Preparing For The WorkKeys Assessments

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Preparing

for the
WorkKeys ®

Assessments

© 2008 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved.


NOTE: This booklet is covered by Federal copyright laws that prohibit the reproduction of the test questions without the express, written permission of ACT, Inc.
ACT endorses the Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education and the Code of
Professional Responsibilities in Educational Measurement, guides to the conduct of
those involved in educational testing. ACT is committed to ensuring that each of its
testing programs upholds the guidelines in each Code. A copy of each Code may be
obtained free of charge from ACT Customer Services (68), P.O. Box 1008, Iowa
City, IA 52243-1008, 319/337-1429.

© 2008 by ACT, Inc. All rights reserved.


Some Basic Information

What is WorkKeys?
The WorkKeys system from ACT is designed to help you develop better workplace skills. Better skills mean
better-paying jobs—in any career field.

The WorkKeys system consists of job analysis (finding out which skills are needed on the job), assessments (the
tests you’ll be taking plus several others), reporting (telling you how your skills match job requirements), and
instructional support (guidance to educators related to improving students’ skill levels).

Why is WorkKeys important?


In many places throughout the United States, employers find that students are not adequately trained even for entry-
level jobs. WorkKeys helps businesses and educators work together to ensure that you leave school prepared for
real jobs in the real world.

What types of skills are needed?


WorkKeys measures skills that employers believe are critical to job success—skills such as reading, math,
listening, locating information, and teamwork. These skills are valuable for any type of occupation—skilled or
professional—and at any level of education.

How does the system work?


WorkKeys helps you figure out how prepared you are for jobs that interest you and guides you to the education and
training you need. The system documents your work skills in key areas, giving you an edge with employers when
you apply for jobs.

Isn’t it easy to find a job in today’s economy?


There are plenty of jobs available, but employers are having a great deal of trouble finding workers with adequate
skills. With the right training and experience, people can move from low-skill, low-pay jobs to high-skill, high-pay
jobs.

So are these tests designed for only low-level, blue-collar jobs?


Not at all. WorkKeys has analyzed the job skills needed for almost 5000 unique job titles, ranging from accountant
to automotive technician and from welder to webmaster. In fact, the fastest growing types of WorkKeys job
profiles are being done for professional, technical, and managerial jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree.
The abilities to learn, listen, communicate, work in teams, and solve problems—all areas addressed by
WorkKeys—are important assets for any employee, regardless of career choice.

Do higher skills mean higher salaries?


Studies show that jobs requiring higher skills in math, locating information, and reading pay higher entry-level
salaries. By increasing your skills while you are still in school, you increase your opportunities for higher salaries
both now and in the future.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments 1


Why should I care about these tests?
Since WorkKeys tests aren’t the college entrance exam that many high school students focus on, some students
don’t see the purpose in trying to do their best on them. You need to remember, however, that everyone enters the
workforce eventually—whether you get a job right out of high school, work part time while continuing your
education, or go through extensive postsecondary training. WorkKeys stresses skills development important for
every type of employment.

Why do some of the test questions seem irrelevant to my career choice?


Since WorkKeys questions relate to a variety of real-life experiences, the situations sometimes deal with work
environments that do not interest particular students. Even very difficult exams, such as the Law School Admission
Test or the Graduate Record Examination, routinely contain analytical reasoning questions that feature taxi drivers,
executives, carpet sellers, professors, bellhops, architects, and numerous other workers. The basic skills needed to
solve a legal question, configure a computer, or schedule employee vacations may be similar for all these tests.
And while some WorkKeys test questions can be fairly easy, others are quite difficult—to measure the widest
possible range of skills.

Can I study for the tests?

Since WorkKeys measures applied skills, you can’t cram to memorize answers for the tests. However, you can use
these practice sets to see and work with typical WorkKeys test questions.

What happens to the test results?


You can use your WorkKeys results to get a better picture of jobs you are ready for and to improve areas where
your skills are weak. Employers can use the results to determine your qualifications for positions in their
organizations. And schools can use the information—along with input from employers—to ensure that their
curriculum provides adequate work skills training to meet business needs.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 2


Test Taking Tips
You will be taking the Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information tests. A
description of each follows. Each test contains multiple-choice items followed by five possible answers from
which you are to choose the best one. The following suggestions apply to all three tests.

Pace yourself.
The time limits set for each WorkKeys test give nearly everyone enough time to finish all the questions. However,
it is important to pace yourself. Don’t spend too much time on one problem or reading section; go on to the other
questions and come back if there is time.

Listen to and read the directions for each test carefully.


Before you begin taking one of the WorkKeys tests, pay careful attention to the directions. These tests ask for the
best answer. It is important to keep this in mind when answering the questions, since it will sometimes be possible
to think of responses that would be better than any of those offered or to defend a choice as not entirely wrong.
Best-response formats are consistent with the real world, where choosing among less-than-perfect alternatives is
routine.

You may want to work out the answer you feel is correct and look for it among the choices given. If your answer is
not among the choices provided, reread the question and consider all of the answer choices again to find the best
one.

Read each question carefully.


It is important that you understand what each question asks. Some questions will require you to go through several
steps to find the best answer, while others can be answered more quickly.

Answer the easy questions first.


The best strategy for taking a test is to answer the easy questions and skip the ones you find difficult. After
answering all of the easy questions, go back and try to answer the more difficult ones.

Use logic in more difficult questions.


When you return to the more difficult questions, try to use logic to eliminate incorrect answers to a question.
Compare the answer choices to each other and note how they differ. Such differences may provide clues as to what
the question requires. Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess from the
remaining answers.

Answer every question.


Your score on the WorkKeys tests will be based on the number of questions that you answer correctly; there is no
penalty for guessing. Thus, you should answer every question within the time allowed for each test, even if you
have to guess. The test administrator will announce when there are five minutes remaining on each test.

Review your work.


If there is time left after you have answered every question on a test, go back and check your work on that test.
Check to be sure that you marked only one answer to each question. You may not mark answers to a test after time
has been called on that test. You may not go back to any other test.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 3


Be precise in marking your answer document.
Be sure that you fill in the correct circles on your answer document. Check to be sure that the number for the line
of circles on your answer document is the same as the number for the question you are answering. Position your
answer document next to your test booklet so you can mark your answers quickly and completely.

Erase completely.
If you want to change an answer on your answer document, be sure to erase the unintended mark completely.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 4


WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Assessment
Applied Mathematics is skill in applying mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques to work-related
problems. Solving mathematical problems in the workplace can differ from solving problems in the classroom.
While the math skills needed are the same, math problems in the workplace are not usually laid out neatly in a
textbook format. Instead, the employee may be responsible for locating and identifying the necessary information
(e.g., on a cash register, price tag, or catalog) and for knowing what to do with that information. It is, therefore,
critical to strengthen your core mathematics skills and to develop your problem-solving strategies. Individuals
possessing these Applied Mathematics skills will be able to successfully tackle new situations involving mathematics
problems in the workplace. Because an employee would have access to a variety of resources for problem solving, a
formula sheet that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided.

There are five levels in the Applied Mathematics skill scale, ranging from Level 3, the least complex, to Level 7, the
most complex. These levels were developed based on two main criteria:

• the types of mathematical operations employees must perform, and

• the form and order in which employees receive the information; that is, the presentation of the information.

The skills at the lowest level involve using whole numbers and some decimals in basic math operations: addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. As the levels progress, the math operations involve more steps. Higher
levels include decimals and fractions, conversion of units, averaging, calculating area and volume, and ratios.

As the complexity of the levels increases, the presentation of the information becomes more of a barrier to problem
solving. The wording becomes ambiguous, the presence of unnecessary information is more likely, and pertinent
information is less obvious. Regardless of skill level, most of these problems will involve one or more of the
following applications:

Quantity

Employees often need to determine the number of items sold, produced, or purchased, or to figure totals on a per
unit basis.

Money

Working with monetary units is a central part of business and relates to virtually every job, if in no other way than
to understand a paycheck. Tasks involving monetary units include figuring sales, costs, wages, and expenses.

Time

Some tasks involve figuring elapsed time. Other problems frequently involve time as it relates to production, sales,
costs, distance or area. In many of these tasks, employees must be familiar with conversion of time units.

Measurement

Calculating distance, area, weight, and volume is crucial to most work situations. Again, employees must be
familiar with conversions within and between English and metric measures, as well as the appropriate degree of
accuracy needed for different situations.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 5


Proportions and Percentages

Proportions can be used in many tasks that require making predictions (e.g., if this is the amount needed for
X units, how much is needed for Y units). Percentages are used in the workplace to calculate commissions,
discounts, taxes, price increases, changes in sales, and wage changes.

Averages
Many records in the workplace are expressed in terms of averages (e.g., those involving sales records, wages, costs,
hours worked). These averages become tools in the decision-making processes of the business.

Many math problems found in the workplace combine two or more applications: What quantity can be produced in a
specified time? What distance can be traveled in a particular time? What is the average cost in terms of money? A
common combination of applications is finding the best deal, which requires employees to perform various
calculations and then compare the results in terms of relative cost. Examples of typical problems are found in the
WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Practice Set.

Calculators
WorkKeys recommends the use of calculators for the Applied Mathematics test. No problem on the test requires the
use of a calculator; however, it is generally to your advantage to use one.

• You decide whether to use a calculator on the Applied Mathematics test. If you regularly use one in class
or when doing your homework, it makes sense to use one on the test. But if you aren’t comfortable using a
calculator, you may decide not to use one on the test. You can always bring one and decide not to use it.
Pack it the night before so you won’t forget it in the morning.

• We recommend that you use a calculator that you are used to—as long as it is not one of the kinds that are
not permitted. Using a more powerful calculator that you are not familiar with is unlikely to give you an
advantage over the kind you normally use.
Permitted Calculators
You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, unless it has features described in the Prohibited
Calculators list. For models on the Calculators Permitted with Modification list, you will be required to modify
some of the calculator's features.

Prohibited Calculators
The following types of calculators are prohibited:

• calculators with built-in computer algebra systems


Prohibited calculators in this category include:
► Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS—
Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
► Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
► Casio: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300, and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G

• handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs


• electronic writing pads or pen-input devices—Note: The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.
• calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices
• calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)—Note: Letter keys not in
QWERTY format are permitted.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 6


Calculators Permitted with Modification
The following types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted:

• calculators with paper tape—Remove the tape.


• calculators that make noise—Turn off the sound.
• calculators with an infrared data port—Completely cover the infrared data port with heavy opaque
material such as duct tape or electrician's tape (includes Hewlett-Packard HP 38G and HP 39G series, and
HP 48G).
• calculators that have power cords—Remove all power/electrical cords.

On Test Day
Be sure your calculator is working and has reliable batteries. You may bring a backup calculator and extra batteries
to the test center. Testing staff will not supply batteries or calculators. You will not be allowed to share calculators
during testing.

Testing staff will check your calculator to verify it is permitted, and they will monitor your use of your calculator to
ensure that you:

• use it only during the Applied Mathematics Test;


• use your backup calculator only after it has been checked by a member of the testing staff
• do not share your calculator; and
• do not store test materials in your calculator’s memory.

If your calculator has characters one inch high or larger, or a raised display, testing staff may seat you where no
other examinee can see your calculator.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 7


Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 8
WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Practice Set
This practice set can help you understand the WorkKeys Applied Mathematics skill levels and give you practice for
the actual WorkKeys assessment. However, remember that this practice set is not a full-length test and your score
is not a substitute for the actual WorkKeys test score. The actual test consists of 33 problems and has a time limit
of 45 minutes.

