Practice paper: fiction
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Find and copy facts from numbered lines, and judge statements against the story
- Work out the meaning of a word from its line
- Infer feelings and motives from what a character does and says
- Predict what happens next, using clues from the story
- Explain the effect of a simile, a personification and a short sentence
- Summarise a passage, and the whole story, within a word limit
You should already know
- Chapters 1 to 6 of this book: retrieval, vocabulary, inference, prediction, language and summary
Where this leads
- The non-fiction and poetry practice paper (Chapter 8 of this book)
- The full mixed practice paper (Chapter 9 of this book)
KS2 SATs practice for reading (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Retrieve information from a story, and copy evidence from numbered lines (Y5-6 reading, R1, R4), Explain unfamiliar words from their context, and choose the meaning that fits (Y5-6 reading, R4), Infer feelings, thoughts and motives, with evidence, and predict what happens next from clues (Y5-6 reading, R6, R7), Explain the effect of language and structure on the reader, and summarise the main points of a story (Y5-6 reading, R8, R9).
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. A comparison using like or as is a simile.
- Think about the words. The comparison uses like or as.like or as
- Name the device. The device is a simile.simile
- Write the answer. simile
Check. A simile uses like or as. ✓
Method. A guess based on clues is a prediction.
- Think about the meaning. A guess about the future, using clues, is a prediction.a guess about the future
- Name the word. The word is prediction.prediction
- Write the answer. prediction
Check. A prediction is a guess based on clues. ✓
Method. To work something out from clues is to infer it.
- Think about the meaning. Working out a meaning from clues is an inference.from clues
- Name the word. The word is infer.infer
- Write the answer. infer
Check. Infer means work out from clues. ✓
Method. A short version that keeps the main points is a summary.
- Think about the meaning. A short version with the main points is a summary.the main points
- Name the word. The word is summary.summary
- Write the answer. summary
Check. A summary keeps the main points. ✓
Method. A pronoun stands in for a noun.
- Find a word that replaces a name. He replaces Idris.he
- Check the others. Idris is a name; pulled and fell are verbs.he
- Write the answer. he
Check. He is a pronoun. ✓
Retrieval: finding facts in the story
This is practice material, not the official test.
This paper was written for practice. It is not a real test paper. The marks, the timing and the question types are a practice guide only.
Count rule for this paper: the paper has 45 numbered questions in six sections, a check-up of 10 questions and 11 practice test questions with marks. Parts marked with letters count as one numbered question.
The Bell on Ferry Hill
Every evening, Idris climbed the stone steps to the bell tower on Ferry Hill.
His grandfather had rung the bell for forty years, and now the task was his.
The rope was rough and cold, and it stung his palms when he pulled.
Below, the harbour lay quiet, and the boats were still out beyond the point.
5Tonight, the sky looked strange. A thick grey mist was creeping over the water, like wool unrolling across a table.
Idris pulled the rope. Nothing happened. The bell gave only a dull, lifeless creak.
‘Come on,’ he whispered, hauling harder, and he nearly fell.
Far below, his sister Ceri watched from the harbour wall.
The mist thickened.
10Somewhere out there, four boats were still trying to find their way home.
Idris leaned back on the rope with all his weight.
Something groaned inside the frame. A puff of rust fell onto his sleeve.
Then the bell swung free, and its voice rolled out across the water.
The sound rang out again, and again, until the whole hill seemed to hum with it.
15Ceri came running up the steps, her face pale and her breath coming in gasps.
‘I heard it,’ she panted. ‘I thought you had given up.’
‘So did I,’ Idris said, and he realised his arms were shaking badly.
They took turns on the rope, counting each ring aloud so the boats would know the rhythm.
Down in the harbour, a light flickered, and then another.
20Slowly, one dark shape emerged from the mist, then another.
Mrs Gwen, who ran the chip shop, stood on the quay with a torch and waved it in slow arcs.
The first boat docked with a bump against the wall, and its crew climbed out, laughing with relief.
Idris stopped ringing and listened. The last boat had not yet come in.
Ceri peered into the grey and said nothing. Her silence made his stomach tighten.
25Then, faintly, a horn sounded from the far side of the point, thin and tired.
‘That’s Dad’s boat,’ Ceri said quietly. ‘It’s the Morwen.’
Idris pulled the rope again, harder than before, and the bell sang out over the sea.
