Grade 5 Reading & writing diagnostic

15 questions on reading comprehension, writing and grammar & vocabulary, plus 3 from Grade 4. Answer what you can, then check your answers to see which topics are secure and what to practise next.

15 questions3 topicsAbout 15 minutesSet 1 of 5

Skip a question if you do not know the answer. It is better than guessing, because it shows what to practise.

1Reading comprehensionHow many seeds remain after planting?

Your answer

2Reading comprehensionBecause and as a result often signal

A. an indexB. only time of dayC. cause and effectD. a map scale

3Reading comprehensionReading and literary analysis: which term fits this description? The atmosphere or feeling a text creates for a reader.

A. ResolutionB. ForeshadowingC. ToneD. Mood

4Reading comprehensionText: The pot was empty, although crumbs covered the table. Which conclusion goes beyond the evidence?

A. Something may have been eaten.B. There were crumbs on the table.C. Four people ate biscuits.D. The pot was empty.

5WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? Correcting and refining language, mechanics and presentation.

A. EditingB. QuotationC. ConcessionD. Citation

6WritingWhich sentence order is most logical for instructions?

A. Check the result, assemble parts, gather materials.B. Assemble parts, check the result, gather materials.C. Gather materials, assemble parts, check the result.D. Check the result, gather materials, assemble parts.

7WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? A language style suited to more official or academic contexts.

A. PurposeB. ReasoningC. EvidenceD. Formal register

8WritingWhich phrase states a cause?

A. because the hinge was looseB. meanwhileC. for instanceD. in contrast

9Grammar & vocabularyAdd un- to fair. Write the new word.

Your answer

10Grammar & vocabularyChoose the present-tense verb: The bird ___ near the window.

A. have singB. singsC. singingD. sing

11Grammar & vocabularyWhich punctuation most clearly marks an interruption here: I was about to speak ___ the lights went out.

A. an em dashB. an apostropheC. a slashD. a decimal point

12Grammar & vocabularyWhich sentence uses an apostrophe for singular possession?

A. The teacher bag’s is blue.B. The teachers bag is blue.C. The teachers are bag.D. The teacher’s bag is blue.

From Grade 4

These questions check skills from the grade below, so gaps can be spotted early.

13Reading comprehension (Grade 4)What did the helper bring?

Your answer

14Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 4)In The quiet room felt warm, which word directly describes room?

Your answer

15Reading comprehension (Grade 4)Where did the second book go?

A. the floorB. the ordinary return trayC. Jo's bagD. the repair envelope