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 3: Units 13-18
The other runners in the race became very envious of the new runner's
endurance. They were amazed at how energetic she seemed. Her style marked a
new era in racing efficiency.
After the train wreck, the mayor was asked to give the extraordinary order to
evacuate the town. It was evident that the risk of exposure to dangerous gas
fumes was enough to cause him to endorse this action.
The detective was able to identify the painting as a forgery because of a
fundamental flaw in the artist's painting style. The inspector could not fathom how
the artist could have overlooked such a key factor.
The doctor's fiancee said she would never forget the forlorn look on the faces of
the famine victims. She said no amount of fatigue could have stopped her from
aiding these frail victims.
The swimmer did not falter during the last lap of the race, despite ferocious
fatigue. Her fiery fortitude seemed to turn her into a fortress of energy.
The detective's heroic action in the face of hostile gunfire freed the bank hostage
and prevented a homicide from occurring. The detective refused to be stopped by
any hazard.
Name: ________________ Date: ________ Pretest Score: ______/_______
194
Number Correct
Age: _______
Date: _________Posttest Score: _____/_______
194
Number Correct
Verbal Master: Test
UNITS 13-18
Name __________________________________ Date _________________ Score _________
1.
envious
endurance
energetic
era
efficiency
2.
envious
endurance
energetic
era
efficiency
3.
envious
endurance
energetic
era
efficiency
4.
envious
endurance
energetic
era
efficiency
5.
envious
endurance
energetic
era
efficiency
6.
extraordinary
evacuate
evident
exposure
endorse
7.
extraordinary
evacuate
evident
exposure
endorse
8.
extraordinary
evacuate
evident
exposure
endorse
9.
extraordinary
evacuate
evident
exposure
endorse
10. extraordinary
evacuate
evident
exposure
endorse
11.
forgery
fundamental
flaw
fathom
factor
12.
forgery
fundamental
flaw
fathom
factor
13. forgery
fundamental
flaw
fathom
factor
14. forgery
fundamental
flaw
fathom
factor
15. forgery
fundamental
flaw
fathom
factor
Verbal Master: Test
UNITS 13-18
16. fiancee
forlorn
famine
fatigue
frail
17. fiancee
forlorn
famine
fatigue
frail
18. fiancee
forlorn
famine
fatigue
frail
19. fiancee
forlorn
famine
fatigue
frail
20. fiancee
forlorn
famine
fatigue
frail
21. falter
ferocious
fortitude
fiery
fortress
22. falter
ferocious
fortitude
fiery
fortress
23. falter
ferocious
fortitude
fiery
fortress
24. falter
ferocious
fortitude
fiery
fortress
25. falter
ferocious
fortitude
fiery
fortress
26. heroic
hostile
hostage
homicide
hazard
27. heroic
hostile
hostage
homicide
hazard
28. heroic
hostile
hostage
homicide
hazard
29. heroic
hostile
hostage
homicide
hazard
30. heroic
hostile
hostage
homicide
hazard