The horn answered once more, closer now, and the boat turned towards the harbour lights.
By the time the Morwen slid alongside the quay, the mist had begun to thin.
30Their father jumped onto the wall and looked up at the tower.
‘You rang the bell,’ he called. ‘Every boat heard it. You brought us home.’
Idris felt his cheeks burn, and he did not know whether to laugh or to cry.
Ceri squeezed his arm. ‘You didn’t give up after all,’ she said.
The bell gave one last, soft note, as if it were tired after such a long night.
35Beyond the point, the mist was lifting, and a single star had appeared above the water.
He wondered whether the bell would ring again tomorrow, and whether he would be brave enough to climb the tower alone.
Read the story carefully. The line numbers are printed beside every fifth line, so you can find a line quickly.
Key ideas
- A fact the story states is written in a line, so you can find it.
- Copy the words that give the answer, and check the line.
- Read the question, then read the line it names.
Method. Find line 1, and copy the words that answer the question.
- Find line 1. Line 1 is about Idris climbing.climbed the stone steps
- Find the object. The place he climbs is the stone steps.the stone steps
- Copy the words. The words are the stone steps.the stone steps
- Write the answer. the stone steps
Check. The line states this. ✓
Method. Find the number and its unit in line 2.
- Find line 2. The line gives the length of time.for forty years
- Find the number. The number and unit are forty years.forty years
- Copy the words. The answer is forty years.forty years
- Write the answer. forty years
Check. The line gives the number. ✓
Method. Find the name in line 26.
- Find line 26. Ceri says the boat is Dad’s.That’s Dad’s boat
- Find the name. The next words name the boat.It’s the Morwen
- Copy the name. The name is the Morwen.the Morwen
- Write the answer. the Morwen
Check. The line names the boat. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a line may mention the right person or place without answering the question. Read the whole line.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read one numbered line aloud, and then to say what it tells us.
Exercise 7A Practice: finding facts in the story
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 4. The line gives the detail.the boats were still out beyond the point
- Check the answer. The line says where the boats were.beyond the point
- Write the answer. beyond the point
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 2. The line gives the detail.forty years
- Check the answer. The line gives the number of years.forty years
- Write the answer. forty years
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 8. The line gives the detail.watched from the harbour wall
- Check the answer. The line says where she watched from.the harbour wall
- Write the answer. the harbour wall
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 10. The line gives the detail.four boats
- Check the answer. The line gives the number of boats.four
- Write the answer. four
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 5. The line gives the detail.A thick grey mist
- Check the answer. The line describes the mist.grey
- Write the answer. grey
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Read the line and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in line 6. The story says the following.a dull, lifeless creak
- Match it to a choice. Line 6 says the bell gave only a dull, lifeless creak.a dull, lifeless creak matches the story
- Reject the other choices. The story does not say these.a loud, clear ring and a long silence do not match
- Write the answer. a dull, lifeless creak
Check. The choice matches the story. ✓
Watch out. Only what the story says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the line and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in line 26. The story says the following.It’s the Morwen.
- Match it to a choice. Ceri names the boat as the Morwen.the Morwen matches the story
- Reject the other choices. The story does not say these.the Ferry and the Harbour Star do not match
- Write the answer. the Morwen
Check. The choice matches the story. ✓
Watch out. Only what the story says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 21. The story says the following.Mrs Gwen, who ran the chip shop
- Judge the statement. Line 21 says that Mrs Gwen ran the chip shop.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 14. The story says the following.rang out again, and again
- Judge the statement. Line 14 says the sound rang out again, and again.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Vocabulary in context
Each word in this section is in a numbered line of the story. Read that line and the one before it.
Key ideas
- Read the whole line, and the line before it, before you choose a meaning.
- Test each meaning in the line before you choose.
- A synonym must fit the line, not only the word.
Method. Read the words around the bold word.
- Find the clue. The line says he is pulling harder on the rope.hauling harder
- Test the meaning. Hauling means pulling hard, which fits the effort.pulling hard
- Choose the meaning. Pulling with effort fits the line.pulling with effort
- Write the answer. pulling with effort
Check. The meaning fits the line. ✓
Method. Find a word with the same meaning as arcs in this line.
- Read the line. The torch moves in slow arcs.slow arcs
- Find the meaning. An arc is a curved movement.curved movement
- Choose a word. Curves fits the movement of the torch.curves
- Write the answer. curves
Check. Curves keeps the meaning. ✓
Method. Use the words around the bold word.
