A. the man getting the flu again
B. the man’s health insurance
C. paying for the doctor’s visit
D. changing an appointment at the last minute

8
 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

27. What does the woman want the man to help with? Notes
A. moving a business location
B. placing a large order
C. finding missing merchandise
D. delivering packages to customers

28. What is implied about some boxes?

A. They were sent to the wrong store.
B. They have been damaged.
C. They are not big enough.
D. They are very heavy.

29. Why will the speakers wait to complete a task?

A. The store is not open yet.
B. The weather might cause a problem.
C. The man can’t help until later.
D. The woman can’t find a place to park.

30. What does the woman mean when she says:

A. The materials are difficult to obtain.
W9
B. The project details are confusing.
C. A building is not well constructed.
D. A schedule is subject to change.

31. What are the speakers mainly discussing?

A. their friends in London
B. their upcoming trip to London
C. where the woman will live in London
D. where the woman will attend school in London

32. How does the man feel about the woman’s

preparations?
A. She has been quite thorough.
B. She has completed everything quickly.
C. She is depending too much on friends.
D. She is waiting too long to make them.

33. What does the woman mean when she says:

A. She is nervous about going to London.
W9
B. She has no friends or relatives in London.
C. She hopes the man will travel with her.
D. She thinks London will be lonely.

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BLANK PAGE
 LISTENING

Part 3
In this part, you will hear some short talks. After each talk, you will answer some questions about it. Choose
the best answer to the question from the choices printed in the test booklet, and mark your answer on the
separate answer sheet. You should mark A, B, C, or D.

There are 17 questions in Part 3. The talks and questions will not be repeated. If you want to, you may take
notes in your booklet as you listen. Please listen carefully.

Do not turn the page until you

are told to do so.

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 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

34. What is the research study about? Notes

A. how perceiving color changes with age
B. how infants learn to process language
C. how color is described in different languages
D. how adults teach infants to name colors

35. What did the people in the research study do?

A. flash different colored lights on a screen
B. describe the different colors they saw
C. use only the left field of vision
D. look for a flashing circle of light

36. Why does the professor mention Russian speakers?

A. to discuss changes in Russian descriptions of color
B. to mention a study with different research findings
C. to show that research results differed across
language groups
D. to suggest language and perception are connected

37. What does the professor mean when she says:

A. It’s shown the importance of light to color.
W9
B. It’s reminded researchers of the value of color.
C. It’s increased people’s understanding of the subject.
D. It’s improved how researchers study light.

38. What is the talk mainly about?

A. a kind of children’s book
B. the history of storytelling
C. a new type of picture book
D. a story about two doors

39. Why does the speaker read to the class?

A. to introduce a new topic
B. to demonstrate a good writing technique
C. to explain the next assignment
D. to tell them a story

40. What is special about the stories described in the talk?

A. The plots change based on reader decisions.
B. They were created by a group of writers.
C. They are written for adults.
D. They have no main characters.

41. What does the professor mean when she says:

A. The cost of children’s books has increased.
W9
B. The stories are like a roller coaster ride.
C. The stories became less popular.
D. Some stories are happy and some are sad.

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 SECTION
LISTENING
NAME

42. What is the speaker’s main purpose? Notes

A. to introduce a new member of the company
B. to announce a deal between two companies
C. to discuss the creation of a new department
D. to explain why the company is moving

43. Which of the following will most likely be a duty of the

transition task force?
A. to decide what roles employees will play
B. to hire a new vice president of Finance
C. to find new clients for the upcoming year
D. to manage important existing DNJ accounts

44. What major change for DNJ Marketing does the

speaker mention?
A. Publication offices will be moved to another city.
B. Some employees will be required to relocate.
C. DNJ Marketing will lay off some employees.
D. Human Resources will reorganize the departments.

45. Why was Margaret Lomax promoted?

A. She was a part of the transition task force.
B. She helped to coordinate the merger.
C. She made DNJ Marketing successful.
D. She was an important employee at Bradshire.

46. Why does the speaker say:

W9
A. to explain what changes will take place
in the company
B. to change the topic of the presentation to
company goals
C. to describe what the company expects the end
results to be
D. to connect the company’s goals to plans for
achieving them

13
 LISTENING

47. What is the speaker mainly discussing? Notes

A. benefits of reusable bottles
B. why people should volunteer
C. the results of a community project
D. a problem in the community

48. What is the speaker’s goal?

A. to explain a project
B. to tell people to stop using plastic
C. to raise money for a good cause
D. to thank volunteers

49. What does the speaker imply about stainless steel

drinking bottles?
A. They are dangerous for people’s health.
B. They are better than plastic bottles.
C. They are expensive.
D. They are easy to recycle.

