MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL

LANGUAGE TEST

Administration & S coring Manual plu s Test Form

with UK adaptations and large print additions

Jane Christie, Wendy Clark and Lynne Mortensen,

S peech Pathology Department, Mount W ilga Rehabilitation Centre,
st
1986 (1s t Edition)

F iona Simpson, 2006 (20th

th
Anniversary Revised Edition 1)

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE1 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL
LANGUAGE TEST

Administration & S coring Manual plus Test Form

CONTE NTS
PAGE

3 Introduction to 2006 E di ti on

4 Acknowl edgements from c.1985 E dition

4 Acknowl edgements from 1986 E diti on

5 Introduction to 1986 E di ti on

5 Summary of Research from 1986 Edition

6 Administration and Scoring 2006 Edition

Administration P rocedure
Scoring Procedure

9 Test Descri ption

10 Profile S ummary Sheet

11-36 Subtest Details 2006 Edition

APPEND IX

Test Form Contents

Profile S ummary Sheet
Test Form with UK adaptations and large print additions

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE2 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST

Administration & Scoring Manual,

with UK adaptations and large print additions

INTRODUCT ION TO 2006 EDIT ION

This edition of the Mount Wilga High Level Language Test has been compiled to
provide a contemporary electronic version. It is by no means a definitive version.
Many speech and language therapists report that although there are more
comprehensive - and standardised - language and cognitive assessments on the
market, they still find the Mount Wilga Test to be a valuable clinical tool.
However, I have found that many clinicians report they have incomplete or
inconsistent versions that have been photocopied numerous times; the original
version lost in the mists of time. For some therapists, especially in the United
Kingdom, the whole origin of the test remains a mystery.
In response to recent colleagues’ interest, I agreed to produce an up-to-date
document. Beginning what I thought was a simple task, I realised no two Speech
and Language Therapy/Pathology departments seemed to possess complete and
consistent versions. As a consequence, this document is a combination of at
least six adaptations I discovered along the way in the UK and New Zealand.
Although I have incorporated some features from each version, I hope I have
remained true to the original style of the test, which most clinicians will find
familiar. All remaining errors are mine.

It is partly due to the generosity of the authors that the test has become so
widespread (and therefore inconsistent) but also because I expect they never
anticipated it would be an international SLT standard twenty years after its
creation.
“Enclosed is a copy of the Mt Wilga High Level Language Test. It includes
the administration manual plus two test booklets which have attached to
them the auditory and reading comprehension passages, together with the
profile summary… There is no charge for the test”.
[Excerpt from letter by Lynne Mortensen (co-author) to Jane Winton,
Speech-Language Therapist, New Zealand, in 1992.]
“Regarding your questions about the Mt Wilga Test, I agree that it is quite
useful for providing a baseline and a framework for management. These
were some of the factors which motivated its development. However, as
the test has no really cohesive theoretical basis it is very difficult to norm or
to validate. This could only be done subtest by subtest. We did
contemplate further research into the test but were unable to obtain
funding for what would have been an enormous project. Some speech
pathology students undertook a pilot study…and found…that the test is
educationally biased so that your lower achieving clients would definitely
M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE3 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 have difficulty with aspects of the test, as would your clients from a non-
English speaking background.”
[Excerpt from letter by Lynne Mortensen (co-author) to Helen Rigby,
Speech-Language Therapist, New Zealand, in 1994.]
“I have the original version, but of course some aspects of that are now out
of date (e.g. costs of items in the problem-solving section). Various
clinicians in the UK have also made geographical adaptations. I don't have
a complete electronic version and I have no objections to it being shared
by colleagues. However, if it is changed it probably shouldn't have the
original authors' names on it.”
[Excerpt from e-mail by Lynne Mortensen (co-author) to Fiona Simpson,
Speech-Language Therapist, in 2006.]
I hope this version of the Mount Wilga High Level Language Test will be a
valuable interim replacement for your present copy and will be administered and
interpreted with respect to the original authors’ wishes. That is why I have not
updated the costs of items in the problem-solving section nor made any
substantial changes to content.
In conclusion, to shed a little light on a mystery for many, Mount Wilga is a
private rehab centre in Sydney’s Upper North Shore, Australia, and was part of
the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service at the time of the test’s development.
Keep a look out for a more official version of the test being published in future.
Fiona Simpson, Speech and Language Therapist.
County Durham, UK. e-mail: [email protected]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM c.1985 EDITION

This test has evolved over a three-year period. It was initially based on High
Level Screening Test devised at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. We
experimented with various formats and Payneham Rehabilitation Centre, South
Australia, also made modifications. The current format has undergone further
adaptations based on continued use.

Written by: Jane Christie, Wendy Clark and Lynne Mortensen, Speech
Pathology Department, Mount Wilga Rehabilitation Centre.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM 1986 EDITION

This test has been four years in its development. We would like to thank Louise
Cato, Miriam Tomic and speech pathologists at Payneham Rehabilitation Centre
who contributed to the test content.
We would also like to thank Glenda Scott, Kathryn Beverley and Alison Ferguson
for the results of their norming study which have helped us to refine our test.
Secretarial support has been given by Janine Devereaux at Mount Wilga
Rehabilitation Centre, and Judy Jeal and Betty Smith at Coorabel Hospital.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE4 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
INTRODUCT ION TO 1986 EDIT ION
The Speech Pathology department at Mount Wilga has a predominantly head-
injured caseload. The Mount Wilga High Level Language Test emerged from a
need to assess these head-injured clients, generally four to six months post-
onset, who present with mild language problems. Although these deficits are not
severe, they significantly affect the clients’ functional communication and
interpersonal relationships. Available standardised tests for aphasia are of limited
use for these clients, as the ceiling levels are too low, and the efficiency and
appropriateness of communication are not comprehensively assessed.

The aims of this test are to sample linguistic skills over a broad range and also to
examine the influence of cognition and behavioural characteristics on
communication.

A descriptive scoring system has been devised to provide a summary profile of

performance on all subtests. This was necessary because of the variation in the
number, type and complexity of items in the subtests. A rating scale, together
with an error classification, reflect the accuracy, promptness and appropriateness
of responses.

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FROM 1986 EDITION

A normative study was undertaken by K Beverley and G Scott “Assessment of
Higher Level Language Functions” in 1986. The test was administered to 100
normal subjects between the ages of 15 and 25 years. This age range
represents the majority of head-injured clients that have been assessed on this
test. The relationship between sex, age and educational level was also
examined.

From the study the following changes have been made to the test:
1. The rating scale was modified from a five-point scale to a four point ordinal
scale. A category, which described the nature of the responses, was deleted.
Correct responses which are inefficient are now marked on the profile
summary sheet as an a)*. [see NB below]
2. Items that were found to be difficult for normals were modified.
3. An additional error type has been included, named “other” to account for
patterns of error which were not covered by the original error types.
With the exceptions of the association naming frequency distributions [these were
provided in an appendix with the 1986 version] the norms are no longer valid. A
refined test structure was considered to have priority over the normative data.
Further research is indicated for norming and construct validity.
NB. For this 2006 edition, a five-point ordinal scoring scale has been retained.
Responses which are correct but have one or more error types tallied are scored
as b). This is simply due to the most common practice noted in clinicians.
Obviously, if the clinician wishes to retain the 1986 record sheet this is fine.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE5 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
ADMINIST RAT ION AND SCORING 2006 EDITION

Administration Procedure

The test is administered according to the instructions stated on the test form. The
full assessment is recorded (audio/visual analogue/digital determined by the
equipment available). Repetition of the instructions may be given when
requested, or where it is apparent that the subtest instructions have not been
understood. Non-specific cues may be given to clarify ambiguous responses.
Some examples are given in the Subtest Details section below.

Further requests for repetition of instructions may be allowed but the response is
rated as a b) or below.

The answers in brackets on the test form are examples of common correct
responses. Other parallel responses may be accepted at the discretion of the
examiner.

Scoring Procedure

Scoring involves a four-stage process:

1) Record client response verbatim

Client responses and examiner input are transcribed from
audio/visual recording on to the test form. Relevant non-linguistic
behaviour is also noted.

2) Score each response as correct/incorrect

Refer to test form prompts and Subtest Details section below.

3) Rate the subtest on a five-point ordinal scale where:

a) Normal response - prompt and correct,
b) Correct but with mild reduction in efficiency,
[NB 1986 version = a)* on a four-point ordinal scale]
c) Mild impairment due to actual errors,
d) Moderate impairment, and
e) Severe impairment.

Specific rating scales for each subtest are outlined in the Subtest Details section
below. If the total performance over a test does not fit a category exactly, the
examiner should decide which category most closely describes the particular
response pattern.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE6 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
The rating for each subtest is then plotted on the Profile Summary Sheet.
Responses that are correct but inefficient are scored as b) in this version. The
reason for the inefficiency, for example, delay, verbosity or distortion, is tallied
under the Error Types section on the Profile Summary Sheet.

