The Test of Integrated Language and Literacy Skills (TILLS) includes measures for oral and written language. Which skills do its tasks focus on?

• A. Finding single sounds in real and nonsense words and removing the first sound from words
• B. Reading speed and accuracy only
• C. Grammar correction in writing samples
• D. Math word problems comprehension

Answer: (A)

Phonological processing, especially phonemic awareness, is the main concept tested. Being able to identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words—such as isolating a single sound or deleting the first sound—builds decoding and spelling skills that connect oral language to written language. Tasks that require finding single sounds in real and nonsense words and removing the first sound target exactly this ability. By assessing these manipulations, the TILLS gauges how well someone can apply phonemic awareness to reading and writing tasks, which is why this option is the best match. The other options describe skills not captured by these sound-manipulation tasks: reading speed and accuracy relate to fluency, grammar correction in writing samples targets syntax and editing, and math word problem comprehension is not about language and literacy development.