The WorkKeys Applied Mathematics assessment measures skill in applying mathematical reasoning to work-
related problems. The test involves setting up and solving the types of problems and doing the types of calculations
that actually occur in the workplace. It is designed to be taken with a calculator and a formula sheet, as both would
be available on the job. There are five skill levels, ranging from Level 3 to Level 7. As you move from Level 3 to
Level 7, the mathematical concepts and calculations become more complex.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 9


Applied Mathematics Formula Sheet

Distance Rectangle
1 foot = 12 inches perimeter = 2(length + width)
1 yard = 3 feet area = length × width
1 mile = 5,280 feet
1 mile ≈ 1.61 kilometers Rectangular Solid (Box)
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters volume = length × width × height
1 foot = 0.3048 meters
1 meter = 1,000 millimeters Cube
1 meter = 100 centimeters volume = (length of side) 3
1 kilometer = 1,000 meters
1 kilometer ≈ 0.62 miles Triangle
sum of angles = 180°
Area area = 12 (base × height )
1 square foot = 144 square inches
1 square yard = 9 square feet
1 acre = 43,560 square feet Circle
number of degrees in a circle = 360°
Volume circumference ≈ 3.14 × diameter
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces area ≈ 3.14 × (radius ) 2
1 quart = 4 cups
1 gallon = 4 quarts Cylinder
1 gallon = 231 cubic inches
1 liter ≈ 0.264 gallons volume ≈ 3.14 × (radius ) 2 × height
1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet Cone
1 board foot = 1 inch by 12 inches by 12 inches 3.14 × (radius ) 2 × height
volume ≈
3
Weight/Mass
1 ounce ≈ 28.350 grams Sphere (Ball)
1 pound = 16 ounces
1 pound ≈ 453.592 grams volume ≈ 4
3
× 3.14 × (radius ) 3
1 milligram = 0.001 grams
1 kilogram = 1,000 grams Electricity
1 kilogram ≈ 2.2 pounds 1 kilowatt-hour = 1,000 watt-hours
1 ton = 2,000 pounds amps = watts ÷ volts

Temperature
°C = 0.56 (°F - 32) or 5
9
(°F - 32)
°F = 1.8 (°C) + 32 or ( 95 × °C) + 32

NOTE: Problems on the WorkKeys Applied Mathematics assessment should be worked using the formulas and
conversions on this formula sheet.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 10


Applied Mathematics Level 3
Individuals with Level 3 skills can set up and solve problems with a single type of mathematical operation (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, or division) on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages.

1. You are a circus equipment manager. You need to know the combined weight of the performers on the high-wire act.
The performers weigh 175 pounds, 154 pounds, and 118 pounds. What is the total weight of the performers, in
pounds?

A. 211
B. 293
C. 329
D. 447
E. 500

2. The fraternity house you manage has 6,270 square feet of lot space. City ordinance allows one student for every
330 square feet of lot space. How many students can live in this house?

A. 0,019
B. 0,033
C. 0,297
D. 0,594
E. 5,940

3. A grocer takes delivery of beverages from your truck at $6 per case. You unloaded 53 cases for the grocer today.
How much does the grocer owe you?

A. $009
B. $047
C. $059
D. $318
E. $653

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 11


Applied Mathematics Level 4
Individuals with Level 4 skills can set up and solve problems with one or two different mathematical operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, or division) on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages.

1. At the greenhouse where you work you need to make soil and vermiculite mixtures for potting plants. Flowering
bushes need a mixture of 70% soil and 30% vermiculite by volume. About how many buckets of vermiculite should
you add to 5 buckets of soil?

A. 01.5
B. 02.0
C. 03.5
D. 06.0
E. 11.5

2. The Zippy Lube business where you work printed coupons offering $8.00 off any oil change this month. An oil
change costs $19.95 and a new oil filter costs $4.95. A customer comes in with a coupon and has you change the oil
and filter. Before adding the tax, how much should you charge the customer?

A. $11.95
B. $16.90
C. $24.90
D. $27.95
E. $32.90

3. You are repairing an engine and need to loosen a bolt that fastens the alternator bracket to the engine. You tried a
3 5
4 -inch wrench, which was too large, and a 8 -inch wrench, which was too small. Which of the following wrenches
is between these two sizes?

5
A. 16 -inch
3
B. 8 -inch
9
C. 16 -inch
11
D. 16 -inch
7
E. 8 -inch

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 12


Applied Mathematics Level 5
Individuals with Level 5 skills can set up and solve problems with several steps of logic and calculation involving a
mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages.

1. A refrigeration system at your company uses temperature sensors fixed to read Celsius (°C) values, but the system
operators in your control room understand only the Fahrenheit scale. You have been asked to make a Fahrenheit (°F)
label for the high temperature alarm, which is set to ring whenever the system temperature rises above –10°C. What
Fahrenheit value should you write on the label?

A. –50°F
B. –23°F
C. –18°F
D. 14°F
E. 26°F

2. Pictured below is a piece of steel with six holes drilled in it. As inspector for your machine shop, it is your duty to
check the part. TYP is short for “typical”, and it means all holes are 1 83 inches from the center of one hole to the
center of the next. What is dimension A?

A
7
16

1 38 TYP

A. 5 15
16

B. 6 78
C. 7 161
D. 7 165
E. 8 16
11

3. At your hardware store, you buy hammers for $30.00 a dozen and sell them for $3.50 each. What is the percent
markup for the hammers?

A. 29%
B. 40%
C. 42%
D. 58%
E. 71%

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 13


Applied Mathematics Level 6
Individuals with Level 6 skills can set up and solve problems containing unnecessary information and requiring multiple
steps. Calculations involve a mixture of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or percentages.

1. You plan to attend night school in 3 months so you can qualify for a promotion at work. You need to earn an
additional $1,140 for tuition within that time. You take a second job, which pays $8 per hour. The work schedule is
flexible, and you can work as many hours as you want. Taxes take 15% of your wages and you save the rest. Over
the next 3 months, what is the minimum number of hours you could work each month to earn the money for tuition?

A. 014
B. 048
C. 056
D. 084
E. 168

2. You work for a landscaper that has a customer needing to seed an area of land 80 feet by 40 feet in size. The garden
center has 5-pound bags of grass seed. Each bag of seed can cover 25 square yards of land. Based on your
calculations, how many bags of grass seed do you need to cover the lot?

A. 014
B. 015
C. 025
D. 043
E. 128

3. You work at a bridal shop. You need to find out how much satin you will need to make four bridesmaids’ dresses and
two flower girls’ dresses. Each bridesmaid’s dress requires 4 83 yards of satin, and each flower girl’s dress requires
3 23 yards of satin. How many yards of satin do you need in all?

A. 14 241
B. 17 12
C. 23 241
D. 24 52
E. 24 56

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 14


Applied Mathematics Level 7
Individuals with Level 7 skills can set up and solve complex problems requiring extensive calculations. They can
calculate rate of change, set up and manipulate complex ratios and proportions, find multiple areas or volumes of two- and
three-dimensional shapes, find the best economic value of several alternatives, and locate errors in multiple-step
calculations.

1. You design and build furniture, and you have agreed to build a bookcase for a customer. Using a materials list, you
determine that you need 4 boards 1 inch by 8 inches by 6 feet and 3 boards 1 inch by 6 inches by 4 feet. These boards
are priced at $1.25 per board foot. In addition, you will need 3 packages of screws at $0.79 each and one can of
varnish at $3.75. Sales tax is 6%. What will be the total cost of all the materials for the bookcase, including tax?

A. $33.62
B. $33.96
C. $35.64
D. $41.91
E. $54.19

2. You have a 30-amp power strip with four outlets. The power source is 110 volts. Based on the information shown,
which of the following combinations of devices could you use on this power strip?

Drill Press 1320 watts


Bench Grinder 1100 watts
Orbital Sander 880 watts
½" Drill 605 watts
Worklight 150 watts

A. Drill press, bench grinder, orbital sander, ½ " drill


B. Drill press, bench grinder, orbital sander, worklight
C. Drill press, orbital sander, two ½ " drills
D. Drill press, orbital sander, ½ " drill, worklight
E. Bench grinder, orbital sander, two ½ " drills, worklight

3. It is your job to clean and maintain the fish tank in a dentist’s office. The tank is 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The
water in it is about 2 feet deep. To treat the water in the tank, you need to add 1 teaspoon of disinfecting solution for
every 10 gallons of water. About how many teaspoons of the solution will you need to add to the tank?

A. 000 12
B. 001 12
C. 012
D. 031
E. 120

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 15


An Important Consideration about the Answers to the Practice Sets

Some WorkKeys questions have a response choice (the “key”) that can be clearly defined as right or correct and other
response choices (the “distractors” or “foils”) that can be identified as wrong or incorrect. Many WorkKeys questions,
however, are in a best-response format: the keyed response is simply the best of those available. It is important to keep
this in mind when discussing such questions, since it will sometimes be possible to think of responses that would be better
than any of those offered, or to defend a distractor as not entirely wrong. Best-response formats are consistent with the
real world, where choices among less-than-perfect alternatives are routinely the case.

Note: The solutions shown indicate one or two ways to solve each problem. There may be other, equally valid methods
of solving the problems.

Answers to Applied Mathematics Level 3 Practice Set

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 1:

A. Incorrect: 175 + 154 – 118 = 211. Subtracted weight of third performer instead of adding it.
B. Incorrect: 175 + 118 = 293. Neglected to add weight of 2nd performer.
C. Incorrect: 175 + 154 = 329. Neglected to add weight of 3rd performer.
D. Correct: Add all the individual weights to find the total weight: 175 lbs. + 154 lbs. + 118 lbs. = 447 lbs. total
weight.
E. Incorrect: 200 + 200 + 100 = 500. Rounded weight of each performer up or down to nearest 100, then added.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 2:

A. Correct: Divide the total area by the area needed for each student: 6,270 square feet ÷ 330 square feet/student =
19 students.
B. Incorrect: 33 is taken from the number 330 in the problem. No calculation was attempted.
C. Incorrect: 627 – 330 = 297. Used subtraction rather than division and dropped the zero from 6,270.
D. Incorrect: 627 – 33 = 594. Used subtraction rather than division and dropped the zeros from both numbers.
E. Incorrect: 6,270 – 330 = 5,940. Used subtraction rather than division.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 3:

A. Incorrect: 53 ÷ 6 = 8.83, rounded to $9. Used division instead of multiplication.


B. Incorrect: 53 – 6 = $47. Used subtraction instead of multiplication.
C. Incorrect: 6 + 53 = $59. Used addition instead of multiplication.
D. Correct: Multiply the cost per case by the number of cases: $6/case × 53 cases = $318 owed.
E. Incorrect: 6, 53 Æ $653. Simply combined numbers.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 16


Answers to Applied Mathematics Level 4 Practice Set
Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 1:

