Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Literacy Initial Assessment
Marking Scheme and Guide
Version 1 January 2010

Introduction
This is the paper-based version of the Skills for Health Initial Assessment Literacy tool.
It has been developed as an alternative to the on-screen version of the tool for situations
where, for various reasons, it is not possible to use the on-screen version and should
therefore be used as an alternative only when necessary. The questions in this version are
based on those in the on-screen version and have been designed with the needs of users in
the health sector in mind.
More information and support for these tools can be found on the Skills for Health website
at www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/IAhelp.
How to use this tool
The paper-based tool consists of a User Booklet and this Guidance and Marking Scheme.
The user booklet contains 25 questions, 5 at each level from Entry Level 1 to Level 21. The
questions become progressively harder as users work through them.
Initial assessments are not tests and are not timed. Users should be encouraged to finish in
their own time and not to rush. However, 50–60 minutes should prove adequate in most
cases. Many users will require far less time than this; a few may need a little more time. Users
are encouraged to stop if they are finding the questions too difficult and you should look out for
users who appear to be having problems.
Speaking and Listening assessment
Assessing speaking and listening skills, especially in groups, has always been problematic. In
the on-screen version of the tool, listening is assessed with a number of audio questions
which are answered on screen. Speaking is not assessed.
In this paper-based tool, one listening question has been provided for each level. Using
these questions is optional; in a one-to-one situation you might wish to use them, in a group
situation you may wish to leave them out and use other ways of gaining an understanding of
a user’s listening skills. The scripts and questions for listening are provided at the end of this
Guide; they are not included in the User Booklet to avoid confusion.
1
Based on the Levels used in England. A chart for cross-referencing the level descriptors used in England,
Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can be found on the website.
If you use these scripts, read the scenarios to the user and then ask them the question.
Work through the levels until you feel the user has reached their level.
Setting the right environment
Getting the right balance between an environment which is supportive to the user but
which does not appear like an examination is difficult.
However, you can help by:
• Ensuring users are clear on the context in which they might be undertaking an IA.
• Making sure the users understand that this is not a test or examination; that there is
no time limit and no pass/fail.
• Telling users that the results are confidential.
• Making sure users understand how to answer the questions: the question are
answered by:
o Circling the correct answer
o Writing the answer in a box
o Choosing A, B, C or D as the correct answer
• Ensuring that users understand how you will be able to help them when the IA is
completed.
• Knowing the background of the users and, for example, being certain that the IA is
suitable for them.
• Finding somewhere quiet for the IA to be completed but not replicating an “exam
hall” type of environment.
Providing support and feedback
This IA has not been designed specifically for users who have English as a second language
(ESOL) or who may have other difficulties accessing the questions. However, this IA is
designed to provide the user with a general understanding of their Literacy skills. Unlike the
Numeracy IA, users should not be helped by reading questions for them.
After the IA is complete, use this Marking Scheme to mark the questions. All the questions
are worth 1 mark.
Use this table to determine the level at which the user is working:
Marks
Entry 1 3-8
Entry 2 9-13
Entry 3 14-18
Level 1 19-22
Level 2 23-25
Users with 2 marks or fewer are judged to be working towards Entry level.
All users should be given feedback on their performance. As a minimum, they should
be told the level they have attained. The Adult Core Curriculum2 reference for each
question is included is given in the following table so that you can provide more
detailed feedback, if required.
It is important that feedback is treated with complete confidentiality and considerable

sensitivity, and that users are clear that the initial assessment is simply a stepping
stone to more thorough diagnostic assessment.
Question Curriculum Ref Question Curriculum Ref

