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TExES 242 study materials
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TExES 242 practice questions

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Question 1Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which component provides the volatile working memory that holds programs and data currently in use?

  1. Solid-state storage drive
  2. Random access memory Correct answer.
  3. Optical disc drive
  4. Read-only memory chip

Explanation

RAM is volatile primary memory that holds active programs and data and loses its contents when power is removed. The other listed media are nonvolatile storage or firmware and retain data without power.

Question 2Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which function is performed by an operating system?

  1. Managing hardware, files, and processes Correct answer.
  2. Rendering three-dimensional animations
  3. Filtering malicious email attachments
  4. Translating source code into machine code

Explanation

An operating system coordinates hardware resources, manages files and running processes, and provides a user interface. Compilers, graphics applications, and email security tools are separate software layers.

Question 3Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In a web address such as https://example.org/lesson, what does URL stand for?

  1. Universal Reference Link
  2. Uniform Retrieval Language
  3. Uniform Resource Locator Correct answer.
  4. Unified Routing Layer

Explanation

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, the standardized address used to locate a resource on the web. The other expansions are invented terms that do not describe web addressing.

Question 4Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which file format is most appropriate when a document must preserve its layout consistently across different devices and platforms?

  1. Portable document format Correct answer.
  2. Comma-separated values
  3. Hypertext markup file
  4. Plain-text file

Explanation

Portable document format embeds layout, fonts, and page structure so the document displays consistently across platforms. Plain text and CSV discard most formatting, and HTML rendering can vary by browser and stylesheet.

Question 5Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which device forwards packets between different networks by using IP addresses?

  1. Router Correct answer.
  2. Switch
  3. Repeater
  4. Hub

Explanation

A router forwards packets between networks and makes path decisions using IP addresses. A switch forwards frames within a local network using MAC addresses, while hubs and repeaters simply repeat signals.

Question 6Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which characteristic is most typical of a phishing message?

  1. It creates urgency and asks for credentials through a link. Correct answer.
  2. It is sent only by contacts already in the address book.
  3. It includes a digitally signed attachment from a known vendor.
  4. It originates from a government domain and uses formal language.

Explanation

Phishing commonly uses urgency, fear, or authority to pressure recipients into clicking links and revealing credentials. Sender identity and domain names can be spoofed, so appearance alone is not a reliable safeguard.

Question 7Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which spreadsheet formula uses an absolute reference to cell B4?

  1. =A$1+$B2
  2. =A1+B2
  3. =$A1+B$2
  4. =$B$4+C1 Correct answer.

Explanation

An absolute reference locks both the column and row with dollar signs, as in $B$4. The mixed references lock only one coordinate, and relative references lock neither.

Question 8Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the primary purpose of a primary key in a database table?

  1. It sorts records alphabetically.
  2. It links two tables through a foreign key.
  3. It uniquely identifies each record. Correct answer.
  4. It stores only numeric data types.

Explanation

A primary key uniquely identifies every record in a table and must be unique and non-null. A foreign key, by contrast, references a primary key in another table to establish a relationship.

Question 9Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A teacher finds a copyrighted image online and wants to use it in a class presentation. Which action is most consistent with copyright law?

  1. Verify that the license allows educational reuse and credit the creator. Correct answer.
  2. Use the image freely because classroom use is always exempt.
  3. Remove the watermark and post the image on a public class site.
  4. Assume that finding the image online places it in the public domain.

Explanation

Copyright protection applies to online images, and educational use is not a blanket exemption. The safest path is to check the license or permission, follow its terms, and provide attribution.

Question 10Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In a web search, what does placing a phrase inside quotation marks usually accomplish?

  1. It excludes all results from commercial sites.
  2. It searches for the exact phrase inside the quotes. Correct answer.
  3. It limits results to the most recent year.
  4. It translates the phrase into other languages.

Explanation

Quotation marks tell many search engines to match the enclosed words as an exact phrase. Filters for site type, date, or language require separate search operators or settings.

Question 11Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the decimal value of the binary number 1011?

