How to test reading text.

1. Different ways of reading
- Slowly and carefully, word by word (following a philosophical argument)
- Page to page ( getting the gist of something)
- Look quickly down a column of a text ( searching a particular piece of information)
* INCLUDE THESE DIFFERENT KINDS OR READING IN THE SPECIFICATIONS OF A TEST
Purpose of the test
A. Diagnostic test: Detailed strengths and weaknesses in reading abilities.
B. Achievement test: Development of the reading skills.
C. Placement test: Rough and ready indication of reading.
D. Proficiency test: “Overall” measure of reading ability.
“TESTING READING”

2. Quick and efficient
reading checklist
Slow and careful
reading checklist

3. Features to take into account in a reading test
1. Specific texts ( type, form, topic, style, length, difficulty, vocabulary, grammar)
2. Speed of reading
3. Criterial level of performance ( test tasks)
Setting the tasks
- Selecting texts (representative, appropriate, many passages, discrete pieces, clearly
structure, specified elements)
- Writing items
- Possible techniques (multiple choice, short answer , gap filling or “summary cloze”)
Remarkable techniques for testing the ability
 Short answer: A) To identify referents. B) To predict the meaning of unknown words from
context. C) To make various distinctions (fact / opinion).
 Gap filling: A) To recognize detail presented to support a main idea. B) To scan items