1 Rt/E1.1 14 Rt/E3.8
2 Rt/E1.2 15 Rt/E3.8
3 Ws/E1.1 16 Wt/L1.3
4 Ww/E1.1 17 Rt/L1.3
5 Rs/E1.1 18 Wt/L1.6
6 Rt/E2.1 19 Rt/L1.5
7 Rs/E2.1 20 Rt/L1.3
8 Rt/E2.3 21 Rs/L2.2
9 Rw/E2.5 22 Rt/L2.2
10 Ws/E2.4 23 Rt/L2.4
11 Rw/E3.2 24 Ws/L2.4
12 Wt/E3.4 25 Ws/L2.1
13 Rt/E3.2
Next steps
The user should, if appropriate, be referred to a suitable provider who can offer further IAG
support.
Details of suitable providers and how to access them can be found in the IA support pages
on the Skills for Health website.
2
A mapping document between the Adult Core Curriculum references used in England and Wales and the
corresponding references in Scotland and Northern Ireland can be found on the Skills for Health website.
1 You need to get someone to cut the grass in the
gardens.
Which would be the most useful file to look in?
Circle the correct answer.
1. Grounds 2. Car Parks
3. Trees 4. Roads
2 Which of these signs tell you not to block the way out?
Circle the correct sign.
Page 5 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

3 David works in a hospital.
Look at these statements about David and tick the two

that are not complete sentences.
1. My name is David Morris.
2. Living in London for three years. √

3. I work in a big hospital.
4. I am a porter.
5. I help look after the patients.
6. I really enjoy my job.
7. Meeting all sorts of people. √

8. Sometimes it is hard work.
4 There are two spelling mistakes in this sentence.
Circle the two words that are wrong.
You will see Dr Ryan on Wenesday 12th Febuary at 12.20 pm.

5 Read about this Health Centre and then tick the Yes, No
or Can’t tell box to answer the question.
Was the Health Centre started 20 years ago?
Yes ORCHARDS HEALTH CENTRE
Our Health Centre is called “Orchards”. In total,

No
twenty people work here. The centre was opened ten
Can’t tell years ago. We treat people of all ages. We are very
busy during the winter months.
6 Read Jane’s work diary.
Which is the correct order that Jane does things each

morning?
Write A, B, C or D in the answer box.
When I arrive at work each

A kettle; post; computer; emails
morning, I switch on my
B kettle; computer; emails; post computer and then put the
C computer; kettle; emails; post kettle on. Then I collect the
D computer; kettle; post; emails post, having first checked my

emails.
Answer C

7 Follow these directions from the hospital Main
Entrance to one of the rooms in the hospital.
Which room do you reach?
Go through Reception into the hospital and turn left. Go along the corridor a
short way, and then turn right opposite the Main Office. Follow the corridor
round to the left, then round to the right, and the room you want is directly in
front of you.
Answer Ward 2

8 Read the following extracts from the Yellow Pages
and write answers to the two questions in the
boxes provided.
Larkfield Landscapes Ltd. Commercial Landscape

Services Ltd.
Landscaping, garden
buildings maintenance, Planting and landscaping.
turfing and borders. Fully qualified tree felling
and surgery.
01675 996743 01676 873421
TDS Landscape and C&K Contractors Ltd.

Garden Service
All types of commercial
Design and layout and agricultural fencing
specialists. Full repairs and services.
maintenance service.
01879 345 2788
01765 777888
Question 1. Some large trees in the car park need

cutting down. Which would be the best number to
call?
01676 873421
Question 2. Some fencing has blown down in the

wind. Which would be the best number to call?
01879 345 2788

9 Write the names on the cards in the correct
alphabetical order.
The first one has been done for you.
Clark
5. Smith
Smith
4. Patel
1. Anderson
Anderson 3. Jones
2. Clark
Patel
1. Anderson
Jones
10 Circle the words in the sentence below that should begin

with a capital letter.
You are reminded that the team meeting is on thursday at

2 o’clock. It will be held in room 12 at Hamilton house.

11 You are applying for a job at your local hospital.
Look at the application form below and then answer
the two questions.
Application Form
1. Name: ………………………………………………..
2. Gender: ………………………………… …...............
3. NI Number: ……………………………………………
4. Referee: ……………………………………………….
5. Reference number: …………………………………...
6. Current employment: ………………………………..
7. Previous employment: ……………………………….
On which line (1-7) would you write about the job you
are doing at the moment?
Answer 6
On which line (1-7) would you write your National
Insurance number?
Answer 3

12 A volunteer in a day care centre for the elderly is
asked to proof-read this notice in the computer area.
Circle the two words that are incorrectly used.
NOTICE FOR COMPUTER USERS
It is important for everybody to log-off on there

computers correctly. If they wouldn’t any unsaved work
will be lost.
13 Read these three sentences. One is trying to persuade,

one is trying to inform and one is trying to explain.
Write A, B or C in the three boxes.
A The staff meeting is on Friday.

