Reading Indicator

A Guide for Employees

The Essential Skills Reading Indicator is a tool designed to help you better understand your Reading skills. It consists of 10 examples of assessment questions to give you an indication of your skill level. The first 5 questions are easier (Level 1) and the next 5 are slightly more difficult (Level 2).

Essential Skills levels range from Level 1 (basic) to Level 4/5 (advanced). You can use the Indicator to help identify if Reading is an area where you might need some additional training. Improving your skills can help you perform your job more effectively or prepare for a career change.

The questions in the Indicator are based on actual reading tasks performed in the workplace. You do not need specialized knowledge to answer any of the questions.

Instructions:

Allow yourself no more than 20 minutes to complete the Indicator.
Write your answers directly on the Indicator in the space provided.
If you are marking your own Indicator, use the Correction Sheet provided at the back. Give yourself one point for each correct answer. Do not give yourself partial marks.

Helpful Tips:

If you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and move on to the next question. You can always come back to it later.
Use the Indicator to help identify areas in which you may need skills upgrading.
Indicators are also available for other Essential Skills.
If you did not achieve at least a Level 2 on the Indicator, you may want to consider upgrading your Reading skills.

For additional questions or more information on Essential Skills, visit hrsdc.gc.ca/essentialskills.