ELA practice tests – grades 6–8 (Common Core)
These are US practice tests (grades, Common Core). In the UK? Try the UK version →
Free Common Core ELA practice tests for 6th, 7th and 8th grade: reading literature, informational text, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and argument. For 6th to 8th grade (ages 11–14). In the UK, that's Year 7 to Year 9.
The tests
6th grade ELA
7th grade ELA
8th grade ELA
About these tests
Free English language arts practice for middle school. Each grade has seven tests: reading literature (original stories, poems and drama), reading informational text (original articles), vocabulary, grammar and usage, punctuation and spelling, argument and claims, and a mixed review.
The reading tests use original passages written by Classfern, with every question tied to a Common Core standard. The vocabulary, grammar and punctuation tests pick 20 questions from a bank of 30, so each try is different. Long written answers are not included, because they cannot be marked automatically.
Key facts
- The Common Core ELA standards for grades 6–12 cover Reading (literature and informational text), Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language, plus literacy standards for history/social studies, science and technical subjects. Source: thecorestandards.org
- In the grade 8 Language standards, students form and use verbs in the active and passive voice and in the indicative, imperative, interrogative, conditional and subjunctive mood. Source: thecorestandards.org
How to use these tests
- Choose Practice to see each answer straight away, or Test to see all the answers and explanations at the end.
- In the reading, argument and mixed review tests, the passage stays on the screen, so you can look back at it at any time.
- Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation tests pick 20 questions from a bank of 30, so trying again gives a different set.
How we wrote these tests
Every passage and question was written by Classfern; none is copied or adapted from a real test. Each question is tagged with the Common Core standard it practices. Answers are checked by computer programs, and every test is reviewed by an independent AI checker that didn't write it. Spot a mistake? Use the Report button.
Plan the teaching
Use these tests for review at home or in class. See what to teach in Grade 6 ELA, Grade 7 ELA, Grade 8 ELA, then plan lessons with the free Lesson Plan Maker.
Suggest a test – or, after a test, use “Report a problem with this question” on the answers screen.
Official sources
Common Core-aligned ELA practice. Not an official test. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any testing agency, school district or government department.
Standards codes: Common Core State Standards. © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NGA Center or CCSSO.