B Why not come to the meeting next Friday? We
would love to see you there.
C The purpose of the next meeting is to discuss the
new surgery opening times.
Persuade B Inform A Explain C

14 Read the letter and write the date of Mr Harper’s new
appointment in the answer box.
Northport Hospital NHS Trust

Outpatient Department
Brook Street
Northport BW2 3AD
23 February
Mr Richard Harper
16 Dell Street
Northport
BW6 5JC
Dear Mr Harper
I am sorry that we had to cancel your appointment on 19 February.
Another appointment has been made for you to attend the Outpatient
Clinic at this hospital.
Clinic: General Surgery (Ref: GSU7B)

Consultant: Mr J S Baker
Date: 14 April
On arrival please report to the reception desk in the Outpatient Clinic, level
2, at 3.45 pm.
Please let us know by 10 April if you are unable to keep this appointment.
Answer 14 April

15 Read this e-mail and circle the name of the ward Mr
Aziz was on when he first reported losing some of his
possessions.
Patient Mr R Aziz was admitted to Ward 3. He was then

under observation for 8 hours on Ward 6 before being
transferred to Ward 12. He first reported losing some of his
belongings when he was under observation. Now he is
settled with you, could you please try to get a full list of the
missing items?
Thanks.

How are you doing?
Happy to go on?
If not, tell the person administering the Initial Assessment.

16 June McDonald is writing her CV. She needs to write
down what she has done since leaving school in the
correct order, beginning with her most recent
“activity”.
June McDonald – Personal Profile

June is 25 years old and about to get married. At school, in Year 10, she
did work experience in a hospital, which she really enjoyed. June likes
meeting people and plays hockey for a small local club. After school she
went to college and completed an HND in Public Services. Before joining
the ambulance service, where she is currently employed, she worked for a
short while as a receptionist in her father’s taxi business.
Which of the following sequences should she use?

A hospital work experience; college; receptionist;
ambulance service;
B ambulance service; college; hospital work
experience; receptionist
C receptionist; ambulance service; college; hospital
work experience
D ambulance service; receptionist; college;
hospital work experience
Answer D

17 Read this advertisement.
VALLEY OAK HEALTHCARE UNIT EXPANDS

OPPORTUNITIES IN HEALTH CARE SUPPORT
Applicants must have some experience in a care environment.

Experience with Learning Disabilities or Mental Health is desirable,
but not essential, as training will be given. Flexibility in working
hours, due to changing shift patterns is essential. Successful
applicants may be required to work weekends and some nights. The
work is physically and mentally demanding and applicants need to
be reasonably fit.
There are excellent career opportunities within the Unit.
Salary to be discussed
What are the three main attributes needed for this

job?
Circle the correct answers.
experience mobility ambition flexibility strength

awareness enthusiasm fitness service regularity
years of service

18 Proof read this e-mail.
Circle the error.
Dear all
All members of the team is reminded that there will be a meeting at

14:00 on Thursday.
Thanks
Maya

19 Read this information from NHS Direct.
NHS Direct is a confidential 24-hour telephone helpline staffed by expert nurses. By

calling 0845 4647, you can speak to a nurse for advice at any time of the day or night,
wherever you are in England. You can expect your call to be answered quickly. When
you call NHS Direct, we’ll ask you to provide some basic information, including details of
any medication you may be taking. If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, you’ll
need to provide this information on their behalf. There will be an interpreter to provide
advice in your own language, if you need this. If the expert nurse is unable to assess the
information immediately, they will arrange for a doctor to call back who, in turn, can,
for example, arrange for a home visit or for a prescription to be dispensed by the
nearest available pharmacy.
Similar services are available in Wales (NHS Direct Wales/ Galw Iechyd Cymru) and
Scotland (NHS 24).
“You will always speak to a doctor if you call NHS

Direct”
Is this statement “True”, “False” or “Can’t tell”?
Circle the correct answer.
True False Can’t tell