For example, a response that is correct in content but is mildly verbose may be
classed as inefficient and given a rating of b). The error type of “irrelevant” is
marked on the Error Types. Note that if scored in this way, a rating of a) is
difficult to achieve and b) is still within the normal range of expected responses. It
is important to make this clear when using the Profile Summary to communicate
results to the client or others.

4) Tally error types under each (of the 8) sections

Errors are divided into the following 10 types: -

1. Paraphasia - production of unintended syllables, words or

phrases during the effort to speak [As in Goodglass and
Kaplan, “The Assessment of Aphasia and Related
Disorders”, 1972].

2. Associated - related error which falls within the same

semantic class as the target response.

3. Circumlocution - production of words or phrases

intentionally chosen as a strategy for overcoming word-
finding difficulty.

4. Agrammatism - response contains syntactic and/or

morphological errors.

5. Distortion - response is distorted due to dyspraxia or

dysarthria.

6. Delay - significant pausing; or response following self-

correction, cue or repetition of the question.

7. Incomplete - part of the correct response is given with no

additional incorrect information.

8. Irrelevant - response is verbose or tangential.

9. Inappropriate - response is inappropriate in style; e.g. over-

formalised, over-inclusive or contains extended English
jargon; or in content; e.g. perseveration, confabulation.

10. Other - errors which cannot be classified under the above

types.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE7 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
The error classification on the Profile Summary Sheet further qualifies the client’s
response pattern as displayed on the rating scale graph.

The examiner should attempt to tally each instance of the above error types.
Several paraphasias may be present in one response and each should be
scored.
The errors “irrelevant” and “inappropriate” can only be scored once per
item.
A delay is only tallied when followed by a correct response.
The “other” category is used to identify additional patterns of error which do
not fall within the more specific error types.

However, not all errors need to be classified (e.g. nil response; error on binary
choice question). Error examples are given under the Subtest Details section
below. These are not exhaustive but illustrate some types of error which may
occur.

The client’s personality and pre-morbid abilities should be considered when

interpreting the test results. In order to determine the client’s functional
communication level, further analysis of pragmatic skills is recommended.

The Mount Wilga High Level Language Test assesses high level language skills
and other aspects of cognition. A neuropsychological assessment is essential in
order to fully evaluate cognition.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE8 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
TEST DESCRIPTION

Biographical details are obtained, where possible in written form, prior to

administration of the subtests.

The test contains 22 subtests divided into 8 sections summarised on a Profile

Summary Sheet.

I Naming Skills
A Naming From Description
B Category Naming
C Association Naming
D Divergent Semantics

II Verbal Explanation
E Definitions
F Differentiation
G Absurdities
H Idioms
I Verbal Reasoning

III Planning
J Jumbled Sentences
K Sentence Construction
L Sequencing

IV Auditory Memory
M Sentence Repetition
N Passage Recall

V Auditory Comprehension
O Paragraph Comprehension and Structured Recall
P Logico-Semantic Relationships
Q Logico-Grammatical Relationships

VI Reading Comprehension
R Factual Paragraph
S Inferential Paragraphs

VII Written Expression

T Dictation
U Composition

VIII Numeracy
V Problem Solving

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PAG
GEE9 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST – PROFILE SUMMARY SHEET
PATIENT'S NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF TEST:
PATIENT ID: DATE OF ONSET: EXAMINER:
I II III IV V VI VII VIII
NAMING SKILLS VERBAL EXPLANATION PLANNING AUDITORY AUDITORY READING WRITING NUM
MEMORY COMPREHENSION
a) Normal
response
b) Mild reduction
in efficiency
c) Mild
impairment
d) Moderate
impairment
e) Severe
impairment

Q Logico-grammatical
P Logico-semantic

V Problem Solving
F Differentiation

K Construction

U Composi tion
L Sequencing
C Associ ation

D Divergence

G Absurditi es
A Description

M Repetition

O Paragraph
E Definitions

S Inferential
I Reasoning
B Category

T Dictation
J Jumb led

R Factual
H Idioms

N Recall
ERROR TYPES
Paraphasia
Associated
Circumlocution
Agrammatism
Distortion
Delay
Incomplete
Irrelevant
Inappropriate
Other
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVEL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GEE TESTT PAG
GEE 10 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
SUBTEST DETAILS 2006 EDI TI ON
Fo r test reco rd form, please u se ‘Mou nt W ilg a Hi gh Level Langu ag e Test
Fo rm’ in App en dix w ith approp ri ate ad ap tati ons and /or add itio ns.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Major Processes involved

Functional reading, recall of biographical details, organisation, writing.

Administration
To be completed by client in written form if possible.

Scoring
This section is not scored but is used as an indicator of orientation and pre-
morbid abilities.

TO BE COMPLETED BY CLIENT (all questions optional)

NAME:
ADDRESS:
DATE OF BIRTH / AGE:
SCHOOLING:
Level completed:
Average / Above average / Below average student
Further studies since school:
EMPLOYMENT:
Last job:
FAMILY:
Names:
Ages:
Who lives with you at home?
CAUSE OF ILLNESS:
How would you describe your style of communication before your illness/accident?
e.g. talkative, quiet, good listener, start conversations, enjoy telling jokes…
Has this changed?
What gives you most trouble now?

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 11 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS

A Naming From Description

Major processes involved

Convergent semantics.

Administration
"Give me one word to fit these descriptions."

1. Name an object which protects you from the rain. (umbrella,

raincoat)
2. Name a sport which uses racquets. (tennis)
3. Name a spotted animal of the cat family. (leopard, cheetah)
4. A conversation in which there is a disagreement is a(n) .
(argument, quarrel)
5. A bed which is hung between two trees or posts is a .
(hammock)
6. A list of foods served in a restaurant is a . (menu)

Scoring
The answers in brackets are the most commonly given correct responses.
Other responses may be accepted at the discretion of the examiner, e.g.
2. tennis : “squash”, “badminton”.

Rating Scale
a) 6 prompt and correct responses given.
b) 6 correct but mild reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 4 – 5 correct answers given.
d) 2 – 3 correct answers given.
e) 0 – 1 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 5. hammock : “hammer”.
3. leopard : “tiger” depending on overall pattern of
errors.
Circumlocution - 5. hammock : “It’s one of those things they have in the
Navy. They sleep on them.”
Agrammatism - 4. argument : “argue” (incorrect).
Irrelevant - 6. menu : “dinner or lunch or meal” (incorrect).
Inappropriate - 3. leopard : “There is no such thing as a spotted cat.”
(confabulation).
Associated - 1. umbrella : “house” (incorrect).
3. leopard : “tiger” depending on overall pattern of
errors.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 12 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS

B Category Naming

Major processes involved

Convergent semantics.

Administration
“The word ‘table’ belongs to the group of objects called furniture. What
groups do the following words belong to?”
1. Jupiter (planets, stars)
2. Mosquito (insects, bugs)
3. Copper (metals, elements)
4. Sadness (feelings, emotions)

Cue
Repeat instructions if necessary.

Scoring
The answers in brackets are the most commonly given correct responses.
Other responses may be accepted at the discretion of the examiner, e.g.
4. sadness : “moods”.

Rating Scale
a) 4 prompt and correct responses given.
b) 4 correct but mild reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 3 correct responses given.
d) 1 – 2 correct responses given.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 1. Jupiter : “plant”.
Circumlocution - 5. copper : “It’s dug out of the ground”.
Agrammatism - 4. sadness : “emotionally”.
Irrelevant - 1. Jupiter : “Well, I’ve played at the Jupiter Casino”
(tangential).
Inappropriate - 4. sadness : “heart-felt feelings” (over-inclusive).
Incomplete - Not applicable.
Associated - Client names a category which is in the same
semantic class as the target response.
1. Jupiter : “universe".
2. mosquito : “animal”.
3. copper : “substance”.
Other - 2. mosquito : “fly”.
4. sadness : “depressed”.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 13 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS

C Association Naming

Major processes involved

Fluency in controlled association.

Administration
Responses are timed and can be divided into four periods of 15 seconds
on test form for own analysis.

1. In one minute, give me the names of as many animals as you can

think of. Two examples are ‘chicken’ and ‘lion’.

2. In one minute, give as many words as you can that are related to
‘school’. Two examples are ‘teacher’ and ‘geography’.

3. In one minute, give as many words as you can starting with "T".
Two examples are ‘three’ and ‘terrible’.

Scoring
The number of words given on each item is totalled. Repeated words are
counted only once. For item 2 ‘school’, responses that are related to an
individual's experience of school are acceptable, e.g. football, library, pie-
man, boredom.
Words outside the category are not tallied but are classified under Error
Types on the Profile Summary Sheet.

Beverley and Scott (1986) calculated the mean and range of scores for
each association naming item –

Animals School ‘T’ words

Average number given 19.7 21.8 16.1
Range of scores 10 – 44 11 – 43 8 – 32

[1986 edition of test includes frequency distribution of scores in appendix.]

