If you (or your students) are preparing for the CASAS STEPS Reading Level B test, this guide explains the content areas you’ll see, how often each appears, and proven strategies to earn more points. Level B is for high-beginner / ESOL 2 learners and builds on Level A by adding more forms, charts & tables, and short real-life texts such as emails, signs, and notices. Use the blueprint below to plan your practice, then study each content area with the explanations and example slots you can fill with your own items. The reading test forms assigned to Level B are 623R and 624R.
Quick navigation:
- High-Frequency Vocabulary (Pictures)
- High-Frequency Vocabulary (Texts)
- Numbers
- Vocabulary in Context
- Details
- Main Idea / Purpose
- Forms — about 24% (~9 questions)
- Charts, Tables & Graphs — about 15% (~5–6 questions)
- Texts, Emails, Short Articles & Narratives — about 31% (~11 questions)
- Signs, Ads & Labels — about 30% (~10–11 questions)
Total items: 36 | Time allowed: 50 minutes | Typical Level-B reading scale: 184–206
These percentages are practice targets, not fixed quotas. In general, expect more items from texts/emails and signs/ads, and fewer picture-only items than Level A. Accuracy with forms and row-and-column alignment in tables is essential.
Content Areas & Examples in CASAS STEPS Reading Level B
High-Frequency Vocabulary (Pictures)
What’s unique at CASAS STEPS Reading Level B: picture vocabulary items do not include a written prompt. The screen simply shows a single image (e.g., a bus) with four answer choices (bus, train, plane, bike). The task is to match the image to the most common word. This is different from every other content area on Level B, which always includes written directions or a question.
- Skills checked: rapid recognition of very common objects, symbols, and public icons.
- Tips: think of the simplest general word for the image; ignore brand names or rarer synonyms.
High-Frequency Vocabulary (Texts)
In a CASAS STEPS Reading Level B test, these items may include a short instruction because the words live inside forms, labels, signs, or brief notices. But it can also be a question without a prompt or instruction. Students must connect abbreviations, labels, and common terms (Mon., Ave., ID#, Date, Total, lbs, oz) to their meaning or to the correct field.
- Typical question: “Which answer belongs in the ‘Date’ box?” or “What does ‘Mon.’ mean here?”
- Tips: read the label first, then scan the options; watch formatting (MM/DD vs phone vs ID number).
Numbers
CASAS STEPS Reading Level B expects careful reading of prices, totals, dates, times, phone numbers, quantities, and simple calculations shown in everyday materials (receipts, schedules, tickets). Every numbers item provides a clear prompt such as “What is the total price?”
- Typical question: “What is the total?” / “When is the appointment?” / “What time does the bus arrive?”
- Tips: compare digits carefully; check for fees/discounts; confirm AM/PM; align to the correct row and column.
Vocabulary in Context
Here, meaning comes from the sentence. A single word can shift meaning depending on how it’s used (“check” = look at / bank slip; “charge” = fee / accuse). The item supplies a short text and asks for the closest meaning.
- Typical question: “In the sentence, the word ____ means…”
- Tips: read the whole sentence; replace each option in your head; choose the one that keeps the sentence logical.
Details
Details questions in CASAS STEPS Reading Level B make up a large portion of Level B. You’ll read a short email/notice, a form, a sign, or a table and locate one exact piece of information (who/what/when/where/price/total). Distractors often repeat similar numbers, dates, or names to test precision.
- Typical question: “When is the next appointment?” “Where is the meeting?” “How much is one adult ticket?”
- Tips: read the question first; underline the requested label; scan only for that target; double-check digits.
Main Idea / Purpose
Instead of one fact, these items ask for the overall message or reason a text exists (inform, invite, remind, request, warn, advertise). Students must ignore small details and focus on the big picture.
- Typical question: “What is this sign about?” “Why was this email written?”
- Tips: read the title/heading first; look for signal words (reminder, notice, sale, safety); avoid answers that mention one small detail but miss the purpose.
Tips:
- Read the question first (except picture items, which have no prompt), then skim for the answer.
- Circle numbers and names; check for distractors (nearby times/dates, similar prices or names).
- Trace rows and columns in charts; verify units (lbs, oz) and abbreviations (Mon., Ave., ID#).
- Build this skill with our Level A, Level B, and Level C practice as you advance.
Practice like the real test: Try our free Level B Reading practice sets that mirror CASAS STEPS formats: start here. For official information about CASAS and the STEPS series, visit casas.org.