Which of the following assessments would be most appropriate to determine a student's reading level?

A running record is an assessment tool specifically designed to evaluate a student's reading level by analyzing their reading fluency and comprehension as they read aloud. This method allows the educator to observe a student’s ability to decode words, recognize high-frequency words, and understand the text, providing a clear picture of where the student stands in terms of reading proficiency.

Through a running record, teachers can gather insightful data such as the number of errors a student makes, the use of self-correction strategies, and overall reading patterns. This information is crucial for tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of the student, which is a fundamental principle in effective reading education.

In contrast, other options such as a multiple-choice test, an oral presentation, or a written essay do not specifically focus on the nuances of a student's reading level. Multiple-choice tests may assess comprehension or vocabulary but do not provide detailed insight into reading fluency or decoding skills. Oral presentations and written essays evaluate expressive language skills and overall understanding but are not directly tied to assessing reading proficiency. Therefore, a running record stands out as the most appropriate choice for determining a student's reading level.