Each test consists of reading passages of varying length and difficulty. At each test level, there is at least one narrative, a poem, and at least one passage each about science and social studies. Fiction, folktales, essays, biographical sketches, “how-to” pieces, editorials, and expository nonfiction round out the selections. Some passages are excerpts from previously published works, while others have been commissioned for The Iowa Tests. Test items assess three types of understanding. Factual questions tap students' literal understanding of what is stated in the text. Inferential/interpretive questions require students to read between the lines to demonstrate their understanding of what is implied. Analysis and generalization questions require students to “step back from” the test to generalize about a passage's main points or ideas to analyze aspects of the author's viewpoint or use of language.
The Reading Comprehension test is administered in two separate testing periods of 25 and 30 minutes. By reducing fatigue, this two-session format increases motivation, helps maintain test takers' focus and results in dependable scores.
To diagnose individual and class needs, the Primary Reading Profile, available for 3rd graders, combines information from all the literacy-related tests into a single report. Overall test scores as well as skill scores in Vocabulary, Word Analysis, and Listening are presented for 3rd graders. Reading test scores are included and Spelling scores are included for 3rd graders.