Finding information in a text
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Find a detail that the text states, and copy the words that prove it
- Use paragraph order, headings and tables to find the right place in a text
- Use a caption and a table to find a fact in non-fiction
- Judge a statement as true, false or can’t tell, using only the text
- Read a notice and a timetable carefully, and choose the detail that answers the question
You should already know
- Finding information in a short text (Year 4 reading)
- Using headings, contents and simple tables (Year 4 non-fiction)
Where this leads
- Vocabulary in context, and what a word means from its sentence (Chapter 2 of this book)
- Inference, and the evidence behind it (Chapter 3 of this book)
KS2 SATs practice for reading (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Check that a text makes sense to the reader, and reread a sentence when it does not (Y5-6 reading, R4), Retrieve and record information from non-fiction, using headings, tables, captions and the order of the text (Y5-6 reading, R11), Find information that a text states, and copy the words that give the evidence (Y5-6 reading, R11), Tell whether a statement is true, false or can’t tell from the text (Y5-6 reading, R11).
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. A title for a part of a text is a heading.
- Think about the meaning. A short title above a section of text is a heading.a short title
- Name the word. The word is heading.heading
- Write the answer. heading
Check. A heading names a section. ✓
Method. A verb tells you what someone or something does.
- Look for the action. Landed is what the bee does.landed
- Check the others. Bee and flower are nouns; the is an article.landed
- Write the answer. landed
Check. Landed is the verb. ✓
Method. Facts in rows and columns are shown in a table.
- Think about the layout. Rows and columns make a grid of facts.rows and columns
- Name the word. The word is table.table
- Write the answer. table
Check. A table shows facts in rows and columns. ✓
Method. A short explanation under a picture is a caption.
- Think about where it is. The explanation sits under the picture.under the picture
- Name the word. The word is caption.caption
- Write the answer. caption
Check. A caption explains a picture. ✓
Method. The spoken words in a story are dialogue.
- Think about the speech. The words a character says are dialogue.the words a character says
- Name the word. The word is dialogue.dialogue
- Write the answer. dialogue
Check. Dialogue is spoken words. ✓
Finding facts in a story
This is practice material, not the official test.
Every text and question in this book was written for practice. It is not a real test paper, and the marks, the timing and the question types are a practice guide only.
The kite on Hollin Hill
1On Saturday morning, Ayo carried the kite up Hollin Hill. It was painted blue and yellow, and it had a long tail with six red bows. Grandad walked behind her, puffing a little, because the hill was steep and his knee was sore.
2‘Wait until the wind comes,’ said Grandad. ‘A kite needs a good breeze, or it will just flop on the grass like a tired fish.’
3Ayo unwound forty metres of string from the wooden reel. She checked the knots twice, the way Grandad had taught her. At the top of the hill, the grass was damp with dew, and the sky was a pale, clear blue.
4Around eleven o’clock, a gust swept over the ridge. Ayo felt it tug at the string. She ran three steps downhill, and the kite lifted from her hands, higher and higher, until its bows fluttered above the old oak tree.
5‘Look at it go!’ shouted Grandad, clapping his hands.
6Ayo laughed so hard that she nearly let go of the reel. The kite rose above the village, small and bright, and for the first time all week, she forgot about her spelling test.
When a question asks for a fact, the answer is usually stated in the text. Find the words that give the detail, then copy them or say them in your own words. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Key ideas
- A fact the text states is written down, so you can find it.
- Copy the words that answer the question, and check they say what you need.
- Read the question twice. It may ask for a number, a colour or a name.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the sentence about the kite. The first paragraph describes the kite.It was painted blue and yellow
- Find the colour words. The colours are named in this sentence.blue and yellow
- Check the answer. The text states this, so it is a fact.blue and yellow
- Write the answer. blue and yellow
Check. The text states the colours. ✓
Method. Find the number and its unit in the text.
- Find the length. The third paragraph says how much string Ayo unwound.forty metres of string
- Copy the number and the unit. The number and the unit give the length.forty metres
- Check the answer. The unit is metres, so the answer is forty metres.forty metres
- Write the answer. forty metres
Check. The text gives the length. ✓
Method. Find the number of bows in the first paragraph.
