Practice paper: non-fiction and poetry
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Find facts in a non-fiction text, using its headings
- Work out word meanings from the sentence
- Tell a fact from an opinion, and say what shows it
- Explain a metaphor and a personification in a poem, and what each makes the reader picture
- Find a point that two texts share, with evidence from each
- Summarise a section, the poem, and the whole text within a word limit
You should already know
- Chapters 1 to 7 of this book
Where this leads
- 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 headings, paragraphs and a table-like structure of a non-fiction text (Y5-6 reading, R11), Explain unfamiliar words in context, and choose the meaning that fits (Y5-6 reading, R4), Distinguish fact from opinion, and judge statements against a text (Y5-6 reading, R10), Explain figurative language in a poem, and its effect on the reader (Y5-6 reading, R9), Compare two texts on a shared point, with evidence from each (Y5-6 reading, R12), Summarise a section, a text, and a poem within a word limit (Y5-6 reading, R8).
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. A text that gives real facts is non-fiction.
- Think about the meaning. A text of real facts about a topic is non-fiction.real facts
- Name the word. The word is non-fiction.non-fiction
- Write the answer. non-fiction
Check. Non-fiction gives real facts. ✓
Method. A verb tells you what someone does.
- Look for the action. Feed is an action that swifts do.feed
- Check the others. Swifts is a noun; drink and fly are also verbs, but feed is the first.feed
- Write the answer. feed
Check. Feed is a verb. ✓
Method. A group of lines in a poem is a stanza.
- Think about the meaning. A verse of a poem is a group of lines.a group of lines
- Name the word. The word is stanza.stanza
- Write the answer. stanza
Check. A stanza is a group of lines. ✓
Method. Lines that end with the same sound rhyme.
- Think about the sound. Blue and view end with the same sound.the same sound
- Name the word. The word is rhyme.rhyme
- Write the answer. rhyme
Check. Blue and view rhyme. ✓
Method. A noun names a thing.
- Look for a thing. A blade is a thing.blade
- Check the others. Dark describes the blade; slices and through are not nouns for a thing.blade
- Write the answer. blade
Check. Blade is the noun. ✓
Retrieval: finding facts in the information text
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.
Swifts: birds of the air
A life in the air
Swifts are sleek birds that spend most of their lives in the air. They have long, curved wings and very short legs, so they can hardly perch on a branch or a wire. Swifts feed and drink while they fly.
Arrivals and departures
Common swifts arrive in Britain in late spring, usually in May, and they leave again in August. During the summer they raise their chicks in holes under roofs and in the gaps of old walls. They spend the winter in Africa, far to the south.
Their stay is short, but it is noisy and busy.
Food on the wing
Swifts catch small insects, such as flies and midges, in their open beaks. A swift can catch many insects in a single day, which is why they are so useful in the summer air.
Their food supply depends on warm weather, because insects fly most on warm, still days. Swifts also drink by skimming low over rivers and ponds, dipping their beaks into the water as they pass.
Helping swifts
Swifts nest in cracks and holes in buildings, but modern houses are often sealed tightly. Some people fix special swift bricks into new walls, so that the birds have somewhere to nest. Swifts often nest together in groups, so one new home can help many birds.
Many people believe that swifts are the most graceful birds in the sky, and that they deserve our help. Swifts often return to the same nest site year after year, so a good home can help the same birds for many summers.
Use the headings to find the right part of the text. The paragraphs under each heading give the facts.
Key ideas
- A heading tells you what the section is about.
- The facts are in the paragraphs under the heading.
- Copy the words that answer the question, and check the heading.
Method. Find the heading that matches the topic of the question.
- Read the headings. The first heading is A life in the air.A life in the air
- Check the topic. That section says swifts spend their lives in the air.spend most of their lives in the air
- Write the heading. The heading is A life in the air.A life in the air
- Write the answer. A life in the air
Check. The heading covers the topic. ✓
Method. Find the paragraph about arrivals, and copy the month.