A. Incorrect: 5 × 0.30 = 1.5. Amount of vermiculite needed for five buckets of mixed soil.
B. Correct: Set up a ratio and proportion using the percent of vermiculite to the percent of soil and the amount of
vermiculite (x) to the amount of soil: x divided by 5 buckets = 30 vermiculite divided by 70 soil; x = 30 × 5 ÷ 70 =
2.14, rounded to the nearest half bucket = 2.0.
C. Incorrect: 5 × 0.70 = 3.5. Soil content for five buckets of finished mix.
D. Incorrect: 30 ÷ 5 = 6.0. Divided vermiculite percent by number of buckets of soil.
E. Incorrect: 70 × 5 ÷ 30 = 11.7, rounded to the nearest half bucket = 11.5. Inverted the right side of the proportion
and solved for the amount of soil to add to 5 buckets vermiculite.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 2:

A. Incorrect: 19.95 – 8.00 = $11.95. Subtracted the coupon from the oil change without adding the cost of the filter.
B. Correct: Add the cost of the oil change to the cost of the oil filter, then subtract the amount of the coupon: $19.95
+ $4.95 – $8.00 = $16.90.
C. Incorrect: 19.95 + 4.95 = $24.90. Added cost of the new oil filter to the cost of the oil change without subtracting
the coupon.
D. Incorrect: 19.95 + 8.00 = $27.95. Added amount of the coupon to the cost of the oil change without the new oil
filter.
E. Incorrect: 19.95 + 4.95 + 8.00 = $32.90. Added amount of the coupon to the cost of the oil change and the new
oil filter.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 3:

5 5
A. Incorrect: 8 ÷2= 16 -inch. Divided small wrench size by 2.
3 3
B. Incorrect: 4 ÷2= 8 -inch. Divided large wrench size by 2.
9 5 3
C. Incorrect: 16 -inch is less than 8 and also less than 4 ; therefore, it is not between the two given sizes.
D. Correct: Find the size between the small and large wrench by finding the average—add the small size and the
large size and divide by two: ( 34 + 85 ) ÷ 2 = ( 86 + 85 ) ÷ 2 = 11 1 11
8 × 2 = 16 -inch.
7 5 3
E. Incorrect: 8 -inch is greater than 8 and also greater than 4 ; therefore, it is not between the two given sizes.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 17


Answers to Applied Mathematics Level 5 Practice Set

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 1:

A. Incorrect: ( 95 × –10) – 32 = –50°F. Subtracted 32 instead of adding 32.


B. Incorrect: 5
9
× (–10 – 32) = –23°F. Used Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion.
C. Incorrect: 9
5
× (–10) = –18°F. Did not add 32.
D. Correct: Using the formula for changing Celsius to Fahrenheit, solve for °F: 9/5 × (–10) + 32 = 14°F.
E. Incorrect: 95 × (–10) + 32 = 26°F. Used 95 instead of 95 .

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 2:

A. Incorrect: 1 83 × 4 = 4 128 = 5 84 = 5 168 ; 5 168 + 7


16
= 5 15
16
. Used only 4 multiples of the typical dimension.
B. Incorrect: 1 83 × 5 = 5 158 = 6 78 . Did not include the 7
16
dimension.
3 15
C. Incorrect: 1 8
×5=5 8
, incorrectly expressed as 6 ; 6 58 +
5
8
7
16
= 6 10
16
+ 7
16
= 6 17
16
= 7 161 .
D. Correct: Multiply the typical (TYP) measurement by the number of intervals between holes, then add–using
common denominators–the length between the left end and middle of first hole: 1 83 × 5 = 5 158 = 6 78 ; 6 78 + 167 =
7
6 14
16
+ 16
21
= 6 16 = 7 165
E. Incorrect: 1 83 × 6 = 6 188 = 8 82 = 8 164 ; 8 164 + 7
16
11
= 8 16 . Used 6 multiples of the typical dimension.

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 3:

A. Incorrect: ((12 × $3.50) – $30) ÷ $42 × 100% = 29%. Based percent markup on selling price instead of cost.
B. Correct: Calculate the selling price of a dozen hammers. Subtract the cost from the selling price to get the
markup. Divide markup by the cost and change to a percent. ((12 × $3.50) – $30) = 12; 12 ÷ $30 × 100% = 40%.
C. Incorrect: 30 + (12 × 3.50) = 30 + 42 = 72, then 30 ÷ 72 × 100% = 42%. Divided cost by sum of cost and selling
price to get a percent.
D. Incorrect: 30 + (12 × 3.50) = 30 + 42 = 72, then 42 ÷ 72 × 100% = 58%. Divided selling price by sum of cost and
selling price to get a percent.
E. Incorrect: $30 ÷ (12 × $3.50) = $30 ÷ 42 × 100% = 71%. Divided cost by selling price to get a percent.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 18


Answers to Applied Mathematics Level 6 Practice Set

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 1:

A. Incorrect: 1140 ÷ (8 × .85) ÷ 3 ÷ 4 = 13.97, rounded up to 14. Minimum hours needed to work each week.
B. Incorrect: (1140 ÷ 8) ÷ 3 = 47.5, rounded up to 48. Did not figure tax deductions from wages.
C. Correct: Divide the amount of tuition needed by the net earnings (85% of the pay) per hour. Then divide by the
number of months to get the hours needed per month. [$1,140 ÷ (.85 × $8.00)] ÷ 3 = 55.88 hours/month, rounded
up to 56.
D. Incorrect: [$1,140 ÷ (.85 × $8.00)] ÷ 2 = 83.8, rounded up to 84. Calculated for 2 months instead of 3.
E. Incorrect: 1140 ÷ (8 × .85) = 167.647, rounded up to 168. Forgot to divide by 3 months; total number of hours
needed.

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 2:

A. Incorrect: 80 feet × 40 feet ÷ (25 square yards/bag × 9 square feet/square yard) = 14.22, rounded down to 14.
Leaves some ground not covered.
B. Correct: Find the area of the yard in square feet. Convert the square yards per bag to square feet per bag.
Divide the area by the area per bag and round up to the next whole number of bags to ensure complete coverage.
80 feet × 40 feet = 3200 square feet; 25 square yards/bag × 9 square feet/square yard = 225 square feet/bag;
3200 square feet ÷ 225 square feet/bag = 14.22 bags, rounded up to 15 bags so that all the ground is covered.
C. Incorrect: Straight conversion of 25 yd2 to 25 bags needed.
D. Incorrect: 80 feet × 40 feet ÷ (25 square yards/bag × 3 square feet/square yard) = 42.67, rounded up to 43.
Improper conversion (1 square yard = 3 square feet).
E. Incorrect: 80 feet × 40 feet ÷ 25 square yards/bag = 128. Failed to convert square yards to square feet.

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 3:

A. Incorrect: 4 + 4 83 + 2 + 3 23 = 8 83 + 5 23 = 8 249 + 5 16
24
25
= 13 24 = 14 241 yards. Added whole number factors to
fractions rather than multiplying.
B. Incorrect: 4 × 4 83 = 17 84 = 17 12 yards. Only found the amount for the bridesmaid’s dresses.
C. Incorrect: (4 × 4 83 ) + (2 × 3 23 ) = 16 12
32
+ 6 64 = 16 83 + 6 23 = 16 249 + 6 16
24
25
= 22 24 = 23 241 yards. Multiplied whole
number times both the numerator and the denominator of the fractions.
D. Incorrect: (4 × 4 83 ) + (2 × 3 23 ) = 17 84 + 7 13 = 17 12 + 7 13 = 24 52 yards. Added the denominators together rather
than finding the lowest common denominator.
E. Correct: Multiply the number of bridesmaids’ dresses by the amount of material needed for each dress. Then
multiply the number of flower girls’ dresses by the amount of material needed per dress. Add the two amounts
together after finding the lowest common denominator. (4 × 4 83 ) + (2 × 3 23 ) = 17 12 + 7 13 = 17 63 + 7 62 = 24 56
yards.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 19


Answers to Applied Mathematics Level 7 Practice Set
Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 1:

A. Incorrect: {[(1 × 8 × 72) × 4] + [(1 × 6 × 48) × 3]} ÷ 144 in3/bd. ft. = 22 board feet; (22 × 1.25) + (3 × 0.79) + (1 ×
3.75) = $33.62. Did not calculate tax.
B. Incorrect: {[(1 × 8 × 72) × 4] + [(1 × 6 × 48) × 3]} ÷ 144 in3/bd. ft. = 22 board feet; [(22 × 1.25) + (1 × 0.79) + (1 ×
3.75)] × 1.06 = $33.96. Included only one package of screws.
C. Correct: Calculate the volume of boards in cubic inches and convert to board feet. Calculate the cost of the
boards by multiplying board feet and the price per board foot. Calculate the cost of the screws and varnish by
multiplying the number of units and the price per unit. Add all the costs and multiply by 1.06 (sales tax). {[(1 inch
× 8 inches × 72 inches) × 4 boards] + [(1 inch × 6 inches × 48 inches) × 3 boards]} ÷ 144 cubic inches/board foot
= 22 board feet; [(22 board feet × $1.25/board foot) + (3 × $0.79) + (1 × $3.75)] × 1.06 = $35.64.
D. Incorrect: {[(1 × 8 × 72) × 4] + [(1 × 6 × 48) × 3]} ÷ 144 in3/bd. ft. = 22 board feet; [(22 × 1.25) + (1 × 0.79) + (3 ×
3.75)] × 1.06 = $41.91. Included 3 cans of varnish and 1 packet of screws.
E. Incorrect: 4 × 6 + 3 × 4 = 36 linear feet; [(36 × 1.25) + (3 × 0.79) + (1 × 3.75)] × 1.06 = $54.19. Used linear feet of
boards instead of board feet.

Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 2:

A. Incorrect: 1,320 + 1,100 + 880 + 605 = 3,905 watts. The wattage is too high.
B. Incorrect: 1,320 + 1,100 + 880 + 150 = 3,450 watts. The wattage is too high.
C. Incorrect: 1,320 + 880 + 605 + 605 = 3,410 watts. The wattage is too high.
D. Correct: Find the maximum power available by multiplying the volts and the current in amps. Then add the
power ratings of the devices being used to determine if they can all be used at the same time. The maximum
power available is 110 volts × 30 amps = 3,300 watts; (Drill press, orbital sander, ½″ drill, worklight.) = 1,320 +
880 + 605 + 150 = 2,955 watts; 2,955 is less than 3,300 watts.
E. Incorrect: 1,100 + 880 + 605 + 605 + 150 = 3,340 watts. The wattage is too high.

Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 3:

1
A. Incorrect: [(48 × 24) ÷ 231] ÷ 10 = 0.498, rounded up to 0.5 or 2
. Did not include depth to calculate volume of
water in tank.
B. Incorrect: (4 × 2 × 2) ÷ 10 = 1.6, rounded down to 1 12 . Did not convert feet to inches and did not convert to
gallons.
C. Correct: Find the volume of the tank in cubic inches by converting the dimensions from feet to inches and
multiplying length by width and depth. Convert from cubic inches to gallons. Find the amount of solution needed
by dividing the number of gallons by the gallons per teaspoon. Round to the nearest half-teaspoon. (4 feet × 2
feet × 2 feet) = (48 inches × 24 inches × 24 inches) = 27,648 cubic inches; 27,648 cubic inches ÷ 231 cubic
inches/gallon ÷ 10 gallons/teaspoon = 11.97 teaspoons, rounded up to 12.
D. Incorrect: (4 × 2 × 2) = 16; 231 ÷ 12 = 19.25; 16 × 19.25 = 308; 308 ÷ 10 = 30.8, rounded up to 31. Calculated
volume of tank in cubic feet; then divided cubic inches/gallon by inches/foot; then multiplied results and divided by
10.
E. Incorrect: (48 × 24 × 24) ÷ 231 = 119.7, rounded up to 120. Did not divide by 10 gallons/teaspoon.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 20


WorkKeys Reading for Information Assessment
Reading for Information is skill in reading and understanding work-related instructions and policies. Such material, known
as procedural text, differs from the explanatory and narrative text on which most reading programs are based. In addition,
unlike reading and content-area texts, which are usually organized to make the reading easy to understand, workplace
communication is not necessarily designed to be easy to read. It may even be poorly or unclearly written. These differences
can affect the skills employees need when they encounter job-related reading tasks. Reading for Information skills included
can be loosely grouped into the following four categories:

Choosing Main Ideas or Details


This skill requires selecting the important information and supporting details from a written document. Looking for main
ideas and details is a common reading task. But, as mentioned previously, reading texts encountered in the workplace differ
from the selections most often used in reading programs. In such programs, the main idea is generally found in the topic
sentence at the beginning of a paragraph or occasionally in a concluding sentence. However, written communication found
in the workplace is often not constructed in such an organized manner. Consequently, the employee needs to be able to use
clues other than placement to identify the main ideas and important details.

