The ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) is an achievement test that is intended to assess a child’s understanding of what they have learned in school. The assessments were developed at the University of Iowa, and are used by a number of states and private schools. The tests are written in levels 5-14. As you will see, there is some overlap between the different levels of the test.
As you are going through the practice questions, you will observe that each test level within the ITBS consists of a series of subtests that fall under specific content sections. Sections in the ITBS for kindergarten to 2nd grade (levels 5-8) include:
- Vocabulary test
- Word Analysis test
- Reading comprehension test
- Listening test
- Language test
- Mathematics test
- Social Studies test (Levels 7/8)
- Science test (Levels 7/8)
- Computation test (Levels 7/8)
Below are several ITBS Kindergarten sample questions that are intended for the Kindergarten level. As you will see, many of the sample questions emphasize skills such as the student’s ability to listen, problem solve and follow directions. For example, the student’s ability to recognize and define important vocabulary will prove to be especially useful on this exam. Each practice question will reflect a specific subtest that your child will come across.
1.) Language- Level 5 (Kindergarten 1 mo.- Grade 1.5 mos.)
For this section say to your child: “I am going to read you a question while you look at some pictures. Listen carefully because I can only read the question once. After I read it, fill in the circle under the picture that answers the question.”
Listen to the Question: This year’s winner of the dog show had white curly hair and a puffy tail. Fill in the circle under the picture of the winner of this year’s dog show.
2.) Listening- Level 5 (Kindergarten 1 mo – Grade 1.5 mos.)
For this section say to your child: “I am going to read you a question while you look at some pictures. Listen carefully because I can only read the question once. After I read it, fill in the circle under the picture that answers the question.”
Listen to the question: Oliver was so excited because his cat just had 4 kittens. Two of the kittens were white, one was black and one was orange. Fill in the circle under the picture that shows Oliver’s new kittens.
3.) Math- Level 5 (Kindergarten 1 mo- Grade 1.5 mos)
Parents: Please read these questions to your child and circle the answer they give.
How many birds are shown below?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6
4.) Reading (Pictures)- Level 5 (Kindergarten 1 mo. – Grade 1.5 mos.)
Parent say to your child: Look at the picture on the left. Then decide which of the 3 words you see best describes the picture. Fill in the circle beneath the word that best describes the picture.
5.) Vocabulary- Level 5 (Kindergarten 1 mo. – Grade 1.5 mos.)
Parent say to your child: Look at the 3 pictures in a row. I’m going to say a word to you. Then you will fill in the circle under the picture that belongs with the word that I say.
Listen to the word I say. The word is “paw.” Can you mark the picture that best goes with the word “paw?”
Answers:
1.) Answer 1, 1st picture above the circle
2.) Answer 1, 1st picture above the bubble
3.) d
4.) 2nd word above the bubble
5.) 2nd picture above the bubble