- Find the heading. The heading is Arrivals and departures.Arrivals and departures
- Find the detail. The text says they usually arrive in May.usually in May
- Write the month. The month is May.May
- Write the answer. May
Check. The text gives the month. ✓
Method. Find the detail about the chicks in the paragraph.
- Find the paragraph. The paragraph says what the swifts do in summer.During the summer
- Find the place. The chicks are raised in holes under roofs.in holes under roofs
- Copy the words. The words are in holes under roofs.in holes under roofs
- Write the answer. in holes under roofs
Check. The text names the place. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: the heading may not be the answer. Read the paragraph under the heading to find the detail.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read the headings first, and to say which one would answer a question about food.
Exercise 8A Practice: facts in the information text
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. The text gives this detail.spend most of their lives in the air
- Check the answer. The text says swifts spend most of their lives in the air.in the air
- Write the answer. in the air
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. The text gives this detail.very short legs
- Check the answer. The text says swifts have very short legs.very short legs
- Write the answer. very short 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. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in the text. The text says the following.arrive in Britain in late spring
- Match it to a choice. The text says they arrive in late spring.in late spring matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.in midwinter and in early autumn do not match
- Write the answer. in late spring
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only what the text says 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. The text gives this detail.usually in May
- Check the answer. The text names the month of arrival.May
- Write the answer. May
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. The text gives this detail.in holes under roofs
- Check the answer. The text gives the place for the chicks.in holes under roofs
- Write the answer. in holes under roofs
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 in the text. The text says the following.Swifts catch small insects
- Match it to a choice. The text says swifts catch small insects.small insects matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.fish and seeds do not match
- Write the answer. small insects
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only what the text says 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. The text gives this detail.in their open beaks
- Check the answer. The text says what the swifts catch insects with.in their open beaks
- Write the answer. in their open beaks
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. The text gives this detail.cracks and holes in buildings
- Check the answer. The text names the nest places.cracks and holes in buildings
- Write the answer. cracks and holes in buildings
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 in the text. The text says the following.Helping swifts
- Match it to a choice. The heading Helping swifts is about how people can help.Helping swifts matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.A life in the air and Food on the wing do not match
- Write the answer. Helping swifts
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only what the text says 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.Swifts feed and drink while they fly
- Judge the statement. The text says swifts feed and drink while they fly.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.
Vocabulary in context
Read the whole sentence, and test each meaning in it.
Key ideas
- Read the words around the word.
- Test each meaning in the sentence.
- A synonym must fit the sentence.
Method. Test the meaning against the bird.
- Read the sentence. The swift is a bird that flies a lot.Swifts are sleek birds
- Test the meaning. Sleek suits a bird that cuts through the air.cuts through the air
- Choose the meaning. Smooth and streamlined fits the bird.smooth and streamlined
- Write the answer. smooth and streamlined
Check. The meaning fits the bird. ✓
Method. Find a word with the same meaning as busy in this sentence.
- Read the sentence. The stay is full of activity.full of activity
- Find the meaning. Busy means full of activity.full of activity
- Choose a word. Active has the same meaning here.active
- Write the answer. active
Check. Active keeps the meaning. ✓
Method. Think about how a bird moves in the air.
- Read the phrase. The birds are judged as the most graceful.the most graceful birds
- Test the meaning. Graceful describes smooth, elegant movement.smooth, elegant movement
- Choose the meaning. The graceful birds move smoothly and elegantly.smooth and elegant
- Write the answer. smooth and elegant
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a word can have a meaning in one sentence that is different from its everyday meaning. Check the sentence.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to explain a word from the text in one short phrase, without using the word itself.