Understanding Word Meanings


Although some basic vocabulary is involved in this skill area, the emphasis is on using context to determine specific word
meanings. The demands of the workplace progress from the need to know simple words and identify definitions clearly
stated in the reading to the need to use the context to determine the meanings of more difficult words. Jargon, technical
terminology, and words with multiple meanings are used increasingly as the contexts become more complex.

Applying Instructions
Conveying instructions is the principal purpose of a great deal of workplace communication. Skill in applying
instructions involves sequencing and generalizing. As in the other skill areas, the workplace requirements range from the
simple to the more complex. As the levels increase, the instructions contain more steps and conditionals are added. At
the lower levels, employees need only apply instructions to clearly described situations; at the higher levels, employees
must apply instructions to less similar and, eventually, to new situations.

Applying Information and Reasoning

Often, for effective performance of a task, it is necessary for employees to apply information given in workplace
communications to similar or new situations, to predict consequences of certain actions, and to understand the reasoning,
which may or may not be stated, behind a policy. As in the previous category, employees may be asked to apply information
and reasoning to clearly described situations at the lower levels, while, at higher levels, they must apply information and
reasoning to similar and then to new situations.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 21


WorkKeys Reading for Information Practice Set
This practice set gives examples of the reading materials and questions on the WorkKeys Reading for Information
assessment. It can help you understand the WorkKeys skill levels and give you practice for the actual WorkKeys
assessment. However, remember that this practice set is not a full-length test and your score is not a substitute for the
actual WorkKeys test score. The actual test consists of 33 questions and has a time limit of 45 minutes. Several questions
may be grouped together and relate to a single piece of reading material.

WorkKeys Reading for Information is the skill people use when they read and use written text in order to do a job. The
written texts include memos, letters, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies, and regulations. It is often the case that
workplace communications are not necessarily well-written or targeted to the appropriate audience. Reading for
Information materials do not include information that is presented graphically, such as in charts, forms, or blueprints.
There are five skill levels, from Level 3 to Level 7. As you move from Level 3 to Level 7, both the materials and the
tasks become more complex.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 22


Reading for Information Level 3
Individuals with Level 3 skills understand basic words and can identify main ideas. They understand how and when
to follow each step in a set of instructions and can use the instructions in situations that are the same as the one they
are reading about. Level 3 materials include simple instructions, company policies, and announcements. They are
short and straightforward, and contain basic vocabulary.

Memorandum

TO: All Production Employees


FROM: John Logan, Production Manager
SUBJECT: New Tool Policy

We will be changing from the 5-piece tool kits you each have to a standard set
of all 8 tools. Each employee will no longer have a set of tools. Instead, one new
tool set will be placed in each workstation's toolbox.

The new tool sets will be put at each station on the 3rd of next month. You must
turn in the old tool kit that you have been using to the tool room at that time. You
must pay for any tools missing from your tool kit when you turn it in.

You must report any missing tools from the new tool set. Get replacements if
necessary. Tools will be sharpened four times a month by maintenance. At other
times, take dull tools to the tool room and exchange them for new ones.

1. According to the memo shown, who must report any missing tools?

A. Maintenance employees
B. Production employees
C. The production manager
D. The tool room supervisor
E. The workstation manager

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 23


To: All Dietary Staff

From: Supervisor

RE: ITEMS TO MAKE WORK A BETTER PLACE

When throwing away empty boxes, please make sure all of them
are broken down. Flatten them before throwing them in the
dumpster. Our back parking lot was just resurfaced last Friday. It
looks very tacky if trash is all over it. Please stack the milk
crates neatly by the back door instead of just throwing them on
the ground.

Please check in the dish room area for late trays. Break down all
trays before going home. Put the napkins in the trash and the
silverware in the dishwasher baskets. Put the plates and
glasses to be washed in the dishwasher racks. You do not need
to turn the dishwasher back on.

2. You work in the kitchen of a hospital. According to the memo shown, where should you put empty milk crates?

A. By the back door


B. In the dish room
C. In the dumpster
D. In the milk truck
E. Next to the dishwasher

3. As part of your job in the hospital kitchen, you must clean the trays. According to the memo shown, where should
you put the silverware from the trays?

A. In the dish room


B. In the dishwasher baskets
C. In the dishwasher racks
D. In the drawer
E. In the trash

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 24


Reading for Information Level 4
Individuals with Level 4 skills can apply instructions to situations that are the same as the situations in the reading
materials. They can identify cause-effect relationships and understand words that are not defined for them, based on the
context. Level 4 materials may include several details or describe processes involving several steps.

Chadwick Senior High School


Fire Drill Schedule Notice

After the occurrence of a fire drill on any regular school


day, there will be schedule changes to allow the school
day to end at its normal time of 3:00 p.m. Fire drills
normally last a duration of 15-20 minutes. The period
in which the fire drill began is considered finished at
the end of the fire drill. When the fire drill is over, an
announcement will be made over the P.A. system
informing all faculty, staff, and students what period is
about to commence, so everyone knows where he or
she is supposed to be.

If the fire drill takes place during period 1, then all


subsequent periods are 42 minutes long, rather than
45, and bells will ring accordingly. If the fire drill takes
place any time during periods 2 through 6, then all
subsequent periods will be 40 minutes long and bells
will ring accordingly. If the fire drill takes place during
the second to last period (7), then the last period (8)
will be 38 minutes long and bells will ring accordingly.

1. You are a teacher’s assistant at Chadwick Senior High School. According to the notice shown, if a fire drill takes
place during period 1, each of the remaining periods will last:

A. 20 minutes.
B. 38 minutes.
C. 40 minutes.
D. 42 minutes.
E. 45 minutes.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 25


High Plains Insurance
FROM: James R. Whitney, Chief Executive Officer
TO: Sales Division

You are encouraged to attend a seminar titled “Techniques for Customer Retention” on July 14. It is
from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Hotel DeMeers. During the noon break, lunch will be served. If
you want to eat at the seminar luncheon, bring $8.50 that day to purchase your meal. You must
make that lunch reservation by 3:00 P.M. on July 10. Just contact the Human Resources Division’s
Victor Luchetti or Gloria Rogers.

We expect a lot of traffic in our building that morning. Therefore, departments will be released to
leave for the seminar at different times. Check your department bulletin board.

Limited parking at the hotel prevents employees from driving individually. Employees attending
the seminar should ride the city bus unless they travel in a carpool. We recommend the bus. If you
need to carpool, check your department bulletin board. It will have a sign-up sheet for volunteer
drivers. The city bus schedule for that day is as follows:

Leaves Tremont St. at 8:22; arrives at the Hotel DeMeers at 8:43.


Leaves Tremont St. at 8:32; arrives at the Hotel DeMeers at 8:51.

Notify your supervisor of any problem that would prevent you from attending.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 26


2. You are planning to carpool to the seminar. According to this memo, how should you determine when to leave?

A. Ask Gloria Rogers.


B. Ask James R. Whitney.
C. Ask your supervisor.
D. Check the department bulletin board.
E. Look at the carpool sign-up sheet.

3. You work in the sales division and will be on a business trip on July 14. According to the memo shown, you should:

A. check the bulletin board for information about the next seminar.
B. tell Gloria Rogers about your business trip.
C. tell Victor Luchetti that you will be out of town then.
D. tell your supervisor about your travel plans.
E. use the sign-up sheet to volunteer for the next seminar.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 27


Reading for Information Level 5
Individuals with Level 5 skills can apply information from reading materials to new situations that are similar to those
described in the materials and they can understand words and phrases with specialized or multiple meanings. Level 5
materials include company policies, procedures, and announcements. All the information in them is stated clearly and
directly, but there are many details.

Message
From: ford.kris at PO3 Sent: Tuesday, 10:43 AM
To: hartman.matt at PO3 Attachments:

Subject: login
Recent security upgrades to network servers have resulted in some confusion
regarding login screens. A procedure for handling the most common occurrence is
described below. You may want to print this out so you can refer to it when
logged out of the network. To prevent your network login from creating a second
login screen, follow this procedure:

At startup, your machine will present your server login screen (how you log in to
the network).
Click the More button in the lower right corner of the dialog box.
Four tabs will appear in the extended area of the dialog box. Choose the System
tab by clicking on it.
The options in this tab will include one for local username. Enter the username
that matches your server account (same as your e-mail, I would expect). Then
enter your password in the main dialog box, where it always goes, and log in.

- Kris

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 28


1. If you follow the steps of this procedure, what situation will you correct?

A. Being logged out of the network


B. Having a second login screen appear
C. Having to enter a password
D. Logging into an unmatched server account
E. Receiving unnecessary attachments

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 29


Vision Plus Program

All employees and their dependents are entitled to eye care under the
Vision Plus Program. Members may visit a participating optometrist or
ophthalmologist without getting a referral from your primary care
physician. Members should see the Participating Physician Directory for
participating optometrists and ophthalmologists in their area. The Vision
Plus Program covers routine eye examinations, though there will be a
copayment for each exam.

Plan members 50 years of age and over or plan members who wear
eyeglasses or contact lenses are eligible to have an eye examination
once in every 24-month period, unless they are under the age of 21, in
which case the plan covers an eye examination once in every 12-month
period. Members who do not wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and
who are under the age of 50 are covered once in every 36-month
period. Members 50 years of age and over who wear eyeglasses or
contact lenses may receive an eye exam once in every 12-month
period. Any time you experience eye problems or difficulties, see your
primary care physician, who will refer you to an ophthalmologist if
deemed medically appropriate. For emergency eye care outside of
your primary care physician's regular office hours, follow the guidelines for
emergency care as outlined in your Orion Healthcare Benefits Program
booklet.

Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses may be purchased anywhere.


Mail your paid receipt to Orion Healthcare to receive up to $100 in
reimbursement. This reimbursement is available once in any 24-month
period.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 30


2. You answer the hotline for plan members who have questions about the Vision Plus Program. A 38-year-old plan
member calls because she suspects that she has a slight infection in her eye. She does not wear eyeglasses or contact
lenses. Based on the policy shown, you should advise the plan member to:

A. consult her Participating Physician Directory for the name of an ophthalmologist.


B. determine how many months have passed since her last eye exam.
C. go to the hospital emergency room, as outlined in the benefits program booklet.
D. see an ophthalmologist, and expect to make a copayment at that time.
E. see her primary care physician.