- Find the tail. The first paragraph describes the tail.a long tail with six red bows
- Find the number. The number before red bows is six.six
- Copy the words. The answer is the number and the words after it.six red bows
- Write the answer. six red bows
Check. The text gives the number of bows. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a detail can be near a word from the question without answering it. Check the whole sentence before you copy it.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Read the story aloud together. Ask your child to point to the sentence that gives each answer.
Exercise 1A Practice: facts in the story
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.It was painted blue and yellow
- Check the answer. The text says the kite was painted blue and yellow.blue and yellow
- Write the answer. blue and yellow
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.a long tail with six red bows
- Check the answer. The tail had six red bows.six
- Write the answer. six
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.forty metres of string
- Check the answer. Ayo unwound forty metres of string from the wooden reel.forty metres
- Write the answer. forty metres
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.his knee was sore
- Check the answer. The text says his knee was sore.his knee
- Write the answer. his knee
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.the grass was damp with dew
- Check the answer. The text says the grass was damp with dew.dew
- Write the answer. dew
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.She checked the knots twice
- Check the answer. Ayo checked the knots twice, the way Grandad had taught her.the knots
- Write the answer. the knots
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Around eleven o’clock, a gust swept over the ridge.
- Match it to a choice. The text gives eleven o’clock.eleven o’clock matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.eight o’clock and twelve o’clock do not match
- Write the answer. eleven o’clock
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.shouted Grandad, clapping his hands
- Match it to a choice. The text says Grandad shouted and clapped his hands.clapped his hands matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.ran down the hill and sat on the grass do not match
- Write the answer. clapped his hands
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.the sky was a pale, clear blue
- Match it to a choice. The text describes the sky as pale and clear blue.a pale, clear blue matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.grey and stormy and orange and red do not match
- Write the answer. a pale, clear blue
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.she forgot about her spelling test
- Match it to a choice. The text says she forgot about her spelling test.her spelling test matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.her lunch and her coat do not match
- Write the answer. her spelling test
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Using paragraphs and the order of the text
The kite on Hollin Hill
1On Saturday morning, Ayo carried the kite up Hollin Hill. It was painted blue and yellow, and it had a long tail with six red bows. Grandad walked behind her, puffing a little, because the hill was steep and his knee was sore.
2‘Wait until the wind comes,’ said Grandad. ‘A kite needs a good breeze, or it will just flop on the grass like a tired fish.’
3Ayo unwound forty metres of string from the wooden reel. She checked the knots twice, the way Grandad had taught her. At the top of the hill, the grass was damp with dew, and the sky was a pale, clear blue.
4Around eleven o’clock, a gust swept over the ridge. Ayo felt it tug at the string. She ran three steps downhill, and the kite lifted from her hands, higher and higher, until its bows fluttered above the old oak tree.
5‘Look at it go!’ shouted Grandad, clapping his hands.
6Ayo laughed so hard that she nearly let go of the reel. The kite rose above the village, small and bright, and for the first time all week, she forgot about her spelling test.
A long text is easier to search when you know the order of its parts. Count the paragraphs from the start. Each line of dialogue that starts a new line is a paragraph of its own.
Key ideas
- Count the paragraphs from the start of the text.
- The order of the text tells you what happens first, next and last.
- Words such as first, then, after and later help you check the order.
Method. Find the reason in the paragraphs, and count to its paragraph.
- Find the reason. The reason is because the hill was steep.because the hill was steep
- Count the paragraphs. This sentence is in the first paragraph.paragraph 1
- Write the number. The paragraph number is 1.1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. The reason is in paragraph 1. ✓
Method. Find the words about the kite lifting, and count to its paragraph.
- Find the words. The kite lifted from her hands.the kite lifted
- Count the paragraphs. The sentence is the first sentence of the fourth paragraph.paragraph 4
- Write the number. The paragraph number is 4.4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. The kite lifts in paragraph 4. ✓
Method. Use the order of the text to see which event comes first.
- Find the first event. Grandad says to wait in paragraph 2.Wait until the wind comes
- Find the second event. The kite rises later, in paragraph 4.the kite lifted
- Compare the order. Paragraph 2 comes before paragraph 4.Grandad told Ayo to wait
- Write the answer. Grandad told Ayo to wait
Check. Paragraph 2 comes before paragraph 4. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a paragraph number is not the same as a line number. Count paragraphs, and do not count the words.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to count the paragraphs on one page, and then to find a named detail by paragraph number.
