KS2 SATs KS2 Reading Comprehension 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does it mean to 'infer' something from a text?
- To copy a sentence word for word
- To work out something that is not directly stated (Correct answer)
- To summarise the whole story
- To find the main character
Correct answer: To work out something that is not directly stated
Inference means working out what the author implies rather than states. You use clues in the text combined with your own knowledge to deduce meaning. It is a key reading skill tested in SATs.
Question 2: A character clenches their fists and stares at the floor. What can you infer?
- They are excited
- They are tired
- They are upset or angry (Correct answer)
- They are cold
Correct answer: They are upset or angry
These body language cues — clenching fists and looking at the floor — suggest frustration, anger, or upset. Authors use physical details to show emotions without stating them directly.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a non-fiction text written to argue a point?
- To entertain with a made-up story
- To persuade the reader to agree with a viewpoint (Correct answer)
- To explain how something works step by step
- To describe a place in detail
Correct answer: To persuade the reader to agree with a viewpoint
A persuasive or argumentative text is written to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. It uses evidence, rhetorical questions, and emotive language to influence the reader.
Question 4: Which text feature would help you find information about a specific topic quickly in a non-fiction book?
- The blurb
- The glossary
- The index (Correct answer)
- The dedication
Correct answer: The index
An index is an alphabetical list at the back of a non-fiction book that lists topics and the page numbers where they appear. It allows readers to find specific information quickly without reading the whole book.
Question 5: What does 'retrieve' mean in reading comprehension?
- Making up your own answer
- Finding and copying information directly from the text (Correct answer)
- Summarising the whole passage
- Writing about your opinion
Correct answer: Finding and copying information directly from the text
Retrieval means finding information that is directly stated in the text. In SATs, retrieval questions ask you to locate specific facts or details. You do not need to infer — the answer is in the text.
Question 6: In poetry, what is a 'stanza'?
- A type of rhyme
- A group of lines forming a section of a poem (Correct answer)
- The title of a poem
- The last line of a poem
Correct answer: A group of lines forming a section of a poem
A stanza is a group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose. Stanzas are separated by blank lines and often follow a pattern of rhyme or rhythm.
KS2 SATs KS2 Reading Comprehension 1
What does it mean to 'infer' something from a text?