📘 Span of Attention Assessment

🎯 Ages 8–18 ⏱️ 15–20 min 🧠 Sustained · Selective · Shifting

For teachers, psychologists & parents

1 Sustained attention · Reading passage

📖 The Amazon rainforest is home to 10% of the world’s known species. Scientists estimate that a new species is discovered every 3 days in this biodiverse region. However, deforestation threatens this ecosystem, with nearly 20% of the forest already lost. Indigenous communities, who have lived there for thousands of years, play a crucial role in conservation efforts. Their traditional knowledge helps protect plants and animals unique to the area.

Q1 What percentage of the world’s known species live in the Amazon rainforest?

A) 5% B) 10% C) 15% D) 20%

Q2 How often is a new species discovered in the Amazon?

A) Every day B) Every week C) Every 3 days D) Every month

Q3 What is the biggest threat to the Amazon rainforest mentioned in the passage?

A) Pollution B) Deforestation C) Climate change D) Tourism

Q4 How much of the Amazon rainforest has already been lost?

A) 5% B) 10% C) 20% D) 25%

Q5 Who helps protect the unique plants and animals in the Amazon?

A) Tourists B) Indigenous communities C) Government officials D) Scientists only

2 Selective attention · distractions

Q6 How often do you get distracted by noises (e.g., talking, outside sounds) while working?

A) Never/Rarely (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Often (0 pts)

Q7 How often do you lose focus because of your phone or other devices?

A) Never/Rarely (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Often (0 pts)

Q8 How often do you notice your mind wandering to unrelated thoughts during a task?

A) Never/Rarely (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Often (0 pts)

3 Attention shifting · flexibility

Q9 Your teacher asks you to switch from writing an essay to solving math problems. How do you usually react?

A) I struggle to refocus and take a long time (0 pts) B) I can switch quickly but need a minute to adjust (1 pt) C) I switch immediately without any issues (2 pts)

Q10 During a group project, your team changes the topic. How do you respond?

A) I get frustrated and prefer to stick to the original plan (0 pts) B) I adapt but need some time to refocus (1 pt) C) I adjust easily and contribute to the new topic (2 pts)

4 Self-report · typical behavior

Q11 How long can you focus on a single task (e.g., reading, homework) without taking a break?

A) Less than 10 minutes (0 pts) B) 10–20 minutes (1 pt) C) 20–30 minutes (2 pts) D) More than 30 minutes (3 pts)

Q12 How often do you need reminders to stay on task?

A) Never/Rarely (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Often (0 pts)

Q13 How often do you finish tasks without getting distracted?

A) Always/Often (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Rarely (0 pts)

Q14 How do you feel after completing a task that required sustained focus?

A) Exhausted and mentally drained (0 pts) B) A little tired but satisfied (1 pt) C) Energized and ready for more (2 pts)

5 Classroom scenarios

Q15 During a lecture, how often do you take notes or participate in discussions?

A) Always/Often (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Rarely (0 pts)

Q16 When working on a long assignment, how do you usually proceed?

A) I work continuously until it’s done (2 pts) B) I take short breaks but stay mostly focused (1 pt) C) I get distracted often and struggle to finish (0 pts)

Q17 How often do you ask for help when you’re stuck on a task?

A) Always/Often (2 pts) B) Sometimes (1 pt) C) Rarely (0 pts)

📌 Use observation along with self-report. For younger students, read aloud. Discuss results with educators/parents.