Exercise 1B Practice: paragraphs and order
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.It was painted blue and yellow
- Write the number. Paragraph 1 holds the detail.Paragraph 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. The detail is in paragraph 1. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.A kite needs a good breeze
- Write the number. Paragraph 2 holds the detail.Paragraph 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. The detail is in paragraph 2. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.Ayo unwound forty metres of string
- Write the number. Paragraph 3 holds the detail.Paragraph 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. The detail is in paragraph 3. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.Around eleven o’clock
- Write the number. Paragraph 4 holds the detail.Paragraph 4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. The detail is in paragraph 4. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.shouted Grandad
- Write the number. Paragraph 5 holds the detail.Paragraph 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. The detail is in paragraph 5. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.The kite rose above the village
- Write the number. Paragraph 6 holds the detail.Paragraph 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. The detail is in paragraph 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.the sky was a pale, clear blue
- Write the number. Paragraph 3 holds the detail.Paragraph 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. The detail is in paragraph 3. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Find both events in the text, and check which one comes first.
- Find the first event. The text says: She checked the knots twiceShe checked the knots twice
- Find the second event. The text says: the kite lifted from her handsthe kite lifted from her hands
- Compare the order. The knots are checked in paragraph 3, before the kite lifts in paragraph 4.Ayo checked the knots
- Write the answer. Ayo checked the knots
Check. The events are in this order in the text. ✓
Watch out. Use the order of the text, and the words first, then and after, to check the order.
Method. Find both events in the text, and check which one comes first.
- Find the first event. The text says: Wait until the wind comesWait until the wind comes
- Find the second event. The text says: She ran three steps downhillShe ran three steps downhill
- Compare the order. Grandad speaks in paragraph 2, and Ayo runs in paragraph 4.Grandad said to wait
- Write the answer. Grandad said to wait
Check. The events are in this order in the text. ✓
Watch out. Use the order of the text, and the words first, then and after, to check the order.
Method. Count the paragraphs to find the last one.
- Count the paragraphs. The story has six paragraphs.6 paragraphs
- Find the last one. The last paragraph is the sixth.paragraph 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Paragraph 6 is the last paragraph. ✓
Non-fiction: headings, tables and captions
Keeping bees
Life in a hive
A honey bee colony lives together in a hive. A colony has one queen, thousands of worker bees and, in summer, some drones. The queen is the only bee that lays eggs in the hive.
Jobs in the hive
| Bee | Job in the hive |
|---|---|
| Queen | lays the eggs |
| Worker | collects nectar and pollen, cleans cells, guards the entrance |
| Drone | a male bee that mates with a new queen |
Collecting food
Worker bees fly from flower to flower to collect nectar, which they turn into honey. They also collect pollen, which they carry back on the hairs of their legs. A worker bee may visit many flowers on a single trip.
Keeping safe
Beekeepers wear a veil and gloves when they open a hive. A little smoke calms the bees. Beekeepers move slowly, because quick movements can upset a colony.
Figure 1: Honeycomb is made of six-sided cells. Bees store honey in the cells.
Headings tell you what each section is about. A table puts facts in rows and columns. A caption explains a picture or a diagram. Use these to go straight to the right place.
Key ideas
- A heading tells you what the section is about, so you can go straight to it.
- A table lists facts in rows and columns; read across the row for the fact you need.
- A caption explains a picture, and it is often a short fact in its own right.
Method. Find the section with the heading, then find the detail in it.
- Find the section. The heading Keeping safe is the section about protection.Keeping safe
- Find the detail. The first sentence says what beekeepers wear.wear a veil and gloves
- Copy the words. The words that answer the question are a veil and gloves.a veil and gloves
- Write the answer. a veil and gloves
Check. The heading leads to the detail. ✓
Method. Read the table row by row, and find the job that matches the question.
- Read the first column. The bees are listed in the first column.Queen
- Read across the row. The job in the same row is lays the eggs.lays the eggs
- Write the answer. The bee in that row is the queen.The queen
- Write the answer. The queen
Check. The row for the queen says lays the eggs. ✓
Method. Read the caption, which explains the picture.