Exercise 8B Practice: vocabulary in context
Method. Read the words around sleek, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.Swifts are sleek birds
- Test each meaning. Sleek describes a smooth, streamlined shape, which suits a flying bird.smooth and streamlined fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.slow and heavy and bright and colourful do not fit
- Write the answer. smooth and streamlined
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around perch, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.so they can hardly perch on a branch or a wire
- Test each meaning. Perching means resting on a branch or wire.sit or rest on something fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.fly very high and dive into water do not fit
- Write the answer. sit or rest on something
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around midges, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.such as flies and midges
- Test each meaning. Midges are small insects, like flies.tiny flying insects fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.large birds and small fish do not fit
- Write the answer. tiny flying insects
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around sealed, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.modern houses are often sealed tightly
- Test each meaning. Sealed tightly means closed up, so birds cannot get in.closed up tightly fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.painted bright and made of stone do not fit
- Write the answer. closed up tightly
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Read the words around chicks, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.raise their chicks in holes under roofs
- Test each meaning. Chicks are young birds that are raised in a nest.young birds fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.eggs and nests do not fit
- Write the answer. young birds
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Find a word that means the same as busy in this sentence.
- Read the sentence. The word busy describes the bird or its habit.Their stay is short, but it is noisy and busy.
- Choose a word with the same meaning. Busy means full of activity.active
- Write the answer. active.
Check. The new word keeps the meaning. ✓
Watch out. Check the new word in the whole sentence.
Method. Find a word that means the same as deserve in this sentence.
- Read the sentence. The word deserve describes the bird or its habit.they deserve our help
- Choose a word with the same meaning. Deserve means to be worthy of something.should get
- Write the answer. should get.
Check. The new word keeps the meaning. ✓
Watch out. Check the new word in the whole sentence.
Method. Read the words around graceful, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.the most graceful birds in the sky
- Test each meaning. Graceful means smooth and elegant in movement.smooth and elegant fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.clumsy and awkward and loud and busy do not fit
- Write the answer. smooth and elegant
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Fact and opinion
Swifts: birds of the air
A life in the air
Swifts are sleek birds that spend most of their lives in the air. They have long, curved wings and very short legs, so they can hardly perch on a branch or a wire. Swifts feed and drink while they fly.
Arrivals and departures
Common swifts arrive in Britain in late spring, usually in May, and they leave again in August. During the summer they raise their chicks in holes under roofs and in the gaps of old walls. They spend the winter in Africa, far to the south.
Their stay is short, but it is noisy and busy.
Food on the wing
Swifts catch small insects, such as flies and midges, in their open beaks. A swift can catch many insects in a single day, which is why they are so useful in the summer air.
Their food supply depends on warm weather, because insects fly most on warm, still days. Swifts also drink by skimming low over rivers and ponds, dipping their beaks into the water as they pass.
Helping swifts
Swifts nest in cracks and holes in buildings, but modern houses are often sealed tightly. Some people fix special swift bricks into new walls, so that the birds have somewhere to nest. Swifts often nest together in groups, so one new home can help many birds.
Many people believe that swifts are the most graceful birds in the sky, and that they deserve our help. Swifts often return to the same nest site year after year, so a good home can help the same birds for many summers.
A fact can be checked, for example by looking at records or by watching. An opinion is what someone thinks or believes. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Key ideas
- A fact can be checked and proved.
- An opinion says what someone thinks, feels or believes.
- Check the words in the sentence for opinion words.
Method. Ask whether the sentence can be checked.
- Look at the sentence. Wings can be seen and their shape checked.long, curved wings
- Look for opinion words. The sentence has no word such as believe or think.no opinion word
- Decide. It can be checked, so it is a fact.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. It can be checked. ✓
Method. Ask whether the sentence can be proved, or is a judgement.
- Look at the words. Graceful and most are judgements.the most graceful birds
- Ask if it can be checked. It is someone’s judgement of beauty.judgement
- Decide. It is an opinion.Opinion
- Write the answer. Opinion
Check. It is a judgement, not a proof. ✓
Method. Ask whether the sentence can be checked.
- Look at the sentence. The arrival time can be checked in records.arrive in Britain in late spring
- Look for opinion words. There are no opinion words.no opinion words
- Decide. It can be checked, so it is a fact.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. The time can be checked. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a sentence with a number or a date can still be an opinion if it is a judgement. Check the words carefully.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write one fact and one opinion about a favourite animal, and to say how each can be checked.
