Free NWEA MAP Test Practice for 2nd Grade

The NWEA 2nd Grade MAP Exam is used to compare students' academic abilities to one another. High scores on the MAP can boost your second grader's chances of standing out and getting the academic attention they need to excel in their studies.

The 2nd grade MAP Growth test covers math, reading, and language usage, adapting in difficulty to match each student's responses, and is designed for various grades.

Scores indicate academic growth from K-12, focusing on the difficulty of questions rather than percentage correct. Language usage is often introduced at this level, while science is less common.

Check out our general Free MAP Practice.

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2nd Grade MAP Sample Questions

Let’s break down the three most popular MAP Growth tests for 2nd grade and have a look at the material and question style for each test. View our 2nd Grade MAP Sample Questions below to get an idea of what to expect on the test. 

Math

The MAP Growth mathematics test consists of 40-43 questions, including word problems, number exercises, and visual displays, and the method of answering the question varies from question to question. In many questions, you will be asked to select one or multiple things on the screen or to fill in short answers. The questions include the following topics: 

  • Algebraic Thinking – representing numbers, solving problems, analyzing patterns
  • Numbers and Operations – counting, sets, place value, base ten, fractions
  • Geometry and Measurement – shapes and their properties, length of sides, using rulers and protractors
  • Data – reading and analyzing data in charts 

Read more about MAP math testing

Question 1: Math – Algebraic Thinking

Which of the following represents the multiplication 2 x 4?

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The correct answer is (D)

Multplication is just another form of repeated addition. The multiplication 2 x 4 simply means either adding two to itself four times (2 + 2 + 2 + 2) or adding four to itself twice (4 + 4).Answer (D) is correct because it has two bunches of bananas, each contianing four bananas. Add them together and you have 4 + 4.Answer (A) is incorrect because it represents the addition of four and two, not their multiplication.Answer (B) is incorrect because it represents 3 x 2.Answer (C) is incorrect because this is simply either 2 x 2 or 2 + 2.

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Question 2: Math – Numbers and Operations

A farm has a total of 23 animals. There are as many cows as the tens digit in the total number of animals on the farm. There are as many pigs as the ones digit in total number of animals on the farm. The rest of the animals are sheep.

What is the correct distribution of animals in the farm?

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The Correct answer is (C) The total number of animals is 23. This number has a two in the tens digit, and a three in the ones digit. Therefore, there are two cows and three pigs. Now if you take those away, the rest are sheep. 23 – 3 = 20 and 20 – 2 = 18. There are 18 sheep available. Solving tip: You can also rule out answers (B) and (D) because they have more than 23 animals in total. These answer choices already have 23 sheep, so it must be incorrect if the total number of animals in the farm is 23.

Try this tip:

If you are asked a word problem, make sure you understand what it is asking and that you are not forgetting any part of the problem. Every aspect of the text should represent a number or operation. If you are asked a problem using images, make sure you understand what the purpose of each image is. If they represent numbers, make sure to keep track of which number each image represents.

Question 3: Math – Geometry and Measurement

Which of the following shapes has been divided into equal parts?

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The correct answers are (A) and (D). Shapes divided into equal parts must have, by definition, all parts of equal size and shape. Answer (A) is a triangle that has been divided into three smaller triangles of equal size and shape. Answer (B) has the shape of the letter “L”, but you can see that the left part is much smaller than the right part.Answer (C) is a trapezoid and you can clearly see that the left triangle is smaller than the right triangle, and even the middle one.Answer (D) is a circle that has been divided into quarters, and you can see that each quarter has the same size and shape.

Question 4: Math – data

Map 2Nd Grade Q4

How many books were read in the month of August?

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The correct answer is (A). To determine how many books were read in the month of August, locate the bar representing August (the blue bar) and see which number matches it on the left. According to the graph, 400 books were read in August by the people of Parolina. Therefore, the correct answer is (B).

Try this tip:

Make sure you are aware if the question is asking you to select one option or every relevant option. Also, when looking at a chart, the question may ask you for information that is not actually present. Make sure you are aware if you are trying to find something on the chart or if you need to perform some kind of operation based on something in the chart.