- Find the caption. The caption is under the picture of honeycomb.Figure 1
- Find the shape. The caption says the cells are six-sided.six-sided cells
- Copy the word. The shape word is six-sided.six-sided
- Write the answer. six-sided
Check. The caption gives the shape. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a heading shows where a section starts, but the facts may be in the paragraphs under it. Read the whole section.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to find the heading that would answer a question, before reading the paragraphs.
Exercise 1C Practice: non-fiction facts
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.The queen is the only bee that lays eggs in the hive
- Check the answer. The text says the queen is the only bee that lays eggs.The queen
- Write the answer. The queen
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.A colony has one queen
- Check the answer. The text says a colony has one queen.one
- Write the answer. one
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.collects nectar and pollen
- Match it to a choice. The table says the worker collects nectar and pollen.the worker matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.the queen and the drone do not match
- Write the answer. the worker
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Honeycomb is made of six-sided cells
- Match it to a choice. The caption says the cells are six-sided.six-sided matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.round and square do not match
- Write the answer. six-sided
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.which they turn into honey
- Check the answer. The text says workers turn nectar into honey.honey
- Write the answer. honey
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.on the hairs of their legs
- Check the answer. The text says pollen is carried on the hairs of their legs.on the hairs of their legs
- Write the answer. on the hairs of their legs
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.A little smoke calms the bees
- Check the answer. The text says smoke calms the bees.calms the bees
- Write the answer. calms the bees
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Keeping safe
- Match it to a choice. The heading Keeping safe is the section about protection.Keeping safe matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Life in a hive and Collecting food do not match
- Write the answer. Keeping safe
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.wear a veil and gloves
- Check the answer. The text says beekeepers wear a veil and gloves.a veil and gloves
- Write the answer. a veil and gloves
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.a male bee that mates with a new queen
- Match it to a choice. The table says a drone mates with a new queen.to mate with a new queen matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.to lay eggs and to collect pollen do not match
- Write the answer. to mate with a new queen
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.A honey bee colony lives together
- Check the answer. The text says a honey bee colony lives together in a hive.colony
- Write the answer. colony
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.may visit many flowers on a single trip
- Match it to a choice. The text says a worker bee may visit many flowers on a single trip.many matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.one and two do not match
- Write the answer. many
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Tick only the options the text supports.
- Find the evidence for each choice. Check each option against the text.collects nectar and pollen; guards the entrance
- Tick the right ones. The table lists collecting nectar and guarding the entrance as worker jobs.collect nectar and guard the entrance
- Leave the others blank. The other options are not supported by the text.lay eggs, mate with a new queen
- Write the answer. collect nectar and guard the entrance
Check. The two choices are supported by the text. ✓
Watch out. Tick exactly two boxes. An option that the text does not state is not ticked.
True, false or can’t tell
Keeping bees
Life in a hive
A honey bee colony lives together in a hive. A colony has one queen, thousands of worker bees and, in summer, some drones. The queen is the only bee that lays eggs in the hive.
Jobs in the hive
| Bee | Job in the hive |
|---|---|
| Queen | lays the eggs |
| Worker | collects nectar and pollen, cleans cells, guards the entrance |
| Drone | a male bee that mates with a new queen |
Collecting food
Worker bees fly from flower to flower to collect nectar, which they turn into honey. They also collect pollen, which they carry back on the hairs of their legs. A worker bee may visit many flowers on a single trip.
Keeping safe
Beekeepers wear a veil and gloves when they open a hive. A little smoke calms the bees. Beekeepers move slowly, because quick movements can upset a colony.
Figure 1: Honeycomb is made of six-sided cells. Bees store honey in the cells.
For each statement, look for evidence in the text. If the text states it, the answer is True. If the text says the opposite, the answer is False. If the text does not give the information, the answer is Can’t tell.
Key ideas
- True: the text states the statement.
- False: the text says the opposite.
- Can’t tell: the text does not give the information. Do not use what you already know.
Method. Find the detail in the text, and compare it with the statement.
- Find the evidence. The text says a colony has one queen.A colony has one queen
- Compare with the statement. The statement says the same thing.one queen
- Judge the statement. The statement is stated in the text.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The text states this. ✓
Method. Look for the detail the statement needs.
