---
title: Why do baseline tests assess vocabulary? - Quick Guide for Teachers
description: Part 4 of the Quick Guides for Teachers collection from Cambridge Insight. Find out why baselines tests assess vocabulary.
---

[Cambridge Insight Blog ](https://www.cem.org/blog)

# [Why do baseline tests assess vocabulary? - Quick Guide for Teachers](https://www.cem.org/blog/quick-guide-for-teachers-why-test-vocabulary)

 Written by [Cambridge Insight](https://www.cem.org/blog/author/cambridge-insight) | Jul 15, 2024 8:10:05 AM

Vocabulary is important in every aspect of the curriculum. It gives students foundational knowledge that they can use to build their learning on – so ensuring a strong vocabulary foundation is essential.

Baseline assessments look at a student’s receptive vocabulary (reading and listening) as well as their expressive vocabulary (speaking and writing).

By understanding a student’s vocabulary skills, or their ‘word knowledge’, using the 40+ years of data collected from hundreds of thousands of students, we can predict their success in all school subject at GCSE, IGCSE, A level and International Baccalaureate.

What kind of words do students need to know?

- Basic everyday words
- Words that appear across the school curriculum but are not typical in everyday conversations
- Subject-specific words

The Quick Guides for Teachers collection have been curated by the research and development team at Cambridge Insight to share insight on how baseline assessments support a positive learning environment in the classroom.

## [Download the full guide](https://www.cem.org/hubfs/2025%20Pdf%20resources/R25-Quick%20Start%20Guide%20for%20Teachers%20-%20No%204.pdf)

[View full post](https://www.cem.org/blog/quick-guide-for-teachers-why-test-vocabulary)

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