Answers | 2026 Updated
EXAM OVERVIEW
The Reading Inventory and Scholastic Evaluation (RISE) is a computer-administered
diagnostic reading assessment designed for students in grades 4 through 12, taking
approximately 45-60 minutes to complete . It assesses six specific reading skills that help
pinpoint areas of need in reading .
SECTION 1: PHONETIC SKILLS (Questions 1-40)
1. Which three letters usually double when heard at the end of a single-syllable word?
a) s, f, and z
b) p, b, and t
c) m, n, and r
d) l, d, and g
2. Which four things are initially taught for each letter of the alphabet?
a) Letter name, most common sound, uppercase and lowercase letter formation
b) Letter name, letter shape, letter size, and letter color
c) Uppercase letter, lowercase letter, cursive letter, and printed letter
d) Letter sound, letter name, letter order, and letter frequency
,3. What is a guardian star?
a) A star that indicates the preceding vowel sound will be long
b) A star that indicates the preceding vowel sound will be short
c) A star that indicates the following consonant will be silent
d) A star that indicates the word is a proper noun
*
a) C
b) K
c) Neither
d) Both
*
a) C
b) K
c) Neither
d) Both
6. Which Phonetic Skill has the pattern of one consonant sound following the vowel?
a) Phonetic Skill 1
b) Phonetic Skill 2
c) Phonetic Skill 3
d) Phonetic Skill 4
,7. Which of the following words follows Phonetic Skill 2?
a) jump
b) me
c) feet
d) cake
8. Which Phonetic Skill tells us that when the vowel stands alone, it will be long?
a) Phonetic Skill 1
b) Phonetic Skill 2
c) Phonetic Skill 3
d) Phonetic Skill 4
9. Which Phonetic Skill tells us that when a word ends in silent E, the first vowel will be
long?
a) Phonetic Skill 1
b) Phonetic Skill 2
c) Phonetic Skill 3
d) Phonetic Skill 4
10. Which word follows Phonetic Skill 5?
a) feet
b) jump
c) me
d) cake
11. Which of the following words would be separated into syllables using Decoding Skill
1?
, a) repeat
b) fifteen
c) simple
d) rabbit
12. Which of the following words would be separated into syllables using Decoding Skill
2?
a) fifteen
b) repeat
c) simple
d) music
13. What is the definition of a digraph?
a) Two consonants standing together having a single sound
b) Two or three consonants standing together, each letter keeping its own sound
c) A vowel blended with the letter R
d) A group of letters that creates a unique vowel sound
14. What is the definition of a blend?
a) Two consonants standing together having a single sound
b) Two or three consonants standing together, each letter keeping its own sound
c) A vowel blended with the letter R
d) A group of letters that creates a unique vowel sound
15. What is the vowel sound in the second syllable of the word "simple"?
a) Short U, as in the word "pull"
b) Long E, as in the word "see"
c) Short I, as in the word "sit"
d) Long A, as in the word "say"