3. You are a Vision Plus Program member. You have not had your eyes checked in several years. During a routine eye
exam, you are told that you need eyeglasses. According to the policy, you should:

A. apply for reimbursement in 24 months.


B. consult the Participating Physician Directory to find an approved vision center.
C. find glasses with the correct prescription for no more than $100.
D. mail a request for the $100 reimbursement to Orion Healthcare.
E. purchase the glasses and mail the receipt to Orion Healthcare.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 31


Reading for Information Level 6
Individuals with Level 6 skills can read and understand complex documents and generalize from the materials to new
situations. They can correctly apply complex instructions from these materials and understand the rationale behind
policies and procedures described in the materials. Level 6 materials may include complex regulatory and legal
documents, and rental agreements.

Section 199.781

(1) A multiple lift shall only be performed if the following criteria are met:
(i) A multiple lift rigging assembly is used;
(ii) A maximum of five members are hoisted per lift;
(iii) Only beams and similar steel structural members are lifted; and
(iv) All employees engaged in the multiple lift have been trained in
these procedures.
(v) No crane is permitted to be used for a multiple lift where such use
is contrary to the manufacturer's specifications and limitations.
(2) Components of the multiple lift rigging assembly shall be specifically
designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for total assembly and
for each individual attachment point. This capacity, certified by the
manufacturer or a qualified rigger, shall be based on the manufacturer's
specifications with a 5-to-1 safety factor for all components.
(3) The total load shall not exceed:
(i) The rated capacity of the hoisting equipment specified in the
hoisting equipment load charts;
(ii) The rigging capacity specified in the rigging rating chart.
(4) The multiple lift rigging assembly shall be rigged with members:
(i) Attached at their center of gravity and maintained reasonably level;
(ii) Rigged from top down; and
(iii) Rigged at least 7 feet apart.
(5) The members on the multiple lift rigging assembly shall be set from the
bottom up.
(6) Controlled load lowering shall be used whenever the load is over the
connectors.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 32


1. In Section 199.781, as shown, the term members refers to:

A. beams and similar steel structures.


B. components of the rigging assembly.
C. cranes used to perform multiple lifts.
D. employees who perform multiple lifts.
E. the rigging manufacturers.

2. As a construction worker, you are assisting with a multiple lift of five steel beams. The multiple lift rigging
assembly is rigged with the beams attached at their center of gravity and kept level, rigged from the top down, and
6 feet apart. This multiple lift is NOT lawful under Section 199.781, as shown, because:

A. it has too few beams.


B. it has too many beams.
C. the beams are rigged too close together.
D. the beams are rigged too far apart.
E. the beams should be rigged from the bottom up.

3. As specified in Section 199.781, a qualified rigger is responsible for:

A. certifying the maximum capacity of multiple lift rigging assembly components.


B. designing and assembling components of the multiple lift rigging assembly.
C. operating a crane for a multiple lift according to the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations.
D. supervising controlled load lowering whenever the load is over the connectors.
E. training employees engaged in multiple lifts when a multiple lift rigging assembly is used.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 33


Reading for Information Level 7
Individuals with Level 7 skills can figure out the underlying principles in complex documents and apply them to
situations that are quite different from any described in the materials. They can understand unfamiliar terms from the
context. Level 7 materials are densely detailed passages, such as excerpts from complex regulatory and legal
documents. They contain complicated concepts and procedures. The language includes jargon and technical terms.

Section 342f. Unfair Practices


A debt collector may not use unfair or excessive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt,
and such unfair or excessive means would constitute grounds for punishment under the statutes
of this commonwealth. The following conduct is a violation of this section:

1) The false representation that any debt collector is affiliated with or employed by the United
States Government or any relevant state or local government;
2) The collection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge, or expense incidental to
the principal obligation) from any indebted consumer unless such amount is expressly
authorized by the agreement creating the original debt;
3) The publication of a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay debts;
4) The solicitation by a debt collector of any postdated check for the purpose of threatening
criminal prosecution;
5) Causing charges to be made to any person by concealing the true purpose of the
communication. Such charges include, but are not limited to, collect telephone calls and
telegrams;
6) Engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to
annoy, abuse, or harass;
7) Communicating with a consumer via a postcard, or other unsealed, indiscreet mail device,
regarding a debt;
8) Using any language or symbol, other than the debt collector’s address, on any envelope
when communicating with a consumer by use of the mails, except that a debt collector may
use his or her business name in the return address if that name does not indicate that he or
she is in the debt collection business.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 34


1. As a debt collector you send a letter with no return address, asking a man for full payment of a medical bill
by the end of the following week. When he does not pay, you phone him and ask for payment. He claims
that you are harassing him. Based on Section 342f, is he correct?

A. No, because there was no violation with either the letter or the phone call.
B. No, because your letter did not threaten criminal prosecution.
C. Yes, because the telephone call constitutes intentional harassment.
D. Yes, because you contacted him repeatedly.
E. Yes, because you misrepresented yourself on the envelope.

2. You work for a private company and you are trying to contact an indebted consumer who hangs up the
phone as soon as you identify yourself. Based on Section 342f, to contact this person, you should:

A. call once more and say that you work for the U.S. government.
B. continue to call until the consumer stays on the phone.
C. hire a messenger to deliver the information at the consumer’s expense.
D. leave an unsealed note with the consumer’s employer.
E. mail the information to the consumer in a plain white envelope.

3. You contacted an indebted consumer who agrees to pay off the original debt, but refuses to pay your
company’s fee of $30. Will you violate Section 342f if you demand payment of this charge?

A. No; the consumer is liable for all expenses incidental to the principal obligation.
B. No; this fee must be paid if it was agreed upon during the origination of the debt.
C. Yes; solicitation by a debt collector for any amount, including a fee, is not permitted.
D. Yes; the fee charged to the consumer by your company is excessive and unfair.
E. Yes; your attempts to collect your company’s fee would be considered harassing.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 35


An Important Consideration about the Answers to the Practice Sets

Some WorkKeys questions have a response choice (the “key”) that can be clearly defined as right or correct and other
response choices (the “distractors” or “foils”) that can be identified as wrong or incorrect. Many WorkKeys questions,
however, are in a best-response format: the keyed response is simply the best of those available. It is important to keep
this in mind when discussing such questions, since it will sometimes be possible to think of responses that would be better
than any of those offered, or to defend a distractor as not entirely wrong. Best-response formats are consistent with the
real world, where choices among less-than-perfect alternatives are routinely the case.

Answers to Reading for Information Level 3 Practice Set


Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 1

A. Incorrect. Maintenance employees. Maintenance employees sharpen the tools; they do not report missing tools.
B. Correct. Production employees. The memo is written to “All Production Employees” and states, “You must
report any missing tools.”
C. Incorrect. The Production Manager. Since the Production Manager is the author of the policy, the reader might
assume this person is responsible for these tasks.
D. Incorrect. The tool room supervisor. There is no mention of a tool room supervisor. The tool room is mentioned
as a place to take dull tools, but the tool room supervisor is not who will report missing tools.
E. Incorrect. The workstation manager. Although workstations are mentioned, there is no indication of a
workstation manager or of a workstation manager’s duties.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 2

A. Correct. By the back door. The memo states, “Please stack the milk crates neatly by the back door….”
B. Incorrect. In the dish room. The dish room area is where late trays, dishes, glasses, and silverware go, not the
milk crates.
C. Incorrect. In the dumpster. The dumpster is where the trash and boxes are to be placed, not the milk crates.
D. Incorrect. In the milk truck. Although it is likely that a milk truck drops off and picks up the milk crates, this is
never discussed in the memo.
E. Incorrect. Next to the dishwasher. The memo specifically states to stack the milk crates by the back door.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 3

A. Incorrect. In the dish room. The dish room is where an employee may find late trays. The dishwasher and
baskets are not necessarily in the dish room and the specific instructions in the memo are to put the silverware in
the dishwasher baskets.
B. Correct. In the dishwasher baskets. The memo states, “Put the napkins in the trash and the silverware in the
dishwasher baskets.”
C. Incorrect. In the dishwasher racks. The plates and glasses are to be put in the dishwasher racks, not the
silverware.
D. Incorrect. In the drawer. A drawer is a common location for silverware, but the memo does not say to put the
silverware there.
E. Incorrect. In the trash. Napkins are to be put in the trash but not the silverware.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 36


Answers to Reading for Information Level 4 Practice Set
Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 1

A. Incorrect. 20 minutes. Twenty minutes is a typical length of time for a fire drill; it is not the length of any class
period.
B. Incorrect. 38 minutes. Thirty-eight minutes is the length of the last class period if a fire drill takes place during
period 7.
C. Incorrect. 40 minutes. Forty minutes is the length of the remaining class periods if a fire drill takes place any
time during periods 2 through 6.
D. Correct. 42 minutes. Forty-two minutes is the length of the remaining class periods if a fire drill takes place
during period 1. The notice states, “If the fire drill takes place during period 1, then all subsequent periods are 42
minutes long, rather than 45, and bells will ring accordingly.”
E. Incorrect. 45 minutes. Forty-five minutes is the normal length of class periods without any fire drills.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 2

A. Incorrect. Ask Gloria Rogers. According to the memo, you should contact Gloria Rogers in Human Resources if
you want to eat lunch at the hotel, not to ask when to leave.
B. Incorrect. Ask James R. Whitney. James R. Whitney is the Chief Executive Officer who wrote the memo.
C. Incorrect. Ask your supervisor. According to the memo, you should “Notify your supervisor of any problem that
would prevent you from attending.” It says to notify, not ask.
D. Correct. Check the department bulletin board. According to the second paragraph, “Therefore, departments will
be released to leave...at different times. Check your department bulletin board.”
E. Incorrect. Look at the carpool sign-up sheet. Although the memo states that the carpool sign-up sheet will be
posted on the department bulletin board, this sheet is not where one will find release times.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 3

A. Incorrect. Check the bulletin board for information about the next seminar. You should check the bulletin board
for the times that different departments will leave for the seminar. There is no mention in the memo of the next
seminar or if there is one.
B. Incorrect. Tell Gloria Rogers about your business trip. Victor Luchetti or Gloria Rogers should be contacted
regarding reservations for lunch.
C. Incorrect. Tell Victor Luchetti that you will be out of town then. Victor Luchetti or Gloria Rogers should be
contacted regarding reservations for lunch.
D. Correct. Tell your supervisor about your travel plans. The memo conveys that attendance at the seminar is
encouraged and that you should “Notify your supervisor of any problem that would prevent you from attending.”
E. Incorrect. Use the sign-up sheet to volunteer for the next seminar. The sign-up sheet is only for those who are
willing to drive the carpool vehicles.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 37


Answers to Reading for Information Level 5 Practice Set
Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 1

A. Incorrect. Being logged out of the network. There is no indication that being logged out of the network is a problem
that needs correcting.
B. Correct. Having a second login screen appear. The fourth sentence states, “To prevent your network login from
creating a second login screen, follow this procedure.”
C. Incorrect. Having to enter a password. You must still enter a password at the end of the procedure. It is not
indicated as a problem.
D. Incorrect. Logging into an unmatched server account. No procedures are mentioned for logging into an unmatched
server account.
E. Incorrect. Receiving unnecessary attachments. No mention of unnecessary attachments is made, although
there is an attachment label in the heading.

