NWEA MAP Test: Math Section Practice

About the NWEA MAP Math Section

The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to optimizing the quality of education for every student. The Measures of Academic Process (MAP) is its trademark academic aptitude test, designed to adapt to every student’s level, regardless of age. Every grade, ranging from kindergarten to 12th, is required to complete a math section during the test.

While the NWEA math test contains an average of 52 questions, the number can change, as the test adapts itself to the test-taker's abilities. Each section of the math test covers a specific list of topics. The topic choice is based on the student’s grade level, as the test aligns itself with the Common Core. In general, the test covers the following areas based on grade level:

• Number sense
• Estimation and computation
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Measurement
• Statistics and probability
• Problem-solving, reasoning, and proofs

For the higher grades’ MAP math tests, students may need a calculator to help solve some of the problems. In this case, an on-screen calculator will appear. Scratch paper is provided for all grades.

NWEA MAP Math Sample Questions

All NWEA math test questions are multiple-choice. In some questions, students are asked to fill in missing parts of an equation, while in others, such as word problems, they are given all the information and simply need to work out the equation in their heads or on paper.

For a better understanding of the format in which the material is presented, below are a couple of sample questions:

NWEA MAP Math Tips

It is quite normal for your child to feel a little anxious about the MAP math section. Math anxiety affects approximately a quarter of the population and starts appearing as early as first grade. However, with the correct amount of practice and motivation, your child can overcome any mathematical doubts he or she may have. Below are some tips you and your child may find useful:

• Practice with sample tests! No matter what, there is no better way to feel more comfortable with a challenge than to expose yourself to it; our MAP math practice tests are designed to gradually make your child feel more and more comfortable with the test material.

• Set a strict studying routine for your child. Making sure your child sticks to a routine ensures better retention of any new information. Large gaps in between study sessions can disrupt your child’s process of gaining new information. Testprep-Online's collection of MAP practice packs comes with math practice quizzes that vary in level, which gives your child the opportunity to progress through an outlined structure.

• Make sure your child eats a healthy meal before the test. On average, the NWEA math test takes about 40 minutes to complete. However, this may vary depending on the student. It is, therefore, important that your child does not arrive on test day with an empty stomach.

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MAP Math Practice

MAP’s math section differs from many other types of math tests, in that there is no ‘risk’. To put it simply, it is impossible to fail an NWEA math test. So why should your child study? Well, with a MAP math score comes a reflection of your child’s academic aptitude in mathematics.

Teachers use a student’s MAP scores to get a holistic understanding of his or her areas of progress. A strong, or above-average score can mean an opportunity for your child to stand out and can ensure further academic growth in the future. In addition, the MAP test is formatted in such a way that one question’s difficulty is dependent on whether the question prior to that one was answered correctly. A student who is unfamiliar with the phrasing of the test, or even something as simple as raw terminology, may get an incorrect answer, and be pushed to a level that, in reality, is far too easy.

Properly preparing for the test, and knowing what to expect, can reduce the risk of misunderstanding a child’s academic ability. Our NWEA MAP practice packs come with three quizzes varying in difficulty, a full-length practice math test, and math enrichment problems to further challenge your child. Within each pack, there are over 200 questions aimed solely at improving your child’s mathematical ability.

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