WIAT-4 (WIAT-IV) Achievement Test – Written Language

What is WIAT-4 (WIAT-IV) Written Language Assessment?

The purpose of the WIAT-4 Written Language subtest is to assess a person’s ability to express themselves through written language. The skills measured provide information about a student’s overall writing ability, including strengths and weaknesses.  The results can be used to help identify areas where a student needs additional support, as well as monitor progress over time.

WIAT-4 (WIAT-IV) Written Language subtests include spelling, punctuation, capitalization, sentence combining, and essay composition.  Below are some of the sample questions.

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Spelling

This section measures an individual’s written spelling skills from oral dictation. The measure of this skill progresses from writing letters that represent sounds to writing words dictated within the context of a sentence.

Sample Question #1:  Give your child lined paper and a pencil.  You will ask your child to spell a word, then you will say a sentence that uses the spelling word.  Tell your child to print the word on the paper.

Spell the word “it.” “Come and get it.”

Answer:  The child writes/prints the word “it” on paper.

Sample Question #2:  Read the instructions before asking your child the question. 

Draw a vertical line on the white paper. Give your child the pencil and say, “Can you draw a vertical line like the one I just drew?”

Answer:  The child draws a vertical line on paper.

Sample Question #3:  Give your child lined paper and a pencil before asking your child the question.

Can you write the letter D?

Answer:  The child writes the letter “D” or “d” on paper.

Punctuation and Capitalization

The section measures sentence building skills.  The written response is scored on semantics, grammar, capitalization, and use of internal and ending punctuation.

Sample Question #1:  Say to your child:  “We’re going to do some writing. Print as neatly as you can.”  Point to question #.  “This says, ‘My name is.’  Can you write your name in the blank line?”

My name is __________________.

Answer: The child writes his/her name in the blank.

Sample Question #2:  “Look at this picture.  Can you write a good sentence that tells what this child is doing?”

Answer: The girl is jumping rope.

Sentence Combining

The section is designed to assess sentence formulation skills by combining sentences.  The written response is scored on semantics, grammar, capitalization, and use of internal and ending punctuation.

Sample Question #1: Parent – Point to the sentences below and say this to your child, “Can you put these sentences together into one sentence that means the same thing?  Be sure to get the spelling, punctuation and capitalizations right as well.” 

I like pizza.

I like cake.

____________________________________________________________.

Answer: I like pizza and cake.

Sample Question #1: Parent – Point to the sentences below and say this to your child, “Can you put these sentences together into one sentence that means the same thing?  Be sure to get the spelling, punctuation and capitalizations right as well.” 

My friends and I met at the park.

We played kickball.

_____________________________________________________________.

Answer: My friends and I met at the park and played kickball.

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