Reading

The reading test is designed to test your ability to analyze both literary and informational passages and concepts and answer questions about word meanings. This section includes 40-43 questions as well, generally with multiple-choice answers, and some passages may include multiple questions. The questions will usually ask you to analyze the following concepts: 

Content: Identifying main ideas, locating information, drawing inferences, summarizing. Consider the following aspects: 

  • Literary – characters, setting, plot 
  • Informational – fact and opinion, following directions, data and visuals 

Craft: Identifying the author’s purpose, writing style, point of view, structure, and genre. Consider the following aspects: 

    Literary – literary devices
    Informational – argument

Word Meaning – roots and affixes, context clues, synonyms and antonyms 

Learn more about MAP Reading testing 

Read the following story to answer the two questions below.

Lindsay and Gretchen are twins. They wished they had a pet at home. Lindsay wanted a dog, while Gretchen thought a hamster was the best choice. Lindsay and Gretchen went to the pet store after school. There, they worked out their differences and decided together which pet to take. When they came back home with the new member of the family, their mother looked at it with surprise. Lindsay and Gretchen explained that this cute rabbit was looking at them with sad eyes, and they immediately knew it was the right pet for both of them.

Question 5A: Reading – literary concepts

How was Lindsay and Gretchen's problem resolved?

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The correct answer is (C): They decided on a pet together. The second paragraph states that while they were at the pet store, Lindsay and Gretchen decided together which pet to take. They decided to take the rabbit. Answer (A) is incorrect because at the beginning Lindsay wanted a dog and Gretchen wanted a hamster, but finally, they got a rabbit. Answer (B) is incorrect because neither of them was disappointed. They got a pet they both liked: a rabbit. Answer (C) is incorrect because the passage does not mention a woman at the pet store.

Question 5B: Reading – literary concepts

What type of text is this?

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The correct answer is (C) a story with a moral. In literature, a moral is a lesson learned from a story. The moral of this story is how to compromise and find solutions that work for each side. Answer (A) is incorrect because there is a continuous narrative from beginning to end, and no elements of poetry, such as rhyme, meter, stanzas, or breaks after lines. Answer (B) is incorrect because a fairytale involves elements that cannot exist in the real world, such as magic and make-believe creatures. This story is entirely realistic and can take place in real life, so it is not a fairytale. Answer (D) is incorrect because an essay is a piece of writing about a specific topic that usually attempts to make some kind of argument and prove it, not tell a story as this text does.


Prepare Your Child for the MAP 2nd Grade Test!

Practice with the most complete studying materials including 250 sample questions, MAP math quizzes, MAP reading quizzes, two full-length MAP simulation, a comprehensive study guide, and a detailed score report to track your child's progress.


Question 6: Reading – informational concepts

Read the index.

Burnett, Frances – pages 1–65
Cooper, Susan Mary – pages 125–162
Dahl, Roald – pages 99–124
Grahame, Kenneth – pages 163–195
Nesbit, Edith – pages 66–98

Based on the index, in which of the following pages would you find a Roald Dahl story?

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The correct answer is (B). An index is an alphabetical list, such as one printed at the end of a book, showing which page a subject, name, etc. is on. It is different than a table of contents in its order. A table of contents is arranged by page numbers, while an index is arranged in alphabetical order. Based on the index, Roald Dahl's stories are on pages 99–124. The only page number that fits in this range is page 102. Therefore, the correct answer is (B).

Try this tip:

Read the question before reading the passage. This way, you know what to look for when reading it. Remember that you are not timed, however, so take your time and make sure you’ve read and understood the whole passage. There may be important information even after you think you have the answer.

Question 7: Reading – informational concepts

Click on two types of information you are likely to find in a newspaper.

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The correct answers are (A) and (D): daily news, advertisements

The incorrect answers are:word definitions: these can be found in a dictionary.directions for how to get to places: these can be found in devices like GPS, as well as websites and apps that help you plan your route. A newspaper cannot give personal directions to a specific route you need because it is printed for everyone.the time right now: newspapers cannot show the current time because they are printed on paper so they do not change afterwards.

Question 8: Reading – word meaning

Read the sentence.

The friendly neighbors live two floors above our apartment.

Which set of words all mean the opposite of the preposition above?

