CASAS STEPS Reading Level C is the next step after Level B, designed for ESOL 3 learners. At this level, students face longer and more detailed reading tasks compared to Level B. Signs, forms, ads, emails, and narratives require more careful reading, and often include extra information or distractors that make the questions more challenging.
In our previous blog on CASAS task areas, we explained how these categories are distributed across all levels. Here, we’ll focus specifically on Level C task areas, using examples and tips to guide students in their preparation.
Task Area Distribution for CASAS STEPS Reading Level C
According to the official CASAS blueprints, Level C questions are divided into the following task areas:
If the full test has 36 questions, that means approximately:
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- 4 questions on forms
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- 3 questions on charts, tables, or graphs
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- 20 questions on texts, emails, articles, or narratives
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- 9 questions on signs, ads, or labels
1. Forms (11%)
Forms in CASAS STEPS Reading Level C are longer and more detailed than in Level B. Instead of short slips or simple entries, students may see job applications, medical forms, or rental forms. The challenge is to read carefully and match the question with the exact part of the form.
Tip: Always scan the form headings (Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone, etc.) before answering. CASAS often places distractor answers that look correct but belong to another field.
2. Charts, Tables, and Graphs (8%)
Charts, tables, and graphs in CASAS STEPS Reading Level C require students to interpret data rather than just recognize it. Unlike Level B, where the information is short and simple, Level C may include schedules, bar graphs, or multi-row tables.
Tip: Pay attention to labels (rows, columns, or axes). Sometimes the test includes an option that is almost correct, but slightly mismatched with the data.
3. Texts, Emails, Articles, and Narratives (55%)
This is the largest task area in CASAS STEPS Reading Level C. Students will face emails, short articles, instructions, memos, and workplace narratives. The texts are longer than Level B, often requiring students to identify main idea, details, or sequence of events.
Tip: Don’t rush. Read the first and last sentences carefully, since CASAS often places the main idea there. If it’s an email, like in the example above, find the main idea in the subject field. For detail questions, scan for key words from the answer choices.
4. Signs, Ads, and Labels (26%)
Signs and ads are still very common in CASAS STEPS Reading Level C (26% of the test). However, they are now longer and more detailed compared to Level B. Students may see job postings, event announcements, or product ads with multiple details.
Tip: Focus on the purpose of the ad or sign. Many wrong answers are designed to distract you with details that are true, but don’t answer the question being asked.
Final Thoughts
As you move from Level B to Level C, the questions become longer, richer in detail, and slightly more complex. The best way to prepare is through practice. Try sample quizzes from CASAS STEPS Level C practice tests on CASASTEPS.com and explore different task areas.
All the examples and blueprints used in this post are adapted from the official CASAS website.