Test 2.25 is the first reading test. It measures reading fluency, accuracy and pronunciation. Each of the six selections is composed of 100 words. The students are given one minute within which to complete one of the six readings. Depending on their teacher's preference, their grade can be composed of either two or three elements.

The first consideration is reading fluency. To receive a score of 100% in this area, they must complete the entire reading in one minute or less. As each reading contains 100 words, this means that, if the students do not complete the reading within 60 seconds, 1% should be subtracted for each word not read.

The next element is reading accuracy. On average, the words in these selections contain two syllables. Consequently, any mispronounced syllable reduces their score by 1/2 of a percentage point. By "mispronounced", this does not mean that the accent from their native language is apparent. Rather, this means that they are attributing the incorrect sound to at least one of the syllable's consonants or vowels. Finally, at the teacher's discretion, their use of the authentic sounds of the language's phonics system can be added to the calculations. In other words, they can be rewarded or penalized for employing an authentic accent in performing their reading. This, of course, is the one subjective factor contingent on the teacher's judgment. A suggested weighting of this element might be +5% for the use of a thoroughly authentic accent, +3% for a good one, -3% for a poor replication of the language's phonics system and -5% for an apparent total lack of effort at authentic pronunciation.

Whereas this latter element may seem uncomfortable to the teacher because of its subjectivity, including it in determining the student's grade may well be the only way students will feel compelled to develop authentic pronunciation, outside of the natural compulsion imposed by their sense of self-respect when engaged in a Language Pals session. In fact, though pronunciation is not mentioned as a factor in other tests, you may well want to make it a frequent or even regular factor in your grading of all subsequent ULAT tests, written or oral.