- Find the clue. They count each ring aloud so the boats know the rhythm.counting each ring aloud
- Explain the meaning. A rhythm is a steady pattern of sounds.steady pattern
- Write the meaning. The rhythm is the regular pattern of the rings.the regular pattern of the rings
- Write the answer. the regular pattern of the rings
Check. The explanation fits the line. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a word can have more than one meaning. Test each one in the line.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to say what a word means in its line, and then to check it by reading the line again.
Exercise 7B Practice: vocabulary in context
Method. Read the words around hauling, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around hauling. The words around the word show what is happening.hauling harder
- Test each meaning. Hauling means pulling hard, which fits the effort of the rope.pulling with effort fits the line
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the words around the bold word.singing loudly and climbing quickly do not fit
- Write the answer. pulling with effort
Check. The meaning fits the whole line. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the line. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around lifeless, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around lifeless. The words around the word show what is happening.a dull, lifeless creak
- Test each meaning. A creak with no life suggests a weak, empty sound.dead, with no life or energy fits the line
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the words around the bold word.full of life and energy and very loud do not fit
- Write the answer. dead, with no life or energy
Check. The meaning fits the whole line. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the line. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around emerged, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around emerged. The words around the word show what is happening.emerged from the mist
- Test each meaning. A shape comes out of the mist, so emerged means came out of.came out of fits the line
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the words around the bold word.sank into and hid behind do not fit
- Write the answer. came out of
Check. The meaning fits the whole line. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the line. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around peered, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around peered. The words around the word show what is happening.peered into the grey
- Test each meaning. Peering into the grey means looking closely, to see clearly.looked closely fits the line
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the words around the bold word.ran quickly and shouted loudly do not fit
- Write the answer. looked closely
Check. The meaning fits the whole line. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the line. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around gasps, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around gasps. The words around the word show what is happening.breath coming in gasps
- Test each meaning. Gasps are short, quick breaths, which show she is out of breath.short, quick breaths fits the line
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the words around the bold word.long, slow sighs and loud cries do not fit
- Write the answer. short, quick breaths
Check. The meaning fits the whole line. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the line. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Find a word that means the same as arcs in this line.
- Read line 21. The word arcs describes what is happening.waved it in slow arcs
- Choose a word with the same meaning. Arcs are curved movements, so a word for a curve fits.curves
- Write the answer. curves.
Check. The new word keeps the meaning. ✓
Watch out. Check the new word in the whole line. A synonym must fit the line.
Method. Find a word that means the same as faintly in this line.
- Read line 25. The word faintly describes what is happening.Then, faintly, a horn sounded
- Choose a word with the same meaning. Faintly means quietly or weakly, so the horn is not loud.quietly
- Write the answer. quietly.
Check. The new word keeps the meaning. ✓
Watch out. Check the new word in the whole line. A synonym must fit the line.
Method. Use the words around the bold word to explain its meaning.
- Find the clue. The words around the bold word give the meaning.counting each ring aloud so the boats would know the rhythm
- Explain it in your own words. The rhythm is the regular pattern of the bell rings.the steady pattern of the rings, one after another
- Write the answer. the steady pattern of the rings, one after another.
Check. The explanation fits the line. ✓
Watch out. Explain the meaning in a short phrase. Do not copy the whole line back.
Inference: feelings, thoughts and motives
Look at the actions and the words in each line. What do they show about how the character feels or what the character thinks?
Key ideas
- An inference is a sensible conclusion from evidence in the story.
- Look at actions, words and details together.
- Copy the evidence, and explain it in one sentence.
Method. Find the evidence in line 17 and say what it shows.
- Find the evidence. His arms were shaking badly.his arms were shaking badly
- Explain what it shows. Shaking arms show that he is worn out.worn out
- Write the feeling. Idris is exhausted and anxious.exhausted and anxious
- Write the answer. exhausted and anxious
Check. The evidence supports the feeling. ✓
Method. Look at the words and what they show about Ceri.
- Find the words. She says she thought he had given up.I thought you had given up
- Explain what they show. Saying this shows she had been worried.had been worried
- Write the reason. She had worried that he would stop ringing.she had worried that he would stop
- Write the answer. she had worried that he would stop
Check. The words show she had been worried. ✓
Method. Find the evidence in line 22.