- Look for the evidence. The text talks about worker bees, but it does not say their sex.worker bees
- Check for the opposite. The text does not say the workers are male either.no detail
- Judge the statement. The text gives no answer, so the answer is can’t tell.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The text does not give this detail. ✓
Method. Find the cost in the notice, and compare it with the statement.
- Find the cost. The notice says Cost: £4.Cost: £4
- Compare the two. The statement gives the same amount.£4
- Judge the statement. The statement matches the notice.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The notice states the cost. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a statement can be true in real life but still be can’t tell for this text. Use only the text.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Write three statements about a text. Ask your child which one needs the words "can’t tell", and why.
Exercise 1D Practice: true, false or can’t tell
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.A colony has one queen
- Judge the statement. The text says a colony has one queen.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Look for evidence. The text does not give a detail about this statement.no matching detail
- Judge the statement. The text does not say whether worker bees are female or male.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.a male bee that mates with a new queen
- Judge the statement. The table says a drone is a male bee.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Beekeepers move slowly
- Judge the statement. The text says beekeepers move slowly, because quick movements can upset a colony.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.six-sided cells
- Judge the statement. The caption says the cells are six-sided.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.which they turn into honey
- Judge the statement. The text says the worker bees turn nectar into honey, not the queen.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.on the hairs of their legs
- Judge the statement. The text says pollen is carried on the hairs of the legs.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.many flowers on a single trip
- Judge the statement. The text says a worker bee may visit many flowers on a single trip.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Look for evidence. The text does not give a detail about this statement.no matching detail
- Judge the statement. The text does not say whether bees can or cannot sting a beekeeper.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Dunmere Science Museum
- Judge the statement. The notice names Dunmere Science Museum.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.to be paid by 11 March
- Judge the statement. The notice says the cost is to be paid by 11 March. 8 March is the date for the permission slip.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.do not bring sweets or fizzy drinks
- Judge the statement. The notice says pupils must not bring fizzy drinks.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Return to school at about 3:30 pm
- Judge the statement. The notice says the return is at about 3:30 pm.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Cost: £4
- Judge the statement. The notice says Cost: £4.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Notices and timetables: checking the detail
Notice to parents: museum trip
Year 6 trip to Dunmere Science Museum.
Date: 14 March. Leave school at 8:45 am from the front gate. Return to school at about 3:30 pm.
Bring a packed lunch in a named bag, and a water bottle. Please do not bring sweets or fizzy drinks. Pupils must wear sensible shoes.
Cost: £4, to be paid by 11 March. Return the permission slip to Mrs Okafor by 8 March.
Bus times from the school gate
| Bus | Stop | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 7 | Hollin Road | 8:05, 8:20, 8:35 |
| Bus 9 | Mill Lane | 8:10, 8:40 |
| Bus 12 | Church Street | 8:25 |
Notices and timetables give exact details. Read each line slowly, and check the time, the date, the amount and the name of the person before you answer.
Key ideas
- Read the detail exactly: a time, a date, an amount or a name.
- In a table, read across the row for the place, and then down the column for the time.
- If a question asks for two items, check that you have found two in the text.
Method. Find the row for Hollin Road, then check the times in it.
- Find the stop. The row for Hollin Road is Bus 7.Bus 7 from Hollin Road
- Check the times. The times are 8:05, 8:20 and 8:35.8:05, 8:20, 8:35
- Match the time. 8:20 is in the list for Bus 7.Bus 7
- Write the answer. Bus 7
Check. 8:20 is on the Bus 7 row. ✓
Method. Read the notice line that says what to bring.
- Find the line. The notice says what to bring.Bring a packed lunch in a named bag, and a water bottle
- Check each item. The two items named are a packed lunch and a water bottle.a packed lunch; a water bottle
- Write the answer. These are the two things pupils must bring.a packed lunch and a water bottle
- Write the answer. a packed lunch and a water bottle
Check. Both items are named in the notice. ✓
Method. Find the line that says when the cost is paid.
- Find the cost line. The cost line says when to pay.Cost: £4, to be paid by 11 March
- Find the date. The date is after to be paid by.11 March
- Check the other date. 8 March is the date for the permission slip, not the money.8 March is not the answer
- Write the answer. 11 March
Check. 11 March is the date for paying. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a notice may give two dates. Check which date belongs to which action, such as paying or returning a slip.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read a timetable out loud, row by row, and to say which bus stops are listed.