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The correct answer is (C). The word "above" means "overhead, in a higher place." The prepositions "beneath," "under," and "below" all share the opposite meaning of the word "above." Therefore, the correct answer is (C).Answer (A) is incorrect because even though the prepositions "under" and "beneath" mean the opposite of the word "above," the word "during" means "at some time or point in the course of."Answer (B) is incorrect because even though the prepositions "below" and "underneath" mean the opposite of the word "above," the word "across" means "from one side to another."Answer (D) is incorrect because even though the prepositions "below" and "beneath" mean the opposite of the word "above," the preposition "over" shares a similar meaning with the word "above.".

Here's another tip:

If there are words you are unfamiliar with, start with the ones you know and see what fits and what doesn’t. You can often eliminate answers even if you are not entirely sure what they mean.


Language Usage

The Language Usage test focuses on the ability to properly use the English Language. There are 40-43 questions that ask you to find or fix mistakes, complete sentences with missing parts, rewrite or restructure sentences, identify proper elements of writing, and other similar tasks. There may be multiple answers to choose from, words to fill in, items to rearrange on the screen, or other creative forms of answering questions. Students are tested in the following areas: 

Mechanics – punctuation, capital letters, and spelling 

Parts of Speech – knowing what types of words to use and where, as well asin what tense. 

Usage – how to form sentences with proper grammar and structure, and how best to do so for the intended meaning. 

Writing Process – forming meaningful bodies of writing for the intended purpose, as well as identifying different types of writing and their relevant characteristics and techniques 

Read more about the MAP Language Usage testing

Question 9: Language Usage - mechanics

Click on the contraction in which the apostrophe is in the right place.

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The correct answer is (B): couldn't. An apostrophe in contractions is used in place of the letters that have been taken out: could + not = couldn't Ther'es is incorrect because the apostrophe is placed inside the word "there." It should come in place of the missing letter: there + is = there's. Does'nt is incorrect because the apostrophe is not in place of the missing letter. It should be: does + not = doesn't. Lets' is incorrect because the apostrophe is not in place of the missing letter. It should be: let + us = let's.

Question 10A: Language Usage – parts of speech/usage

Read the sentence and answer the questions below:

Darling, please go to the pantry and grab a few __________ for me.

1. Which words complete the sentence correctly?

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The correct answer is (B). The speaker asked for a few items from the pantry, which refers to more than one can, so the correct words must be plural. "Cans" is the plural of "can." There are many beans within the can, so “beans” must be plural as well. Therefore, (B) is the only answer that uses both words correctly.

Question 10B: Language Usage – parts of speech/usage

Read the sentence again:

Darling, please go to the pantry and grab a few __________ for me.

Out of the following options, which version moves the word “darling” to the most suitable spot in the sentence?

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The correct answer is (A). (A) is the only option that does not place the word “darling” somewhere that interrupts a thought. “Please go to the pantry” is a complete thought, and “grab a few cans of beans” is a complete thought. Therefore, the word “darling” can be placed in between them. (B) is incorrect because it interrupts the first part of the sentence, and (C) is incorrect because it interrupts the second part of the sentence.

Here’s a tip:

Even if you are not familiar with the technical rules, many times you can solve parts of speech and usage problems with instinct. If you are unsure of the answer, select the one that sounds most natural to you.

Question 11: Language Usage – writing process

Suppose you are asked to write a school essay titled "Why I Like Going to the Museum."

Which details support the topic of the essay? You can select more than one detail.

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The correct answers are (A) and (B) :At the museum, you can learn about interesting things—the word "interesting" hints that the writer enjoys learning these things, so this supports the idea that he or she likes going there. The museum has a gift shop with cool T-shirts—the word "cool" hints that the writer likes the shirts, so this supports the topic too. The incorrect answers are: Walking from hall to hall in the museum can be tiring—the word "tiring" hints that the writer does not enjoy the walking, so this does not support the topic. You must remember to keep quiet at the museum—having to keep quiet is not usually a fun thing to do, so this does not support the topic. Some museum exhibits can be boring—the word "boring" hints that the writer does not find all exhibits to be interesting, so this does not support the topic.


Should You Prepare your Child for the MAP Test?

