English Reading

Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test (Paper)

Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test (Online)

Drumcondra Post-Primary Reading Test (Paper)

The DPPT-Read was developed in response to a need for such a test identified by the DES in the ‘National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy 2011-2020’. The DPPT-Read is based on the pre-2014 Junior Certificate English syllabus and draws on international best practice in reading ‎assessment to provide a test that is suitable for an Irish context. The test aims to complement a teacher’s observations and assessments of a student’s performance. It gives guidance on strengths, and on the types of difficulties experienced by students. This information can feed into effective planning and learning.

Test Features

76 multiple choice questions
36 vocabulary questions
Focus on real-life, relevant contexts

Four comprehension texts
Informational and literary texts featured
Each question linked to a reading process

The DPPT-Read is available at two levels in order to appropriately challenge students of differing ability levels. Form A of each test is designed for students who are likely to take the Junior Certificate English examination at Ordinary or Foundation levels. Form B is designed for students who are likely to take the English exam at Higher level. In practice, either form of the test can be used, except for very low achievers (who should complete Form A) and very high achievers (who should complete Form B).

The DPPT- Read can be administered to class or year groups, and takes approximately 70 minutes to administer. This includes time to distribute and collect materials and complete identification information, as well as actual testing time. Forms A and B can be administered together.

All Questions on the DPPT-Read follow a multiple-choice format.

Domain: Reading Literacy
Based on: JC English Syllabi
Format: Multiple Choice
Forms: A (easier) and B (more difficult)
Administration Time: 70 minutes
Administration Format: Large or small groups
Scoring: Electronic
Reporting: Electronic
Subscales Reported: Continuous, Non-continuous, Access & Retrieve, Integrate & Evaluate

Content of DPPT-Read

Each form of the DPPT-Read comprises 36 reading vocabulary items, and 40 reading comprehension items. Hence, students are asked to respond to 76 items in all. The comprehension items are based on four texts, each of which is followed by 10 items. The overall reading scale is made up of a number of overlapping subscales including ‘‘Reading Vocabulary’, ‘Reading Comprehension’, ‘Continuous Texts’, ‘Non-Continuous Texts’, ‘ Access & Retrieve’ and ‘Integrate & Evaluate’.

Scoring and Reporting

The DPPT-Read is completed on a machine-scorable answer sheet that is available from the Educational Research Centre. The same answer sheet is used for the DPPT-Read and the DPPT-Maths and hence a student needs just one answer sheet for both tests. Answer sheets can be returned to the ERC for scoring. The ERC will then forward reports to schools that include overall scores and subscale scores.

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
40 vocabulary questions
Focus on real-life, relevant contexts

Four comprehension texts
Informational and literary texts featured
Each question linked to a reading process

Sample Post-Primary Maths test reports

Class/Group reports summarising each pupil's performance including subscales

Spreadsheet of all student data including subscales

Individual Pupil Reports designed for parents/guardians

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.