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 2

A. Incorrect. Consult her Participating Physician Directory for the name of an ophthalmologist. Members should
consult the directory for an optometrist or ophthalmologist whom they can see without a referral. The same
paragraph says that the Vision Plus program partially covers routine eye exams, thus implying that these are the
type of exams you would need the directory for. Later, however, the policy says, “Any time you experience eye
problems or difficulties, see your primary care physician, who will refer you to an ophthalmologist if deemed
medically appropriate.”
B. Incorrect. Determine how many months have passed since her last eye exam. The time limits refer to routine
eye exams, not to treatment of eye problems or difficulties.
C. Incorrect. Go to the hospital emergency room as outlined in the benefits program booklet. The policy states that
members who experience eye problems should see their primary care physician for a referral. The plan member
only “suspects” a “slight” infection which does not indicate a need for emergency care.
D. Incorrect. See an ophthalmologist and expect to make a copayment at that time. Members should see their
primary care physician when they experience eye problems. Although the policy states that copayments are
necessary for routine eye exams, the policy says nothing about copayments for nonroutine eye care.
E. Correct. See her primary care physician. The policy says, “Any time you experience eye problems or
difficulties, see your primary care physician, who will refer you to an opthalmologist if deemed medically
appropriate.”

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 3

A. Incorrect. Apply for reimbursement in 24 months. The policy states that reimbursement for glasses or contacts
is available once “in any 24-month period.” However, a person who has never submitted a reimbursement for
eyeglasses would not have to wait 24 months to receive reimbursement. The person should buy the glasses,
then mail the receipt to Orion Healthcare.
B. Incorrect. Consult the Participating Physician Directory to find an approved vision center. Plan members should
use the Directory to find participating ophthalmologists or optometrists. They can buy glasses or contacts
anywhere (e.g., at an optician’s office).
C. Incorrect. Find glasses with the correct prescription for no more than $100. The policy says, “Mail your paid
receipt to Orion Healthcare to receive up to $100 in reimbursement.” “Up to $100” means that the program will
cover no more than $100 toward glasses or contacts. The member can spend more than $100, but only $100
will be reimbursed. A member who spends $75 on glasses or contacts will be reimbursed $75.
D. Incorrect. Mail a request for the $100 reimbursement to Orion Healthcare. Plan members must first purchase
their glasses, and then mail the receipt to Orion.
E. Correct. Purchase the glasses and mail the receipt to Orion Healthcare. Plan members may purchase their
glasses anywhere and then mail the paid receipt to Orion for reimbursement.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 38


Answers to Reading for Information Level 6 Practice Set
Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 1

A. Correct. Beams and similar steel structures. The Section uses this term once early in the passage (“Only
beams and similar steel structural members are lifted”) to refer to such items, then uses the term members alone
thereafter in the regulations.
B. Incorrect. Components of the rigging assembly. The term members refers to items being lifted (“A maximum of
five members are hoisted per lift,” and “Only beams and similar steel structural members are lifted”) whereas the
components of the rigging assembly are part of the apparatus doing the lifting.
C. Incorrect. Cranes used to perform multiple lifts. The term members refers to items being lifted, whereas a crane
is used to perform lifts.
D. Incorrect. Employees who perform multiple lifts. The term members refers to items being lifted, not to workers
doing the lifting, even though one common use of the word member is an individual working as part of a team.
E. Incorrect. The rigging manufacturers. The rigging manufacturers determine the specifications for the assembly,
but the term members refers to items being lifted.

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 2

A. Incorrect. It has too few beams. No minimum number of beams is given. The section does state, “A maximum of
five members are hoisted per lift,” the number of beams in the multiple lift described in the problem. No minimum
is given.
B. Incorrect. It has too many beams. The section states, “A maximum of five members are hoisted per lift,” which is
the number described in this problem.
C. Correct. The beams are rigged too close together. The beams in the multiple lift described are rigged 6 feet
apart, and the section specifies that they must be “rigged at least 7 feet apart.” Therefore, the multiple lift is
unlawful because the beams are rigged too close together.
D. Incorrect. The beams are rigged too far apart. The beams in the multiple lift described are rigged 6 feet apart,
and the section specifies that they must be “rigged at least 7 feet apart.” Therefore, the multiple lift is unlawful
because the beams are rigged too close together, not too far apart.
E. Incorrect. The beams should be rigged from bottom up. The section specifies that the beams in the multiple lift
rigging assembly must be “rigged from top down,” as they are in the lift described. They should be set (not
rigged), from the bottom up (See part #5).

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 3

A. Correct. Certifying the maximum capacity of multiple lift rigging assembly components. Part (2) of Section
199.781 states, “Components of the multiple lift rigging assembly shall be specifically designed and assembled
with a maximum capacity for total assembly and for each individual attachment point. This capacity, certified by
the manufacturer or a qualified rigger, shall be based on the manufacturer’s specifications with a 5-to-1 safety
factor for all components.” Thus, a qualified rigger (or the manufacturer) must certify the maximum capacity of
multiple lift rigging assembly components.
B. Incorrect. Designing and assembling components of the multiple lift rigging assembly. Although the multiple lift
rigging assembly components need to be “specifically designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for
total assembly and for each individual attachment point,” the responsibility for that design and assembly is not
assigned to anyone in this section of the regulations.
C. Incorrect. Operating a crane for a multiple lift according to the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations. The
use of a crane for multiple lifts is mentioned in part (1), but the regulations say only that cranes must be operated
within the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations, not who is responsible for operating them.
D. Incorrect. Supervising controlled load lowering whenever the load is over the connectors. Controlled load
lowering is mentioned in part (6), but the responsibility for supervising that task is not assigned to anyone by this
section of the regulations.
E. Incorrect. Training employees engaged in multiple lifts when a multiple lift rigging assembly is used. Training of
employees engaged in multiple lifts is mentioned in part (1), but there is no specific training responsibility given to
a qualified rigger.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 39


Answers to Reading for Information Level 7 Practice Set
Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 1

A. Correct. No, because there was no violation with either the letter or the phone call. There is no mention of
misrepresentation, publishing of the debt, or extra charges; there is no return address on the envelope so you
are not identified publicly as a collection agency; and one phone call asking for payment does not constitute
harassment.
B. Incorrect. No, because your letter did not threaten criminal prosecution. There is no requirement to threaten
prosecution in these circumstances.
C. Incorrect. Yes, because the telephone call constitutes intentional harassment. Since the debt collector only
phoned once and asked for payment, this would not constitute harassment.
D. Incorrect. Yes, because you contacted him repeatedly. This is true but, based on the rules, neither of the two
means were excessive.
E. Incorrect. Yes, because you misrepresented yourself on the envelope. There is no indication of any
misrepresentation, and failing to include a return address is not a violation. In fact, the envelope must not include
any indication of the sender being a debt collector.

Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 2

A. Incorrect. Call once more and say that you work for the U.S. government. The first point states that false
representation of the collector as a government employee is not allowed. This collector works for a private
company.
B. Incorrect. Continue to call until the consumer stays on the phone. This would be considered harassment, which
is not allowed according to point 6.
C. Incorrect. Hire a messenger to deliver the information at the consumer’s expense. Point 5 states that causing
the consumer to pay charges and concealing the true purpose of the communication is not allowed.
D. Incorrect. Leave an unsealed note with the consumer’s employer. Although not directly addressed, this would
be an unsealed, indiscreet device even though it is not sent by mail. It is evident from the whole passage that
publicly displaying the debt in any way is considered unfair and excessive.
E. Correct. Mail the information to the consumer in a plain white envelope. Point 8 prohibits “Using any language
or symbol, other than the debt collector’s address, on any envelope when communicating with a consumer by the
use of the mails….” It does not prohibit the omission of a return address.

Answer to Level 7 Sample Item 3

A. Incorrect. No; the consumer is liable for all expenses incidental to the principal obligation. One of the practices
prohibited by Section 342f is “The collection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge, or expense
incidental to the principal obligation)….” Unless agreed upon in the original agreement of the debt, the consumer
is not liable for any expenses incurred by trying to get payment of the original amount.
B. Correct. No; this fee must be paid if it was agreed upon during the origination of the debt. The regulation
prohibits “The collection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge, or expense incidental to the principal
obligation) from any indebted consumer unless such amount is expressly authorized by the agreement creating
the original debt.” If the fee was agreed to, you can demand payment.
C. Incorrect. Yes; solicitation by a debt collector for any amount, including a fee, is not permitted. Point 2 allows
these fees if they are described in the original agreement.
D. Incorrect. Yes; the fee charged to the consumer by your company is excessive and unfair. Although the subject
of Section 342f is excessive and unfair practices, there is no limit placed on fees as long as they are in the
original agreement.
E. Incorrect. Yes; your attempts to collect your company’s fee would be considered harassing. Harassment is
mentioned in these regulations in connection with repeated phone calls and the intent to annoy someone. The
question asks only if you can demand payment of this fee.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 40


WorkKeys Locating Information Assessment
Locating Information is skill in dealing with workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts,
diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instrument gauges. Workers use this skill when they find information in a graphic or add
information to a graphic. They also use it when they compare, summarize, and analyze information found in related
graphics. While Locating Information is extremely important in the workplace, it is not usually taught as a standalone
skill in the classroom. It is, therefore, critical to strengthen your Locating Information skills and to develop your problem-
solving strategies. Individuals possessing these Locating Information skills will be able to successfully tackle new
situations involving graphics problems in the workplace.

There are four levels in the Locating Information skill scale, and the skills included can be loosely grouped into five
categories:

Finding information
This requires looking for information in simple graphics and filling in information that is missing from simple graphics.
Employees may be asked to find basic information in a pie chart, or add missing information to a basic order form.

Summarizing and/or comparing information


Employees must often understand how graphics are related to each other and be able to summarize information from
graphics. They might use a parts table and shipping ticket together or an inventory table to find which maple trees are
taller than four feet, are less than $50, and are in a particular sales region.

Drawing conclusions
Workers must often draw conclusions based on one complicated graphic or several related graphics. They might use a
detailed line graph to find how sales of five separate products changed from March to July.

Applying information

This requires sorting through distracting information to apply information from one or more complicated graphics to
specific situations. Employees may use multiple schedule forms and clinic maps to schedule appointments for several
people to visit doctors, clinicians, and labs in various parts of a large hospital.

Making decisions and/or predictions


Employees must identify trends shown in one or more detailed or complicated graphics, and use the information to make
decisions. They might use handling forms, facility maps, and storage guidelines to figure out where to put a product that
is highly flammable and/or corrosive.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 41


WorkKeys Locating Information Practice Set
This practice set can help you understand the WorkKeys skill levels and give you practice for the actual WorkKeys
assessment. However, remember that this practice set is not a full-length test and your score is not a substitute for an
actual WorkKeys test score. The actual test consists of 38 questions and has a time limit of 45 minutes. Two questions
may be grouped together and relate to a single graphic or set of graphics.

WorkKeys Locating Information is the skill people use when they deal with workplace graphics such as charts, graphs,
tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps, and instrument gauges. Employees use this skill when they find
information in a graphic or add information to a graphic. They also use it when they compare, summarize, and analyze
information found in related graphics. There are four skill levels, from Level 3 to Level 6. As you move from Level 3 to
Level 7, both the graphics and the tasks become more complex.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 42


Locating Information Level 3

Level 3 workplace graphics are elementary. They may be simple order forms, bar graphs, tables, flowcharts, maps,
instrument gauges, or floor plans. At Level 3, examinees use one graphic at a time.