The following scale has been determined with a top 90% of scores being
taken as a normal response –

Animals School ‘T’ words

Norm 15 + 15 + 10 +
Mild reduction 10 – 14 10 – 14 7–9
Moderate reduction 5 –9 5–9 4–6
Severe reduction 0–4 0–4 0–3

The examiner should choose a classification of “best fit” for subtest

response patterns not delineated in the rating scale below.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 14 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Rating Scale
a) Within normal limits on all categories.
b) Within normal limits on all categories but reduction in efficiency due
to an error type.
c) Mild reduction on one or more categories.
d) Moderate reduction on one or more categories.
e) Severe reduction on all categories.

Errors Examples
Paraphasia - 3. ‘T’-words : “timble”.
Circumlocution - 2. school : “The thing you use chalk on”.
Irrelevant - 1. animals : “dog, spotted dog, shaggy dog, Fido”
(tangential) - 1 error scored.
2. school : “school building, walls, pipes, water” – 1
error scored.
Inappropriate - 2. school : “educationalization” (extended English
jargon).
Delay - Not applicable.
Incomplete - Not applicable.
Associated - 2. school : “playground, school buildings, pipes,
football field”.

I NAMING SKILLS

D Divergent Semantics

Major processes involved

Divergent semantics.

Administration
1. Give two different examples of things that fizz.
2. Give two different examples of things that are painful.
3. Give two different examples of things that change shape.

If the relevance of the response is not immediately obvious, the client

should be asked to explain further without penalty.
e.g. Examiner: “… things that change shape.”
Response: “a cake.”
Examiner: “How does it change shape?”
Response: “When you bake it.”

Cue
Repeat instruction on first item if client gives similar examples.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 15 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Scoring
Two different examples must be given to score a correct response, e.g.
2. painful : “broken arm, broken leg” (scored incorrect).
A broad range of responses is accepted, provided the client is able to
explain the relevance of his example.

Rating Scale
a) Two correct examples given promptly on the 3 items.
b) Two correct examples on the 3 items but reduction in efficiency due
to an error type.
c) 2 items completely correct.
d) 1 item completely correct.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Errors Examples
Paraphasia - 1. fizz : “Schubert” for sherbet.
Circumlocution - 1. fizz : “The sweet stuff that fizzes in your mouth”.
Irrelevant - 3. change shape : “Well, a tree – everything to do with
plants and flowers and trees and nature in general –
they change shape” (verbose but correct).
Inappropriate - 2. painful : “a surgical operation without anaesthetic by
a medical surgeon or doctor” (over-inclusive).
Incomplete - Only one example given on an item (incorrect) or
Inability to explain the relevance of an unclear
response (incorrect).
Associated - Not applicable.
Other - 1. fizz : “lemonade, orange juice”.

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

E Definitions

Major processes involved

Selection and expression of salient features.

Administration
“Explain what these words mean. What is a _____?”
1. clock (object + time)
2. handle (object + open/carry/hold)
3. staircase (way/structure + up/down)
4. lottery (way/game + chance ± prize/money)

Scoring
Correct responses imply all the salient features given in brackets, e.g.
staircase (way/structure + up/down) : “It's a lot of steps joined together
to get from one place to a higher level”.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 16 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 lottery (way/game + chance ± prize/money) : “It’s a game where you
buy a ticket and you might win a prize”; “It’s a game of chance”; “A
gambling game”.
Severe inefficiency (e.g. verbosity where meaning becomes lost) is scored
incorrect.

Rating Scale
a) 4 specific responses given.
b) 4 correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 3 correct or 1 – 2 incomplete responses with remainder correct.
d) 1 – 2 correct or 3 – 4 incomplete responses.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Errors Examples
Paraphasia - 4. lottery : “You buy a docket and you might win a
prize”.
Circumlocution - 3. staircase : “It’s like that [gesture steps]. It’s what I
came up to get here. Oh, a set of steps.” (correct).
Irrelevant - 4. lottery : “That’s a competition that you enter into,
usually once a month or once a week. If I’ve got a
lottery going, with prizes – you buy a ticket and you
buy a ticket and I draw a ticket and the right ticket
wins” (verbose but correct).
Inappropriate - 3. staircase : “A structure or construction used for
conveying one in an upward direction, or possibly in
descension” (over-formalised but correct).
Incomplete - 1. clock : “time”.
2. handle : “It’s a thing for your hand.”
Associated - 4. lottery : “That’s where the six balls with numbers
come out of a machine and you tick them off”.
NB: Delay- Time allowance should be given for formulation of
response.

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

F Differentiation

Major processes involved

Identification of similarities and main difference, expression of that
difference.

Administration
“What is the most important difference between these things?”

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 17 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 1. telephone - letter (speaking-writing/immediate-delayed)
2. dog - fox (domestic-wild)
3. open fire - radiator/heater (wood-electricity)

Correct response requires consideration of both sides, or a concept which

covers both, e.g.
1. telephone - letter : “The time factor is the main difference”.

Cue
If a client refers to only one word in the contrasting pair, a non-specific cue
should be given, e.g. 1. telephone - letter :
Client: “A telephone you talk on.”
Examiner: “And a letter?”
Client: “You write.”

Scoring
The concepts given in brackets are the most commonly given correct
responses. Responses explaining a minor difference are scored as
associated and incorrect. The difference must also be expressed in terms
of a single concept, e.g.
2. dog - fox : “A dog is a pet and a fox has a bushy tail”.
This response is scored incorrect and tallied under “Other” as an error
type.

Rating Scale
a) All 3 word pairs correctly differentiated.
b) 3 word pairs correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 2 word pairs correctly differentiated.
d) 1 word pair correctly differentiated.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Errors Examples
Paraphasia - 1. telephone - letter : “A telephone you just pick up the
hand and talk; a letter you can use a pen and write”
(correct).
Irrelevant - 3. open fire - radiator : “An open fire has got naked
natural flames and can get out of control. It might
even burn your house down, whereas a radiator will
not burn anything. A radiator’s got heat and sits in the
corner of a room. An open fire has to burn in a certain
place” (verbose, incorrect).
Incomplete - Only one side explained.
Associated - 3. open fire - radiator : “An open fire is romantic but a
radiator is sterile and artificial” (incorrect).
Other - 1. telephone - letter : “One uses electricity; the other
uses a biro”.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 18 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION
G Absurdities

Major processes involved

Short-term auditory verbal memory, recognition and explanation of
incongruity.

Administration:
“What is ridiculous about these stories?”

1. An old lady said, “I'm no longer able to take my walk around the
block everyday. I can just go half way around and back again.
That's all.”

2. When there is a train wreck/crash, frequently the last carriage

receives the most damage. Now, I think it would be a good idea for
the last carriage to be taken off before the train ever starts.

3. Betty and Janet lived several blocks from each other. It was getting
dark and they were afraid to walk home alone. “I have a good idea,”
said Betty, “First I'll walk home with you and then you can walk
home with me”.

Cue
Repeat if necessary. If client does not explain the incongruity fully, non-
specific cues may be given.

Scoring
Examples of correct responses on the three items:
1. “Half-way around and back again is the same as going all the way
around once.”
2. “There's always a last carriage.”
3. “Then one girl would still have to walk home alone.”

Rating Scale
a) All 3 absurdities clearly and efficiently explained.
b) 3 correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 2 correct.
d) 1 correct.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Errors
Circumlocution - 1. old lady : “It’s the same – it’s the same – what do
you call that word? … Same distance.”
Inappropriate - 1. old lady : “Well, she was on her way over the hill
and hurt her body more to have a walk”
(confabulation).

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 19 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Irrelevant - 3. Betty and Janet : “One said to the other, I'll walk you
home, which they did. They did not want to be on their
own in the walking. They go to one place and go back
to where they started from. They're back to square
one” (verbose but correct).
Incomplete - 3. Betty and Janet : “That’s not changing anything.
Betty walks with Janet and vice versa.”
Other - 2. train : “There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a good
idea to take it off.”

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

H Idioms

Major processes involved

Knowledge of idiom, explanation of underlying meaning.

Administration
“Explain what these sayings mean.”

1. Butterflies in the stomach. (nervous/tense/scared)

2. Turn over a new leaf. (start over/change ways)
3. Fly off the handle. (get angry/lose control)
4. Hit the nail on the head. (exactly right)

Cue
A) If another idiom is given in response, request further clarification,
e.g.
Examiner: “Fly off the handle.”
Response: “Do your block.”
Examiner: “What does that mean?”
Response: “Get angry.” (correct).

B) If a response is an example rather than explanation, give a non-

specific cue, e.g,
Examiner: “Butterflies in the stomach.”
Response: “Like when I do tests.”
Examiner: “What do you mean?”
Response: “I get nervous.” (correct).