Exercise 8C Practice: fact and opinion
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.arrive in Britain in late spring
- Decide. The arrival time can be checked against records.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. The sentence is a fact. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.the most graceful birds in the sky
- Decide. ‘The most graceful’ is a judgement of beauty, so it is an opinion.Opinion
- Write the answer. Opinion
Check. The sentence is a opinion. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.long, curved wings
- Decide. The shape of the wings can be seen and checked.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. The sentence is a fact. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.it is noisy and busy
- Decide. Noisy and busy are judgements about how the stay feels.Opinion
- Write the answer. Opinion
Check. The sentence is a opinion. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.Many people believe
- Decide. The word believe shows that this is what people think.Opinion
- Write the answer. Opinion
Check. The sentence is a opinion. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.A swift can catch many insects in a single day
- Decide. This is a claim that can be tested by counting.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. The sentence is a fact. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Check the statement against the text, and nothing else.
- Find the evidence. The text says the following.Swifts nest in cracks and holes in buildings
- Judge the statement. The text says so.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. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in the text. The text says the following.Many people believe that swifts are the most graceful birds in the sky
- Match it to a choice. The words many people believe show what people think, which is an opinion.Many people believe that swifts are the most graceful birds in the sky. matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Swifts feed and drink while they fly. and Swifts nest in cracks and holes in buildings. do not match
- Write the answer. Many people believe that swifts are the most graceful birds in the sky.
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only what the text says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Figurative language in the poem
Swift
A dark blade slices through the blue,
and loops above the chimney pots,
then darts across the roofs in view,
and stitches night with silver spots.
5It never lands to rest or sleep;
it circles over field and hill,
it drinks the rain upon the wing,
and hunts the midges, wheeling still.
When summer ends, it turns for home
10across the sea, a thread of black;
the nests lie empty under eaves,
and wait for spring to call it back.
A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as. Personification gives a thing a human action. Think about what each image makes the reader picture or feel.
Key ideas
- A metaphor says one thing is another, with no like or as.
- A simile uses like or as.
- Explain the effect on the reader, using a quotation from the line.
Method. Look for like or as, and for one thing that is called another.
- Look for like or as. There is no like or as in line 1.no like or as
- Find the comparison. The swift is called a dark blade.a dark blade
- Name the device. Saying one thing is another, without like or as, is a metaphor.metaphor
- Write the answer. metaphor
Check. The swift is a blade, with no like or as. ✓
Method. Name the device, then explain the picture it makes.
- Find the device. The swift stitches the night, which is a metaphor.stitches night
- Explain the picture. The silver spots look like bright stitches in the dark sky.silver spots
- Explain the effect. The reader sees the swifts as bright marks across a dark sky.bright marks
- Write the answer. it makes the swifts seem to sew bright marks across a dark sky
Check. The image is explained. ✓
Method. Think about what empty nests suggest to the reader.
- Find the image. The nests are empty, which is a quiet picture.the nests lie empty
- Think about what it suggests. The birds have gone, so the nests look lonely.look lonely
- Explain the effect. The reader feels the birds are missed and expected back.expected back
- Write the answer. the nests are quiet and lonely while the birds are away
Check. The image is explained. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: name the device before you explain it. A device needs a clear signal, such as like or as, or a clear comparison.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to read one line of the poem aloud, and to say what picture it makes in their head.
Exercise 8D Practice: figurative language in the poem
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 1. The poem uses these words.A dark blade slices through the blue
- Name the device. The swift is called a dark blade, with no like or as.metaphor
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.simile and alliteration do not describe them
- Write the answer. metaphor
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 4. The poem uses these words.stitches night with silver spots
- Name the device. The swift is said to stitch the night, without like or as.metaphor
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.simile and personification do not describe them
- Write the answer. metaphor
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 10. The poem uses these words.a thread of black
- Name the device. The line calls the swift’s flight a thread, with no like or as.metaphor
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.simile and rhyme do not describe them
- Write the answer. metaphor
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Look at how the words are built, then name the device.