50. What does the man mean when he says:

A.
W9
They will go watch recycling at a plant.
B. They will only recycle plastic items.
C. They will put up posters about recycling.
D. They will make sure bottles are recycled.

End of the listening test.

14
 READING AND GRAMMAR

Reading and Grammar Section Instructions

This section of the test focuses on your ability to use English grammar and to understand written English.
There are 50 questions in this part of the test. They are numbered 51 to 100.

You will have 65 minutes to complete the entire section. Try to answer all questions. You may answer the
questions in any order you wish.

Each question has only one correct answer. Choose the best answer to the question from the choices
printed in the test booklet, and mark your answer on side 2 of the separate answer sheet. You should
mark A, B, C, or D. Do not make any stray marks on your answer sheet. If you change your mind about an
answer, erase your first mark completely. If you are not sure about an answer, you may guess.

You may begin now.

15
 GRAMMAR

51. “This is your book, _______?” 56. _______ with Dr. Morrison’s lectures can be
“Yes. I always write my name on the back. See?” very difficult.
A. isn’t it A. Keep up
B. this is not B. To keep away
C. isn’t this C. Keeping up
D. is not D. Kept away

52. _______ asked what he was going to do with his 57. The school’s football team was _______ the
bonus money, Bill said he hadn’t decided yet. state last year.
A. Despite A. so much better with
B. When B. as better for
C. Although C. among the best in
D. Because D. the best one among

53. The post office is closed on Sunday, _______ the 58. _______ called for me this afternoon?
bank is too. A. Who said you did
A. as B. Who did you say
B. and C. Who is saying
C. also D. Who said
D. yet
59. If George can run a marathon, I’m sure _______.
54. I gave my umbrella to Joe because he didn’t A. I could too
have _______. B. to run too
A. so C. I could run either
B. one D. so I could
C. some
D. no
60. _______ we don’t have any additional assignments,
we could start preparing for our presentation.
55. _______ criticism of the library is that it is A. As if
not big enough. B. Provided that
A. Most commonly C. Whereas
B. More and more common D. Even
C. The most common
D. A more commonly

16
 GRAMMAR

61. Richard did not mean _______ to sound critical 66. I’m surprised the dinner turned out so well; I know
or negative. _______ cooking.
A. his comment being A. about nothing
B. for his comment B. nearly nothing
C. his comment going C. nothing about that
D. that his comment D. next to nothing about

62. Sarah liked all aspects of the restaurant, but she was 67. The question as _______ the department will hire
_______ the service. more employees is complex.
A. apparently pleasing in A. to whether
B. apparently pleased to B. of whom
C. especially pleasing for C. of how
D. especially pleased by D. to what

63. The budget for building the new city hall was _______ 68. _______ two science competitions did Carolyn take
of the previous one. time for a vacation.
A. twice A. Only participating
B. that twice B. Only after participating in
C. the twice C. To have only participated in
D. twice that D. Having participated

64. _______ expand, it would probably be able to 69. _______ Jacob realize how much he had learned
increase profits. in the course.
A. Were the company to A. Only after the exam did
B. Has the company B. Only after the exam
C. The company could C. After the exam was that
D. The company had to D. After the exam it was

65. It is recommended that every student _______ the 70. The manager needs to know _______ precise the
first day of class to remain enrolled. new system is.
A. having attended A. just how
B. attend B. how just
C. that attends C. how is that
D. attending D. that how

