PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) Test – Skills and Practice Questions

The Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) includes assessments aimed at measuring specific literacy skills. The particular literacy proficiencies assessed in the PAT Reading Test may differ depending on the test version and the grade level for which it is intended. Nonetheless, here, we outline the competencies assessed in the PAT Reading Test.

Key Reading Comprehension Skills Assessed in the PAT Reading Test

1. Vocabulary and Word Meaning: Understanding word meanings in context, recognizing synonyms and antonyms, and grasping the nuances of word usage.

2. Main Idea and Supporting Details: Identifying the main idea or central theme of a passage and recognizing the supporting details that provide evidence for that idea.

3. Inference: Making inferences based on information presented in the text. This may involve drawing conclusions, making predictions, or recognizing implied information.

4. Understanding Structure and Organization: Comprehending the structure of a passage, including the use of headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and other organizational features.

5. Author’s Purpose and Perspective: Determining why the author wrote the passage and understanding the author’s point of view or perspective.

6. Textual Evidence: Citing textual evidence to support answers to questions. This involves finding specific passages in the text that relate to the questions asked.

7. Context Clues: Using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases in the text.

8. Critical Thinking: Applying critical thinking skills to evaluate and analyze the text. This may involve identifying bias, evaluating the reliability of sources, or assessing the quality of arguments presented.

9. Summarization: Summarizing the main points of a passage in a concise manner.

10. Comparing and Contrasting: Comparing and contrasting different ideas, characters, events, or elements within a passage or between multiple passages.

11. Sequencing: Understanding the sequence of events or ideas presented in a passage.

12. Drawing Conclusions: Drawing logical conclusions based on the information presented in the text.

13. Evaluating Tone and Style: Recognizing the tone (e.g., humorous, formal, informal) and style (e.g., descriptive, persuasive) of a passage.

14. Interpreting Figures and Data: Understanding and interpreting any visual elements, such as charts, graphs, tables, or illustrations, that may accompany the text.

15. Synthesizing Information: Combining information from various parts of the passage to form a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

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PAT (Progressive Achievement Test ) Reading Comprehension Test Practice Questions

Example A (Narrative Passage):

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

On a bright summer day, Emma decided to explore the woods near her house. She had heard stories about hidden treasures and secret caves hidden deep within the forest. Armed with a backpack filled with snacks and a sense of adventure, she set off on her journey. As she ventured further into the woods, the sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of leaves, casting playful patterns on the ground.

The birds sang melodiously, and the gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing symphony of nature. Emma’s curiosity led her to a peculiar-looking tree with gnarled roots that seemed to resemble the shape of a dragon. She couldn’t resist exploring the area around it. To her surprise, she found an old, tattered map half-buried in the dirt.

The map was intriguing. It had cryptic symbols and faded text that hinted at hidden treasures. Emma’s heart raced with excitement. She was determined to solve the mystery and uncover the secret the map held. With the map in hand, she continued deeper into the woods, following the clues it provided.

Question 1A (Vocabulary and Meaning)

What does the word “cryptic” mean in the passage?

1. Hidden or secret
2. Old and tattered
3. Mysterious and puzzling
4. Rustling and noisy

Question 2A (Main Idea and Supporting Details)

What is the main idea of this passage, and which detail supports it?

A. Main Idea: Emma found a mysterious map in the woods. Supporting Detail: The map had cryptic symbols and faded text.

B. Main Idea: Emma went on a picnic in the woods. Supporting Detail: She brought snacks in her backpack.

C. Main Idea: Emma was lost in the woods. Supporting Detail: She ventured further into the woods.

D. Main Idea: Emma liked the sound of birds in the woods. Supporting Detail: The birds sang melodiously.

Question 3A (Inference)

Why did Emma venture into the woods?

1. She wanted to have a picnic.
2. She was looking for hidden treasures and secret caves.
3. She was lost and trying to find her way home.
4. She was searching for colorful leaves to make art.

Question 4A (Understanding Structure and Organization)

How is the passage structured?

