1. Easy Read Version

 

Exams and Dyslexia

What is an exam?

An exam is a test.

An exam checks what a person knows and understands.

People answer questions to show their knowledge.

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Some exams are hard to read

Some exam papers are difficult for people with Dyslexia.

This can happen when:

• The writing is small
• The sentences are long
• Important words are easy to miss
• The question is confusing

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Example

Question:

What is the capital of England?

A. London
B. Manchester
C. Birmingham

The correct answer is London.

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Now look at this question.

Question:

What is NOT the capital of England?

A. London
B. Manchester
C. Birmingham

If someone misses the word NOT, they may choose London.

But the question is asking something different.

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Why this happens

Some people with dyslexia may:

• miss small words
• find crowded text difficult
• find small print difficult
• need more time to read carefully

This does not mean the person does not know the answer.

It means the question may not be clear.

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How exams can be improved

Exams can be made clearer.

For example:

✔ Use large writing
✔ Use clear sentences
✔ Highlight important words
✔ Avoid confusing questions

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Good example

London is the capital of England.

Which city is NOT the capital?

A. Manchester
B. London
C. Paris

This question is clearer.

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2. Training Module

Accessible Exams for Students with Dyslexia

Learning Goals

By the end of this module students will:

• Understand how dyslexia affects reading
• Understand how exam questions can be confusing
• Learn how to write accessible exam questions

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What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia affects how some people read and process written information.

People with dyslexia may:

• read more slowly
• miss small words
• find dense text difficult

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Common Exam Problems

Exam papers sometimes include:

• small fonts
• long questions
• double negatives
• tricky wording

These can make exams harder for dyslexic students.

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Words That Cause Problems

Students often miss words like:

• NOT
• EXCEPT
• LEAST
• MOST

These words change the meaning of the question.

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Good Practice for Exams

Teachers and exam writers should:

✔ use clear language
✔ avoid trick questions
✔ highlight key words
✔ use clear layouts

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3. PowerPoint Training Slides

Accessible Exam Questions

Slide 1

Accessible Exams and Dyslexia

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Slide 2

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia affects reading and processing written information.

Some students may miss small words in text.

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Slide 3

Example Question

What is the capital of England?

A London
B Manchester
C Birmingham

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Slide 4

Confusing Question

What is NOT the capital of England?

If the word NOT is missed, the answer may be wrong.

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Slide 5

Why This Matters

Exams should test knowledge, not reading confusion.

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Slide 6

Accessible Exam Design

✔ clear language
✔ large text
✔ simple sentences
✔ clear layout

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4. Workbook / Activity Sheet

Activity 1

Read the question.

Which city is the capital of England?

A London
B Manchester
C Birmingham

Answer: _______

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Activity 2

Which city is NOT the capital of England?

A London
B Manchester
C Birmingham

Answer: _______

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Discussion Question

Why might someone accidentally choose London?

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5. Teacher Training Notes

Teachers should understand that some students may:

• read exam questions differently
• miss small but important words
• need clearer formatting

Good exam design improves fairness.

Accessible exams help students with:

• Dyslexia

• Dyspraxia

• Dyscalculia

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

but they also help all students.

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6. Article Version (For Awareness or Publication)

When Exam Questions Are Not Accessible

Many students with dyslexia struggle with exam papers that contain unclear wording or small print.

A common problem occurs when students miss small but important words such as “not”.

For example, a student may correctly know that London is the capital of England. However, if a question asks “Which city is not the capital?” and the word “not” is missed, the student may answer incorrectly.

This does not mean the student lacks knowledge. It means the exam question may not be accessible.

Improving exam design by using clear language, larger text, and avoiding confusing wording can make assessments fairer for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.

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7. This Can Become a Full Training Package

This topic could become a full module in your Easy Read training book.

Possible chapter title:

Accessible Exams and Assessments

This would fit perfectly with your work on:

• learning disabilities

• accessibility

• Easy Read communication

• education awareness