Exercise 1E Practice: notices, timetables and tick boxes
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.Leave school at 8:45 am from the front gate
- Check the answer. The notice says pupils leave school at 8:45 am.8:45 am
- Write the answer. 8:45 am
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.from the front gate
- Check the answer. The notice says the trip leaves from the front gate.the front gate
- Write the answer. the front gate
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.Cost: £4
- Check the answer. The notice gives the cost as £4.£4
- Write the answer. £4
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.Return the permission slip to Mrs Okafor
- Check the answer. The notice says to return the slip to Mrs Okafor.Mrs Okafor
- Write the answer. Mrs Okafor
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Tick only the options the text supports.
- Find the evidence for each choice. Check each option against the text.Bring a packed lunch; a water bottle
- Tick the right ones. The notice says pupils bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.a packed lunch and a water bottle
- Leave the others blank. The other options are not supported by the text.a tent, a football
- Write the answer. a packed lunch and a water bottle
Check. The two choices are supported by the text. ✓
Watch out. Tick exactly two boxes. An option that the text does not state is not ticked.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Bus 9 from Mill Lane: 8:10, 8:40
- Match it to a choice. The row for Mill Lane shows Bus 9 at 8:10 and 8:40.Bus 9 matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Bus 7 and Bus 12 do not match
- Write the answer. Bus 9
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.Bus 7 from Hollin Road: 8:05, 8:20, 8:35
- Check the answer. The last time in the Hollin Road row is 8:35.8:35
- Write the answer. 8:35
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Bus 12 from Church Street: 8:25
- Match it to a choice. The Church Street row has one time, 8:25.Church Street matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Hollin Road and Mill Lane do not match
- Write the answer. Church Street
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Bus 9 from Mill Lane: 8:10, 8:40
- Match it to a choice. The time 8:40 is in the Bus 9 row.Bus 9 matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Bus 7 and Bus 12 do not match
- Write the answer. Bus 9
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Tick only the options the text supports.
- Find the evidence for each choice. Check each option against the text.Bus 7 from Hollin Road: 8:05, 8:20, 8:35
- Tick the right ones. The Bus 7 row lists 8:05, 8:20 and 8:35.8:05 and 8:20
- Leave the others blank. The other options are not supported by the text.8:10, 8:25
- Write the answer. 8:05 and 8:20
Check. The two choices are supported by the text. ✓
Watch out. Tick exactly two boxes. An option that the text does not state is not ticked.
Method. Find the line about the slip.
- Find the line. The notice says return the slip by 8 March.Return the permission slip to Mrs Okafor by 8 March
- Write the date. The date is 8 March.8 March
- Write the answer. 8 March
Check. The slip is due by 8 March. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Find a fact | Locate the detail the question asks for, and copy the words that prove it. |
| Use the order | Count the paragraphs, and use first, then and after to check the order of events. |
| Use headings | A heading shows what a section is about; go to it before you search the paragraphs. |
| Read tables and captions | Read across the row for a table fact; read the caption for the detail it gives. |
| True, false or can’t tell | True if the text states it, false if it says the opposite, and can’t tell if it does not say. |
| Check the detail | Read times, dates and amounts exactly, and check which date goes with which action. |
Can you…?
- I can find a fact that a text states, and copy the words that prove it
- I can use paragraph order, headings and tables to find the right place
- I can use a caption and a table to find a fact in non-fiction
- I can judge a statement as true, false or can’t tell from the text only
- I can read a notice and a timetable, and check the exact detail
Key terms
- retrieve
- to find and copy information that a text states
- heading
- a short title above a section of a non-fiction text
- caption
- a short sentence that explains a picture or a diagram
- paragraph
- a group of sentences about one idea, starting on a new line
- statement
- a sentence that is judged as true, false or can’t tell
- timetable
- a table that shows the times of buses, trains or events
- evidence
- the words in the text that prove an answer
Exercise 1Z Check-up
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.because the hill was steep
- Check the answer. The text says the hill was steep.because the hill was steep
- Write the answer. because the hill was steep
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read each paragraph, and find the one with the detail.