  1. 10
  2. 9
  3. 13
  4. 11 Correct answer.

Explanation

Using place values 8, 4, 2, and 1, 1011 equals 8 + 0 + 2 + 1, which is 11. The zero in the fours place means that value is not added.

Question 12Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which statement best describes how HTTPS protects a web connection?

  1. It compresses web pages before sending them to the browser.
  2. It encrypts traffic and authenticates the server with a certificate. Correct answer.
  3. It hides the website's domain name from the browser.
  4. It stores copies of web pages on the user's local drive.

Explanation

HTTPS uses TLS to encrypt traffic between the browser and server and to authenticate the server through a digital certificate. Compression and local caching are separate mechanisms, and the domain name remains visible in the address.

Question 13Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which of these is an input device?

  1. LCD monitor
  2. Powered speaker
  3. Optical scanner Correct answer.
  4. Laser printer

Explanation

An input device sends data into a computer, and a scanner captures images or text for the system. Printers, monitors, and speakers are output devices that present results to the user.

Question 14Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which feature is characteristic of cloud storage?

  1. Files are stored on remote servers and accessed over the internet. Correct answer.
  2. Files are archived on removable media at a branch office.
  3. Files are kept only on the local hard drive.
  4. Files are converted into memory whenever they are saved.

Explanation

Cloud storage keeps files on remote servers managed by a provider and makes them available over a network. Local drives, RAM, and removable media are different storage locations with different access characteristics.

Question 15Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A classroom computer cannot reach any websites, although other devices on the same network work normally. What is the most appropriate first troubleshooting step?

  1. Delete the browser's saved passwords.
  2. Check the network cable or Wi-Fi connection and link indicators. Correct answer.
  3. Reinstall the operating system.
  4. Replace the motherboard.

Explanation

Troubleshooting should begin with the simplest likely cause, such as a disconnected cable, disabled Wi-Fi, or missing link light. Hardware replacement and operating system reinstallation are drastic steps to try only after basic connectivity is verified.

Question 16Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which practice follows the 3-2-1 backup rule?

  1. Keep three copies, on two media types, with one offsite. Correct answer.
  2. Store three copies on the same drive in two folders for one week.
  3. Keep three passwords, two usernames, and one recovery email.
  4. Create two backups and keep one on the same computer.

Explanation

The 3-2-1 rule calls for three copies of data, on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite. Copies on the same drive or computer do not protect against local failure, theft, or ransomware.

Question 17Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the main purpose of alternative text for an image on a web page?

  1. It increases the image's resolution for printing.
  2. It sets the image's position on the page.
  3. It encrypts the image during transmission.
  4. It describes the image for screen readers and when the image fails to load. Correct answer.

Explanation

Alternative text conveys the meaning or function of an image to users who cannot see it, including screen reader users and visitors when an image does not load. Resolution, encryption, and positioning are controlled by other attributes or technologies.

Question 18Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What does the track changes feature in a word processor do?

  1. It records edits and comments so reviewers can accept or reject them. Correct answer.
  2. It prevents more than one person from opening the file.
  3. It converts the document into a read-only PDF automatically.
  4. It permanently deletes earlier versions of the document.

Explanation

Track changes marks insertions, deletions, and comments so collaborators can review each edit and choose whether to accept or reject it. It supports revision review rather than automatically deleting history or locking the file.

Question 19Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which search algorithm requires the data to be sorted before it can work correctly?

  1. Binary search Correct answer.
  2. Random search
  3. Breadth-first search
  4. Linear search

Explanation

Binary search repeatedly halves a sorted search range by comparing the target with the middle element. Linear search can scan unsorted data, breadth-first search traverses graphs, and random search provides no ordered halving.

Question 20Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the role of Cascading Style Sheets in web development?

  1. It handles server-side authentication of users.
  2. It defines the semantic structure of a web page.
  3. It stores the website's data in a relational database.
  4. It controls presentation and layout separately from content. Correct answer.

Explanation

CSS controls visual presentation such as colors, spacing, fonts, and layout while HTML provides structure and content. Separating style from structure makes pages easier to maintain and adapt.

