Members area

Loading...

Register

Don't have a login?

Join us

Become a member

  • Connect with others through events, workshops, campaigns and our NEW online forum, Your Community
  • Discover information and insights in our resource hub and receive the latest updates via email
  • Access one-to-one support and tailored services which help reduce barriers for deaf children
Menu Open mobile desktop menu

Test of Written Language – 4 (TOWL-4)

The Test of Written Language-4 (TOWL-4) is a norm-referenced assessment measure of writing. The assessment is made up of eight subtests: vocabulary, spelling, style, logical sentences, sentence combining, contextual conventions, contextual language, and story construction.

Age range

9–17 years, 11 months.

Who can use it?

Only available on Pearson Clinical's US website. User must have a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject.

How is it used?

Pupils are asked to carry out tasks involving text reading, pictures and writing texts. The assessment can be administered either to a group or individually. Parallel forms A and B are available to allow repeat testing without a practice effect. The tasks take 60–90 minutes.

What can it tell us?

TOWL-4 provides age- and grade-equivalent scores, standard scores, and percentiles. Composite scores for overall writing, contrived writing, and spontaneous writing are also available. This means that the child’s score can be compared with that of hearing children of their age and grade.

Pros

  • Is norm-referenced.
  • Can function for individual assessment and as a group screening instrument.
  • Aligns with TEWL-3.

Cons

  • Difficult to obtain from the USA website. Access often refused.
  • More suitable as an assessment for researchers.
  • Test takes a long time to administer. 
  • All normative data was collected in the USA, and therefore care should be taken in making age and grade interpretations.

Is there a cost?

Yes.

Where can I access it?

Pearson Clinical website - Test of Written Language