Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test (Online)

The Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test is a curriculum-based assessment of reading achievement. It is targeted at students in the final term of 2nd year in post-primary school. It is based on current curricula and draws on international best practice in reading assessment to provide tests tailored to the Irish context and to students in Ireland. The test acts in tandem with teachers' observations and assessments to create a broader pictures of student performance. The class and individual reports give teachers a valuable additional source of information about the strengths and difficulties of the students in reading.

 

Test Features

• 80 multiple choice questions

• Four comprehension texts

• 40 vocabulary questions

• Informational and literary texts featured

• Focus on real-life, relevant contexts

• Each question linked to a reading process

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Each Form of the test comprises reading vocabulary items and reading comprehension items. These items also evaluate some of the cognitive process skills necessary for reading, such as Access & Retrieve, and Integrate & Evaluate. The comprehension texts reflect a variety of settings, content, and language, and were selected with reference to gender balance, cultural sensitivities, and student engagement . Each text was chosen especially for students in Ireland. The end result is a body of texts that are relevant, modern, and engaging. Two versions of a 2nd year reading test have been available in paper format since 2014. The content for the computer-based test has been newly developed and expanded to include four different Forms. Schools choosing to administer the reading test online can also avail of our free automated scoring and reporting options.

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• Standardised in selected schools in spring 2016

• Duration: 50 minutes

• Target group: Students near the end of 2nd year in post-primary school

• Easy group administration

• Automated scoring and reporting

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