186
82.0% and the reader must make low-level inferences. Tasks at this level may involve
comparisons or contrasts based on a single feature in the text. Typical reflective
tasks at this level require readers to make a comparison or several connections
between the text and outside knowledge, by drawing on personal experience
and attitudes.
1a
335
94.3%
Readers at level 1a can locate one or more independent pieces of explicitly
stated information; they can recognise
the main theme or author’s purpose in a
text about a familiar topic, or to make a simple connection between information
in
the text and common, everyday knowledge. Typically the required information
in the text is prominent and there is little, if any, competing information. The
student is explicitly directed to consider relevant factors in the task and in the
text.
1b
262
98.7%
Readers at level 1b can locate a single piece of explicitly stated information in a
prominent position in a short, syntactically simple text with a familiar context and
text type, such as a narrative or a simple list. Texts in level 1b tasks typically
provide support to the reader, such as repetition of information, pictures or
familiar symbols. There is minimal competing information. Level 1b readers can
interpret texts by making simple connections between adjacent pieces of
information.
130. Given that the top of the reading literacy scale currently has no bounds, there is arguably
some uncertainty about the upper limits of proficiency of extremely high performing students.
However such students are likely to be capable of performing tasks characterised by the highest
level of proficiency. For students who are at the bottom end of the reading literacy scale, there is a
greater issue. Although it is possible to measure the reading proficiency of students performing
below Level 1, at this stage their proficiency cannot be described. The independent measure of
reading ease and efficiency, however, may provide additional information about those students
performing below Level 1. In developing new material for PISA 2018, an effort should be made to
design items that measure reading skills and understandings located at or below the current Level
1.