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What candidates will read
What candidates will read
In the CAEC reading test, most questions require candidates to read and interpret information sources that are presented as digital texts, such as an infographic, blog post, recipe post, shared document with comments, email and website information cards.
The texts address general knowledge topics such as the following:
Hiring process
Travel and leisure
Food preparation and nutrition
Money management, budgeting and consumer issues and
Housing and accommodations.
Candidates will also need to read and respond to some literary questions, likely using poems and excerpts from novels and short stories. But these aren't on the sample test yet, so it's difficult to analyse them. If samples become available, we'll update this page. There are 50 questions in the reading test, and candidates will have 75 minutes to complete the test.
Infographic
Email and search results
Document with comments
Recipe blog post
How candidates will read — digital reading
How candidates will read — digital reading
Digital reading requires candidates to recognize and interpret the design and structure of the digital texts, in addition to the testing interface. You need to do the following:
Navigate around the screen and understand how to use various icons and symbols
Manage distractions when attempting to use navigational (e.g., next, back buttons) and accessibility tools (e.g., magnifier, line focus tool, spellcheck)
Scan the digital document to read to look for keywords, format structures, hyperlinks, relevant images, graphics and charts
Use scroll bars to read the complete digital document
Skim text passages to find information that responds to the test question.
How candidates will read — reading comprehension and close reading
How candidates will read — reading comprehension and close reading
Candidates will also need to use general reading comprehension and close reading skills, strategies and knowledge to respond to test questions.
General reading comprehension involves surface-level understandings related to text meanings (e.g., 5 Ws) text structures (e.g., cause and effect, verse structures, compare and contrast, chronological, descriptive, etc.) syntax (i.e. grammatical structures used for effect and meaning) and word meanings.
Close reading involves “figuring out what you sense” and “reading between the lines” to identify tone, unspoken meanings that can be inferred, figurative language and hidden messages. It requires background knowledge and cultural knowledge about the topics and ways we use language to convey meaning and emotions.
Candidates will also need to apply their knowledge of grammar and punctuation usage to correct errors.
The example test item called "Family Camping" requires less digital reading and more reading comprehension and close reading.
Types of questions
Types of questions
Content and context questions ask you about the information in the document. Sometimes candidates will be able to find the answer in the document. Sometimes you'll have to use specific background knowledge to figure out the answer, and sometimes candidates will have to use your reasoning to respond. (Read the next section about question complexity for more information.) Content and context questions make up about 50% of the questions in the reading test.
Structure, elements and techniques questions ask you how language is used to inform, persuade or engage readers and make up about 25% of the questions in the reading test.
Grammar, syntax and language conventions questions ask you about the correctness of grammar and punctuation and make up about 25% of the questions in the reading test.
Complexity of the questions
Low complexity questions
Low complexity questions
Low complexity questions direct candidates to find one piece of information in the text or recall one piece of information. Sometimes the question will direct candidates to a specific place in the text to find the answer.
Look for questions that start with “according to the information” and lead to a specific answer:
According to the information, what is the percentage of online shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44 years old?
Look for questions that ask candidates to define a word:
The word ‘Impromptu’ in line 20 means---.
Look for questions that ask candidates to select or order information that matches the source:
Arrange the steps in the correct order, according to the recipe.
Moderate complexity questions
Moderate complexity questions
Moderate complexity questions, which are used most often, require a two-step thinking process that involves the application of a procedure, concept or skill. The connection between the test question and source is not immediately apparent and can only be made using the concept, skill or procedure. This includes questions focused on grammar and punctuation errors in the reading test.
Look for questions that ask candidates to synthesize and interpret information based on the text.
From the six choices below, select four features of the family's RV described in lines 7 to 13.
Look for questions that ask candidates to interpret the text using synonyms, feelings and senses.
A synonym of the word ‘skills’ is---
What feeling is most directly implied by the author in ‘We found that we were not getting the use out of the trailer that we had hoped for’?
The description of the mom's recipe in lines 1 to 5 appeals most strongly to which of the following reader’s senses?
Candidates will also have to interpret how punctuation affects meaning and tone.
In context, the use of the punctuation marks in the two quotations contribute to a tone that is---.
Candidates will need to recognize and correct grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.
The error within the sentence in lines 2 to 3 is?
High complexity questions
High complexity questions
In a high complexity question, candidates will still have to apply conceptual knowledge, a skill or a procedure. However, that cognitive work won’t lead directly to an answer. Candidates will also have to use reasoning, logic and generalization. The answer won't be apparent and it won't be in the text.
Look for questions that ask candidates to evaluate information or draw a conclusion, often using more than one source.
According to the information, which two categories represent essential needs of Canadians?
Sort the following customer experiences that could result from online shopping into the categories listed below.
Based on details in Source I, which of the rental choices in Source II is most appropriate for the needs of the four friends?
How candidates will show their answers
Candidates will see several different answer formats requiring them to do the following:
Click on buttons that contain the answer
Click, drag and drop to match or order
Click in circles next to the answer
Use a drop down list.
Click on buttons that contain the answer
Click, drag and drop to match or order
Click in circles next to the answer
Use a dropdown list
Slides you can use and modify for a CAEC overview workshop
Slides you can use and modify for a CAEC overview workshop
We've transferred the information on this page to a set of slides that you can use during workshops or courses. The information is directed at test candidates.
Make modifications as needed. Add your logo and enhance the information to suit your needs and growing knowledge of the CAEC reading test.
Curriculum plan and tips for a test preparation course
Curriculum plan and tips for a test preparation course
CAEC reading test preparation.pdfUse the reading guide to develop a test preparation course to help candidates do the following:
Draw on their background knowledge related to the CAEC information topics
Read and interpret a variety of digital texts
Apply general reading comprehension, close reading and possibly some critical reading comprehension skills, strategies and knowledge
Apply knowledge of grammar and punctuation to correct errors and interpret usage.
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