A Full Guide to the MAP Test Grade 4
Updated July 21, 2023
The 4th grade MAP test is a computer-adaptive test taken three times a year to track your child’s academic development in grades 2 to 5.
It measures reading, language and mathematical abilities and is a useful tool for understanding your child’s current academic level, and identifying areas that need additional support and those students eligible for gifted and talented programs.
As tests can be a challenging experience for younger children, proper preparation is essential.
Throughout this article, you’ll find details about the test, example questions and the best ways to help your child prepare for the MAP test (grade 4).
What Is the MAP Test Grade 4?
The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Test is an adaptive aptitude test created by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA).
It is designed to track your child’s academic progress throughout their school life and is administered three times during the year.
The MAP test grade 4 is taken at the beginning, middle and end of grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The first test is in Fall and sets the benchmark for your child’s performance. The second is in Winter and assesses their progress.
The final time is in the Spring and measures how far they have progressed and if they are ready for the next grade.
The adaptive nature of the test means that your child will only answer questions they can answer.
For example, if your child is in the 3rd grade and finds their first questions challenging, the next question will be easier.
Equally, if your child finds the first questions easy, the next question will be harder and include topics learned in the 5th grade.
The test will adapt after each question, making it unique to your child. The 4th grade MAP test scores are also unique to your child and will clearly reflect where they need additional support.
How Is the 4th Grade MAP Test Scored?
As the MAP test for 4th grade is computer-adaptive, a specially designed and highly advanced scoring system is used.
Referred to as the RIT scale, this scoring method is an equal-interval scale, much like a ruler showing inches.
It covers all grades and can clearly show your child’s progress throughout the years.
Your child’s RIT score shows which level of questions they should answer at least 50% of the time.
According to the NWEA scores 4th grade, a RIT score of 200 in mathematics and 197 in both language and reading would place your child in the median range. This means they are developing as expected.
A score of 207 in mathematics and 205 in reading and language suggests your child is performing above the national standard.
4th grade MAP scores of 192 or lower (mathematics), 188 or lower (reading) and 190 or lower (language) suggests that your child needs additional support.
The frequent testing allows teachers to clearly see how your child is developing academically and which areas they excel and struggle in.
It is important to note that no matter how low your child’s RIT score is, there is no pass or fail mark. It is merely a tool to monitor progress, strengths and weaknesses.
What Is the Format of the 4th Grade MAP Test?
The 4th grade MAP skills test consists of three sections:
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Language
All tests are completed on a computer, and all answers are multiple-choice.
There is no time limit for any of the sections.
Before starting any preparation and completing an NWEA practice test 4th grade, check with your child’s teacher what they will be assessed on.
The test is not standardized across all schools, and as the 4th-grade test covers ages seven to 10, it’s best to know exactly what your child should know.
Mathematics
This section has between 47 and 53 questions and should take at most 60 minutes to complete.
The assessment areas that your child might face are:
- Geometry – Symmetry, identifying angles, 2D shapes, identifying points and lines
- Measurement and data – Elapsed time, money, Imperial and Metric measurements, angles, line plots, areas and perimeters
- Algebra – Number and shape patterns, multiples, multiplications
- Number and operations – Add, subtract, divide, place value and writing numbers in expanded form
- Fractions – Understanding and problem-solving whole and equivalent fractions
The type of questions your child will be asked depends on their grade and abilities.
Reading
The reading section consists of 40 to 43 questions and should take between 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
The questions measure reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing. The areas that might be included in your child’s test are:
- Understanding different texts – Identification, structure and craft of informational and literary texts, drawing conclusions, making connections and summarizing
- Vocabulary – Understanding and using common words, nuance and relationships
Language
There are 50 to 53 questions in the language sub-test, taking no more than 60 minutes to complete.
Your child is likely to be tested on:
- Grammar – Understanding and editing all grammatical functions such as nouns, verbs, pronouns, adjectives, conjunctions, phrases and multiple-meaning words
- Punctuation – Capitals and complete sentences
- Understanding the writing process – Making a plan, connecting ideas, citing sources and editing
MAP Practice Test 4th Grade Examples
Below are some example questions to help with your MAP testing practice (4th grade).
They are not from past papers, nor are they likely to appear on your child’s test in the future. These questions are also not affiliated with NWEA.
Mathematics
Solve the equation:
178 x 3 = ?
a) 543
b) 534
c) 554
d) 524
Which number comes next?
86, 102, 118, 134, ?
a) 150
b) 148
c) 152
d) 155
Calculate the area and perimeter of the rectangle
a) Area = 110y Perimeter = 76y
b) Area = 112y Perimeter = 50y
c) Area = 115y Perimeter = 56y
d) Area = 56y Perimeter = 115y
Which word is closest to being the opposite of the boldened word in this sentence?
’The waitress was very obliging and brought us some extra bread.’
a) Unpleasant
b) Angry
c) Pleasant
d) Happy
After reading the passage below, identify the false statement.
