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 4 of 5

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

1Reading comprehensionReading and literary analysis: which term fits this description? An earlier detail that hints at a later development.

A. SymbolB. ImageryC. SummaryD. Foreshadowing

2Reading comprehensionHow many storybooks remain?

Your answer

3Reading comprehensionWhy did Pavi write name unknown?

A. to claim a scientific identificationB. to make the uncertainty clearC. to pretend the plants had no featuresD. to change their colour

4Reading comprehensionHow many classmates were surveyed?

Your answer

5WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? A sentence that establishes the main focus of a paragraph.

A. TransitionB. Topic sentenceC. AudienceD. Quotation

6WritingWhich transition introduces a contrast?

A. for exampleB. similarlyC. howeverD. first

7WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? The goal a writer is trying to achieve.

A. AudienceB. TransitionC. Qualifying languageD. Purpose

8WritingWhich revision task should come before checking every comma?

A. Checking whether the argument makes sense and stays on topicB. Changing every short wordC. Making all sentences the same lengthD. Adding more exclamation marks

9Grammar & vocabularyWrite the simple past form of the verb teach.

Your answer

10Grammar & vocabularyRemove the prefix from rewrite. What base word remains?

Your answer

11Grammar & vocabularyWhich word correctly completes The book is ___ the table?

A. itsB. it’sC. they’reD. on

12Grammar & vocabularyWhich sentence uses a colon to introduce a list after a complete clause?

A. Bring these items: a ruler, paper and glue.B. The: ruler is short.C. Bring: a ruler.D. Bring a: ruler and glue.

From Grade 4

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

13Reading comprehension (Grade 4)What was wrong with Jo's book?

A. it had no picturesB. it was too shortC. the cover was greenD. a page was loose

14Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 4)Which group is a complete sentence?

A. Because the windB. The lantern glowed.C. A very small lanternD. Under the old bridge

15Reading comprehension (Grade 4)What changed the original plan?

Your answer