- Find the words in line 12. The poem uses these words.wait for spring to call it back
- Name the device. Spring is given a human action: calling.personification
- Reject the other choices. These names do not describe the words.simile and alliteration do not describe them
- Write the answer. personification
Check. The name fits the words. ✓
Watch out. A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as. Personification gives human actions to things.
Method. Name the figurative language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the phrase in line 1. The poet uses this language.A dark blade slices through the blue
- Explain the effect. The image of a blade makes the bird look sharp and fast.the swift looks sharp and fast, cutting through the sky, so the reader pictures it moving quickly
- Write the answer. the swift looks sharp and fast, cutting through the sky, so the reader pictures it moving quickly.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the image makes the reader picture or feel, not only what it means.
Method. Name the figurative language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the phrase in line 8. The poet uses this language.wheeling still
- Explain the effect. Wheeling means turning in circles, and still suggests it stays in one area while it hunts.the bird is busy and skilful, turning in circles while it hunts
- Write the answer. the bird is busy and skilful, turning in circles while it hunts.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the image makes the reader picture or feel, not only what it means.
Method. Name the figurative language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the phrase in line 11. The poet uses this language.the nests lie empty under eaves
- Explain the effect. Empty nests suggest the birds have left, which the reader can feel.the nests look quiet and lonely, so the reader feels the birds are away
- Write the answer. the nests look quiet and lonely, so the reader feels the birds are away.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the image makes the reader picture or feel, not only what it means.
Method. Use the words around the bold word to explain its meaning.
- Find the clue. The words around the bold word give the meaning.it circles over field and hill
- Explain it in your own words. Circles means moving round in a loop, here over the fields and hills.flies round and round in wide loops
- Write the answer. flies round and round in wide loops.
Check. The explanation fits the line. ✓
Watch out. Explain the meaning in a short phrase.
Method. Name the figurative language, then say what it makes the reader picture or feel.
- Find the phrase in line 12. The poet uses this language.wait for spring to call it back
- Explain the effect. The image makes the return sound welcome and expected.the spring seems to be waiting for the swift, so the reader feels the bird is missed and expected back
- Write the answer. the spring seems to be waiting for the swift, so the reader feels the bird is missed and expected back.
Check. The effect on the reader is explained. ✓
Watch out. Say what the image makes the reader picture or feel, not only what it means.
Comparing the two texts
When you compare two texts, look for a point that both make. Then find the words in each text that show it.
Key ideas
- A shared point must be true of both texts.
- Give evidence from each text.
- Compare the way the two texts say the same thing, as well as what they say.
Method. Find a point that both texts make, with evidence from each.
- Find the information text. It says swifts spend most of their lives in the air.spend most of their lives in the air
- Find the poem. The poem says the swift never lands to rest or sleep.never lands to rest or sleep
- Name the shared point. Both texts show the swift living in the air.living in the air
- Write the answer. Both texts show swifts living in the air.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Method. Compare how each text says things, not only what it says.
- Look at the text. The text gives facts and advice.Swifts catch small insects
- Look at the poem. The poem uses images, such as a blade and a thread.A dark blade slices
- Name the difference. The text is factual, but the poem is full of images.factual; images
- Write the answer. the text gives facts, but the poem uses images
Check. The difference is about how each text says it. ✓
Method. Find the word in the poem that shows the leaving.
- Find the poem’s line. The poem says When summer ends, it turns for home.it turns for home
- Find the word. Home shows where the swift goes.home
- Write the word. The word is home.home
- Write the answer. home
Check. The poem uses the word home. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a point must be true of both texts. A detail in only one text is not a shared point.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to say what the poem and the information text both say, and to point to one line in each.
Exercise 8E Practice: comparing the two texts
Method. Find a point that both texts make, using evidence from each.
