Research · October 2015 doi: 10. 13140/RG

c) What to test and assess 
Designing tests of reading in a second language, the aim is normally to test 
language-related ability, not intelligence (Alderson, 2000). Dealing with reading, 
the ability here refers to the capability in decoding texts, reading fluently, reading 
quickly (speed), and comprehending text. Four types of ability will represent in 
what to test in testing reading and the first three types are the basics to reading 
comprehension.
Reading Decoding. This is the basic reading ability. Reading decoding is the 
ability to decipher the sounds represented by each letter or combination of letters 
in a word. For years, it was thought that if children could learn to decode words 
accurately, they would be successful in reading printed text. While it is true that 
accuracy in decoding is important for fluency, readers not only need to decode 
words accurately, they also need to decode them automatically with ease. In 
reading decoding, tester would like to assess whether the children are able to 
code or decipher sounds and phonics in a letter and or words. This type of test is 
not only for merely children but this is also fit to adults who are still having 
problems in spelling some distinct letters or alphabets.
In conducting this test, a tester should have some preparations and steps as 
follow: 
1. Providing and showing letters or alphabets. Make them as clear as 
possible to see and if it is needed, make them in one by one big size. 

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Language Testing & Evaluation 
Fernandes Arung 
2013 
11 
2. Allowing the candidates spell the letters prior to giving them correct 
spelling. 
3. Writing all misspelling letters and aspects that the candidates did. 
4. Allowing the candidates to repeat spelling from the beginning to three 
times. 
5. Concluding all aspects that candidates did during spelling the letters. 
Telling them what letters were misspelled.
6. In order to let the candidates learn, tester should teach them how to 
correctly spell the letters. 
Tests used to measure the candidates’ reading comprehension should be 
based on candidates’ level and provide various techniques.