Which statement best describes informal reading inventory as described?

• A. A standardized test administered under strict conditions
• B. A combination of independent work, circle group discussion, read-aloud sections, and a brief comprehension quiz
• C. An online adaptive assessment
• D. A single oral reading assessment

Answer: (B)

Informal reading inventory is a diagnostic, multi-part approach to gauge a student's reading abilities. It gathers evidence from several activities to show what a reader can do in different contexts. Independent work demonstrates what the student can accomplish on their own, while circle group discussion provides insight into comprehension and oral language as the student explains ideas with peers. Reading aloud sections reveal fluency, decoding accuracy, and expression, and a brief comprehension quiz checks understanding of the material. This combination reflects the flexible, instruction-centered nature of an IRI, focused on informing teaching and tracking growth over time rather than relying on a single test score.