’My school is shaped like a square. All the classrooms face the outside. The 5th-grade classrooms at the back of the school overlook the school field, and the 2nd-grade fields overlook the play area.’
a) All the classrooms have windows that look outside
b) There is a play area in my school
c) The school fields are to the side of the school
d) The school layout is a square
Read the description and select the place you think the poem is set.
’This place is very noisy. There is a big clock and lots of people sitting and waiting. On one side there are ticket counters, and on the other there are lots of tracks. People are walking fast and even running. Some have suitcases and big bags, while others are dressed smartly with briefcases’.
a) Bus station
b) Train station
c) Mall
d) School
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
________ cat is meowing loudly?
a) Whom
b) Who
c) Who’s
d) Whose
Which sentence is punctuated properly?
a) Who’s cat is that
b) The cat meowed loudly, and scared the sleeping man.
c) The cat meowed, then had a big stretch before walking to the garden.
d) Peters cat is so loud
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
How to Prepare for the MAP 4th Grade Test
Helping a young child prepare for a test isn’t always easy. However, there are several ways you can help your child achieve their best MAP testing score (4th grade) in several ways.
Step 1. Familiarize Them With the Test Format
Depending on your child's grade, they may have already sat a 4th grade MAP test, in which case they will be familiar with the format.
For those who haven’t taken this test, explaining what they must do will help reduce some anxiety on test day.
Step 2. Check Their IT Skills
Most children find computers easy to navigate. But if your child doesn’t spend time on iPads or computers, dedicate some time to help familiarize themselves with a screen, mouse and keyboard.
If you don’t have a computer at home, speak to your child’s teacher to see if they can show them how to use one.
Step 3. Make the Learning Fun
Children learn so much quicker when having fun, so turn the questions into fun games by using toys and treats.
After each question, ask your child to explain themselves and praise them when they do something right. This will help develop their reasoning and language skills.
If you’re not sure what games to play, ask your child’s teacher or explore forums on Reddit and Quora.
There are lots of discussion boards regarding MAP testing 4th grade that you may find helpful.
Step 4. Take Online Practice Tests in a Testing Environment
Completing MAP practice tests (4th grade) is the best way to prepare as they help your child become familiar with the whole test process.
Start by completing tests with no time limits and gradually build up until your child can complete the questions in around 60 minutes.
Step 5. Rest and Eat Well Before the Exam
Tiredness, dehydration and hunger all slow cognitive thinking and attention spans. Ensure your child sleeps well, drinks water, and eats healthy foods.
Step 6. Don’t Pressure Your Child
We all want our children to do their best, but pushing them at a young age can affect their mental state later in life.
Explain that these tests are important but also reassure your child that you will not be disappointed if they don’t perform as expected.
During your 4th grade MAP test practice sessions, try to keep any frustrations hidden. If your child sees you get angry, they will lose interest and not want to practice.
Step 7. Invest in a Preparation Pack
There are several great free preparation sites. But if you feel your child needs additional support, investing in a paid preparation pack might be something to consider.
Step 8. Identify Your Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Some children are better at other areas than others. Speak to your child’s teacher to see what their strengths and weaknesses are and spend more time developing those areas.
As your child will sit the MAP test regularly throughout their schooling, it is a good idea to find out what skills your child should have mastered by the end of each grade.
This way, you can plan ahead and keep their at-home study schedule consistent.
The 4th grade MAP test is a series of three computer-adaptive sub-tests administered three times a year during grades 2 to 5.
The test areas are language, reading and mathematics. The MAP test measures your child’s academic progress throughout the year and through their grades.
No, as there is no pass or fail mark, the 4th grade MAP test is easy to pass. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning your child only gets questions they are capable of answering.
You can prepare for the 4th grade MAP test at TestPrep-Online.
There is no good or bad MAP test score. Each score represents how your child is developing. Every child develops at different speeds, especially at the ages the 4th grade MAP is taken.
However, the median RIT score is 200 for mathematics and 197 for language and reading.
The 4th grade MAP test assesses multiple areas of reading, language and mathematics, such as understanding and applying punctuation, reading and understanding texts, multiplication and fractions.
No, the 4th grade MAP test is not timed, but your child is expected to complete each sub-test in 60 minutes.
No, you cannot fail the 4th grade MAP test. The test is there to measure your child’s academic progress. Any low score simply indicates your child needs more support in that area.
You can find sample questions for that 4th grade MAP test on this page and at TestPrep-Online.
There is no set number of questions on the 4th grade MAP test. The mathematics sub-test has 47 to 53 questions, the reading sub-test has 40 to 43, and the language sub-test has 50 to 53.
The purpose of the 4th grade MAP test is to track your child’s academic progress through the school year and to identify the areas they excel or need support in.
Yes, the 4th grade MAP test is mandatory as it is the school’s way of tracking your child’s progress and seeing which areas they might need additional support.
You can get a full guide for the 4th grade MAP test at TestPrep-Online.
Final Thoughts
The 4th grade MAP test is not something you or your child should worry about. It is there to track your child’s development and highlights any areas that might need extra support.
However, test situations can be stressful, so take the time to prepare your child by familiarizing them with the test format and improving their concentration levels, especially if you hope to place them into gifted and talented programs.
Remember, the more fun your child has, the more they learn.