Question 21Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which item is personally identifiable information that should generally not be posted publicly?

  1. A favorite book title
  2. A favorite color
  3. A school mascot
  4. A home street address Correct answer.

Explanation

A home street address can be used to locate or contact a person and is therefore sensitive personal information. Preferences, mascots, and book titles do not identify a person's physical location in the same way.

Question 22Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the function of the slide master in presentation software?

  1. It checks the presentation for spelling errors.
  2. It records narration while the slideshow runs.
  3. It applies consistent fonts and layouts across slides. Correct answer.
  4. It exports each slide as a separate image file.

Explanation

The slide master stores design settings such as fonts, placeholders, and background so edits apply consistently to all slides based on that master. Exporting, recording narration, and spell checking are separate commands.

Question 23Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which password practice best protects a school account?

  1. Use a long unique passphrase and enable multifactor authentication. Correct answer.
  2. Write the password on a note attached to the computer.
  3. Choose a short password based on a pet's name.
  4. Use the same complex password across all school accounts.

Explanation

A long unique passphrase resists guessing and credential-stuffing attacks, and multifactor authentication adds a second barrier if the password is exposed. Reusing passwords or storing them in visible places increases risk.

Question 24Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which evidence most strongly supports a website's credibility for an academic assignment?

  1. The page appears first in a search engine results list.
  2. The page displays colorful graphics and many advertisements.
  3. The page has been shared frequently on social media.
  4. The page names a qualified author and cites verifiable sources. Correct answer.

Explanation

Credibility depends on author expertise, evidence, and verifiable sources rather than visual design or popularity. Search ranking and social sharing can be influenced by factors unrelated to accuracy.

Question 25Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In computational thinking, what does decomposition mean?

  1. Encoding a solution in a specific programming language
  2. Comparing two algorithms by counting their operations
  3. Breaking a complex problem into smaller manageable parts Correct answer.
  4. Repeating a solution until it produces the desired output

Explanation

Decomposition divides a complex problem into smaller subproblems that can be analyzed and solved more easily. Iteration, coding, and algorithm analysis are related computational practices but are not decomposition.

Question 26Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which component within a CPU performs arithmetic operations and logical comparisons?

  1. The register file
  2. The control unit
  3. The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) Correct answer.
  4. The cache

Explanation

The ALU is the part of the CPU that carries out calculations and comparisons, such as addition and greater-than tests. The control unit directs operations, registers hold small amounts of data, and cache stores frequently used data.

Question 27Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which task is normally handled by an operating system rather than by an application program?

  1. Retouching the pixels in a photograph
  2. Applying a transition between slides
  3. Allocating memory to running processes Correct answer.
  4. Creating a formula in a spreadsheet

Explanation

An operating system manages hardware and system resources, including memory allocation for running processes. Spreadsheet formulas, photo editing, and slide transitions are features provided by application software.

Question 28Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A school wants to reduce the file size of a photograph while accepting some loss of image quality. Which file format is designed for this purpose?

  1. SVG
  2. JPEG Correct answer.
  3. PNG
  4. BMP

Explanation

JPEG uses lossy compression, which reduces file size by discarding some image detail, making it suitable when a small file matters more than perfect fidelity. PNG and BMP are typically lossless, and SVG is a vector format rather than a photographic format.

Question 29Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which action best demonstrates responsible digital citizenship when disagreeing with a classmate in an online discussion?

  1. Repeating the classmate's comment with exaggerated spelling
  2. Posting a screenshot of the classmate's message on social media
  3. Responding with a meme that mocks the classmate
  4. Addressing the idea respectfully and avoiding personal attacks Correct answer.

Explanation

Responsible digital citizenship includes disagreeing with ideas while treating people civilly and avoiding harassment or public humiliation. The other actions escalate conflict or expose a classmate to ridicule.

Question 30Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A student needs to count how many cells in the range A1:A20 contain the word Complete. Which spreadsheet function is most appropriate?