- Find the evidence. The crew climb out laughing with relief.laughing with relief
- Explain it. Relief means they are glad to be safe.glad to be safe
- Write the reason. They are relieved to be home.relieved to be home
- Write the answer. they are relieved to be home
Check. The line gives the reason. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: do not state a feeling without the evidence from the line.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to act out a line of the story and guess what the character feels.
Exercise 7C Practice: inference
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 17. The story gives this detail.his arms were shaking badly
- Work out what it shows. Shaking arms show that he is worn out and worried.exhausted and anxious is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.relaxed and bored and angry at Ceri do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. exhausted and anxious
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 24. The story gives this detail.Her silence made his stomach tighten
- Work out what it shows. A tight stomach shows he is anxious about the boat.worried about the boat is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.hungry and pleased with Ceri do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. worried about the boat
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 16. The story gives this detail.I thought you had given up
- Work out what it shows. Her relief shows she had worried that he might stop.she is relieved that he kept going is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.she is cross with him and she is bored of the bell do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. she is relieved that he kept going
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Method. Use the evidence in the line to work out the inference.
- Find the evidence in line 22. The story gives this detail.laughing with relief
- Work out the inference. They are happy to be safely back.laughing with relief
- Write the answer. laughing with relief
Check. The inference comes from the evidence. ✓
Watch out. Quote the evidence, so that your inference is clearly based on the story.
Method. Use the evidence in the line to work out the inference.
- Find the evidence in line 30. The story gives this detail.looked up at the tower
- Work out the inference. He is searching for the person who rang the bell.he is relieved and looking for Idris, because he looked up at the tower
- Write the answer. he is relieved and looking for Idris, because he looked up at the tower.
Check. The inference comes from the evidence. ✓
Watch out. Quote the evidence, so that your inference is clearly based on the story.
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 33. The story gives this detail.You didn’t give up after all
- Work out what it shows. The words after all show she had expected him to stop.she had doubted him is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.she had been asleep and she had been cheering him on do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. she had doubted him
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 36. The story says the following.whether the bell would ring again tomorrow
- Judge the statement. The story says he wonders, so it does not say he is certain.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 36. The story says the following.whether he would be brave enough to climb the tower alone
- Judge the statement. He wonders whether he will be brave enough, so the story does not decide.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 36. The story gives this detail.whether he would be brave enough
- Work out what it shows. He is proud of the night, but he is not sure he is brave enough to do it alone.he feels proud but unsure about his own courage is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.he feels bored by the bell and he is angry at his grandfather do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. he feels proud but unsure about his own courage
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Prediction from clues
A prediction is based on clues. Find the clue in the line, then say what it makes likely.
Key ideas
- A prediction must be based on a clue in the story.
- A clue can be stated, or it can be implied.
- Judge a prediction as likely, unlikely or can’t tell from the clues.
Method. Find the clue in line 28, and say what it makes likely.
- Find the clue. The horn answered once more, closer now.closer now
- Think about what it means. A boat that is getting closer is coming home.coming home
- Make the prediction. The boat will reach the harbour.reach the harbour
- Write the answer. the boat will reach the harbour
Check. The clue supports the prediction. ✓
Method. Use the clue in line 18.
- Find the clue. They count each ring aloud so the boats know the rhythm.so the boats would know the rhythm
- Think about the reason. The boats still need the bell to find the way.find the way
- Make the prediction. So Idris is likely to keep ringing.keep ringing
- Write the answer. yes, because the boats need the rhythm
Check. The reason comes from line 18. ✓
Method. Use the clue about the mist in line 29.
- Find the clue. The mist had begun to thin.the mist had begun to thin
- Judge the prediction. A thinning mist and boats coming home make a safe return likely.safe return
- Write the answer. The prediction is likely.Likely
- Write the answer. Likely
Check. The clue supports the prediction. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a prediction without a clue is a guess. Always point to the line that gives your clue.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child what they think happens next in the story, and which line gave them the idea.
Exercise 7D Practice: prediction
Method. Use the clue to predict what is most likely to happen.
- Find the clue in line 28. The story gives this clue.closer now
- Work out what is likely. A horn that is closer, and a boat turning to the harbour lights, point to a safe return.the boat will reach the harbour is the most likely
- Reject the other choices. These are not supported by the clue.the boat will sink at the point and the boat will turn away to sea are less likely
- Write the answer. the boat will reach the harbour
Check. The prediction is based on the clue. ✓
Watch out. A prediction must come from a clue in the story.