20 Read this extract from the minutes of a team
meeting.
.
At the team meeting, Joe O’Connor, the Union Learning
Representative, reported that there had been an increased uptake
of literacy and numeracy courses in the Learning Centre. He stated
that it was very encouraging that employees are taking advantage
of the opportunity to improve their skills in these areas.
From the report, which of these statements is

correct?
A Learning is the union’s responsibility.
B Everyone is on a literacy course.
C Employees are taking the opportunity to
enhance their skills.
D Employees are going to college.
Answer C

How are you doing?
Happy to go on?
If not, tell the person administering the Initial Assessment.

21 A healthcare assistant is asked to look at the
instructions for a new hoist.
What is the missing punctuation mark in the sentence
below?
Follow these hoist-transfer instructions place the sling under the

patient; move the hoist into position; clip the sling securely onto the
hoist; raise the patient.
A :
B ;
C .
D ,
Answer A

22 A Practice Manager was speaking to the staff at their
weekly team meeting. She said, “Due to the new
budget restrictions within the department, there will
now be opportunities for staff to review their number
of working hours.”
She meant staff were going to:
A be promoted
B work longer hours
C work less hours
D face redundancy
Answer C

23 In each case below, decide whether the sentence is
stating a fact or an opinion. Circle the correct answer.
A community dietetic assistant is speaking to a group

of mothers about healthy diets.
1. A healthy diet should contain at least five portions of
fruit and vegetables a day to provide fibre, vitamins
and minerals.
FACT OPINION
2. People are risking their health consuming too much
salt and it is advised that people limit their salt intake
to no more than 6 grams a day (a teaspoonful).
FACT OPINION
3. She felt that most people are now taking their diet
more seriously.
FACT OPINION

24 Two words in this e-mail from the Care Manager of a
residential home are incorrectly punctuated.
Write them correctly in the boxes.
Its vital that carers use the organisations booking systems and
procedures when making appointments for residents.
Thanks.
Joe
It’s organisation’s

25 Look at this short article on the value of volunteering
in the NHS.
There are more than 300,000 volunteers in the NHS and despite the
stereotype they don’t all push tea trolleys. There are in fact as many
as 100 roles open to volunteers from assisting with administration to
simply chatting to patients who may not have family or friends to visit.
People may volunteer because they want to put something back.

Box A for younger people, who may be interested in a
career in healthcare, it can be an opportunity to gain experience to
help them to make much more informed career choices.
Box B a key aspect of volunteer involvement in the NHS is

not only the tremendous value it brings to the health service at a
collective level, but also to the volunteer at an individual level.
Write “Box A” or “Box B” against the correct words

to complete the text.
Consequently Box B
However Box A
Because
Subsequently
Well done! You have finished.

Listening Scripts and Questions
Hand the user(s) a copy of the questions and then, when you are ready, read
the scripts carefully. The scripts should not be repeated as, unlike some of
the on-screen questions, the user(s) already have the questions whilst you
are reading the script. The answers are highlighted on the script or given at
the end of the script.
This is NOT a memory test! Make sure the user(s) have some spare paper and
a pen and encourage them to jot notes as you read.
As with the main set of questions, stop when you think the user is beginning to
find the question difficult.
Scripts
Entry 1
This is a message left on an answerphone.
“Hello, this is Jo Smith at Mayfield Care Home. We are calling to tell you that you have an
interview on Monday morning at 11 o’clock. Ask for Alice Baker when you get there. Good
luck! “
Entry 2
This is another message left on an answerphone.
“Hello. This is Tom Grant and I’m calling about patient transport. I want to cancel the
patient car for Tuesday please. My sister Sarah can give me a lift there and back. Please can
you let the driver know? It’s usually Tony Smith who picks me up.”
Entry 3
This is advice from a pharmacist.
“When you get home, take two 5 ml spoonfuls of medicine. Before going to bed, make
yourself a hot drink. After you have tried to sleep for a couple of hours, have another drink.
Keep taking the medicine until you feel better. Finally, don’t drive if you feel drowsy.”