1. It starts with Emma finding the map, then describes her journey into the woods.
2. It begins with Emma’s adventure in the woods and ends with her finding the map.
3. It starts with a description of the woods, then introduces Emma’s adventure and the map.
4. It begins with Emma finding the map, then describes her exploration of the woods.

Answers:

1A.   C – The word “cryptic” is used to describe the symbols and text on the map, suggesting that they are mysterious and puzzling. In the context of the passage, “cryptic” conveys the idea that the symbols and text are difficult to understand or interpret.

2A.   A – Main Idea: Emma found a mysterious map in the woods. Supporting Detail: The map had cryptic symbols and faded text.

3A.   B – In the passage, it is mentioned that Emma decided to explore the woods because she had heard stories about hidden treasures and secret caves. This information directly supports the answer choice.

4A.   C – The passage begins by setting the scene with a description of the woods, the atmosphere, and the peculiar tree with gnarled roots. It then introduces Emma’s adventure and the discovery of the map as she ventures deeper into the woods.

Example B (Persuasive Passage):

The Benefits of Outdoor Education

Outdoor education programs are an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum. These programs offer students the opportunity to connect with nature, develop important life skills, and foster a love for the environment. Research shows that students who engage in outdoor education are more environmentally conscious and better equipped to handle challenges in their personal and professional lives. Therefore, schools should allocate more resources to outdoor education initiatives.

Question 1B (Author’s Purpose and Perspective)

 What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?

1. To explain the history of outdoor education programs.
2. To persuade schools to invest more in outdoor education.
3. To compare outdoor education to traditional classroom learning.
4. To criticize the environmental impact of outdoor education.

Question 2B (Textual Evidence)

Which sentence from the passage supports the idea that outdoor education helps students become more environmentally conscious?

1. “Outdoor education programs are an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum.”
2. “These programs offer students the opportunity to connect with nature.”
3. “Research shows that students who engage in outdoor education are more environmentally conscious.”
4. “Schools should allocate more resources to outdoor education initiatives.”

Question 3B (Context Clues)

 What does the word “initiatives” mean in the context of the passage?

1. Problems
2. Goals
3. Obstacles
4. Challenges

Question 4B (Summarization)

What is the main idea of the passage?

1. Outdoor education programs are ineffective and should be discontinued.
2. Traditional classroom learning is superior to outdoor education.
3. Schools should allocate fewer resources to outdoor education initiatives.
4. Outdoor education fosters a love for the environment and equips students with valuable skills.

Answers:

1B.   B – The author’s primary purpose is to persuade schools to allocate more resources to outdoor education initiatives. This is evident in the argument and the call to action in the passage.

2B.   C – This sentence directly provides evidence that supports the idea that outdoor education helps students become more environmentally conscious.

3B.   B – In this context, “initiatives” refers to programs or efforts undertaken to achieve a specific goal. The author is advocating for schools to allocate resources to achieve the goal of promoting outdoor education.

4B.   D – The main idea of the passage is that outdoor education programs have several benefits, including fostering a love for the environment and developing important life skills in students.

Example C (Instructional Passage):

 Comparing Two Historical Figures

In the history of the United States, two prominent figures, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, have left a lasting impact. While both were presidents and played essential roles in shaping the nation, they had distinct characteristics and led during different eras. Let’s compare and contrast these two influential leaders.

George Washington: George Washington was the first president of the United States and served from 1789 to 1797. He was a key figure in the American Revolutionary War and is often referred to as the “Father of His Country.” Washington was known for his strong leadership skills and the ability to unite the fledgling nation.

Abraham Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln, on the other hand, was the 16th president, serving from 1861 to 1865 during the American Civil War. He is celebrated for his Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the abolition of slavery in the United States. Lincoln was known for his eloquent speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, which is still remembered today.

Question 1C (Comparing and Contrasting)

What distinguishing feature in their leadership roles sets George Washington apart from Abraham Lincoln?

