TOWRE-2 – Subtests and Practice Questions

What Subtests are on the TOWRE-2?

The Test of Word Reading Efficiency Second Edition, commonly referred to as TOWRE-2, is widely recognized for its reliability and validity in assessing word reading efficiency.

1. Sight Word Efficiency – measures the number of printed words accurately identified in a span of 45 seconds. (104 sight words presented)

2. Phonetic Decoding Efficiency – assesses the number of pronounceable printed non words that can be accurately decoded within a 45-second timeframe. (104 pseudowords presented)

What are some Practice Questions for the TOWRE-2 Subtests?

Sight Word Efficiency Example

Parent say, “Look at the words.  Please read each word across each row to me when I say go.  Ready, set, go!” (Give your child 45 seconds to read as many words as possible.)

and                can               if                my                the

that                on                his              at                 be

here               get               have           saw              they

four                from             by              again            stop

then               even             need           buy             read

air                  also              spell           work            write

better             number        other          much            far

together         never           only            sentence      different

Phonetic Decoding Efficiency Example

Parent say, “Look at the words.  They are silly (or nonsense) words without any meaning.  Please read each word across each row to me when I say go.  Ready, set, go!” (Give your child 45 seconds to read as many words as possible.)

 plip                 fip                   zat                  vob                 yum

ref                   feg                  rab                  ag                    hud

grob               wix                  quin                jev                  koz

blat                 flub                 snorp             drilf                grelk

smudge         blibber           crangle          frobble          plinket

zogwort         squizzle         vlortix            gwazzle         frinkle

quizzle           zibber            drizzle            plonk             glipper

brumble        blorp              vlaxen            zibblen          florgle

TestingMom.com offers a diverse range of exercises and practice questions aimed at enhancing sight word recognition and phonetic decoding skills. Try us out!!

How is the TOWRE-2 Scored?

Here’s how each subtest is scored:

Sight Word Efficiency (SWE):

• The examiner presents a list of words to the test-taker.
• The test-taker is given 45 seconds to read aloud as many words as they can from the list.
• Each word is scored as either correct (1 point) or incorrect (0 points).
• The total score is the sum of correctly pronounced words within the 45-second time limit.

Phonemic Decoding Efficiency (PDE):

• The examiner presents a list of nonwords (nonsense words) to the test-taker.
• The test-taker is given 45 seconds to read aloud as many nonwords as they can from the list.
• Each nonword is scored as either correct (1 point) or incorrect (0 points).
• The total score is the sum of correctly pronounced nonwords within the 45-second time limit.

The TOWRE-2 is scored and then reported using various metrics:

• Age Equivalents (AE): Represents performance compared to typical age groups.
• Grade Equivalents (GE): Shows performance compared to specific grade levels.
• Percentile Ranks (PR): Indicates the percentage of individuals scored lower.
• Standard Scores (SS): Compares an individual’s word reading efficiency to the average performance of a similar population.
• Total Word Reading Score (TWRS): A total score calculated from the two subtest standard scores.

Interpretation should be done by professionals for educational and intervention planning.

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.