- Find what the information text says. The text gives this detail.spend most of their lives in the air
- Find what the poem says. The poem gives this detail.It never lands to rest or sleep
- Name the shared point. Both texts show swifts living in the air.they spend much of their time in the air
- Write the answer. they spend much of their time in the air.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Watch out. A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each.
Method. Find a point that both texts make, using evidence from each.
- Find what the information text says. The text gives this detail.leave again in August
- Find what the poem says. The poem gives this detail.When summer ends, it turns for home
- Name the shared point. Both texts describe the swifts leaving in summer.they leave in summer, and head home across the sea
- Write the answer. they leave in summer, and head home across the sea.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Watch out. A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each.
Method. Tick only the statements the texts support.
- Check each statement against the texts. Find the words that give each statement.spend most of their lives in the air; leave again in August; When summer ends, it turns for home
- Tick the supported statements. The text and the poem both show these two points.swifts spend much of their time in the air and swifts leave Britain for home at the end of summer
- Leave the others blank. The texts do not support these.swifts are a kind of bee, swifts never sleep at all
- Write the answer. swifts spend much of their time in the air and swifts leave Britain for home at the end of summer
Check. Both ticked statements are supported. ✓
Watch out. Tick exactly two boxes. A statement that the texts do not support is not ticked.
Method. Find a point that both texts make, using evidence from each.
- Find what the information text says. The text gives this detail.Swifts catch small insects
- Find what the poem says. The poem gives this detail.A dark blade slices through the blue
- Name the shared point. The text states facts; the poem describes the bird with images.the text gives facts, but the poem uses images and feelings
- Write the answer. the text gives facts, but the poem uses images and feelings.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Watch out. A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each.
Method. Find a point that both texts make, using evidence from each.
- Find what the information text says. The text gives this detail.Swifts nest in cracks and holes in buildings
- Find what the poem says. The poem gives this detail.the nests lie empty under eaves
- Name the shared point. Both texts describe the nests as places in buildings.the nests are in holes, cracks or under eaves, and the birds return to them
- Write the answer. the nests are in holes, cracks or under eaves, and the birds return to them.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Watch out. A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each.
Method. Look for the feature that the poem has and the text does not.
- Look at the poem. Lines 1 and 3 end with the same sound: blue and view.the blue; in view
- Check the text. The text has headings and facts, not a rhyme scheme.headings and facts
- Choose the feature. A rhyme scheme is only in the poem.a rhyme scheme
- Write the answer. B
Check. Only the poem has a rhyme scheme. ✓
Summary: the main points
Check each summary against the checklist: it gives the main idea, it has the key details, it leaves out minor details, and it is within the word limit.
Key ideas
- A summary gives the main idea and the key details.
- Leave out minor details and repetition.
- Count the words, and keep to the limit.
Method. Give the main idea and the key details.
- Find the main idea. Swifts spend their lives in the air.spend most of their lives in the air
- Add the key detail. They feed and drink while they fly.feed and drink while they fly
- Count the words. The summary has 16 words, which is within 15 to 25.16 words
- Write the answer. Swifts spend most of their lives in the air, where they feed and drink while flying.
Check. The summary is within the limit. ✓
Method. Use the main points in order.
- Find the first points. The swift flies and never lands.never lands
- Find the later points. It turns for home, and the nests wait for spring.turns for home
- Count the words. The summary has 23 words, which is within 20 to 30.23 words
- Write the answer. A swift flies across the summer sky, never landing; when summer ends it turns for home, and the empty nests wait for spring.
Check. The points are in order. ✓
Method. Give the main ideas of each section.
- Find the main ideas. Life in the air, food, nests and help.air; food; nests; help
- Leave out the minor details. The speed of the flight is a minor detail.minor detail
- Count the words. The summary has 24 words, which is within 15 to 25.24 words
- Write the answer. Swifts live in the air, catch insects on the wing, and need nest sites, so people can help them by keeping gaps in buildings.
Check. The main ideas are in the summary. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: copying whole sentences is not a summary. Use fewer words and your own phrases.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to summarise a section in one sentence, then count the words.