When examinees have Level 3 Locating Information skills:


• They can find one or two pieces of information in a graphic.
• They can fill in one or two pieces of information that are missing from a graphic.

1. Your job is to insert the Moon phase symbols into the calendars your company produces. According to the table,
which Moon phase symbol, if any, should you paste on March 28?

A.

B.

C.

D.
E. No Moon phase symbol should be inserted on March 28.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 43


2. As a cashier, you close out your register by completing a closing form and putting the drawer contents into a bank
bag. According to the closing form shown, what is the amount in checks?

A. $0,100.00
B. $0,567.87
C. $0,643.78
D. $0,989.04
E. $2,568.83

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 44


3. You work in the head office of a large company. A client calls from New York and wants to talk to the account
executive for that region. Who should the client talk to?

A. Alice Anderson
B. Lars Larson
C. Kelly Carney
D. Thurmond Salkick
E. Dan Elizondo

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 45


4. A customer has returned a rental car. What damages, as indicated on the form shown, were present before the car
was rented?

A. A ding on the hood and a scratch on the driver’s side


B. A ding on the hood and a scratch on the passenger’s side
C. A ding on the hood only
D. A scratch on the hood and a ding on the driver’s side
E. A scratch on the hood only

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 46


Locating Information Level 4
Level 4 workplace graphics are straightforward. They may be basic order forms, diagrams, line graphs, tables, flowcharts,
instrument gauges, or maps. At Level 4, examinees may work with one or two graphics at a time.

When examinees have Level 4 Locating Information skills:


• They can find several pieces of information in graphics.
• They can notice how graphics are related to each other.
• They can sum up information shown in straightforward graphics.
• They can identify trends shown in straightforward graphics.
• They can compare information and trends shown in straightforward graphics.

1. As a clerk in the warranty department, you enter information from warranty cards into a computer. According to the
warranty card shown, what type and model of appliance was purchased?

A. Microwave #4692
B. Microwave #62987
C. Microwave #83771210
D. Refrigerator #4692
E. Refrigerator #83771210

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2. You work in the information booth at a mall. A mall customer asks where the entrance of the Public Library is
located. You tell the customer that the library entrance is at the corner of:

A. B Street and 2nd Avenue.


B. D Street and 6th Avenue.
C. E Street and 6th Avenue.
D. F Street and 7th Avenue.
E. H Street and 5th Avenue.

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3. As a medical assistant, you must plot patients’ growth on a growth chart. You have just measured a 14-year-old girl
who has grown four centimeters in the last year. According to the chart shown, this patient’s growth rate is:

A. equal to the average rate of boys her age.


B. equal to the average rate of girls her age.
C. off the chart for growth rate.
D. slightly less than the average rate of girls her age.
E. slightly more than the average rate of girls her age.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 49


4. You work in the classified ad department. A customer wants to place a 5-line ad for as long as possible, but he does
not want to spend more than $45.00. Based on the tables shown, you should tell the customer that he should place
his ad using:

A. Package 1 for 3 days.


B. Package 1 for 5 days.
C. Package 1 for 7 days.
D. Package 2 for 5 days.
E. Package 2 for 7 days.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 50


Locating Information Level 5
Level 5 workplace graphics are complicated. The graphics are sometimes in an unusual format. They may be detailed
forms, tables, graphs, diagrams, maps, or instrument gauges. At Level 5, examinees may work with one or more graphics
at a time.

When examinees have Level 5 Locating Information skills:


• They can sort through distracting information.
• They can sum up information shown in detailed graphics.
• They can identify trends shown in detailed graphics.
• They can compare information and trends shown in detailed graphics.

1. You are a sportswriter and are writing about the World League Mushball Tournament. You are doing an article on
the two wild-card teams – the two teams with the best record who are not division leaders. According to the table
shown, which two teams are the wild-card teams?

A. Algiers and Honolulu


B. Berlin and Mexico City
C. Buenos Aires and Madrid
D. Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro
E. Rio de Janeiro and Algiers

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 51


2. You are a laboratory supervisor and are checking the work of a new tech assistant. Which test has an incorrect
color/type interpretation?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

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3. As a county watershed control assistant, you must examine monthly discharge rates for creeks, rivers, and streams in
your county. For the date of June 19th, which creek had the highest discharge and what was that discharge?

A. Blue View Creek, 185


B. Middle Creek, 800
C. Middle Creek, 1000
D. Sandy Creek, 195
E. Sandy Creek, 950

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4. As a wellness center technician, you perform Bone Mineral Density (BMD) screenings in order to determine a
client’s risk for osteoporotic fracture. According to the form and graph shown, this client should be advised that she
is at:

A. low risk and the results should be reported at her next checkup.
B. low risk and she should make an appointment with her doctor later this month.
C. moderate risk and the results should be reported at her next checkup.
D. moderate risk and she should make an appointment with her doctor later this month.
E. high risk and she should see the doctor immediately.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 54


Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 55
Locating Information Level 6
Level 6 workplace graphics are complicated. They contain large amounts of information and may have challenging
formats. Sometimes they involve technical terms or symbols. They may be very detailed graphs, charts, tables, forms,
maps, or diagrams. At Level 6, examinees may work with one or more graphics at a time.

When examinees have Level 6 Locating Information skills:


• They can analyze data in one complicated graphic or several related graphics.
• They can apply the information to specific situations.
• They can use the information to make decisions.
• They can use the information to draw conclusions.

1. You schedule appointments for Dr. Wahl following the guidelines shown. It is Monday morning, and Dr. Wahl finds
out that the afternoon meeting she was scheduled to attend has been canceled, so you can schedule call-in patients for
this afternoon. After this afternoon, Dr. Wahl’s next available appointment is in three weeks. Based on the charts
shown, the first two patients you should try to schedule for this afternoon are:

A. Allan and Ambili.


B. Ambili and Tally.
C. Ambili and Wessel.
D. Floyd and LaPlante.
E. Kapy and Lopez.

2. You have just scheduled Tito Brooks for Friday afternoon, and he calls back to ask how long his appointment will
take. After looking at the information shown, you know that he should be in the office for:

A. 30 minutes.
B. 30 minutes + 15 minutes.
C. 30 minutes + 15 minutes + 15 minutes.
D. 1 hour + 30 minutes.
E. all of Friday afternoon.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 56


Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 57
3. You are a finance research assistant with a company that purchases smaller companies. You use the chart and table
shown to compare prospective buys with current companies. Your company only purchases companies in the 90th
percentile. Which company fits that prerequisite for purchase?

A. JMO Clothiers
B. Kenai Kampgoods
C. Northmann Cookies
D. Pierre’s
E. Wolfware Software

4. You work for a business that purchases smaller companies. You use the information shown to compare prospective
buys with current companies. Your supervisor wants you to look at Office Bytes, a 6-year-old computer company
that earned a $723,000 profit last year. Using the chart and information shown, how does Office Bytes compare to
Wolfware Software?

A. Both Office Bytes and Wolfware Software are in the Median percentile.
B. Both Office Bytes and Wolfware Software are in the 75th percentile.
C. Office Bytes is in the 25th percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the Median percentile.
D. Office Bytes is in the Median percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the 75th percentile.
E. Office Bytes is in the 75th percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the Median percentile.

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Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 59
An Important Consideration about the Answers to the Practice Sets

Some WorkKeys questions have a response choice (the “key”) that can be clearly defined as right or correct and other
response choices (the “distractors” or “foils”) that can be identified as wrong or incorrect. Many WorkKeys questions,
however, are in a best-response format: the keyed response is simply the best of those available. It is important to keep
this in mind when discussing such questions, since it will sometimes be possible to think of responses that would be better
than any of those offered, or to defend a distractor as not entirely wrong. Best-response formats are consistent with the
real world, where choices among less-than-perfect alternatives are routinely the case.

Answers to Locating Information Level 3 Practice Set


Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 1

A. Incorrect. Although this “First Quarter” Moon phase symbol is indicated for January 6, February 4, March
6, and April 4, it is not the correct Moon phase symbol for March 28.

B. Incorrect. Although this “Full” Moon phase symbol is indicated for January 13, February 11, March 13, and
April 11, it is not the correct Moon phase symbol for March 28.

C. Incorrect. Although this “Last Quarter” Moon phase symbol is indicated for January 20, February 18,
March 20, and April 18, it is not the correct Moon phase symbol for March 28.

D. Correct. First follow the March column down to find “28” in the bottom row. Then follow that row to the left
to see that the correct Moon phase symbol for March 28 is “New.”
E. Incorrect. No Moon phase symbol should be inserted on March 28. March 28 is listed on the form as a “New”
Moon.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 2


A. Incorrect. $100.00. According to the closing form shown, $100 is the amount in hundreds.
B. Correct. $567.87. Follow the form down to find “Checks” on the left, then move to the right to see that the
amount in checks is $567.87.
C. Incorrect. $643.78. According to the closing form shown, $643.78 is the amount charged on VCharge.
D. Incorrect. $989.04. According to the closing form shown, $989.04 is the amount charged on CardMaster.
E. Incorrect. $2,568.83. According to the closing form shown, $2,568.83 is the total amount.

Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 3


A. Incorrect. Alice Anderson. Although Alice Anderson represents the East Central region, New York is in the
Northeast region.
B. Incorrect. Lars Larson. Although Lars Larson represents the Great Lakes region, New York is in the Northeast
region.
C. Incorrect. Kelly Carney. Although Kelly Carney represents the Midwest region, New York is in the Northeast
region.
D. Correct. Thurmond Salkick. First locate “New York” in the “States Assigned” column. It is in the fourth row that
begins with “Connecticut, Maine...” Then follow that row to the left to see that Thurmond Salkick is the Account
Executive for the Northeast region.
E. Incorrect. Dan Elizondo. Although Dan Elizondo represents the Southeast region, New York is in the Northeast
region.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 60


Answer to Level 3 Sample Item 4

A. Correct. A ding on the hood and a scratch on the driver’s side. The form graphically indicates this damage. The
handwritten text “ding” has a line pointing to the hood, and the handwritten text “scratch” has a line pointing to the
driver’s side.
B. Incorrect. A ding on the hood and a scratch on the passenger’s side. The form does show a ding on the hood,
but the scratch is on the driver’s side rather than on the passenger’s side.
C. Incorrect. A ding on the hood only. The form does show a ding on the hood, but this is not the only damage
indicated; there is also a scratch on the driver’s side.
D. Incorrect. A scratch on the hood and a ding on the driver’s side. This is the reverse of what is shown on the form.
The ding is on the hood and the scratch is on the driver’s side.
E. Incorrect. A scratch on the hood only. While a scratch and the hood are present in the graphic, a ding is on the
hood and a scratch is on the driver’s side.

