If you (or your students) are preparing for the CASAS STEPS Reading Level A test, this guide explains the four content areas you’ll see, how often each appears, and simple strategies to get more answers right. For a big-picture overview of CASAS STEPS Reading, start with our CASAS STEPS Reading Test Overview, and if you want to learn the difference between task areas, content areas, and competencies, read this guide.
Quick navigation:High-Frequency Vocabulary (Pictures) • High-Frequency Vocabulary (Texts) • Numbers • Details
Source: Percentage distribution adapted from official CASAS STEPS materials. © CASAS (casas.org).
How many questions? CASAS STEPS Reading Level A has 33 questions, which should be answered in about 30 minutes. Based on the official distribution, you’ll typically see:
-
- High-Frequency Vocabulary (Pictures): ~43% → about 14 questions
-
- High-Frequency Vocabulary (Texts): ~15% → about 5 questions
-
- Numbers: ~15% → about 5 questions
-
- Details: ~27% → about 9 questions
High-Frequency Vocabulary (Pictures) in CASAS STEPS Reading Level A— ~43%
These are the classic picture prompt items at Level A. You see a single image (no written instruction) and choose the word that matches the picture (e.g., bus, socks, doctor). The goal is to check basic, high-frequency vocabulary recognition.
Picture prompts don’t include instructions; choose the word that matches the image. Example image adapted from CASAS samples (casas.org).
Tips:
- Scan the first letter(s) of answer choices and match to the picture quickly.
- Eliminate look-alike words (e.g., shirt vs. shorts).
High-Frequency Vocabulary (Texts) — ~15%
Here the test checks common words found on forms, labels, and simple notices. You may see short lines like Date: or Phone: and choose the correct information from answer options (e.g., a date, a phone number, or an ID).
Text vocabulary checks labels like Date, Phone, ID, etc. Example image adapted from CASAS samples (casas.org).
Tips:
- Learn common form headings (Date, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, ID).
- Watch out for formatting: dates (3-29-84), phone numbers (555-123-4567), ID numbers (#000892).
Numbers — ~15%
Number items in CASAS STEPS Reading Level A measure basic numeracy used in reading: time, prices, counts, and number formatting. You might read a receipt, a sign with a price, or a short schedule and pick the correct number.
Numbers can appear in receipts, prices, times, or counts. Example image adapted from CASAS samples (casas.org).
Tips:
- Underline key labels (Date, Time, Total) before choosing an answer.
- Double-check AM/PM and units ($ vs. ¢, hours vs. minutes).
Details — ~27%
In CASAS STEPS Reading Level A, these items ask you to find key facts in a short message, note, or email (e.g., time, date, place, person). The language is still simple, but you must read carefully to avoid similar answer choices.
In a CASAS STEPS Reading Level A test, a short email might confirm an appointment time or location. Example image adapted from CASAS samples (casas.org).
Tips:
Practice like the real test: Try our free Level A Reading quizzes that mirror CASAS STEPS formats: start here. For official information about CASAS and the STEPS series, visit casas.org.