Tests of Reading Comprehension (TORCH)

Curriculum focus	English: Comprehension
Target year level	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Description	TORCH is a test of reading comprehension. Students read a passage and then complete a cloze comprehension re-telling of the passage to demonstrate their understanding. The items test a range of different comprehension skills. There are 12 passages in TORCH and 8 in TORCH plus. TORCH Plus includes the four most challenging tests from TORCH 2nd Edition and four new tests designed to challenge middle secondary students.
Assessment duration	Approximately 30 – 45 minutes (untimed)
Assessment administration	Conducted on paper with individuals or groups.
Assesssment potential	Considered most useful for: a broad estimate of reading achievement assessing the extent to which objectives of the school's reading curriculum are being achieved confirming or supplementing other estimates of a student's achievement in reading providing information which may be used in setting realistic goals and planning effective programs of work identifying students who are making unsatisfactory progress so that they may be given special diagnostic and remedial attention locating areas of weakness and strength for individuals or within a class monitoring student reading achievement over time.
Reports	Each of the summary reports provide detailed analysis that enables teachers to establish what type of items a student is answering correctly and incorrectly.
Diagnostic power levels	3
Validity and reliability	Norm-referenced
Preparation requirements	Considerations: familiarity with the administration manual. scoring and interpretation of the test results may require additional time and training for teachers.
Support and materials	Both manuals contain photocopiable masters of administration instructions, individual reports and TORCH descriptive reports An excel spreadsheet for recording student responses is available by contacting ACER customer service, toll free 1800 338 402 Teaching and Learning with TORCH provides detailed diagnostic reports and teaching strategies.
Assessment provider	Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
Teacher comments	If you would like to include a comment about your experiences with Tests of Reading Comprehension Plus (TORCH Plus) please email to assessreport.decs@ntschools.net
Cost	Access the following for TORCH prices: TORCH TORCH Plus Teaching and Learning with TORCH
Further information	Contact ACER Customer Service on 1800 338402 or email sales@acer.edu.au.

Last updated: 14 August 2019