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Test of Written Language 4 (TOWL-4)

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Test of Written Language 4 (TOWL-4)

by Donald D. Hammill and Stephen C. Larsen

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This comprehensive, norm-referenced test of written expression is now available in a fully updated Fourth Edition. The TOWL-4 can be used to:

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• Identify students who write poorly and need special help
• Determine writing strengths and weaknesses
• Document progress in special writing programs

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Like the previous edition, the TOWL-4 assesses the conventional, linguistic, and conceptual aspects of writing. It includes seven subtests—five using contrived formats and two requiring spontaneous writing samples.

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Contrived-Format Subtests

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• Vocabulary

           Writing sentences that incorporate given stimulus words

• Spelling

           Writing sentences from dictation, making proper use of spelling rules

• Punctuation

            Writing sentences from dictation, making proper use of punctuation and capitalization rules

• Logical Sentences

           Editing illogical sentences so that they make better sense

• Sentence Combining

           Integrating the meaning of short sentences into single, grammatically correct sentences

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Spontaneous-Format Subtests

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• Contextual Conventions

Writing a story in response to a stimulus picture and earning points for satisfying specific orthographic and grammatical requirements

• Story Composition

Writing a story that is evaluated for vocabulary, plot, prose, character development, and   interest to the reader

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Individually administered in 60 to 90 minutes, the TOWL-4 can be used with students aged 9-0 to 17-11. Equivalent forms (A and B) are available to simplify pre- and posttesting.

The test provides percentiles, standard scores, age equivalents, and grade equivalents for each subtest. In addition, three Composite Scores are available: Overall Writing, Contrived Writing, and Spontaneous Writing. Norms, based on an age- and grade-stratified sample of 2,505 individuals from 18 states, reflect the demographic characteristics of the U.S. population.

Studies reported in the Manual document the predictive validity of the TOWL-4 and demonstrate that the test is unbiased relative to gender and race. The TOWL-4 is extremely helpful to professionals who assess and treat writing deficits.

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Component

Kit: Includes Manual; 50 Record/Story Scoring Forms; 50 Student Response Booklets (25 each of Form A and Form B); 1 Practice Scoring Booklet; 3 Color Picture Cards; all in a sturdy storage box

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