17
 READING

This passage is about how people express emotions. 71. What is the main conclusion of the research
discussed in this passage?
Many of us see the face as a window to a person’s
A. Facial expressions demonstrate
emotions. Smiles are generally thought to indicate internal emotions.
happiness, and frowns sadness. But expressions aren’t B. Body language is important in identifying
the whole story; in fact, they may not even be the key. people’s emotions.
Contrary to most expectations, new research shows that C. Some emotions are easier to identify
body language is actually more effective at communicating than other ones.
a person’s internal state than facial expressions are. D. People can learn to recognize emotions by
To test this theory, scientists set up a study to gauge studying photographs.
people’s ability to read emotion from expressions. The
results were intriguing. Participants were shown photos 72. In the last sentence of the second paragraph, what
of tennis players who had just won or lost a match and does the word those refer to?
were asked to identify the outcome. It turned out that
A. faces
participants couldn’t distinguish winning versus losing
B. participants
unless they could also see the players’ bodies. In fact, one
C. emotions
group who looked only at the bodies of the players was
D. tennis players
able to correctly identify the emotion being expressed, yet
those seeing only the faces could not.
The researchers then edited the photos, switching 73. What does the passage say about the participants’
the faces so a winner’s face was now on a loser’s body, judgments of their own performance?
and vice versa. Participants still consistently used body A. They underestimated their ability.
language to identify the player’s state of mind, whether B. They did not correspond with the actual results.
their facial expression reflected it or not. Yet when these C. They did not want to evaluate themselves.
participants were asked, most believed they could D. They were more accurate than
successfully use facial expressions to properly identify researchers expected.
emotion. The researchers also tested a range of pictures
and emotions—pain, sadness, joy—and the results were 74. Why does the author mention shouts of joy?
the same. Of course, expressions do tell us something
A. to give an example of a loud sound
about how someone is feeling, but paradoxically, when
B. to emphasize an argument
emotions are at their most extreme is when they are
C. to describe what participants studied
hardest to tell apart—just as a cry of pain and a shout of
joy often sound similar. D. to provide a supporting example

This research could prove useful to people with certain

neurological conditions that can make it difficult for them 75. What is the author’s opinion about the research
to recognize emotion in others. Typically, training to identify findings discussed in the passage?
emotions centers on the face, but it may be better to widen A. They may help some people.
that focus so the body and broader environment are part of B. They may confuse some people.
the picture as well. C. They may not be complete.
D. They may be too extreme.

18
 READING

This passage is about certain types of fish. 76. What is the passage mainly about?
A. how sensory abilities of humans and fish differ
Humans possess only a subset of the sensory abilities
B. how some fish produce and use electricity
that exist in the world of living creatures. There are
C. how electric fish are dangerous to humans and
mammals, for example, that communicate with each other
other animals
by means of chemicals called pheromones. Some bees
D. how electric fish developed their special skills
see infrared and ultraviolet light. And certain types of fish
generate and detect electric fields.
77. What is the purpose of the first paragraph?
Fish that can both detect and generate electric fields
are considered true electric fish; they are electroreceptive A. to show that creatures can use senses in
and electrogenic. Those that can perceive electric signals different ways
but not produce them, such as sharks and most rays, B. to argue that humans have the most
are not considered true electric fish. Electric fish that can developed senses
generate an electric discharge powerful enough to stun C. to provide examples of senses used for
communication
prey, up to 500 volts, are considered strongly electric fish.
Examples include the electric eel and electric catfishes. D. to point out the sensory abilities that are
most effective
In contrast, weakly electric fish, such as Peters’ elephant-
nose fish and the black ghost knifefish, generate a
discharge that is less than one volt, for the purposes of 78. Why are sharks not considered true electric fish?
navigation, object detection, and communication. A. They use their electric field only for navigation.
The fish’s electric output, known as the electric organ B. They do not use their electric field to catch prey.
discharge—or EOD—is created by a specialized organ C. They can sense but not create an electric field.
that consists of several rows of electrocytes, which are D. They can emit only a weak electric field.
modified muscle or nerve cells usually located in the tail.
The signal-emitting organ produces a continuous stream
79. Why are the tails of electric fish important?
of electrical signals, setting up an electric field around
the fish, similar to that surrounding a magnet. To detect A. They contain cells that protect them from
electrical fields.
these electric signals, electric fish have a large number of
B. They are made up of cells which receive
electroreceptor cells arranged just under the skin.
electrical signals.
Whenever an organism or obstacle comes within C. They contain the organ which sends out
range, the electroreceptor cells sense a distortion in the electrical signals.
electric field. The fish can determine the characteristics D. They contain a magnetic field.
of the object without seeing it, an ability that is especially
useful since many are nocturnal and live in murky rivers.
They also can modify the shape and intensity of the EOD 80. Why does the author mention a magnet?
that they produce in order to signal submission to a larger A. to explain the nature of the electric field
animal, intimidate rivals, or attract a mate. around a fish
B. to identify an object that blocks the fish’s
electrical signals
C. to describe the shape of the electric fish’s tail
D. to show how electric fish avoid electrical signals

19
 READING

A C An Enduring Gift
Pretty Parks Event
Want to help make Centerville even prettier? Join our
Pretty Parks Event! We’ll be planting cherry and maple
trees this fall in South Park.
• All equipment supplied.
• Wear old clothes and dress in multiple layers.
• Lunch and drinks provided.
• Ages 12 and up.
• One free sapling given to each participant—plant
a tree in your own yard!