Though it is not necessary, it is highly recommended to prepare for the MAP Test. The MAP assesses your child’s academic growth by asking questions and seeing what he or she is able to answer. Proper preparation, therefore, provides a more accurate image of your second grader’s abilities, as you want to be ready to present everything you can do, and not get tripped up on details that you may not have been prepared for. In addition, many academic establishments use MAP scores as admission material. Your child’s MAP score can mean entry into competitive gifted programs. 


The MAP K-2 VS the Standard MAP Test

The NWEA has two forms of the MAP assessment that may be appropriate for a 2nd grader. The first is the MAP K-2, taken also by kindergarteners and 1st graders, which is an adjusted version of the MAP Growth for students who are not yet fully comfortable reading. It uses recorded instructions instead of written ones and integrates recorded answer choices as well as pictures, so they do not need to be understood completely from the text. This allows the test to assess the students’ actual skills and not be thrown off by mistakes due to misunderstanding the text.

The other version is the standard one with only written instructions. 2nd graders who can comfortably understand the questions and answers without audio are encouraged to take this version. This is the same format of the test taken through 5th grade for math, and through 12th grade for all other subjects. The level of the tests will adapt to your child either way, yet this version has more room to grow and will better prepare students for the MAP in the years to come if they will be taking it again.

Ask your school or test provider which test they will be administering to your child, and if it is up to you, you can make the decision based on the criteria we’ve provided.

*TestPrep-Online offers preparation materials for both of these options:

The K-2 pack - Specially designed with recorded questions and answer choices as well as extensive use of child-friendly images that simulate the experience of this version of the test

The 2nd Grade Pack - Mimics the standard version of the test and centers around the average range of academic growth for 2nd graders.


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2nd Grade MAP Test Scores

For score calculations, NWEA uses the Rasch Unit Scale (RIT). This scale is an equal interval scale that functions like a ruler. The scale allows for the student’s skills to be appraised individually, as each point remains the same regardless of age or grade.

Want to better understand 2nd Grade MAP test scores? Visit our MAP Scores page!


2nd Grade MAP & The Common Core

The Common Core is a set of learning standards used in many schools in the United States, which dictates what knowledge and skills a student should obtain by the end of a specific school year. Like many other standardized tests in the United States, NWEA’s MAP has incorporated the Common Core into its testing material. Questions appearing in the 2nd Grade MAP Test are, therefore, based on the content of the Common Core guidelines for 2nd Grade.

Though TestPrep-Online’s practice tests for 2nd Grade MAP are not adaptive like the original test, they do incorporate standards of the Common Core that appear on the exam, and are based on the same standards and the RIT range for second grade.


8 Tips for Preparing your child for the 2nd Grade MAP Test

  • Map out deadlines and priorities. Once your child has taken our initial sample test it will be much easier for you to know what topics to prioritize in your studying plan prior to the test. If your child struggled most with the vocabulary questions and least with math questions, for instance, you may want to begin with the MAP Reading comprehension section.
  • Consult a teacher. Another great way to get a feel for what your child needs the most help with is by consulting his or her instructors. Your child’s instructor will be able to provide greater insight into your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses. Are You Yourself a Teacher? Check Out Our Exclusive Class Discounts.
  • Incorporate fun. It is likely that your child will lose focus here and there. Studying is not easy- especially for a second grader! Therefore, we recommend adding some fun activities to the prepping mix. Examples include one-on-one baking sessions for mathematical concepts or story time and movie nights for strengthening vocabulary.
  • Keep your child healthy and active. Remember: your child won’t be able to learn without the right tools, and these include good physical and mental health. Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats right, and is given sufficient time to play and have fun. You will undoubtedly see the benefits.
  • Take regular breaks during study sessions. Focusing for long periods of time is never easy. Give your child a chance to process new information by incorporating small breaks every so often.
  • No pressure! It’s easy to get stressed out with a test like this coming up. But pressuring your child to study will intimidate them and may even lead to test performance anxiety. Instead, try to make light of the test and remind your child that he or she is great no matter what.
  • Use practice tests. While adding variety to your child’s studying plan is beneficial, it is also important to make sure your child is comfortable with the testing format and content. Try TestPrep-Online’s NWEA-replicated practice tests, which offer every type of question on the exam, in the exact order and of the same quantity as the real test.