  1. CONCATENATE
  2. COUNTIF Correct answer.
  3. AVERAGE
  4. SUM

Explanation

COUNTIF counts the cells in a range that meet one criterion, so a formula using range A1:A20 and the criterion Complete returns the number of matching entries. SUM adds numeric values, AVERAGE computes a mean, and CONCATENATE joins text.

Question 31Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In a relational database, what is the primary role of a foreign key?

  1. It encrypts sensitive values stored in a column.
  2. It automatically sorts records in ascending order.
  3. It links a record to a primary key in another table. Correct answer.
  4. It uniquely identifies each record in its own table.

Explanation

A foreign key stores a value that matches a primary key in another table, creating a relationship between the tables. It does not have to be unique in its own table, and it does not encrypt or sort data.

Question 32Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A web page uses a CSS rule with the selector p.notice. Which elements does the rule target?

  1. Every paragraph inside an element with class notice
  2. Every element with class notice inside a paragraph
  3. Paragraph elements that also have the class notice Correct answer.
  4. The first paragraph on every page

Explanation

In a CSS selector, p.notice selects paragraph elements whose class attribute includes notice. A space would indicate a descendant relationship, and the order of the parts changes which elements are selected.

Question 33Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which HTML element is most appropriate for a set of major navigation links?

  1. div
  2. span
  3. nav Correct answer.
  4. section

Explanation

The nav element is the semantic HTML element intended for major navigation links. The div and span elements are generic containers, and section groups related content without specifically identifying navigation.

Question 34Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What does a lossless compression method guarantee?

  1. Repeated characters are permanently discarded
  2. The file will always be smaller than one megabyte
  3. The file can be opened only by the original software
  4. The original data can be reconstructed exactly Correct answer.

Explanation

Lossless compression reduces file size while preserving all original data, so decompression restores an exact copy. Lossy methods discard some data, but lossless methods do not.

Question 35Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which presentation feature controls how bullet points appear one at a time on a single slide?

  1. Slide transition
  2. Handout master
  3. Animation Correct answer.
  4. Slide master

Explanation

Animations control the movement or appearance of objects, such as bullet points, on a slide. Transitions control how one slide changes to the next, while masters define layout and formatting.

Question 36Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In programming, what is a variable's scope?

  1. The part of the program where the variable can be accessed Correct answer.
  2. The number of times the variable can be reassigned
  3. The maximum value the variable can hold
  4. The data type assigned at declaration

Explanation

Scope defines where in a program a variable can be referenced, such as within a function or throughout a module. It is not the variable's maximum value, reassignment count, or declared data type.

Question 37Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A loop is written to run while count is less than 5, starting with count equal to 0 and adding 1 each iteration. How many times does the loop body execute?

  1. Five times Correct answer.
  2. Zero times
  3. Six times
  4. Four times

Explanation

The condition count less than 5 is true for count values 0 through 4, so the body runs five times before count becomes 5 and the loop stops.

Question 38Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which practice is the strongest defense against unauthorized access to a school account even if the password is stolen?

  1. Changing the password once every two years
  2. Enabling multi-factor authentication Correct answer.
  3. Writing the password on a sticky note
  4. Using the same password on several sites

Explanation

Multi-factor authentication requires a second proof, such as a code or security key, so a stolen password alone is not enough to sign in. Reusing, writing down, or rarely changing passwords increases risk.

Question 39Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A website uses an HTTPS address and displays a padlock icon. Which statement best explains why the padlock alone does not prove the site is trustworthy?

  1. A padlock guarantees the site has been reviewed by a government agency.
  2. A padlock shows the connection is encrypted but not that the site's operator is honest. Correct answer.
  3. A padlock indicates the site does not use cookies.
  4. A padlock means the site has paid for advertising.

Explanation

The padlock indicates that traffic between the browser and server is encrypted with HTTPS, but it does not verify that the site owner is honest or that the content is safe. Users still need to evaluate the domain and the site's reputation.

Question 40Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A color image is stored using 8 bits per channel for red, green, and blue. Approximately how many distinct colors can one pixel represent?