Scoring
Correct responses should cover the concepts given in brackets. Literal
interpretations are scored incorrect and tallied under “Other” as an error
type.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 20 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Rating Scale
a) All 4 items clearly and efficiently explained.
b) 4 items correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 3 items correct.
d) 1 – 2 items correct.
e) 0 correct or nil response

Errors Examples
Circumlocution - 1. butterflies : “It’s like when you feel … when your
stomach is fluttering … you’re not relaxed, you’re
nervous.”
Irrelevant - 4. nail : “You’ve got the right – probably the right
problem and you can tell the other person that it’s
right, and they might or might not agree.” (verbose,
incorrect).
Inappropriate - 2. new leaf : “Well, that would be to change your ways
and methods to a different means of operating.” (over-
formalised but correct).
Incomplete - 4. nail : “Answer.”
Associated - 2. new leaf : “Pull your socks up.” (No further response
after cue).
Other - 4. nail : “Well you get a hammer and you get a nail
and you hit it.”

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

I Verbal Reasoning

Major processes involved

Logical reasoning, ability to assume an objective position, cognitive shift,
verbal expression.

Administration
1. “Life is better in the country than in the city.”
Give me a reason to support this statement.
Now, give me an argument against it.
2. Give two reasons why people like to eat in restaurants.

Cue
A) On item number 1, if the client does not understand the “against”
argument, cue by saying, “life is better in the city than in the country.
Give me a reason to support this”. Client response is then tallied
under “Delay” as an error type.
B) On item number 2, if two similar reasons are given, provide a non-
specific cue.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 21 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Scoring
A correct response on item number 1 requires a reason for and against the
statement. A correct response on item number 2 requires two different
reasons.

Rating Scale
a) 2 appropriate reasons given promptly on each item.
b) 2 items correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type or
correct after additional stated cue.
c) 1 item correct
d) 1 reason given on each item or 1 reason given on one item
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 2. restaurant : “People like to eat in restaurants
because it gives you a sense of inflation. It’s not
something you do very often.” (correct).
Circumlocution - 1. country-city : “Well. Life is better in the country
because there’s none of that dirt or smell or haze in
the air, you know, what they measure each day.”
(correct).
Irrelevant - 2. restaurant : “Well, they’re either very hungry so that
they can eat anything – eat all of it – otherwise they
feel sick – or they can’t be bothered to eat it ‘cause
they’re not hungry – so they won’t eat it. They’ll leave
their knives there and they won’t even start …”
(tangential).
Inappropriate - 2. restaurant : “There aren’t two reasons but only one
possible reason why anybody would dine in a
restaurant and that is to be seen in society with one’s
own class.” (over-formalised).
Incomplete - 1. country-city : Only one side is explained, with no
further response after cue.
2. restaurant : Only one reason given.
Associated - Not applicable.

III PL AN NIN G
J Jumbled Sentences

NB. This subtest was removed from the 1986 version but many
clinicians still use it.

Major processes involved

Planning, syntax, semantics.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 22 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Administration
The jumbled sentences are read aloud by the examiner. Provide client
with page of written words if showing any difficulty remembering the
spoken words. Examiner then says the words whilst the client reads
them.

“The words in these sentences are out of order. Can you rearrange them to
make a good sentence?”
1. I sisters two brother and one have.
(I have one brother and two sisters, or
I have two sisters and one brother.)
2. Sheila play McPherson Bill and tennis weekend every.
(Sheila and Bill McPherson play tennis every weekend, or
Bill and Sheila McPherson play tennis every weekend. etc)

Cue
The written version is permitted. [NB. This is not a test of immediate
auditory-verbal memory; see subtest M].

Scoring
Note non-target syntactically correct sentences, e.g.
1. brother - sisters : “I have two brothers and one sister.”
2. tennis : “Sheila, Bill and McPherson play tennis every weekend.”
All scores b) – e) assume client has seen written version of sentences.

Rating Scale
a) 2 correct sentences given immediately on spoken presentation.
b) 2 correct sentences given following written cue or correct after
spoken presentation but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 1 correct sentence given and a syntactically correct sentence but
not the target response.
d) 1 or 2 syntactically correct but non-target sentences or 1 correct
sentence.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Errors Examples
Irrelevant - 2. tennis : “I like playing tennis but not every
weekend”.
Agrammatism - 1. brother - sisters : “I brother have sister have”.
Incomplete - 1. brother - sisters : “I have one brother.”
NB: Delay- Time allowance should be given for formulation of
response.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 23 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
III PL AN NIN G

K Sentence Construction

Major processes involved

Planning, syntax, semantics

Administration:
Provide client with page of written words if showing any difficulty
remembering the spoken words. Examiner then says the words whilst
the client reads them.

“Make a sentence using these words. Put them in any order.”

1. crop, although, drought
2. left, became, work

“Use these three words in a sentence in the order given.”

3. please, when, back

Cue
If the client does not use the exact words given, repeat the words and then
tally under “Delay” as an error type.

Scoring
Sentences must be accurate in semantics as well as syntax to be scored as
correct.

Rating Scale
a) 3 syntactically and semantically appropriate sentences.
b) 3 appropriate sentences given but reduction in efficiency due to an
error type.
c) 2 correct sentences.
d) 1 correct sentence.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Agrammatism - 3. please : “Please when you come back”.
Incomplete - Not applicable.
Other - Tallied for the following reasons:
(i) Inability to attempt the construction of the sentence.
(ii) Only one or two of the words used.
(iii) Semantic errors, e.g. 1. drought : “Ten years ago we
didn’t have a crop although there was a drought.”

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 24 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
III PL AN NIN G
L Sequencing

Major processes involved

Planning, verbal explanation.

Administration:
“Tell me how you make a cup of coffee.”
This initial task is a practice item. It is used to ascertain the client’s
familiarity with the subject. An alternative subject may be chosen.
“Now break it down into 5 separate steps. Number each one.”

Cue
If necessary, remind the client to delineate steps.

Scoring
Do not score the initial description. Credit is given for delineated steps,
whether or not they are numbered. Each new step may be determined
according to the examiner’s discretion. For example, the client may pause
and use key words like “then”.
An example of a correct response is:
1. Boil the kettle.
2. Put the coffee in the cup.
3. Add boiling water.
4. Add milk.
5. Add sugar and stir.

Rating Scale
a) 5 appropriate steps given in order.
b) 5 appropriate steps given but reduction in efficiency due to an error
type.
c) Incorrect number of appropriate steps given but information is
complete or 5 steps given but information is incomplete or
inappropriately organised.
d) Incorrect number of steps and information is incomplete or
inappropriately organised.
e) Little or no planning or no appropriate information.

Error Examples
Incomplete - This is scored if the information is incomplete, not for an
incorrect number of steps.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 25 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
IV AUDITORY MEMORY
M Sentence Repetition

NB. Item 5 from this subtest was removed from the 1986 version but
many clinicians still use it.

Major processes involved

Auditory attention, immediate auditory-verbal memory, speech.

Administration
“Say these sentences after me.”
1. They went on a picnic.
2. The swimmer has broken the Olympic Record.
3. My brother sang in a talent contest but he only won second prize.
4. Before I go home I have to go to the bank and withdraw fifty
dollars/pounds to pay my gas bill.
5. I noticed that there is a three-bedroom unit/flat for rent in the block
on the highway/high street but it would be too noisy for me.

Cue
One repetition of the whole sentence is allowed and then tally under
“Delay” as an error type.

Scoring
Content units are given credit as well as verbatim repetition. An example
of a correct response for item number 4 is:
“Before I go home I’ll have to get fifty dollars from the bank to pay my gas
bill.”

Rating Scale
a) 5 sentences correct.
b) 5 sentences correct but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 4 sentences correct.
d) 1 – 3 sentences correct.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 3. : “conquest” for ‘contest’, depending on overall
pattern of errors.
Incomplete - Not applicable.
Inappropriate - 3. : “My Italian brother sang in a contest and now he
has to contest again.” (confabulation).
Associated - 3. : “conquest” for ‘contest’, depending on overall
pattern of errors.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 26 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
IV AUDITORY MEMORY
N Passage Recall

Major processes involved

Short-term auditory-verbal memory, auditory comprehension, narrative
formulation.

Administration
“I'm going to read a short story to you. When I've finished I want you to tell
me as much as you can remember.”
Examiner reads “From Australia to New Zealand” or “From Britain to
Ireland” passage.

Cue
To encourage the client to give his/her maximal response, the examiner
may give non-specific cues, e.g. “Tell me more”.

Scoring
To score an a) rating, some indication of the following six points must be
given plus indication of the inference:
1. A man had a plane/was a pilot
2. He sought permission to fly to New Zealand/Ireland but was not
allowed.
3. He said he was going to fly from Sydney to Brisbane / Cardiff to
Birmingham.
4. He made preparations for the flight.
5. He landed in New Zealand/Ireland.
6. He met/talked to the airport clerk.

Rating Scale
a) 6 major points plus the inference given.
b) 6 major points given but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 4 – 5 major points.
d) 2 – 3 major points.
e) 1 major point or nil response.