Answers to Locating Information Level 4 Practice Set


Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 1
A. Correct. Microwave #4692. The microwave box is checked and the model number is “4692.”
B. Incorrect. Microwave #62987. Although the microwave box is checked, “62987” is the dealer zip code.
C. Incorrect. Microwave #83771210. Although the microwave box is checked, “83771210” is the serial number, not
the model number.
D. Incorrect. Refrigerator #4692. Although the model number is correct and the checked box is close to
“Refrigerator,” that box belongs to “Microwave.”
E. Incorrect. Refrigerator #83771210. The checked box is close to “Refrigerator,” but that box belongs to
“Microwave.” Also, “83771210” is the serial number, not the model number.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 2


A. Incorrect. B Street and 2nd Avenue. This is where the Shopping Mall entrance is located, not the Library
entrance.
B. Incorrect. D Street and 6th Avenue. While the Library is near here, the entrance is not on D Street.
C. Correct. E Street and 6th Avenue. The legend explains that the star shows the location of the main entrance.
The entrance of the Library is found at the corner of E Street and 6th Avenue.
D. Incorrect. F Street and 7th Avenue. Although F Street and 7th Avenue is near the entrance and below the words
“Public Library,” it is one block away from the entrance.
E. Incorrect. H Street and 5th Avenue. H Street and 5th Avenue is the location of the City Hall entrance.

Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 3


A. Incorrect. equal to the average rate of boys her age. The chart indicates that the average growth rate of 14-year-
old boys would be closer to 6.5 centimeters. This patient’s growth rate (4 centimeters) is slightly less than the
average height gain of girls her age (4.7 centimeters), as indicated by the dotted line.
B. Incorrect. equal to the average rate of girls her age. Although this patient’s growth rate comes close to the dotted
line for girls, it is slightly less than the average, not equal to it.
C. Incorrect. off the chart for growth rate. This patient’s growth rate is slightly less than the average (indicated by
the dotted line), not off the chart.
D. Correct. slightly less than the average rate of girls her age. Locate the 4 on the axis labeled “Average height
gain per year in centimeters” and follow the line until it reaches the 14 on the “Age in years” axis. Four cm is
slightly below the dotted line that the key indicates represents “Girls.” This means that the patient’s growth rate is
slightly below, or less than, the average rate for 14-year-old girls, which the table shows as 4.7 centimeters per
year.
E. Incorrect. slightly more than the average rate of girls her age. This patient’s growth rate is slightly less than the
average (indicated by the dotted line), not above/more than the average.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 61


Answer to Level 4 Sample Item 4
A. Incorrect. Package 1 for 3 days. Although $40.85 is within the $45.00 budget for a 5-line ad, the ad will run for
only 3 days. There is a better answer—the same package for 5 days—which meets the customer’s request for
“as long as possible” and is still under $45.00.
B. Correct. Package 1 for 5 days. The dollar amount closest to but not exceeding the $45.00 amount given for 5
lines in Package 1 is for 5 days ($44.80). The dollar amount closest to but not exceeding $45.00 for 5 lines in
Package 2 runs for only 1 day ($38.55). Because the ad will run much longer under Package 1, “Package 1 for 5
days” is the best answer.
C. Incorrect. Package 1 for 7 days. Although the ad would run for the longest number of days shown on the table
(7 days), five lines of text for 7 days in Package 1 is $50.70, which exceeds the customer’s budget of $45.00.
D. Incorrect. Package 2 for 5 days. Although the ad would run for 5 days, 5 lines of text in Package 2 is $50.00,
which exceeds the customer’s budget of $45.00.
E. Incorrect. Package 2 for 7 days. Although the ad would run for the longest number of days shown on the table
(7 days), the price located on the table ($55.90) exceeds the customer’s budget of $45.00.

Answers to Locating Information Level 5 Practice Set


Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 1
A. Incorrect. Algiers and Honolulu. Although Algiers is considered a wild-card team, Honolulu has only won 29
games compared to Rio de Janeiro’s 31.
B. Incorrect. Berlin and Mexico City. Although Berlin and Mexico City are in second place in their respective
divisions, Algiers and Rio de Janeiro have more wins.
C. Incorrect. Buenos Aires and Madrid. Madrid and Buenos Aires are the two teams with the best records, but they
are division leaders and therefore not wild-card teams.
D. Incorrect. Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro. Although Rio de Janeiro is considered a wild-card team, Mexico City
has only won 28 games compared to Algiers’s 30.
E. Correct. Rio de Janeiro and Algiers. Since each team at the top of its division would be a “division leader,” these
teams are not included in the comparison. Compare the win records of each of the remaining teams to find that
Rio de Janeiro and Algiers have the most wins, and would be considered the wild-card teams.

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 2


A. Incorrect. 1. These readings fit within the correct wavelength category for “blue.”
B. Incorrect. 2. These readings fit within the correct wavelength category for “green.”
C. Incorrect. 3. Because these readings are less than 400 nm, they fall within the “UV” range.
D. Correct. 4. Compare the nm readings in the columns labeled “Trial A” and “Trial B” to the wavelength chart
shown above the table. Then compare the colors in the chart to what was entered in the column labeled
“Color/Type.” The readings under Test 4, which are 610 and 615, fall into the orange section on the chart, but
they are listed as “red” in the table. This is an incorrect color/type interpretation.
E. Incorrect. 5. These readings fit within the correct wavelength category for “blue.”

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 3


A. Incorrect. Blue View Creek, 185. The chart shows a peak for Blue View Creek on about the 18th. By the 19th, the
read for this creek is at about 500, not 185.
B. Incorrect. Middle Creek, 800. Although 800 is Middle Creek’s reading for the 19th, this is not the highest
discharge for that date.
C. Incorrect. Middle Creek, 1000. Although 1000 is the highest discharge for the entire month of June, it not the
highest discharge for the 19th.
D. Incorrect. Sandy Creek, 195. Although Sandy Creek was the creek with the highest discharge on the 19th, the
reading for the discharge is 950, not 195.
E. Correct. Sandy Creek, 950. Look just left of the 20 mark (where “19” would be) on the axis labeled “June.” The
line representing Sandy Creek (as indicated by the legend) is the highest on the graph for this date, and it is
between the marks indicating discharge rates of 900 and 1000.

Answer to Level 5 Sample Item 4

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 62


A. Correct. low risk and the results should be reported at her next checkup. Look at the graph’s axes to determine
which pieces of data must be taken from the Patient Data form to be plotted on the graph. The y-axis is a BUA
reading, and the x-axis is the client’s age. On the Patient Data form, these two numbers are 86 and 55,
respectively. Plot this point on the BUA graph to find that it falls in the shaded zone identified as “Low.” On the
bottom of the Patient Data sheet, the recommendation for clients at “Low Risk” is to report the results to the
doctor at the client’s next regular checkup.
B. Incorrect. low risk and she should make an appointment with her doctor later this month. Although her risk is low,
the recommendation is to report the results at her next checkup, not make an appointment for later this month.
C. Incorrect. moderate risk and the results should be reported at her next checkup. Although the recommendation
to report results at her next checkup is correct, her risk level is low, not moderate.
D. Incorrect. moderate risk and she should make an appointment with her doctor later this month. Although this is
the correct recommendation for a client at moderate risk for fracture, the correct risk level for this client is “Low.”
E. Incorrect. high risk and she should see the doctor immediately. Although this is the correct recommendation for a
client at high risk for fracture, the correct risk level for this client is “Low.”

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Answers to Locating Information Level 6 Practice Set
Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 1
A. Incorrect. Allan and Ambili. Although these patients are the first two call-ins available on Monday afternoons,
Allan’s procedure (filling) is much lower on the office priority list.
B. Correct. Ambili and Tally. Ambili and Tally are available Monday afternoon, don’t need follow-up for 3 weeks,
and their procedures have the highest office priority, so they are the first two patients you should call.
C. Incorrect. Ambili and Wessel. These two patients have called in first, so at first glance, one might assume that
they should be scheduled first in the event of an open appointment time. Ambili is a good choice to call because
her procedure is a high priority; however, Wessel is not available Monday afternoon.
D. Incorrect. Floyd and LaPlante. Although Floyd and LaPlante are available Monday afternoons and the procedure
they need (Extractions) has two diamonds next to it, the two diamonds refer to the need for staff doctors to be on
call, not office priority. Ambili and Tally are available and their procedures are top priority, so they are the best
choice.
E. Incorrect. Kapy and Lopez. Although Kapy and Lopez need root canals, which are fairly high on the office priority
list, root canals require 4-day follow-ups, which Dr. Wahl is not available for. In addition, Kapy and Lopez are not
available Monday afternoons.

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 2

A. Incorrect. 30 minutes. Although Tito Brooks is scheduled for a filling (30 minutes), his filling is for 4 tooth
surfaces on a lower molar, which requires more than 30 minutes.
B. Incorrect. 30 minutes + 15 minutes. Although Tito Brooks is scheduled for a filling for 4 tooth surfaces, which
would be 30 + 15, his #18 lower molar requires an extra 15 minutes, or 30 + 15 + 15.
C. Correct. 30 minutes + 15 minutes + 15 minutes. The Patient Call-In List shows Tito Brooks is scheduled for a
#18 MODL filling. Although at first glance, fillings are shown as taking 30 minutes for “First Appt. Time,” the right
column of the table specifies that (1) any work done on more than 3 tooth surfaces requires “Add 15 minutes to
appointment time” and (2) “For lower molars (#17, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32), schedule patient to arrive 15 minutes
early.” Therefore, Tito would be in the office 30 minutes + 15 minutes + 15 minutes.
D. Incorrect. 1 hour + 30 minutes. Although a crown or bridge would take 1 hour 30 minutes for the first
appointment, Tito Brooks is scheduled for a filling.
E. Incorrect. All of Friday afternoon. Although the question specifies that his appointment is scheduled for Friday
afternoon, Tito Brooks is not available all of Friday afternoon, and the tables do not indicate that his procedure
would last all of Friday afternoon.

Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 3


A. Incorrect. JMO Clothiers. This company lies in the 75th percentile.
B. Incorrect. Kenai Kampgoods. This company lies in the 25th percentile.
C. Incorrect. Northmann Cookies. This company lies in the Median percentile.
D. Correct. Pierre’s. On the Prospective Purchases table, locate each company’s age and last year’s profit in those
columns. Choose the bar in the bar chart with the appropriate company age range, then find where along the bar
the company’s profits lie. If the company’s profits fall within the top band on the bar, it scores within the 90th
percentile and fits the prerequisite for purchase. According to the chart, Pierre’s is the only company that fits the
prerequisite for purchase.
E. Incorrect. Wolfware Software. This company lies in the Median percentile.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 64


Answer to Level 6 Sample Item 4
A. Incorrect. Both Office Bytes and Wolfware Software are in the Median percentile. Wolfware Software is in the
Median percentile; Office Bytes is in the 25th percentile.
B. Incorrect. Both Office Bytes and Wolfware Software are in the 75th percentile. Office Bytes is in the 25th
percentile and Wolfware Software is in the Median percentile.
C. Correct. Office Bytes is in the 25th percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the Median percentile. Under “Last
Year Profit,” Wolfware Software shows a $514,000 profit. Under “Age,” Wolfware Software is 1 year old. Using
the first bar in the floating bar chart (“0-2” years), $514,000 falls in the middle white section, or Median percentile,
according to the Percentile Key. We know from the question that Office Bytes is 6 years old and last year’s profit
was $723,000. On the floating bar chart for “6-8” years, $723,000 falls in the lowest black bar, or the 25th
percentile.
D. Incorrect. Office Bytes is in the Median percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the 75th percentile. Wolfware
Software falls in the Median percentile; Office Bytes is in the 25th percentile.
E. Incorrect. Office Bytes is in the 75th percentile, and Wolfware Software is in the Median percentile. Wolfware
Software falls in the Median percentile; Office Bytes is in the 25th percentile.

Preparing for the WorkKeys Assessments08 65

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