Method. Use the clue in the story to predict what might happen next.
- Find the clue in line 18. The story gives a detail that points forward.so the boats would know the rhythm
- Make the prediction. The rhythm helps the boats, so he is likely to continue.he will keep ringing the bell, because the boats need the rhythm to find the harbour
- Write the answer. he will keep ringing the bell, because the boats need the rhythm to find the harbour.
Check. The prediction is based on a clue. ✓
Watch out. Give a reason from the story, so that your prediction is based on evidence.
Method. Use the clues in the story to judge the prediction.
- Find the clue in line 29. The story gives this clue.the mist had begun to thin
- Judge the prediction. A thinning mist and the boats returning make a safe return likely.Likely
- Write the answer. Likely
Check. The prediction is judged by the clues. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the clues are not enough to decide.
Method. Use the clues in the story to judge the prediction.
- Look for a clue. The story does not give a clue that decides this.no clear clue
- Judge the prediction. The story does not say what Ceri will do tomorrow.Can’t tell
- Write the answer. Can’t tell
Check. The prediction is judged by the clues. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the clues are not enough to decide.
Method. Use the clue to predict what is most likely to happen.
- Find the clue in line 35. The story gives this clue.the mist was lifting
- Work out what is likely. A lifting mist makes it easier for the boats to see the harbour.the boats will be able to see the harbour is the most likely
- Reject the other choices. These are not supported by the clue.the mist will thicken again at once and the star will fade in a moment are less likely
- Write the answer. the boats will be able to see the harbour
Check. The prediction is based on the clue. ✓
Watch out. A prediction must come from a clue in the story.
Method. Use the clue in the story to predict what might happen next.
- Find the clue in line 36. The story gives a detail that points forward.whether the bell would ring again tomorrow
- Make the prediction. He is already thinking about the next evening, so he may go back.probably, because he is already wondering whether the bell will ring again tomorrow
- Write the answer. probably, because he is already wondering whether the bell will ring again tomorrow.
Check. The prediction is based on a clue. ✓
Watch out. Give a reason from the story, so that your prediction is based on evidence.
Language and structure: how the writer creates effects
Name the device, and say what it makes the reader picture or feel. Short sentences, repetition and questions also change the mood.
Key ideas
- Name the device, then explain its effect on the reader.
- A simile uses like or as; personification gives human qualities.
- A short sentence after a question stresses a moment.
Method. Look for like or as in line 5.
- Find the signal word. The word like compares the mist with wool.like wool unrolling
- Check the type. A comparison with like is a simile.simile
- Write the device. The device is a simile.simile
- Write the answer. simile
Check. Like shows a simile. ✓
Method. Think about the length of the sentence and what comes before it.
- Find the sentence. Nothing happened. is very short.Nothing happened.
- Explain the effect. A short sentence after a question stresses the failure.stresses the failure
- Write the effect. The reader feels the failure at once.feels the failure
- Write the answer. it shows the bell failed suddenly, so the reader feels the failure
Check. The short sentence stresses the failure. ✓
Method. Look at the repeated word, and what it shows.
- Find the repetition. The sound rang out again, and again.again, and again
- Explain what it shows. The repetition shows the sound going on and on.going on and on
- Write the reason. The writer shows the bell ringing over and over.ringing over and over
- Write the answer. to show the bell ringing over and over
Check. The repetition shows the sound continuing. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: name the device before you explain it. Do not say the device is a simile if there is no like or as.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to find one comparison in the story and to say what it makes them picture.
Exercise 7E Practice: language and structure
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 5. The line uses these words.like wool unrolling across a table
- Name the device. The word like compares the mist with unrolling wool.simile
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.metaphor and alliteration do not describe them
- Write the answer. simile
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. Simile uses like or as. Metaphor says one thing is another. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Name the language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the language in line 6. The writer uses this language.a dull, lifeless creak
- Explain the effect. The words make the sound seem dead, so the reader feels the failure.the sound is weak and sad, so the reader feels the bell has failed
- Write the answer. the sound is weak and sad, so the reader feels the bell has failed.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the words make the reader picture or feel, not only what they mean.
Method. Look at the words, then choose the effect they create.
- Find the words in line 6. The line shows this.Nothing happened.