Error Examples
Circumlocution - “He told the air people, you know in charge, he wanted
to fly to Brisbane.”
Irrelevant - Response is initially on-target and then becomes
sidetracked, e.g. discussion of how to fly a plane,
comments on the accuracy of the story etc.
Inappropriate - “He asked the queen for permission to fly”
(confabulation).
Incomplete - Not applicable.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 27 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
O Paragraph Comprehension and Structured Recall

Major processes involved

Short-term auditory verbal memory, auditory comprehension, structured
recall/recognition. The questions provide a structured recall task and may
indicate difficulty in storage, retrieval, word-finding or initiation.

Administration:
“Now I'm going to re-read the story and ask you to answer some questions
about it.”
Use the record form to ask and record responses for easy scoring.

QUESTIONS CUES

1. What was the name of the pilot? Thompson/Johnson/Jones

2. Where did he live? Brisbane/Sydney/Auckland

Birmingham/Cardiff/Dublin

3. Was he granted permission to fly to yes/no/didn’t say

New Zealand/Ireland?

4. In what year did he make these 1920/1926/1928

flights?

5. Where did he say he was flying to? Melbourne/Brisbane/Auckland

Cardiff/Birmingham/Dublin

6. How much money did he have? $10/$15/$20

£10/£15/£20

7. How long did it take? 8/10/12 hours

8. Where did he land? Auckland/Sydney/Brisbane

Dublin/Bristol/Birmingham

9. How did he feel when he arrived? surprised/glad/unhappy

10. Did he mean to fly to New Zealand/ yes/no/didn’t say

Ireland?

Cue
The stated multiple-choice cue is given if the client cannot respond
spontaneously in order to assess recognition of correct information.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 28 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Scoring
Correct un-cued responses score one point. If response is incorrect, score
0. If no response is given, give multiple-choice cue. Responses correct
after cue score 0.5 points.

Rating Scale
a) 10 prompt correct responses.
b) 10 correct answers given but reduction in efficiency due to an error
type.
c) Score of 7 – 9.5.
d) Score of 2.5 – 6.5.
e) Score of 0 – 2.

Error Examples
Inappropriate - 10. intention : “Of course, because he wanted to see
an old friend in New Zealand. He left New South
Wales to have fun.” (confabulation).
Associated - 3. : “cents” for ‘dollars’; “pence” for ‘pounds’.

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
P Logico-Semantic Relationships

Major processes involved

Auditory comprehension of complex semantic relationships.

Administration:
“In the next set of questions, I’ll give you an example first, then you answer
the second part.”
1. If we consider a car to be the whole then the wheels will be a part of
it. Tell me, if a hand is the whole, what are the parts? (fingers ±
palm)
2. If the part is a branch, then the tree is the whole. Tell me, if the part
is a nose, what is the whole? (face)
3. ‘Sleep is to bed as sit is to chair’.
Can you finish these?
Plumber is to pipes as carpenter is to … (wood).
4. Cold is to hot as cool is to … (warm/tepid).

Cue
Examiner should pause between the example and the question. Repetition
of the question may be given. The examiner may also use gesture to
demonstrate the part/whole relationship.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 29 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Scoring
The correct responses are given in brackets.

Rating Scale
a) 4 correct responses given.
b) 4 correct responses given but reduction in efficiency due to an error
type.
c) 3 correct responses given.
d) 1 – 2 correct responses given.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Irrelevant - 1. hand : “fingers, knuckles, nails, palms, metacarpals,
sinews, blood vessels, veins, wrist” (verbose).
Associated - 1. hand : “arm”.
2. nose : “body”.
Associated + Irrelevant- 1. hand : “The hand? The parts of the arm. A
hand is part of the arm and the arm is part of the body
– of the shoulder. The shoulder is part of the chest.”
(tangential).
Other - 3. carpenter : “carpet”.

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
Q Logico-Grammatical Relationships

Major processes involved

Auditory comprehension of complex logico-grammatical relationships.

Administration:
“Answer the following questions.” Do not emphasize words in bold.
1. David is taller than Michael. Who is shorter?
2. Peter was hit by John. Who was the victim?
3. Is someone's sister their father's daughter or their daughter's father?
4. I had breakfast after I spoke to Kate. What did I do first?
5. ‘I am not used to disobeying rules.’ Would a law-abiding citizen say
this? (yes)

Scoring
The correct responses are given in bold above.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 30 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Rating Scale
a) 5 correct responses.
b) 5 correct responses but reduction in efficiency due to an error type.
c) 4 correct responses.
d) 2 – 3 correct responses.
e) 0 – 1 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 3. father’s daughter : “Their mother’s daughter.”
Circumlocution - 1. Michael : “Not David the other one you said”
(correct).
Irrelevant - 5. rules : “Most law-abiding people would normally
obey rules so I would say they would normally say
yes.” (verbose but correct).
Inappropriate - 2. Peter : “Peter was hit by John in the face and he
was sore and painful.” (confabulation).
Associated - Not applicable.
NB: Delay- Time allowance should be given for processing.

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

R Factual Paragraph

Major processes involved

Comprehension of factual written information.

Administration
“Read this newspaper article to yourself, then write down your answers to
the following questions.”
The page with the article “Shelter May Beat Bushfires” is presented.
1. What did Mr Toyne invent?
(bushfire shelter)
2. What memories inspired his invention?
(London Blitz/bomb shelter)
3. What prompted Mr Toyne to build the shelter?
(Ash Wednesday bushfires)
4. What materials were used to make the shelter?
(concrete and steel)
5. What is the approximate cost of a shelter?
($2,000)

Cue
The client is allowed to refer to the written article when answering the
questions and may be prompted to do so. Verbal responses are accepted
if necessary.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 31 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Scoring
The correct responses are given in bold above. The client is not penalised
for incomplete sentence structure or minor errors in grammar or spelling.

Rating Scale
a) 5 correct answers given.
b) 5 correct answers given but with reduced efficiency due to an error
type.
c) 4 correct answers given.
d) 2 – 3 correct answers given.
e) 0 –1 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Paraphasia - 1. bushfire shelter : “bus shelter.”
Irrelevant - 5. cost : “$2,000 selling price, includes profits of
inventor and manufacturer.” (verbose).
Inappropriate - 2. memories : “Memories of being in a bomb shelter
where eight people were sick and burnt.”
(confabulation).
Incomplete- 4. materials : “concrete.”

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

S Inferential Paragraphs

Major processes involved

Comprehension of inferential written information.

Administration
“Read these paragraphs and circle the correct answer to complete the
sentence.”
1. Most men would be insulted if they were asked to earn their wages
by throwing stones over a wall and then throwing them back again.
Men like to work at jobs they think are:
A - meaningful B - uncertain C - underpaid D - tiring

2. Physicians and nutrition specialists urge people to take the time to

eat a good breakfast. An inadequate breakfast invites physical and
mental fatigue. Many studies show that when you do not eat a good
breakfast, fatigue will overtake you when the morning is still:
A - late B - cool C - fresh D - young

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 32 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 3. One of my plants is in gorgeous bloom at the moment. Even though
in the eight years of its life I have never repotted it, contrary to all of
the rules of the gardening books, it continues to bloom year after
year. I do fertilise it heavily though. I am telling you this to show
you that, even though gardening books are extremely important:
A - one need not be a slave to their rules
B - a gardener really needs more than one such book
C - they should not be taken lightly
D - most gardeners achieve better results without them

Scoring
The correct responses are given in bold above.

Rating Scale
a) 3 correct responses.
b) 3 correct responses with reduced efficiency due to an error type.
c) 2 correct responses.
d) 1 correct response.
e) 0 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Irrelevant - “I can’t decide between A and C, well, they’re the same,
really.”
Delay - Self-corrected response.

VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION

T Dictation

Major processes involved

Sound-symbol association, spelling, visuomotor skills.

Administration:
“Write down these sentences.” Examiner reads out:
1. Take your toothbrush to hospital.
2. The iron is quite hot.
3. When are you going away?
4. The judge knows the law.
5. That was a wonderful surprise.

Scoring
Client is scored as a b) if minor errors in spelling or punctuation, e.g.
omitting question mark.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 33 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Rating Scale
a) All 25 words and punctuation correct.
b) Correct but with minor errors and/or reduced efficiency due to an
error type.
c) 20 + words correct.
d) 10 – 19 words correct.
e) 0 – 9 words correct

Error Examples
Before categorising errors pre-morbid spelling ability and the pattern of errors
should be considered.

Paraphasia - 1. your : “you”.

5. surprise : “supries”
Distortion - Reduction in legibility.

VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION

U Composition

Major processes involved

Organisation, syntax, semantics, spelling and visuomotor skills.

Administration
“Write four points or a paragraph on this topic:
How would you set about organising a holiday?”

Scoring
Point-form or prose is acceptable provided the format is consistent.
Main ideas include reference to booking accommodation, transport,
packing, money, and household arrangements. These should be listed in
an appropriate order.
Client is scored as a b) for minor spelling errors, verbosity, inappropriate
language, delay and/or distorted graphics.

