These three subject areas are not part of the ITBS until Level 7 (third grade). In the social studies test, all questions are given orally, and students choose from a group of pictures. Topics include geography, history, government, sociology and economics. Practice questions prepare students while showing them selections of pictures and having them respond to oral questions.
Science questions focus on life science, physical science and earth science, as well as the scientific method. Practice questions ask students to recall important terms and apply them to hypothetical situations.
Sources of information are also only tested beginning at Level 7. The teachers read these questions, while students view possible answers in their test booklets. Sources covered include a pictorial dictionary, maps, tables of contents, and alphabetizing skills are also covered. Practice problems will also ask students to use these sources to find answers to questions.
At Level 8, the ITBS actually has three differernt math tests: math concepts, math computation and math problem-solving. Concepts include currency, fractions, number sentences, geometry, and number systems. Problem-solving includes the use of graphs and charts and the solution fo word problems. Computation focuses on addition and subtraction.
Practice questions for these three assessments would include hypothetical charts and graphs, asking students to interpret them; currency and fraction conversion questions; problems regarding to basic geometric shapes; and timed addition and subtraction tasks.
At Level 8, vocabulary questions give students a written prompt or picture with a choice of answers, testing knowledge of modifiers, nouns and verbs. Word analysis tests the ability to connect letters with their sounds.
Practice questions would include a phonic review, as well as basic vocabulary from texts read in class.
The listening test consists of short oral stories with questions needing literal and inferential comprehension. Practice questions would focus on other passages that the teacher would read aloud, followed by questions about sequencing, possible outcomes and other basic levels of understanding.
The language test focuses on such conventions as capitalization, spelling, punctuation and other usage skills. Practice items could ask students to correct errors in writing in all of those conventions.