Comprehension of Written Texts

Background

This is a test of ability to understand written texts. There are four text passages, and 5 test questions for each text. The text passages are taken from Test Your Child's Reading: Level 4 and Test Your Child's Reading: Level 5, by Peter Howard. The passages range in reading ease according to the Flesch Reading Ease formula, from 78 to 90 (i.e., fairly easy to easy). The task is to read each text and then to answer the series of "yes/no" questions. Clients are able to take as much time as needed and to look back at the text after a question has been asked.

Presentation

Present one of the texts in a location that is comfortable for the client (e.g., mounted on an Etrans, or placed on the person's laptray). When the client indicates that s/he has read the text, present each question individually. The client should be able to view both the text and the question. The question is read aloud.

Instructions

Tell the client to read each text (aloud if the client is able to speak), taking as much time as is needed. Tell the client that you can't give any help with any words that s/he can't read, and if this occurs, the client should skip over that word. Tell the client that when s/he has finished reading the text, you will present and read aloud each of the 5 questions which will need either a "yes" or "no" response. Tell the client that s/he may look back at the text if this will help with answering the que stion.

Examiner: "I am going to show you four written short stories or pieces of text. I want you to read the story, aloud if you can. You can take as much time as you need. There are no practice stories here, so I won't be able to tell you if your answers to the questions are right or wrong. The questions will need only a "yes" or "no" answer, and you will be able to look back at the story if you want."

Repeats

Each question can be repeated up to 2 times if the client requests it or if there has been a long period without a response.

Scoring

Circle the client's choice of "Yes" or "No" at the time of administration. After administration, score "1" for each correct response (circled and bold) in the appropriate square of the score sheet for the passage tested. A space is also provided on the score sheet to indicate if the client does or does not go back to the text in order to answer each question.