Level 1
This is Heather talking about her role.
“My name is Heather and I work as a healthcare assistant. I‘ve not always worked in this
role. I left school at 16 and started work as an assistant in a supermarket. It was hard work
and quite repetitive. After a while I found that I wasn’t enjoying it, so I went back to college
to train as a nursery nurse. I got my qualifications and started work as a nursery nurse. I
enjoyed working with parents and children and became interested in working in a
healthcare setting. I knew someone who worked as a healthcare assistant in a hospital and
decided that‘s what I wanted to do. My ambition now is to apply for nurse training.”
A - True B - True
Level 2
Bill is a catering manager and listens to a message on his answer phone.
“Hi Bill, this is Sue Thomas from Learning and Development, returning your call. It’s 11.15
on Tuesday morning. I’m out of the office until 3.00 this afternoon and have a meeting with
HR from 3.30 onwards. I’ll try to catch you later this afternoon or early tomorrow morning.
I need to speak to you about the new training programme which I’m running on Thursday.
Talk later, bye.”

Questions
Make sure you have paper and pen to make notes.
A On which day of the week is the interview?
B Who is the person to ask for at the care home?
Which of these does the person want to do? Circle the correct answer.
A a patient car on Tuesday.
B to speak with Tony Smith.
C to cancel the patient car.
D a lift home on Tuesday.
A How much medicine should you take?
B When should you stop taking the medicine?
A Heather didn’t like working in the supermarket. (Circle the correct

answer)
TRUE FALSE CAN’T TELL

B Heather’s last job was as a nursery nurse.
TRUE FALSE CAN’T TELL
Which of these is correct? Circle the correct answer.
A Sue is away from her desk between 3.00 and 3.30 on Tuesday afternoon
B Sue is away from her desk from 11.15 until 3.30 on Tuesday
C Sue is away from her desk from 11.15 until 3.00 on Tuesday
D Sue is running the new training programme on Tuesday

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Literacy Initial Assessment

Marking Scheme and Guide

Version 1 January 2010

How to use this tool

Speaking and Listening assessment

Setting the right environment

However, you can help by:

Providing support and feedback

It is important that feedback is treated with complete confidentiality and considerable

Question Curriculum Ref Question Curriculum Ref

1. Grounds 2. Car Parks

Page 5 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Look at these statements about David and tick the two

1. My name is David Morris.

2. Living in London for three years. √

5. I help look after the patients.

6. I really enjoy my job.

7. Meeting all sorts of people. √

4 There are two spelling mistakes in this sentence.

Circle the two words that are wrong.

You will see Dr Ryan on Wenesday 12th Febuary at 12.20 pm.

Page 6 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Was the Health Centre started 20 years ago?

Yes ORCHARDS HEALTH CENTRE

Our Health Centre is called “Orchards”. In total,

6 Read Jane’s work diary.

Which is the correct order that Jane does things each

Write A, B, C or D in the answer box.

When I arrive at work each

D computer; kettle; post; emails post, having first checked my

Page 7 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Which room do you reach?

Page 8 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Larkfield Landscapes Ltd. Commercial Landscape

TDS Landscape and C&K Contractors Ltd.

Question 1. Some large trees in the car park need

Question 2. Some fencing has blown down in the

Page 9 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

The first one has been done for you.

10 Circle the words in the sentence below that should begin

You are reminded that the team meeting is on thursday at

Page 10 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

2. Gender: ………………………………… …...............

5. Reference number: …………………………………...

6. Current employment: ………………………………..

7. Previous employment: ……………………………….

Page 11 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Circle the two words that are incorrectly used.

NOTICE FOR COMPUTER USERS

It is important for everybody to log-off on there

13 Read these three sentences. One is trying to persuade,

Write A, B or C in the three boxes.

A The staff meeting is on Friday.

Persuade B Inform A Explain C

Page 12 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Northport Hospital NHS Trust

I am sorry that we had to cancel your appointment on 19 February.

Clinic: General Surgery (Ref: GSU7B)

Page 13 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Patient Mr R Aziz was admitted to Ward 3. He was then

Page 14 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

Page 15 Literacy Initial Assessment Marking Scheme and Guide

June McDonald – Personal Profile