- Work out the effect. A very short sentence after a question stresses the failure.to show a sudden failure is the effect
- Reject the other choices. These do not match the line.to describe the sea and to make the story longer do not match
- Write the answer. to show a sudden failure
Check. The effect matches the words. ✓
Watch out. Think about what the writer wants the reader to feel or notice.
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 34. The line uses these words.as if it were tired after such a long night
- Name the device. The bell is given the human feeling of being tired.personification
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.metaphor and alliteration do not describe them
- Write the answer. personification
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. Simile uses like or as. Metaphor says one thing is another. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Name the language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the language in line 14. The writer uses this language.the whole hill seemed to hum with it
- Explain the effect. The hill seems alive with the sound, which shows how loud the bell is.the sound fills the whole hill, so the reader feels the bell is powerful
- Write the answer. the sound fills the whole hill, so the reader feels the bell is powerful.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the words make the reader picture or feel, not only what they mean.
Method. Look at the words, then choose the effect they create.
- Find the words in line 14. The line shows this.rang out again, and again
- Work out the effect. The repetition stresses the sound going on and on.to show the bell ringing over and over is the effect
- Reject the other choices. These do not match the line.to show a mistake and to count the boats do not match
- Write the answer. to show the bell ringing over and over
Check. The effect matches the words. ✓
Watch out. Think about what the writer wants the reader to feel or notice.
Method. Name the language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the language in line 36. The writer uses this language.whether the bell would ring again tomorrow
- Explain the effect. A question leaves the reader thinking after the story ends.it leaves the reader wondering what Idris will do next, which keeps the story open
- Write the answer. it leaves the reader wondering what Idris will do next, which keeps the story open.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the words make the reader picture or feel, not only what they mean.
Method. Look at the words, then choose the effect they create.
- Find the words in line 33. The line shows this.You didn’t give up after all
- Work out the effect. Her words show she is relieved and proud of him.to show Ceri’s relief and pride in Idris is the effect
- Reject the other choices. These do not match the line.to show Ceri is angry and to show Ceri is going home do not match
- Write the answer. to show Ceri’s relief and pride in Idris
Check. The effect matches the words. ✓
Watch out. Think about what the writer wants the reader to feel or notice.
Method. Look at the words, then choose the effect they create.
- Find the words in line 29. The line shows this.the mist had begun to thin
- Work out the effect. The thinning mist shows that time is passing towards the end of the night.the mist begins to thin is the effect
- Reject the other choices. These do not match the line.Idris starts climbing the steps and the first boat docks do not match
- Write the answer. the mist begins to thin
Check. The effect matches the words. ✓
Watch out. Think about what the writer wants the reader to feel or notice.
Summary: the main points of the story
A good summary is short. Give the main idea and the key details, leave out minor details, and keep to the word limit.
Key ideas
- A summary keeps the main points, in the order of the story.
- Leave out minor details and repetition.
- Keep to the word limit, and count the words.
Method. Write the main idea and the key details, in order.
- Find the main idea. Idris rings the bell each evening.rings the bell
- Add the key detail. On a misty night, the bell only creaks.the bell only creaks
- Count the words. The summary has 19 words, which is within 15 to 25.19 words
- Write the answer. Idris climbs the tower to ring the bell each evening, but on a misty night the bell only creaks.
Check. The summary keeps the main points. ✓
Method. Write the key points in order.
- Find the key points. The bell rings, Ceri joins, and the boats follow the lights.the bell rings
- Put them in order. The bell rings first, then the boats come in.in order
- Count the words. The summary has 23 words, which is within 20 to 30.23 words
- Write the answer. Idris rings the bell until it sounds across the water, and Ceri joins him, so the first boats can find the harbour lights.
Check. The summary keeps the key points in order. ✓
Method. Choose the points that cover the whole story, in order.
- Find the first point. Idris rings the bell.rings the bell
- Find the second point. The boats come home through the mist.the boats come home
- Find the last point. Dad praises Idris for bringing the boats home.brought us home
- Write the answer. bell, boats, praise
Check. The three points cover the whole story. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: copying whole lines is not a summary. Use fewer words and your own phrases.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to tell you the story in three sentences, and to count the words.
Exercise 7F Practice: summaries
Method. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main idea is the bell ringing each evening, and the key detail is the failure on the misty night.the main idea
- Add the key details, and leave out the minor ones. Minor details and repetition are left out.key details only
- Count the words. The example has 19 words, which is within 15 to 25.19 words
- Write the answer. Idris climbs the tower to ring the bell each evening, but on a misty night the bell only creaks.
