Verbal Master
Criterion Reference Tests
Directions for Administering
These criterion referenced instruments are designed to measure growth in two areas: Oral Reading (Fluency)
and Vocabulary.
Oral Reading (Fluency)
Oral Reading is measured by asking the student to read aloud the appropriate passage for each cluster. Please
tell the student to try his/her best and not to be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Record every mistake the student
makes and mark the total number of errors in the appropriate space on the answer sheet.
To use the Oral Reading test to provide a measure of fluency, you should administer a “timed” test. Since the
fluency addresses not only the accuracy of the word recognition but the speed and expression with which the
student reads, it is best to time the Oral Reading test. We suggest you use a 60 second time frame. In other
words, give the student 60 seconds to read as much of the test as possible.You should note (1) the number
of errors as well as (2) the total number of words read. The word counts in the right-hand-margins indicate
the first word on the line. This will help you easily determine the end point total number of words read in 60
seconds.
Vocabulary
The Vocabulary test measure the student’s ability to recognize the word that belongs to a given definition. Since
there are 30 words in each Verbal Master cluster, students will be tested on their ability to match the correct
word to a given definition for all 30 words in the cluster.
Progress Monitoring
Progress can be measured by documenting the students’ scores prior to the start of instruction (pre test) and
again at the end of the instruction (post test).You can use the accompanying record sheets to record your
results.
Finally, we would love to see your results. Please send them and any comments you would like to make
concerning the Verbal Master program to:
Failure Free Reading
140 West Cabarrus Ave.
Concord, NC 28025
Verbal Master: Oral Reading
VM 2: Cluster 1: Units 1-6
The attorney and her acquaintance were astounded when they saw the abundant
size of the rock singer's house. The house was large enough to accommodate
over a hundred people at a time.
The ambassador felt it was not advisable to adjourn the meeting for the
afternoon. The ambassador thought that an armistice to abolish the war between
the two countries was very close to being signed.
The ballad told of a brigade's bravery at the barricade near the bazaar. The
barbaric army was stopped at the gates. The country was saved.
The constable said the collision was a calamity. The old car was a piece of junk. It
was not a classic, but an old contraption that should have been taken off the road
years ago.
The Native Americans' skill at camouflage prevented the cavalry from achieving
an easy conquest. Consequently, both sides had to confer respect for each other
during the conflict.
The police chief decided to confide in his wife and tell her what was in the
confidential letter even though it was not customary to tell a civilian such things.
He was convinced his wife would not reveal the classified information to anyone.
Name: ________________ Date: ________ Pretest Score: ______/_______
196
Number Correct
Age: _______
Date: _________Posttest Score: _____/_______
196
Number Correct
Verbal Master: Test
UNITS 1-6
Name __________________________________ Date _________________ Score _________
1.
attorney acquaintance astounded abundant accommodate
2.
attorney acquaintance astounded abundant accommodate
3.
attorney acquaintance astounded abundant accommodate
4.
attorney acquaintance astounded abundant accommodate
5.
attorney acquaintance astounded abundant accommodate
6.
ambassador advisable adjourn
armistice
abolish
7.
ambassador advisable adjourn
armistice
abolish
8.
ambassador advisable adjourn
armistice
abolish
9.
ambassador advisable adjourn
armistice
abolish
10. ambassador advisable adjourn
armistice
abolish
11. ballad
bravery
barricade
bazaar
barbaric
12. ballad
bravery
barricade
bazaar
barbaric
13. ballad
bravery
barricade
bazaar
barbaric
14. ballad
bravery
barricade
bazaar
barbaric
15. ballad
bravery
barricade
bazaar
barbaric
Verbal Master: Test
UNITS 1-6
16. constable
collision
calamity
classic
contraption
17. constable
collision
calamity
classic
contraption
18. constable
collision
calamity
classic
contraption
19. constable
collision
calamity
classic
contraption
20. constable
collision
calamity
classic
contraption
21. camouflage
cavalry
conquest
confer
conflict
22. camouflage
cavalry
conquest
confer
conflict
23. camouflage
cavalry
conquest
confer
conflict
24. camouflage
cavalry
conquest
confer
conflict
25. camouflage
cavalry
conquest
confer
conflict
26. confide
customary
civilian
convinced
classified
27. confide
customary
civilian
convinced
classified
28. confide
customary
civilian
convinced
classified
29. confide
customary
civilian
convinced
classified
30. confide
customary
civilian
convinced
classified