Rating Scale
a) At least 4 main ideas given in appropriate order and with correct
spelling, and no irrelevancies.
b) 4 correct main ideas but with minor errors and/or reduced efficiency
due to an error type.
c) 2 – 3 main ideas in appropriate order or 3 – 4 main ideas with errors
in spelling, syntax, semantics and/or sequencing.
d) 1 main idea or 2 main ideas with errors in spelling, syntax,
semantics, and/or sequencing.
e) 1 main idea with errors in spelling, syntax and/or semantics or nil
response.

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 34 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Error Examples
Paraphasia - “transport agent” for ‘travel agent’.
Irrelevant - Initially on target and then becomes sidetracked
(tangential).
Inappropriate - 1. Choose a destination and accommodation methods.
2. Choose transport method.
3. Book accommodation if normally required.
4. Pack suitable clothing and articles as necessary.
5. Leave on chosen transport when required.
(over-formalised but correct).

VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving

Major processes involved

Reading comprehension, attention to detail, selection of arithmetic
processes, calculation.

Administration:
This subtest should be omitted if the client’s reading is not at an adequate
level.

“Write down answers to these questions.”

A weekend in the Jones household.

1. There are five people in the Jones family. Each person has three
meals a day and eats two slices of bread at each meal. Will one
loaf of 24 slices be enough for the weekend? (no)

2. On Saturday afternoon, the three children go to a movie. An adult

ticket is $/£6.50, but they each pay half-price. How much should
Mrs Jones give them if they also need $/£1.00 each spending
money? ($/£12.75)

3. Mr Jones buys a new jumper. The normal price is $/£25.00, but it's
on sale for 20% off. How much does he pay? ($/£20)

4. Mrs Jones goes shopping for fruit and vegetables. She buys two
kilograms of tomatoes at $/£1.30/kg. She gives the cashier two
$/£2.00 coins. How much change does she get? ($/£1.40)

5. The youngest boy, John requires two hayfever tablets three times
daily. He has eleven left. Will that be sufficient for the weekend?
(no)

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 35 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 Cue
Prompt the client to show their calculation on paper, or use a calculator;
this is permitted.

Scoring
The correct responses are given in bold above.

Rating Scale
a) 5 correct responses.
b) 5 correct but reduced efficiency due to an error type.
c) 4 correct responses.
d) 2 –3 correct responses.
e) 0 – 1 correct or nil response.

Error Examples
Irrelevant - 5. : “No. Eleven hayfever tablets would not be
sufficient because John requires a total of six tablets
per day, over two days which totals twelve hayfever
tablets he needs for the weekend. As he only has
eleven tablets, he would be one tablet short.” (verbose
but correct).
Incomplete - 1. : 30 slices.
2. : $4.25.
3. : $5.00.
4. : $2.60.
5. : 12.

_____________________________

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST PA
PAG
GE 36 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST

Test Fo rm
with UK adaptations and large print additions

CONTENTS
PAGE
1 Profile Summary Sheet

2-17 Test Form: 22 Subtests divided into 8 sections

18 Additional material to supplement or substitute:

19-22 SUBTEST J & K CLIENT STIMULUS (optional)

normal size or large print

23-24 SUBTEST N & O EXAMINER STIMULUS (essential)

‘From Australia to New Zealand’
or ‘From Britain to Ireland’

25-30 SUBTEST R CLIENT STIMULUS (essential)

normal size or large print

31-34 SUBTEST S CLIENT STIMULUS (optional)

large print

35 SUBTEST T & U CLIENT RECORDING SHEET (essential)

36-40 SUBTEST V CLIENT STIMULUS (optional)

Normal size or large print ‘pounds and pence’
or large print ‘dollars and cents’

This test record form may be photocopied for clinical use.

Jan e Chri sti e, W endy Cl ark and Lyn ne Mor tensen ,

Spe ech P atholo gy Depar tment, Mount W i lga Reh abil itati on Centr e, 1986 ( 1stt E ditio n)
th
F iona S imps on, 200 6 (20 th A nniv ers ar y Revi sed E diti on 1)

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE0 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST – PROFILE SUMMARY SHEET
PATIENT'S NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF TEST:
PATIENT ID: DATE OF ONSET: EXAMINER:
I II III IV V VI VII VIII
NAMING SKILLS VERBAL EXPLANATION PLANNING AUDITORY AUDITORY READING WRITING NUM
MEMORY COMPREHENSION
a) Normal
response
b) Mild reduction
in efficiency
c) Mild
impairment
d) Moderate
impairment
e) Severe
impairment

Q Logico-grammatical

V Problem Solving
P Logico-semantic
F Differentiation

K Construction

U Compositio n
C Associati on

L Sequencing
D Divergence

G Absurdities
A Description

O Paragraph
M Repetition
E Definitions

S Inferential
I Reasoning
B Category

T Dictation
J Jumbled

R Factual
H Idioms

N Recall
ERROR TYPES
Paraphasia
Associated
Circumlocution
Agrammatism
Distortion
Delay
Incomplete
Irrelevant
Inappropriate
Other

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

M OUN
NTT WI
WILG
LGA HI
HIGGH
H LE
LEVEL
EL L AN GUAG
AGE TE
TEST
ST FO
ORM
M PAG
AGE 1 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST - BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

TO BE COMPLETED BY CLIENT (all questions optional)

NAME:

ADDRESS:

DATE OF BIRTH / AGE:

SCHOOLING:
Level completed:
Average / Above average / Below average student
Further studies since school:

EMPLOYMENT:
Last job:

FAMILY:
Names:
Ages:
Who lives with you at home?

CAUSE OF ILLNESS:
How would you describe your style of communication before your
illness/accident? e.g. talkative, quiet, good listener, start conversations,
enjoy telling jokes…

Has this changed?

What gives you most trouble now?

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE2 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS
A Naming From Description

“Give me one word to fit these descriptions.”

1. Name the object which protects you from the rain. (umbrella,
raincoat)

2. Name a sport which uses racquets. (tennis)

3. Name a spotted animal of the cat family. (leopard, cheetah)

4. A conversation in which there is a disagreement is a(n) .

(argument, quarrel)

5. A bed which is hung between two trees or posts is a .

(hammock)

6. A list of foods served in a restaurant is a . (menu)

I NAMING SKILLS
B Category Naming

Repeat instructions if necessary.

“The word ‘table’ belongs to the group of objects called furniture. What
groups do the following words belong to?”

1. Jupiter (planets, stars)

2. Mosquito (insects, bugs)

3. Copper (metals, elements)

4. Sadness (feelings, emotions)

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE3 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS
C Association Naming

Responses are timed and can be divided into four periods of 15 seconds on test
form for own analysis.

1. In one minute, give me the names of as many animals as you can think of.
Two examples are ‘chicken’ and ‘lion’.

0-15 seconds 15-30 seconds 30-45 seconds 45-60 seconds

TOTAL:

2. In one minute, give as many words as you can that are related to ‘school’.
Two examples are ‘teacher’ and ‘geography’.

0-15 seconds 15-30 seconds 30-45 seconds 45-60 seconds

TOTAL:

3. In one minute, give as many words as you can starting with "T". Two
examples are ‘three’ and ‘terrible’.

0-15 seconds 15-30 seconds 30-45 seconds 45-60 seconds

TOTAL:

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE4 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
I NAMING SKILLS
D Divergent Semantics

Repeat instruction on first item if client gives similar examples.

Ask client to explain if relevance of response is not immediately obvious

1. Give two different examples of things that fizz.

2. Give two different examples of things that are painful.

3. Give two different examples of things that change shape.

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

E Definitions

“Explain what these words mean. What is a _____?”

1. clock (object + time)

2. handle (object + open/carry/hold)

3. staircase (way/structure + up/down)

4. lottery (way/game + chance ± prize/money)

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE5 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION
F Differentiation

A cue should be given if client only considers one of the pair of words.

“What is the most important difference between these things?”

1. telephone - letter (speaking-writing/immediate-delayed)

2. dog - fox (domestic-wild)

3. open fire - radiator/heater (wood-electricity)

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

G Absurdities

Repeat if necessary. If client does not explain the incongruity fully, non-
specific cues may be given.

“What is ridiculous about these stories?”

1. An old lady said, “I'm no longer able to take my walk around the
block everyday. I can just go half way around and back again.
That's all.”

continued….

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE6 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION
G Absurdities continued …

2. When there is a train wreck/crash, frequently the last carriage

receives the most damage. Now, I think it would be a good idea for
the last carriage to be taken off before the train ever starts.

3. Betty and Janet lived several blocks from each other. It was getting
dark and they were afraid to walk home alone. “I have a good idea,”
said Betty, “First I'll walk home with you and then you can walk
home with me”.

II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION

H Idioms

Give a non-specific cue if client gives another idiom or example in

response.
“Explain what these sayings mean.”

