Reading Self-Assessment
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Reading self-assessment[PDF - 667 KB]
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Please note this self-assessment tool aligns with the original Essential Skills Framework. In the future, a new or modified assessment tool may replace this one to align with the new Skills for Success model. Please visit this page in the coming months and beyond, to learn more about what is new!
Reading is the ability to understand text written in sentences or paragraphs. Strong reading skills are essential to being able to learn and find information quickly and easily. Complete this self-assessment to help you understand your reading strengths and areas for improvement.
Instructions
- Read each statement in Section 1 and place a check mark in the column that best describes how well you can complete that task. Tip: Think about your work and life experiences.
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Review your response for each task. If you have checked five or more in the “Somewhat” and/or “No” columns, you may want to consider upgrading your reading skills.
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Complete Section 2 to identify your training needs.
Section 1: Self-assessment
| I can... | Yes | Somewhat | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read and understand familiar names, words and simple sentences. | |||
| Scan a short document, such as an email, memo or bulletin, and understand its meaning. | |||
| Read and follow directions on a product label (for example, on a prescription bottle). | |||
| Read a paragraph to find a key piece of information. | |||
| Read a catalogue to learn basic product information. | |||
| Read and correctly follow written instructions (such as a recipe or job assignment). | |||
| Read a product warning label and understand how to handle the product safely. | |||
| Read several short documents, such as brochures or newspaper articles, to find new information (for example reading about a travel destination before a trip). | |||
| Read and understand formal documents, such as a credit card agreement, employment contract or insurance policy. | |||
| Refer to several resources, such as handbooks and manuals, to use a new piece of equipment (e.g. fax machine, printer, cellular telephone, dishwasher). | |||
| Read a newspaper editorial and understand the issue. | |||
| Refer to a variety of documents to compare information (for example, product specifications, features and costs of different models of digital cameras). | |||
| Refer to appropriate resources, such as policy or procedural manuals, when dealing with unfamiliar or unusual problems at work. | |||
| Total |
Section 2: Personal development
Completing this section will help you make informed training decisions.
- Look at the “Yes” column in Section 1 to identify your reading strengths, and record them below.
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Look at the “Somewhat” and/or “No” columns in Section 1 to identify the areas that you need to develop or strengthen, and record them below.
Reading strengths
I am confident that I can…
For example read and follow directions on a product label.
1. ______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
Tip: Consider using your strengths to help a colleague, friend or family member improve their reading skills.
Areas for improvement
I would like to improve my ability to…
For example refer to a variety of documents to compare information.
1. ______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
Tip: When developing your training plan, focus on improving one or two reading areas at a time.