MTEL History/Social Science (73) study guide
MTEL History/Social Science (73) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
History/Social Science (73) is one of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), the Commonwealth's educator licensure testing program, delivered through Pearson. Candidates take it to demonstrate subject-matter knowledge in history and the social sciences for a Massachusetts teaching license in this field. The test is offered as a computer-based test at test centers located in Massachusetts and nationwide, or as an online-proctored test taken remotely, including from home. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments, and the qualifying score is 240; the fee is $139. The MTEL History/Social Science (73) study guide has 6 sections and about 1,725 words.
01Historical Concepts and Skills
This domain tests how historians build knowledge: chronology, periodization, sourcing, contextualization, corroboration, and evidence-based argument. Expect questions that ask you to evaluate a document's origin and purpose, distinguish primary from secondary sources, or choose the best causal explanation.
304 words, about 2 min02World History
This domain covers major civilizations and their interactions from the Neolithic Revolution to globalization. Questions emphasize comparison, exchange, empire, revolution, and the causes and consequences of global conflict.
295 words, about 1 min03United States History
This domain spans colonial settlement, the Revolution, constitutional development, sectional conflict, industrialization, reform, and modern America. Massachusetts examples appear often: Puritan town meetings, the 1780 state constitution, Shays' Rebellion, and abolitionist activism.
295 words, about 1 min04Geography
This domain tests physical and human geography: map reading, regions, climate, migration, urbanization, and human-environment interaction. Expect map interpretation, projection distortion, and regional comparisons.
256 words, about 1 min05Government and Civics
This domain covers constitutional principles, federalism, branches and checks, civil liberties, elections, and state and local government. Massachusetts specifics are fair game: its 1780 constitution is the oldest functioning written constitution, and its General Court and town meetings illustrate local participation.
295 words, about 1 min06Economics
This domain tests scarcity, opportunity cost, markets, macro indicators, policy, trade, and personal finance. Questions often ask you to apply a model rather than recall a definition.
280 words, about 1 min