1. Butterflies in the stomach. (nervous/tense/scared)

2. Turn over a new leaf. (start over/change ways)

3. Fly off the handle. (get angry/lose control)

4. Hit the nail on the head. (exactly right)

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE7 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
II VER BAL EXPL ANAT ION
I Verbal Reasoning

1. “Life is better in the country than in the city.”

Give me a reason to support this statement.

Now, give me an argument against it.

If the client does not understand the “against” argument, say, “life is
better in the city than in the country. Give me a reason to support
this.”

2. Give two reasons why people like to eat in restaurants.

Provide a non-specific cue if two similar reasons are given.

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE8 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
III PL AN NIN G
J Jumbled Sentences

The jumbled sentences are read aloud by the examiner. Provide client
with page of written words if showing any difficulty remembering the
spoken words. Examiner then says the words whilst the client reads
them.

“The words in these sentences are out of order. Can you rearrange them
to make a good sentence?”

1. I sisters two brother and one have.

(I have one brother and two sisters, or
I have two sisters and one brother.)

2. Sheila play McPherson Bill and tennis weekend every.

(Sheila and Bill McPherson play tennis every weekend, or
Bill and Sheila McPherson play tennis every weekend. etc)

III PL AN NIN G
K Sentence Construction

Provide client with page of written words if showing any difficulty

remembering the spoken words. Examiner then says the words whilst
the client reads them.
If the client does not use the exact words given, repeat.

“Make a sentence using these words. Put them in any order.”

1. crop, although, drought

2. left, became, work

“Use these three words in a sentence in the order given.”

3. please, when, back

MO
OUN
UN T W ILG
GAA H IGH LEV
EVELL LAN
AN G
GUA
UAG
GE TESTT FO
FORM
RM PAG
GEE9 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
III PL AN NIN G
L Sequencing

The initial task is a practice item and is not scored. It is used to ascertain
the client’s familiarity with the subject. An alternative subject may be
chosen.

“Tell me how you make a cup of coffee.”

“Now break it down into 5 separate steps. Number each one.”

If necessary, remind the client to delineate steps.

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 10 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
IV AUDITORY MEMORY
M Sentence Repetition

One repetition of the whole sentence is allowed. Note if repeated.

“Say these sentences after me.”
1. They went on a picnic.

2. The swimmer has broken the Olympic Record.

3. My brother sang in a talent contest but he only won second prize.

4. Before I go home I have to go to the bank and withdraw fifty

dollars/pounds to pay my gas bill.

5. I noticed that there is a three-bedroom unit/flat for rent in the block

on the highway/high street but it would be too noisy for me.

IV AUDITORY MEMORY
N Passage Recall

“I'm going to read a short story to you. When I've finished I want you to tell
me as much as you can remember.”
Examiner reads “From Australia to New Zealand” or “From Britain to
Ireland” passage.

To encourage the client to give his/her maximal response, the examiner

may give non-specific cues, e.g. “Tell me more”.

(record response overleaf)

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 11 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
IV AUDITORY MEMORY
N Passage Recall continued …

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
O Paragraph Comprehension and Structured Recall

“Now I'm going to re-read the story and ask you to answer some questions
about it.”
Give the multiple-choice cue if the client cannot respond spontaneously.

QUESTIONS CUES

1. What was the name of the pilot? Thompson/Johnson/Jones

2. Where did he live? Brisbane/Sydney/Auckland

Birmingham/Cardiff/Dublin

3. Was he granted permission to fly to yes/no/didn’t say

New Zealand/Ireland?

4. In what year did he make these 1920/1926/1928

flights?

5. Where did he say he was flying to? Melbourne/Brisbane/Auckland

Cardiff/Birmingham/Dublin

6. How much money did he have? $10/$15/$20

£10/£15/£20

7. How long did it take? 8/10/12 hours

8. Where did he land? Auckland/Sydney/Brisbane

Dublin/Bristol/Birmingham

9. How did he feel when he arrived? surprised/glad/unhappy

10. Did he mean to fly to New Zealand/ yes/no/didn’t say

Ireland?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 12 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
P Logico-Semantic Relationships

Examiner should pause between the example and the question. Repetition
of the question may be given. The examiner may also use gesture to
demonstrate the part/whole relationship.

“In the next set of questions, I’ll give you an example first, then you answer
the second part.”
1. If we consider a car to be the whole then the wheels will be a part of
it. Tell me, if a hand is the whole, what are the parts? (fingers ±
palm)

2. If the part is a branch, then the tree is the whole. Tell me, if the part
is a nose, what is the whole? (face)

3. ‘Sleep is to bed as sit is to chair’.

Can you finish these?
Plumber is to pipes as carpenter is to … (wood).

4. Cold is to hot as cool is to … (warm/tepid).

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
Q Logico-Grammatical Relationships

“Answer the following questions.” Do not emphasize words in bold.

1. David is taller than Michael. Who is shorter?

2. Peter was hit by John. Who was the victim?

3. Is someone's sister their father's daughter or their daughter's

father?

4. I had breakfast after I spoke to Kate. What did I do first?

5. ‘I am not used to disobeying rules.’ Would a law-abiding citizen say

this? (yes)

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 13 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
R Factual Paragraph

The client is allowed to refer to the written article when answering the
questions and may be prompted to do so. Verbal responses are accepted
if necessary.

The page with the article “Shelter May Beat Bushfires” is presented (large
print version available).

“Read the newspaper article to yourself, then write down your

answers to the following questions.”

1. What did Mr Toyne invent?

2. What memories inspired his invention?

3. What prompted Mr Toyne to build the shelter?

4. What materials were used to make the shelter?

5. What is the approximate cost of a shelter?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 14 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
S Inferential Paragraphs

“Read these paragraphs and circle the correct answer to complete the
sentence.” (large print version available)

1. Most men would be insulted if they were asked to earn

their wages by throwing stones over a wall and then
throwing them back again. Men like to work at jobs they
think are:

A - meaningful B - uncertain C - underpaid D - tiring

2. Physicians and nutrition specialists urge people to take the

time to eat a good breakfast. An inadequate breakfast
invites physical and mental fatigue. Many studies show
that when you do not eat a good breakfast, fatigue will
overtake you when the morning is still:

A - late B - cool C - fresh D - young

3. One of my plants is in gorgeous bloom at the moment.

Even though in the eight years of its life I have never
repotted it, contrary to all of the rules of the gardening
books, it continues to bloom year after year. I do fertilise it
heavily though. I am telling you this to show you that, even
though gardening books are extremely important:

A - one need not be a slave to their rules

B - a gardener really needs more than one such book
C - they should not be taken lightly
D - most gardeners achieve better results without them

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 15 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION
T Dictation

“Write down these sentences.” Examiner reads out:

1. Take your toothbrush to hospital.

2. The iron is quite hot.

3. When are you going away?

4. The judge knows the law.

5. That was a wonderful surprise.

Client records on separate sheet.

VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION

U Composition

“Write four points or a paragraph on this topic:

How would you set about organising a holiday?”

Client records on separate sheet.

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 16 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – dollars and cents

This subtest should be omitted if the client’s reading is not at an adequate

level. Prompt the client to show their calculation on paper, or use a
calculator; this is permitted.

“Write down answers to these questions.”

A weekend in the Jones household.

1. There are five people in the Jones family. Each person

has three meals a day and eats two slices of bread at each
meal. Will one loaf of 24 slices be enough for the
weekend?

2. On Saturday afternoon, the three children go to a movie.

An adult ticket is $6.50, but they each pay half-price. How
much should Mrs Jones give them if they also need $1.00
each spending money?

3. Mr Jones buys a new jumper. The normal price is $25.00,

but it's on sale for 20% off. How much does he pay?

4. Mrs Jones goes shopping for fruit and vegetables. She

buys two kilograms of tomatoes at $1.30/kg. She gives the
cashier two $2.00 coins. How much change does she get?

5. The youngest boy, John requires two hayfever tablets

three times daily. He has eleven left. Will that be sufficient
for the weekend?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 17 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
 MOUNT WILGA HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGE TEST

Test Fo rm
with UK ada ptation s and la rge p rint a dditions

END OF BASIC TEST RECORD FORM

SUPPLEMENT OR SUBSTITUTE THE FOLLOWING

PAGES ACCORDING TO CLIENT NEED

SOME ARE ESSENTIAL FOR TEST

ADMINISTRATION, OTHERS ARE OPTIONAL –
SEE CONTENTS PAGE FOR DETAILS

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 18 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS

III PL AN NIN G
J Jumbled Sentences

1. I sisters two brother and one have.

2. Sheila play McPherson Bill and tennis weekend every.

III PL AN NIN G

K Sentence Construction

1. crop, although, drought

2. left, became, work

3. please, when, back

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 19 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

III PL AN NIN G
J Jumbled Sentences

I
sisters
two
brother
and
one
have
MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 20 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

III PL AN NIN G
J Jumbled Sentences

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 21 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

III PL AN NIN G
K Sentence Construction

1. crop, although,
drought

2. left, became,
work

3. please, when,
back

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 22 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS

IV AUDITORY MEMORY
N Passage Recall

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
O Paragraph Comprehension and Structured Recall

FROM AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND

Burt Thompson, of Brisbane, had a small plane. It had a large gas tank but no radio.
In 1928, he asked the Australian authorities for permission to fly across the sea to
New Zealand. They said ‘no’ because they considered his plane was not well
equipped for such a flight.

