Pre and Post-Test in Reading Comprehension for Grade 6

Should I Give Reading Pre and Post-Tests to My Child?

Pre-tests are usually given in subjects that require specific skills to be learned rather than broad areas like reading comprehension. For example, you could give your 6th grade child a pre and post-test in vocabulary to see which words he or she is familiar with and which should be covered more thoroughly. It would be difficult, however, to give a pre-test in reading comprehension because students can't answer the questions until they've read the text.

One option is to give two tests on the same text. Test your child immediately after reading a passage. Then, discuss the passage and complete comprehension activities. You can retest your son or daughter at this point to see if his or her comprehension has improved. You may also review the text before your child reads it to give context and assess how much your child knows about the subject. Get started with the options below.

Three Pre and Post-Test Options

Vocabulary

A solid vocabulary is critical for students looking to improve their reading comprehension. In order to gauge your child's current abilities and level of advancement, select a grade-appropriate text online or a passage from a book. Scan the text before your child reads it to identify any terms that may be challenging. Create your own pre-test in which your child matches vocabulary terms and definitions. After your child completes the text, provide a similar worksheet to see if he or she was able to draw meaning from the context clues within the story.

Story Structure

A common exercise students complete in class is analyzing or making predictions about a story based on a small piece of text. Instead of asking your child to read the beginning and the middle of a story to predict the ending, provide a small passage. Then, ask your son or daughter to discuss the theme and plot based on that particular excerpt. Once he or she has gone back and read the entire text, have your child review the original excerpt to explain why the initial predictions were right or wrong.

History

Pre and post-tests are a great way to incorporate various subjects into a single lesson, such as incorporating a history lesson within a reading passage. First, consult your child's teacher or browse your child's history homework assignments to determine what has already been covered in class. Then, create your own reading comprehension passage that touches on information your child should know and will learn. As with the previous exercises, provide a pre-test to find out what your child knows, and then provide a post-test after he or she reads the passage to find out what was learned.