Saturday, October 28
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
For over one hundred years, springtime in Washington,
Participation is free, but registration is required.
DC, has brought the beauty of thousands of blooming
Call 555-922-1000 to sign up.
cherry trees bordering the waters of the Tidal Basin and
on the grounds of the Washington Monument. A gift
B Paul’s Wanderings from Japan in 1912, the trees were intended to convey
the goodwill of the people of Japan to the citizens of
www.paultravelsaroundblog.com the United States. Cherry trees are very important in
Japanese culture, where the short-lived beauty of their
blossoms represents the cycle of life.

The original gift of two thousand trees, sent in 1909,

unfortunately had to be destroyed when it was
discovered that they were diseased and carried
dangerous insects. To ease an embarrassing diplomatic
situation, letters of apology from both sides were
exchanged, and a second attempt at the gift was made.
Another shipment, this time of three thousand trees,
was sent in 1912. These trees had been cultivated in
specially created beds to avoid a repeat of the problem
April 4 with pests and disease.
Still in Japan this week, and today was spectacular! My
friends invited me to a party in a famous park in Tokyo In 1935, the first official Cherry Blossom Festival was
that’s full of cherry trees in bloom right now. This kind held in Washington, DC. This annual event continues
of party is called “hanami.” One of my friends explained to this day. The dramatic backdrop of the Capitol, the
to me that this word basically translates to “looking at White House, and the monuments that fill the United
flowers.” But it’s a lot more than just looking at cherry States’ capital city set off the picturesque beauty of the
blossoms. trees, and the Festival draws over a million visitors every
year. Its activities include a fireworks display, a parade,
There were dozens of trees in the park full of pink
and the crowning of a Cherry Blossom Queen.
blossoms—and there must have been hundreds of
people eating and drinking on blue plastic sheets The U.S. National Park Service has a dedicated team
placed on the ground under the trees. Other people of arborists—tree experts—to care for the cherry trees.
were taking pictures of the flowers. The crowd included Additionally, there are occasional tree-planting events
families with kids, groups of friends, and coworkers in around the city to ensure that, unlike the blossoms
their company uniforms. In spite of it being completely themselves, the beauty of Washington, DC’s collection
packed, everyone seemed to be having a great time—it of cherry trees lives on.
was much livelier than any other picnic I’ve ever been to.
Since the trees only bloom once a year and only last a
week or two, it was a good excuse to take a break and
enjoy the arrival of spring.

20
 READING
Refer to page 20 when answering the questions below.

The following questions refer to section A. The following questions refer to section C.
81. What should participants bring? 86. What is the passage mainly about?
A. lunch A. the history of Washington, DC
B. a tree B. a type of cherry tree
C. gardening equipment C. the relationship between Japan and the
D. extra clothes United States
D. a famous feature of a city
82. Who is the intended audience for the poster?
A. people who want to relax in the park 87. In the second sentence of paragraph 1, which word
B. elementary school children could best replace convey?
C. professional gardening companies A. allow
D. people interested in planting trees B. connect
C. communicate
D. move
The following questions refer to section B.
83. What is the passage mainly about?
88. Why was a gift of trees given twice?
A. a Japanese custom
A. The first trees turned out to be sick.
B. a type of tree
B. The first gift was accidentally returned.
C. a company event
C. The Americans asked for more trees.
D. an outdoor concert
D. The Japanese had two types of trees to send.

84. Why did people bring plastic sheets to the park?

The following questions refer to two or more sections.
A. to collect cherry blossoms with them
B. to use when planting cherry trees 89. How does the event in section A differ from those in
sections B and C?
C. to help control the crowd at the party
D. to set up a picnic on them A. It involves more people.
B. It happens during a different season.
C. It costs more to participate.
85. What would the writer probably suggest about
D. It will take longer to complete.
traveling to Tokyo?
A. It’s a good place to see live music.
B. It’s good to visit in the spring. 90. What might the author of section B suggest to
visitors at the Cherry Blossom Festival?
C. Families should travel there together.
D. Visitors should learn some Japanese A. have a picnic under the trees
before going. B. avoid the crowds
C. set off some fireworks
D. take a tour of the White House