In September that year, Thompson flew from Brisbane down to Sydney. Early the
next day, he was to fly back up to Brisbane. Before takeoff, he borrowed two maps
and a compass. He had some chocolate and $20. Eight hours later, the pilot arrived
at an airfield in Auckland, New Zealand.

The airport clerk was amazed when Thompson said, "I've just flown from Sydney".
"Not in that thing, surely!" the clerk exclaimed.
“Isn't this Brisbane?" Thompson asked.
"No, this is Auckland. You are in New Zealand."

Thompson laughed, "Well, what do you know? I must have flown the wrong way."

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 23 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS

IV AUDITORY MEMORY

N Passage Recall

V AUDITORY COMPREHENSION
O Paragraph Comprehension and Structured Recall

FROM BRITAIN TO IRELAND

Burt Thompson, of Birmingham, had a small plane. It had a large fuel tank but no
radio. In 1928, he asked the British Aeronautical authorities for permission to fly
across the sea to Ireland. They said ‘no’ because they considered his plane was not
well equipped for such a flight.

In September that year, Thompson flew from Birmingham down to Cardiff. Early the
next day, he was to fly back up to Birmingham. Before takeoff, he borrowed two
maps and a compass. He had some chocolate and £20. Eight hours later, the pilot
arrived at an airfield in Dublin, Ireland.

The airport clerk was amazed when Thompson said, "I've just flown from Cardiff".
"Not in that thing, surely!" the clerk exclaimed.
“Isn't this Birmingham?" Thompson asked.
"No, this is Dublin. You are in Ireland."

Thompson laughed, "Well, what do you know? I must have flown the wrong way."

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 24 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

R Factual Paragraph

Read this newspaper article to yourself and then

write down your answers to the questions.

SHELTER MAY BEAT BUSHFIRES

MELBOURNE – Childhood memories of huddling in a bomb
shelter while London was being blitzed have been the
inspiration behind architect Ray Toyne’s bushfire shelter
invention.

The shelter was tested this week under extreme bushfire

conditions and the inventor and his creation emerged
unscathed.

The Ash Wednesday bushfires prompted Mr Toyne to build

the shelter.

His “little beauty” bushfire and cyclone shelter can

accommodate eight people for up to two hours during the
height of a blaze.

Made of concrete and steel, the 1.8 metre high underground

shelter is protected by earth and a heat lock.

The atmosphere inside the chamber is maintained by

compressed air. There is an escape hatch if burnt debris falls
on the outside entrance.

The shelters are expected to sell for about $2000, including

installation.

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 25 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
R Factual Paragraph

Read this newspaper article to

yourself and then write down your
answers to the questions.

SHELTER MAY BEAT

BUSHFIRES

MELBOURNE – Childhood
memories of huddling in a
bomb shelter while
London was being blitzed
have been the inspiration
behind architect Ray
Toyne’s bushfire shelter
invention.
Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 26 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
R Factual Paragraph continued…

The shelter was tested this

week under extreme
bushfire conditions and
the inventor and his
creation emerged
unscathed.
The Ash Wednesday
bushfires prompted Mr
Toyne to build the shelter.
His “little beauty” bushfire
and cyclone shelter can
accommodate eight
people for up to two hours
during the height of a
blaze. Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 27 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
R Factual Paragraph continued…

Made of concrete and

steel, the 1.8 metre high
underground shelter is
protected by earth and a
heat lock.
The atmosphere inside the
chamber is maintained by
compressed air. There is
an escape hatch if burnt
debris falls on the outside
entrance.
The shelters are expected
to sell for about $2000,
including installation.

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 28 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

R Factual Paragraph – QUESTIONS

1. What did Mr Toyne

invent?

2. What memories
inspired his invention?

3. What prompted Mr
Toyne to build the
shelter?
Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 29 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

R Factual Paragraph – QUESTIONS continued…

4. What materials were

used to make the
shelter?

5. What is the
approximate cost of a
shelter?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 30 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT

VI READING COMPRE HENSION

S Inferential Paragraphs

1. Most men would be

insulted if they were
asked to earn their
wages by throwing
stones over a wall then
throwing them back
again.
Men like to work at jobs
they think are -
a) meaningful
b) uncertain
c) underpaid
d) tiring

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 31 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
S Inferential Paragraphs continued…

2. Physicians and
nutrition specialists urge
people to take the time to
eat a good breakfast.
An inadequate breakfast
invites physical and
mental fatigue.
Many studies show that
when you do not eat a
good breakfast, fatigue
will overtake you when
the morning is still -
a) late b) cool
c) fresh d) young

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 32 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
S Inferential Paragraphs continued…

3. One of my flowers is
in gorgeous bloom at the
moment. Even though in
the eight years of its life I
have never repotted it,
contrary to all the rules
of the gardening books,
it continues to bloom
year after year. I do
fertilise it heavily though.
I’m telling you this to
show you that although
gardening books are
important - Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 33 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – LARGE PRINT
VI READING COMPRE HENSION
S Inferential Paragraphs continued…

a) one need not have to

be a slave to their
rules.

b) a gardener really
needs more than one
such book.

c) they should not be

taken lightly.

d) most gardeners
achieve better results
without them.

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 34 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT RECORDING SHEET

VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION

T Dictation

Client response:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

VII WRITT EN EXPRE SSION

U Composition

Write four points or a paragraph on this topic:

How would you set about organising a holiday?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 35 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – L AR GE P RINT
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – dollars and cents

“Write down answers to these questions.”

A weekend in the Jones household.

1. There are five people in the

Jones family. Each person has
three meals a day and eats two
slices of bread at each meal.
Will one loaf of 24 slices be
enough for the weekend?

2. On Saturday afternoon, the

three children go to a movie.
An adult ticket is $6.50, but
they each pay half-price. How
much should Mrs Jones give
them if they also need $1.00
each spending money?
Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 36 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – L AR GE P RINT
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – dollars and cents continued…

3. Mr Jones buys a new jumper.

The normal price is $25.00, but
it's on sale for 20% off. How
much does he pay?

4. Mrs Jones goes shopping for

fruit and vegetables. She buys
two kilograms of tomatoes at
$1.30/kg. She gives the
cashier two $2.00 coins. How
much change does she get?

5. The youngest boy, John

requires two hayfever tablets
three times daily. He has
eleven left. Will that be
sufficient for the weekend?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 37 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – pounds and pence

This subtest should be omitted if the client’s reading is not at an adequate

level. Prompt the client to show their calculation on paper, or use a
calculator; this is permitted.

“Write down answers to these questions.”

A weekend in the Jones household.

1. There are five people in the Jones family. Each person

has three meals a day and eats two slices of bread at each
meal. Will one loaf of 24 slices be enough for the
weekend?

2. On Saturday afternoon, the three children go to a movie.

An adult ticket is £6.50, but they each pay half-price. How
much should Mrs Jones give them if they also need £1.00
each spending money?

3. Mr Jones buys a new jumper. The normal price is £25.00,

but it's on sale for 20% off. How much does he pay?

4. Mrs Jones goes shopping for fruit and vegetables. She

buys two kilograms of tomatoes at £1.30/kg. She gives the
cashier two £2.00 coins. How much change does she get?

5. The youngest boy, John requires two hayfever tablets

three times daily. He has eleven left. Will that be sufficient
for the weekend?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 38 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – L AR GE P RINT
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – pounds and pence

“Write down answers to these questions.”

A weekend in the Jones household.

1. There are five people in the

Jones family. Each person has
three meals a day and eats two
slices of bread at each meal.
Will one loaf of 24 slices be
enough for the weekend?

2. On Saturday afternoon, the

three children go to a movie.
An adult ticket is £6.50, but
they each pay half-price. How
much should Mrs Jones give
them if they also need £1.00
each spending money?
Continued…

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 39 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON
CLIENT STIMULUS – L AR GE P RINT
VIII NUMERACY
V Problem Solving – pounds and pence continued…

3. Mr Jones buys a new jumper.

The normal price is £25.00, but
it's on sale for 20% off. How
much does he pay?

4. Mrs Jones goes shopping for

fruit and vegetables. She buys
two kilograms of tomatoes at
£1.30/kg. She gives the
cashier two £2.00 coins. How
much change does she get?

5. The youngest boy, John

requires two hayfever tablets
three times daily. He has
eleven left. Will that be
sufficient for the weekend?

MO
MOU N T WIILGA
A HIIGH LEVE
VEL LA
LANG
NGU AGE
E TES
EST FOR M PA
PAGE 40 2006 VERSION by FIONA SIMPSON