Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension

Overall reading comprehensionReading comprehension includes written texts, with categories for reading that are a mixture between reading purpose and reading particular genres with specific functions.
Advanced 2 (Mitkadamim Bet)Can read with a reasonable degree of independence general engineering-related texts that do not rely on field-specific/expert knowledge, utilizing a limited number of reading strategies, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a sufficient active high-frequency general and engineering-related vocabulary.
Advanced 1 (Mitkadmim Aleph)Can read with some degree of independence general engineering-related texts that do not rely on field-specific/expert knowledge, utilizing a limited number of reading strategies, using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a sufficient active high-frequency general and engineering-related vocabulary.
Basic (Besisi)Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to engineering containing high-frequency engineering vocabulary, comprehending purpose, main points, and some supporting details.
Pre-Basic (Trom Besisi)Can understand short, simple popular science texts containing high-frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items. 
Reading for orientation This involves “skimming,” reading quickly in order to judge relevance ,and “scanning,” in order to search for and locate specific information.
Advanced 2 (Mitkadamim Bet)Can scan through engineering-related articles and websites to identify relevance to a stated task and assess whether the information may be of practical use.
Advanced 1 (Mitkadmim Aleph)Can scan through general engineering-related texts and websites to identify relevance to a stated task and assess whether the information may be of practical use.
Basic (Besisi)Can assess whether a straightforward factual text is on the required topic for the task at hand. Can locate specific information.
Pre-Basic (Trom Besisi)Can identify straightforward text types and predict the kind of information they might contain. Can locate specific information.

Key concepts operationalized in the scale include the following:

  • the types of text (from notices, leaflets, etc. to articles and books)
  • picking out concrete information from texts that are visual artefacts, rather than prose text
  • identifying important information
  • scanning prose text for relevance
  • speed, mentioned in Advanced 2/B2.
Reading for information and argumentThis involves detailed reading – the careful study of a written text that one has judged to be relevant for a specific purpose at hand. It is often associated with study and professional life.
Advanced 2 (Mitkadamim Bet)Can obtain and synthesize information, approaches, comparisons, processes, recommendations, and points-of-view from one or more authentic engineering-related resources for a specific task.
Advanced 1 (Mitkadmim Aleph)Can identify information, approaches, comparisons, processes, recommendations, and points-of-view from one or more general engineering-related resources for a specific task.
Basic (Besisi)Can recognize a viewpoint/recommendation/outcome and its basic line of reasoning, including most supporting information in everyday material, such as found on popular science websites.
Pre-Basic (Trom Besisi)Can find main points, specific information, and overt opinions in everyday material such as product advertisements/specs, brochures, short news articles, and procedures, provided that the contents are familiar and predictable. Can use figures, names, illustrations, and titles to support understanding the text. 

Key concepts operationalized in the scale include the following:

  • types of text, from simple, short, informational material to complex reports and articles
  • subjects of text, from familiar everyday subjects of personal interest to those of academic or professional relevance
  • depth of understanding, from getting an idea of the content to understanding the finer points and implications
Reading correspondenceThis involves the reading of both personal and formal /work-related correspondence. 
Advanced 2 (Mitkadamim Bet)Can understand engineering-related emails and readily grasp the essential meaning in order to take action.
Advanced 1 (Mitkadmim Aleph)Can understand standard workplace emails related to general engineering and understand the actions needed.
Basic (Besisi)Can understand basic types of standard routine workplace emails on familiar topics.
Pre-Basic (Trom Besisi)Can understand very simple personal and formal (formulaic) emails. 

Key concepts operationalized in the scale include the following:

  • function and topic of the correspondence (personal issues, to more specialized issues, such as enquiries, orders, letters of confirmation)
  • length and complexity/simplicity of the message
  • concreteness of information, whether it follows a routine format
  • the extent to which language is standard, colloquial, or idiomatic
Reading instructionsThis involves a specialized form of reading a written text for information.
Advanced 2 (Mitkadamim Bet)Can understand lengthy, complex instructions for new equipment, devices, or procedures.  
Advanced 1 (Mitkadmim Aleph)Can understand general standard instructions for new equipment, devices, or procedures. 
Basic (Besisi)Can understand clearly written, straightforward instructions for familiar equipment, devices, or procedures. 
Pre-Basic (Trom Besisi)Can understand clearly written, straightforward instructions for simple procedures, provided they are familiar with the type concerned. 

Key concepts operationalized in the scale include the following:

  • topic of instructions, from routine prohibitions on simple notices and simple directions to detailed conditions and complex instructions on something unfamiliar, possibly outside their area of expertise
  • degree of contextualization and familiarity
  • length, from a few words to detailed and lengthy, complex instructions in continuous text