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 READING

A C Jean Piaget’s Contributions

Child Development Class at
Lakeview Community Center to Child Psychology
Join us at the Lakeview Community Center for a six- Jean Piaget, a Swiss educator
week class about early childhood development. The born in 1896, became interested
class will provide an overview of the stages of child in child psychology while
development and will focus especially on facilitating developing intelligence tests
your child’s progress from birth to two years old. for children in Paris. He noticed
that children often answered
• Sessions led by specialists in the field.
the same questions incorrectly,
• Educational information provided to take home. which interested him. With a
• Join discussion groups with other parents. background in natural history
and philosophy, Piaget had a
• Question-and-answer time after each session. scientist’s mind, and he wanted
to explore what was causing the
Meets September 15 – October 31.
children to do this.
Visit us online to learn more and register.
www.lakeviewcommunitycenter.org To better understand their thinking processes, he
interviewed hundreds of children and studied their
responses. He eventually proposed that children have
B Class Handout – October 3 a very different system of logic and way of considering
information than adults do. Previously, people had
Between birth and two years old, children understand thought that children processed information in the
the world around them through their senses and physical same way as adults—they just didn’t have as much
actions. The influential developmental psychologist Jean information to process yet. Because of this, teachers
Piaget called this the sensorimotor stage. often focused on filling children with new information.

During this time, children begin to understand object Piaget’s discoveries emphasized the importance of
permanence, which is realizing that objects still exist helping children to develop the structures they use for
even if you cannot hear or see them. For example, if understanding information. He highlighted the necessity
you hide a doll behind your back, an infant thinks the of allowing children to make mistakes and learn from
doll is completely gone. When the doll reappears, the their errors, explaining that this process enables children
baby is astonished. As the child develops during the to develop patterns of learning and discovery.
sensorimotor stage, however, she realizes that the doll
continues to exist even when she cannot see it. Piaget went on to define four stages of development
in children. Detailing the progression from birth to
Another important development at this stage is adulthood, Piaget showed how the mind of a child
intentional action. For example, a baby might shake developed from simply observing to abstract reasoning.
a toy that makes a noise he enjoys. He will then He pointed out significant moments in development,
intentionally shake the toy again to hear the noise such as when a child begins to use symbolism while
he likes. playing. For example, a child might use a stick and a
plastic container to pretend that he is stirring some soup
Here are some ideas to
in a pot. This use of symbolism marks an important
promote development during
developmental step.
this time:
• Play interactive games Piaget’s analysis created a new perspective for
with your child. understanding how children’s reasoning develops and
• Let your child play with laid a foundation of insight that many later researchers
safe toys that have built on. His work continues to influence the field of
interesting noises or education even today.
motions.
• Expose your child to
new sights, smells, and
textures.

22
 READING
Refer to page 22 when answering the questions below.

The following question refers to section A. 96. According to the passage, how did Piaget primarily
91. Who would most likely be interested in this study the thought processes of children?
advertisement? A. He gave written tests to children.
A. school-age children B. He asked many children questions.
B. high school teachers C. He observed children playing with their toys.
C. parents of babies D. He read books about child development.
D. community center employees
97. Why did Piaget say that children should be allowed
The following questions refer to section B. to make mistakes?
A. because it is easier for teachers not to
92. What is the purpose of the handout?
correct them
A. to criticize theories of a famous child B. because they don’t usually make many mistakes
psychologist
C. because they will become upset if corrected
B. to describe how to keep young children safe
D. because it helps them build learning methods
when playing
C. to suggest ways to correct young
children’s behavior 98. Why are a stick and a container mentioned in
D. to discuss early steps in a child’s development the passage?
A. to explain how Piaget studied children
93. Why does the passage mention hiding a doll? B. to describe an early stage of development
C. to give an example of ways to entertain children
A. to give a negative example of playing
D. to demonstrate the concept of symbolism
B. to explain an important concept
C. to demonstrate what intentional action means
D. to describe an activity that entertains children 99. In the first sentence of paragraph 5, which word
could best replace reasoning?

94. According to the passage, what happens when A. playing

children use intentional action? B. thinking
C. arguing
A. They are surprised by adults’ interactive games.
D. studying
B. They realize that objects they can’t see
continue to exist.
C. They hide toys from other children while playing. The following question refers to two or more sections.
D. They do something to achieve a result. 100. How can learning about Piaget’s stages help parents
of young children?
The following questions refer to section C. A. They will better understand changes in their
95. What is the main idea of the passage? children.
B. They will share more information with other
A. Piaget’s changes to intelligence tests are
parents.
still used today.
C. They will be able to teach their child to speak.
B. Piaget’s work focused on how children think.
D. They will learn to improve their child’s health.
C. Piaget discovered how adults process
information.
D. Piaget studied child psychology as well
as philosophy.

End of the test.

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