Check. The summary is within 15 to 25 words. ✓
Watch out. Use the checklist: main idea, key details, no minor details, within the word limit.
Method. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main idea is the bell guiding the boats; Ceri joining is a key detail.the main idea
- Add the key details, and leave out the minor ones. Minor details and repetition are left out.key details only
- Count the words. The example has 23 words, which is within 20 to 30.23 words
- Write the answer. Idris rings the bell until it sounds across the water, and Ceri joins him, so the first boats can find the harbour lights.
Check. The summary is within 20 to 30 words. ✓
Watch out. Use the checklist: main idea, key details, no minor details, within the word limit.
Method. Choose the statements that cover the whole story, not one part.
- Find the main points of the whole story. The story gives these points.climbed the stone steps; Ceri came running up the steps; You brought us home
- Tick the statements that cover the whole story. These three cover the bell, the teamwork, and the praise at the end.Idris rings a bell to guide the fishing boats home through the mist. and Idris and Ceri ring the bell, and the boats find their way home. and Idris’s father praises him for bringing the boats home.
- Leave the others blank. These are not in the story, or cover only a small part.Ceri is a fisherman in the harbour., The mist never lifts from the sea.
- Write the answer. Idris rings a bell to guide the fishing boats home through the mist.; Idris and Ceri ring the bell, and the boats find their way home.; Idris’s father praises him for bringing the boats home.
Check. The three ticked statements cover the whole story. ✓
Watch out. A summary covers the whole story. A statement true of one part only is not a summary of all of it.
Method. A summary must cover the whole story, not one part of it.
- Read the whole story. The story is about several things, and they must all fit.You rang the bell; Every boat heard it; You brought us home
- Test each summary against the whole story. It covers the bell, the ringing together, and the boats coming home.Idris and Ceri ring the bell through the mist, and the boats come home safely. covers the whole story
- Reject the other choices. These cover only a small part, or go against the story.Idris gives up on the bell, and the boats are lost. and Ceri climbs the tower alone to find the boats. do not cover it
- Write the answer. Idris and Ceri ring the bell through the mist, and the boats come home safely.
Check. The summary covers the whole story. ✓
Watch out. Check that the summary includes the main points of the whole story.
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|
Can you…?
Key terms
Exercise 7Z Check-up
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 4. The line gives the detail.the boats were still out beyond the point
- Check the answer. The line says where the boats were.beyond the point
- Write the answer. beyond the point
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Read the line and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in line 12. The story says the following.A puff of rust fell onto his sleeve
- Match it to a choice. Line 12 says a puff of rust fell onto his sleeve.a puff of rust matches the story
- Reject the other choices. The story does not say these.a leaf and a drop of water do not match
- Write the answer. a puff of rust
Check. The choice matches the story. ✓
Watch out. Only what the story says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Read the line and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in line 19. The story says the following.a light flickered
- Match it to a choice. Line 19 says a light flickered.flickered matches the story
- Reject the other choices. The story does not say these.went out and turned red do not match
- Write the answer. flickered
Check. The choice matches the story. ✓
Watch out. Only what the story says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Method. Use the evidence to infer what the character feels or thinks.
- Find the evidence in line 23. The story gives this detail.Idris stopped ringing and listened
- Work out what it shows. He wants to hear whether the last boat is coming.he stops ringing and listens is the best inference
- Reject the other choices. The evidence does not support these.he runs down to the harbour and he falls asleep do not fit the evidence
- Write the answer. he stops ringing and listens
Check. The inference is supported by the evidence. ✓
Watch out. An inference is a sensible conclusion from the evidence. It is not a guess.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 23. The story says the following.The last boat had not yet come in
- Judge the statement. Line 23 says the last boat had not yet come in.False
- Write the answer. False
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Find a word that means the same as nearly in this line.
- Read line 7. The word nearly describes what is happening.he nearly fell
- Choose a word with the same meaning. Nearly fell means almost fell, so the word is a near-match for almost.almost
- Write the answer. almost.
Check. The new word keeps the meaning. ✓
Watch out. Check the new word in the whole line. A synonym must fit the line.
Method. Use the clue to predict what is most likely to happen.