1. George Washington served during the American Civil War, while Abraham Lincoln served during the American Revolutionary War.
2. George Washington is known for the Emancipation Proclamation, while Abraham Lincoln is often referred to as the “Father of His Country.”
3. George Washington was celebrated for his eloquent speeches, while Abraham Lincoln had strong leadership skills.
4. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln both led the nation during times of crisis, with their leadership styles being nearly identical.

Question 2C (Sequencing)

Place the following events in the correct chronological order:

1. George Washington’s presidency
2. Abraham Lincoln’s presidency

1. II – I
2. I – II
3. I and II happened simultaneously
4. The order of events is not provided in the passage.

Question 3C (Drawing Conclusions)

Based on the information provided in the passage, which president is more closely associated with the abolition of slavery?

1. George Washington
2. Abraham Lincoln
3. The passage does not provide enough information to draw this conclusion.
4. Both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln equally contributed to the abolition of slavery.

Answers:

1C.   C – This statement accurately distinguishes George Washington’s strength in delivering speeches from Abraham Lincoln’s strong leadership skills.

2C.   B – The passage mentions that George Washington served as the first president from 1789 to 1797, while Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th president during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Therefore, the correct chronological order is I – II.

3C.   B – The passage explicitly states that Abraham Lincoln is celebrated for the Emancipation Proclamation, which led to the abolition of slavery in the United States. This information allows us to draw the conclusion that Abraham Lincoln is more closely associated with the abolition of slavery.

Example D (Poetry):

The Autumn’s Whispers

In the twilight of the year’s decline,

When leaves fall gently, auburn and gold,

Nature’s voice speaks in tones so fine,

A story of endings and tales of old.

The trees, they weep their vibrant attire,

Yet embrace the chill with stoic grace,

In every gust, a whispered fire,

Autumn’s beauty in this quiet place.

With a hushed breath, the world turns still,

As if awaiting the secrets it guards,

The fading light on the horizon’s sill,

A canvas of dreams in nature’s regards.

Question 1D (Evaluating Tone and Style)

 What is the overall tone of the poem?

1. Melancholic
2. Joyful
3. Suspenseful
4. Energetic

Question 2D (Interpreting Figures/Illustrations and Data)

 In the visual illustration, what does the setting sun represent?

1. A new beginning
2. The end of the day
3. The arrival of winter
4. The changing of the seasons

Question 3D (Synthesizing Information)

How does the poem and visual illustration together convey the theme of the passage?

1. By showing the beauty of autumn and the vibrancy of life.
2. By emphasizing the excitement of change and new beginnings.
3. By highlighting the sadness of endings and the stillness of autumn.
4. By depicting the chaos of nature during the autumn season.

Answers:

1D.   A – The poem conveys a sense of sadness and nostalgia in its descriptions of the declining year and the falling leaves. Phrases like “a story of endings” and “they weep their vibrant attire” contribute to a melancholic tone.

2D.   B – The setting sun in the visual illustration represents the end of the day, which aligns with the theme of the poem as it describes the twilight of the year’s decline.

3D.   C – The poem and visual illustration work together to convey a theme of melancholic beauty in the decline of autumn, focusing on the sadness of endings and the stillness of the season. This is evident in the poetic descriptions and the visual portrayal of a tranquil autumn landscape.

How is the PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) Reading Comprehension Test Scored?

1. Raw Score represents the count of correctly answered questions in an examination.
2. Scale Score is determined through a conversion process that transforms the test’s raw score. This transformation is achieved by applying the Rasch model for data analysis. Consequently, this scale enables the alignment of both student achievement levels and the difficulties of test questions on a shared scale. This alignment helps provide a more comprehensive perspective on student performance.
3. Percentile Rank is associated with a specific test raw score indicates what percentage of tested students scored lower than that raw score. It serves as a means to rank candidates within a reference sample, rather than as a direct percentage score on the test.
4. Stanines provide a simpler ranking system than percentile ranks. They categorize student abilities into nine groups. Stanine 1 represents the lowest, stanine 5 signifies the midpoint, and stanine 9 indicates the highest performance level.

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