- Find the paragraph. The detail is in this paragraph.Look at it go!
- Write the number. Paragraph 5 holds the detail.Paragraph 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. The detail is in paragraph 5. ✓
Watch out. Count the paragraphs from the start of the story. Dialogue on its own line is a paragraph too.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Return the permission slip to Mrs Okafor
- Match it to a choice. The notice says to return the slip to Mrs Okafor.return it to Mrs Okafor matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.keep it at home and pay for the trip do not match
- Write the answer. return it to Mrs Okafor
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.The kite rose above the village
- Judge the statement. The text says the kite rose above the village.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.The queen is the only bee that lays eggs in the hive
- Judge the statement. The text says the queen is the only bee that lays eggs.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.carried the kite up Hollin Hill
- Check the answer. The first paragraph says Ayo carried the kite up Hollin Hill.the kite
- Write the answer. the kite
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail. The text says the following.Wait until the wind comes
- Match it to a choice. The text says Wait until the wind comes.Wait until the wind comes matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Run as fast as you can and Go home early do not match
- Write the answer. Wait until the wind comes
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only the detail in the text counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.thousands of worker bees
- Check the answer. The text says a colony has thousands of worker bees.thousands
- Write the answer. thousands
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Date: 14 March
- Judge the statement. The notice gives the date as 14 March.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the text. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the text does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. Scan the text for the detail the question asks about.Return to school at about 3:30 pm
- Check the answer. The notice says the return is at about 3:30 pm.about 3:30 pm
- Write the answer. about 3:30 pm
Check. The text states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the text. Do not add a fact that the text does not give.
Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.
Exercise 1X Practice test questions
Method. Find the number of red bows in the sentence.
- Find the bows. The sentence says six red bows.six red bows
- Write the number. The number word is six.six
- Write the answer. six
Check. The sentence says six red bows. ✓
Method. Find the bee that lays eggs.
- Find the sentence. The sentence names the bee that lays eggs.The queen
- Write the word. The word is queen.queen
- Write the answer. queen
Check. The queen lays the eggs. ✓
Method. Find the date for paying.
- Find the line. The line says when the cost is paid.to be paid by 11 March
- Write the date. The date is 11 March.11 March
- Write the answer. 11 March
Check. The money is paid by 11 March. ✓
Method. Copy both times from the row.
- Find the row. The row is for Bus 9 from Mill Lane.Bus 9 from Mill Lane
- Copy the times. The two times in the row are 8:10 and 8:40.8:10, 8:40
- Write the answer. 8:10 and 8:40
Check. Both times are in the row. ✓
Method. Copy the words that give the detail.
- Find the detail. The words say she nearly let go.nearly let go of the reel
- Copy the words. The phrase is nearly let go of the reel.nearly let go of the reel
- Write the answer. nearly let go of the reel
Check. The words are in the sentence. ✓
Method. Find what the workers turn nectar into.
- Find the sentence. The sentence says which they turn into honey.turn into honey
- Write the word. The word is honey.honey
- Write the answer. honey
Check. Workers turn nectar into honey. ✓
Method. Find the date for the slip.
- Find the line. The line says return the slip by a date.by 8 March
- Write the date. The date is 8 March.8 March
- Write the answer. 8 March
Check. The slip is due by 8 March. ✓
Method. Find the line that says what not to bring.
- Find the line. The notice says what not to bring.do not bring sweets or fizzy drinks
- Write one item. Sweets is one of the items named.sweets
- Write the answer. sweets.
Check. The notice names sweets and fizzy drinks. ✓
Method. Find each job the text gives for worker bees.
- Find the first job. The text says they collect nectar.collect nectar
- Find the second job. The text says they also collect pollen.collect pollen
- Find the third job. The text says a worker bee may visit many flowers on a trip.visit many flowers
- Write the answer. collect nectar, collect pollen and visit many flowers.
Check. Each job is stated in the text. ✓
Method. Find the reasons given after because.
- Find the reasons. The sentence gives two reasons joined by and.the hill was steep and his knee was sore
- Check the reasons. Both reasons are stated.steep hill; sore knee
- Write the answer. the hill was steep and his knee was sore.
Check. Both reasons are in the sentence. ✓