- Find the clue in line 13. The story gives this clue.Then the bell swung free
- Work out what is likely. A free-swinging bell makes a sound, and the next lines describe the ringing.the bell rings out across the water is the most likely
- Reject the other choices. These are not supported by the clue.the bell breaks and the bell stops for the night are less likely
- Write the answer. the bell rings out across the water
Check. The prediction is based on the clue. ✓
Watch out. A prediction must come from a clue in the story.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 3. The line gives the detail.it stung his palms
- Check the answer. The line says the rope stung his palms.stung
- Write the answer. stung
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Method. Check the statement against the story, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence in line 2. The story says the following.had rung the bell for forty years
- Judge the statement. Line 2 says his grandfather had rung the bell for forty years.True
- Write the answer. True
Check. The statement is judged by the story. ✓
Watch out. Can’t tell means the story does not give enough information to be sure.
Method. Find the words in the line that answer the question.
- Find line 31. The line gives the detail.Every boat heard it
- Check the answer. Line 31 says every boat heard it.Every boat heard it
- Write the answer. Every boat heard it
Check. The line states this detail. ✓
Watch out. Copy the detail from the line. Do not add a fact that the story does not give.
Total 18 marks. Allow about 18 minutes.
Exercise 7X Practice test questions
Method. Find the word that describes the sound.
- Find the sound word. The bell sang out over the sea.sang out
- Write the word. Sang describes the bell’s sound.sang
- Write the answer. sang
Check. Sang describes the sound. ✓
Method. Use the words around the bold word.
- Read the sentence. Ceri looks into the grey, and says nothing.said nothing
- Test the meanings. Peered means looked closely.looked closely
- Write the answer. looked closely
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Method. Check the claim against the sentence.
- Find the evidence. The boat came in with a bump.with a bump
- Judge the claim. A bump is not quiet, so the claim is contradicted.contradicted
- Write the answer. False
Check. The bump contradicts the claim. ✓
Method. Think about the two choices Idris has.
- Find the evidence. He does not know whether to laugh or to cry.laugh or to cry
- Name the feeling. Being unsure between laughing and crying shows mixed feelings.mixed feelings
- Write the answer. relieved and overwhelmed.
Check. The feeling fits the evidence. ✓
Method. Think about who can feel tired.
- Find the word. Tired is a feeling that people have.tired
- Explain the effect. The bell is given that feeling, which is personification.personification
- Write the answer. gives the bell a human feeling of being exhausted, so the reader sees the long night through the bell.
Check. The writer gives the bell a human feeling. ✓
Method. Put the events in the order of the story.
- Find the first event. The bell rings out in line 13.line 13
- Find the second event. The first boat docks in line 22.line 22
- Find the third event. Idris stops ringing in line 23.line 23
- Write the answer. A, B, C
Check. The events are in the order of the story. ✓
Method. Give the main action, and the reason for it.
- Find the main action. Mrs Gwen waved a torch.waved it
- Find the reason. The boats need guiding home.guiding the boats
- Write the answer. Mrs Gwen waved a torch on the quay to guide the boats.
Check. The summary is within 15 words. ✓
Method. Use the clue in the sentence.
- Find the clue. A horn sounds from the far side of the point.far side of the point
- Make the prediction. A horn from out at sea means a boat is still coming in.still coming in
- Write the answer. the boat is still coming, because the horn is from the far side of the point.
Check. The horn is the clue. ✓
Method. Look at her feeling before, and her words after.
- Find the first quotation. Her face was pale as she ran up the steps.her face pale
- Find the second quotation. She says he did not give up, so she is relieved.did not give up
- Explain the change. She was worried, and now she admires him.was worried; now admires him
- Write the answer. Ceri was worried, and now she is relieved and proud of Idris, because her face was pale and she says he did not give up.
Check. Both quotations are used. ✓
Method. Think about what a sting feels like.
- Find the word. Stung is a word for a sharp pain.stung
- Explain what it shows. The rope hurt his hands when he pulled.hurt his hands
- Write the answer. it hurt Idris, so the rope was painful to hold.
Check. Stung shows the rope was painful. ✓
Method. Use the clue about the lifting mist.
- Find the clue. The mist was lifting, and a star had appeared.the mist was lifting
- Make the prediction. A lifting mist and a clear star suggest the mist will clear.will clear
- Write the answer. the mist will clear
Check. The clue supports the prediction. ✓