KS2 Reading Comprehension Flashcards

What does 'summarise' mean in relation to reading?

Answer: To briefly retell the main points in your own words

Summarising means identifying the key points of a text and expressing them concisely in your own words. It requires you to distinguish between important information and less important detail.

An author uses the phrase 'the wind howled'. What technique is this?

Answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities or actions to non-human things. The wind cannot actually 'howl' like a person or animal, but giving it this quality makes the description more vivid and powerful.

What does 'chronological order' mean?

Answer: Events in the order they happened in time

Chronological order means events are arranged in the order they occurred in time, from first to last. Biographies, reports, and instructions are often organised chronologically.

What is a 'rhetorical question'?

Answer: A question asked for effect, not expecting a real answer

A rhetorical question is asked for effect to make the reader think or agree with a point. For example, 'Who wouldn't want clean air?' does not expect a literal answer but makes a persuasive point.

Why do authors use subheadings in non-fiction texts?

Answer: To help readers navigate and find information

Subheadings divide a non-fiction text into sections, making it easier to navigate. They tell the reader what each section is about and allow them to find specific information without reading everything.

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

Answer: A fact can be proven true; an opinion is a personal view

A fact is a statement that can be verified as true or false. An opinion is a personal belief or judgement that cannot be proven. Being able to distinguish between the two is a key reading skill.