Exercise 8F Practice: summaries
Method. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main idea is the swifts living in the air, and the key detail is feeding and drinking in flight.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 16 words, which is within 15 to 25.16 words
- Write the answer. Swifts spend most of their lives in the air, where they feed and drink while flying.
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 swifts catching insects; the number caught 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 24 words, which is within 20 to 30.24 words
- Write the answer. Swifts catch small insects in their open beaks, and one swift can catch many insects in a day, so they help the summer air.
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. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main points are the flight, the leaving, and the empty nests waiting.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. A swift flies across the summer sky, never landing; when summer ends it turns for home, and the empty nests wait for spring.
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. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main ideas are living in the air, food, nests and help.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 24 words, which is within 15 to 25.24 words
- Write the answer. Swifts live in the air, catch insects on the wing, and need nest sites, so people can help them by keeping gaps in buildings.
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.
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Headings | Use the headings to find the section that answers the question. |
| Vocabulary | Read the words around the word, and test each meaning in the sentence. |
| Fact and opinion | A fact can be checked; an opinion shows what someone thinks or believes. |
| Poetry | A metaphor says one thing is another; a simile uses like or as; personification gives human actions. |
| Comparing | A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each. |
| Summary | Main idea and key details, in order, within the word limit. |
Can you…?
- I can find facts in a non-fiction text, using its headings
- I can work out what a word means from the sentence
- I can tell a fact from an opinion, and say what shows it
- I can explain a metaphor, a simile or a personification in a poem
- I can compare two texts on a shared point, with evidence from each
- I can write a summary within a word limit
Key terms
- non-fiction
- writing that gives real facts about a topic
- stanza
- a group of lines in a poem
- rhyme
- lines that end with the same sound
- metaphor
- a comparison that says one thing is another
- fact
- a statement that can be checked and proved
- opinion
- what someone thinks or believes
- shared point
- a point that two texts both make
Exercise 8Z Check-up
Method. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. The text gives this detail.A life in the air
- Check the answer. The first heading is A life in the air.A life in the air
- Write the answer. A life in the air
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.spend most of their lives in the air
- Judge the statement. The text says swifts spend most of their lives in the air, so they do not often land.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. Find the words in the text that answer the question.
- Find the words in the text. The text gives this detail.Swifts feed and drink while they fly
- Check the answer. The text says swifts drink while they fly.while they fly
- Write the answer. while they fly
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 words around perch, then test each meaning.
- Read the words around the word. The words around it show what the text is about.so they can hardly perch on a branch or a wire
- Test each meaning. Perching means resting on a branch or a wire.sit or rest on something fits
- Reject the other meanings. These do not fit the sentence.fly very high and dive into water do not fit
- Write the answer. sit or rest on something
Check. The meaning fits the sentence. ✓
Watch out. Test each meaning in the sentence. The first meaning you think of may not fit.
Method. Decide whether the sentence can be proved, or shows what someone thinks.
- Look for the clue. A fact can be checked; an opinion is what someone thinks or believes.modern houses are often sealed tightly
- Decide. This can be checked by looking at how houses are built.Fact
- Write the answer. Fact
Check. The sentence is a fact. ✓
Watch out. Words such as believe, think, most and beautiful often show an opinion.
Method. Use the words around the bold word to explain its meaning.
- Find the clue. The words around the bold word give the meaning.it drinks the rain upon the wing
- Explain it in your own words. The bird drinks as it flies, taking in rain.takes in water while it is still flying
- Write the answer. takes in water while it is still flying.
Check. The explanation fits the line. ✓
Watch out. Explain the meaning in a short phrase.
Method. Find a point that both texts make, using evidence from each.
- Find what the information text says. The text gives this detail.Swifts catch small insects
- Find what the poem says. The poem gives this detail.hunts the midges
- Name the shared point. Both texts show swifts catching small insects.they catch small insects like flies and midges
- Write the answer. they catch small insects like flies and midges.