  1. 24
  2. 8,388,608
  3. 16,777,216 Correct answer.
  4. 256

Explanation

With 8 bits for each of three channels, each pixel uses 24 bits, and 2 raised to the 24th power equals 16,777,216 possible color values. The value 256 is the number of levels per channel, not the total number of colors.

Question 41Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which statement best describes metadata in a digital photograph?

  1. It is the number of pixels in the image.
  2. It is the file's compression algorithm.
  3. It is the visible content of the image.
  4. It is data about the image, such as date, location, and camera settings. Correct answer.

Explanation

Metadata is data about the image, such as capture date, GPS coordinates, camera model, and exposure settings. It is separate from the visible pixels and can create privacy risks when shared.

Question 42Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

A teacher wants to create individual letters for each student using one template and a list of names and addresses. Which word-processing feature is designed for this task?

  1. AutoCorrect
  2. Find and replace
  3. Track changes
  4. Mail merge Correct answer.

Explanation

Mail merge combines a main document with a data source to produce personalized copies, such as individual letters. Track changes records edits, AutoCorrect fixes typing, and Find and Replace swaps text.

Question 43Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In a spreadsheet, cell C1 contains the formula =B1/$B$5. When this formula is copied from C1 to D1, what does the formula become?

  1. =B1/$B$5
  2. =C1/$C$5 Correct answer.
  3. =C1/$B$5
  4. =D1/$B$5

Explanation

Relative references adjust when a formula is copied, so B1 becomes C1 when the formula moves one column to the right. The absolute reference $B$5 stays fixed because both its column and row are locked.

Question 44Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which CSS selector has the highest specificity?

  1. body p
  2. .notice
  3. #header Correct answer.
  4. p

Explanation

Specificity ranks ID selectors above class selectors, which rank above type selectors. An ID selector such as #header therefore overrides p, body p, and .notice.

Question 45Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which file format is most appropriate for a logo that must scale to a billboard without losing sharpness?

  1. GIF
  2. PNG
  3. JPEG
  4. SVG Correct answer.

Explanation

SVG is a vector format, so shapes are defined mathematically and can be scaled without pixelation. JPEG, GIF, and PNG are raster formats that can blur or pixelate when enlarged.

Question 46Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which unit is most commonly used to describe the refresh rate of a display?

  1. Gigabytes
  2. Decibels
  3. Hertz (Hz) Correct answer.
  4. Megapixels

Explanation

Refresh rate is the number of times per second a display updates its image, measured in hertz. Megapixels measure camera resolution, decibels measure sound, and gigabytes measure storage.

Question 47Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which type of software is a web browser?

  1. Application software Correct answer.
  2. Operating system
  3. System utility
  4. Firmware

Explanation

A web browser is application software because it helps a user perform a task, such as browsing the web. An operating system manages hardware, firmware is low-level control code, and utilities maintain the system.

Question 48Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

Which chart type is best for showing how a single value changes over several consecutive months?

  1. Scatter plot
  2. Pie chart
  3. Line chart Correct answer.
  4. Venn diagram

Explanation

A line chart is designed to show trends and changes in a value over a continuous sequence, such as months. Pie charts show parts of a whole, scatter plots show relationships between two variables, and Venn diagrams show set overlap.

Question 49Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

What is the main purpose of data validation in a spreadsheet?

  1. To convert formulas into static values
  2. To make the spreadsheet open faster
  3. To restrict entered data to acceptable values or formats Correct answer.
  4. To automatically correct all spelling errors

Explanation

Data validation sets rules, such as a list of allowed values or a numeric range, that restrict what can be entered into a cell. It does not speed up opening, correct spelling, or convert formulas to values.

Question 50Technology Applications Concepts and Skills

In computational thinking, which process involves removing unnecessary details to focus on the essential features of a problem?

  1. Abstraction Correct answer.
  2. Debugging
  3. Iteration
  4. Decomposition

Explanation

Abstraction simplifies a problem by removing unnecessary details and focusing on the essential features. Decomposition breaks a problem into parts, debugging fixes errors, and iteration repeats a process.