Check. Both texts make this point. ✓
Watch out. A shared point must be true of both texts, with evidence from each.
Method. Write the main ideas in order, within the word limit.
- Find the main idea. The main idea is the swift flying over the roofs and the sky.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 15 words, which is within 12 to 20.15 words
- Write the answer. A swift cuts across the blue sky, looping above the roofs and stitching the night.
Check. The summary is within 12 to 20 words. ✓
Watch out. Use the checklist: main idea, key details, no minor details, within the word limit.
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 says many people believe this, so it does not say it as a fact.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. Read the text and match the detail to one choice.
- Find the detail in the text. The text says the following.Helping swifts
- Match it to a choice. The heading Helping swifts covers the nests and the help.Helping swifts matches the text
- Reject the other choices. The text does not say these.Food on the wing and Arrivals and departures do not match
- Write the answer. Helping swifts
Check. The choice matches the text. ✓
Watch out. Only what the text says counts. Do not choose what you think is probably true.
Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.
Exercise 8X Practice test questions
Method. Copy the actions from the sentence.
- Find the sentence. The text says swifts feed and drink while they fly.feed and drink
- Write the actions. The two actions are feed and drink.feed and drink
- Write the answer. feed and drink
Check. The text names the two actions. ✓
Method. Find the comparison in the line.
- Find the line. The line says a dark blade slices through the blue.A dark blade
- Check the choice. The swift is called a dark blade.a dark blade
- Write the answer. a dark blade
Check. The line compares the swift to a blade. ✓
Method. Check the statement against the text.
- Find the evidence. The text says their stay is short.their stay is short
- Judge the statement. A short stay contradicts a long time.contradicts
- Write the answer. False
Check. The text contradicts the statement. ✓
Method. Look for opinion words.
- Find the opinion words. Many people believe, and most graceful, are judgements.Many people believe
- Decide. It shows what people think, so it is an opinion.an opinion
- Write the answer. Opinion
Check. It shows what people think. ✓
Method. Name the device, then explain the picture.
- Find the device. Stitches night is a metaphor.stitches night
- Explain the picture. Silver spots look bright against the dark night.silver spots
- Write the answer. the swifts move across the dark sky, like bright stitches or spots of silver.
Check. The image is explained. ✓
Method. Keep the main idea and the key details only.
- Find the main idea. Swifts catch insects.catch small insects
- Add the key detail. Flies and midges, with open beaks.flies and midges
- Write the answer. Swifts catch flies and midges with open beaks.
Check. The summary is within ten words. ✓
Method. Think about the time of year each one describes.
- Find the first statement. The swifts arrive in late spring.arrive in late spring
- Find the second statement. The swift turns for home when summer ends.turns for home
- Write the answer. the text is about arriving, but the poem is about leaving or going home.
Check. The two statements describe different times. ✓
Method. Test each meaning against the bird.
- Read the sentence. The bird spends its life in the air.in the air
- Test the meaning. A smooth, streamlined shape suits a flying bird.streamlined
- Write the answer. smooth and streamlined
Check. The meaning fits the bird. ✓
Method. Look at both images, and what they say about speed.
- Find the first image. The swift is a dark blade.A dark blade slices through the blue
- Find the second image. The swift darts across the roofs.then darts across the roofs in view
- Explain the effect. Both images show quick, sharp movement.quick, sharp movement
- Write the answer. the blade and the darting make the bird seem quick and sharp as it cuts across the sky.
Check. Both quotations are used. ✓
Method. Think about where swifts nest, and what sealing does.
- Find the nest places. Swifts nest in cracks and holes.cracks and holes
- Explain the problem. Sealed houses have no cracks or holes for the birds.no cracks or holes
- Write the answer. sealed houses stop the swifts getting in to nest, so they lose places to nest.
Check. The problem is explained. ✓
Method. Use the heading to find the right part.
- Read the heading. The heading is Helping swifts.Helping swifts
- Check the topic. The section is about how people help.how people help
- Write the answer. Helping swifts
Check. The heading covers helping. ✓