Grade 6 Reading & writing diagnostic

15 questions on reading comprehension, writing and grammar & vocabulary, plus 3 from Grade 5. 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 comprehensionReading and literary analysis: which term fits this description? Descriptive language that evokes sensory experience.

A. SymbolB. SummaryC. ImageryD. Foreshadowing

2Reading comprehensionWhich tray fits an object whose owner cannot explain the fault?

A. no tray is possibleB. needs more informationC. ready to repair automaticallyD. repaired already

3Reading comprehensionWhat was wrong with the original sign?

A. The exhibition had no name.B. The letters were all missing.C. Both arrows were invisible.D. The same arrow direction misdirected readers approaching from opposite sides.

4Reading comprehensionWhich theme best fits the passage?

A. Keeping anything foundB. Avoiding all assistanceC. Helping while respecting privacy and responsibilityD. Winning a reading contest

5WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? Rethinking content, structure and meaning to improve a draft.

A. ConcessionB. RebuttalC. RevisionD. Counterargument

6WritingWhich is the main purpose of a summary?

A. Keep every sentence in the same order.B. Add unsupported conclusions.C. Condense the main ideas.

7WritingWhich phrase states a cause?

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

8WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? Information that identifies a source used in a piece of work.

A. CounterargumentB. ReasoningC. CitationD. Coherence

9Grammar & vocabularyWhich sentence separates list items clearly?

A. We packed paper, string and tape.B. We, packed paper string and tape.C. We packed, paper string and tape.D. We packed paper string and tape.

10Grammar & vocabularyWrite the possessive form for several foxes: the ___ den.

Your answer

11Grammar & vocabularyEnglish grammar essentials: which term fits this description? A word that modifies a noun or pronoun.

A. AdjectiveB. PhraseC. PrefixD. Pronoun

12Grammar & vocabularyWhich punctuation mark can separate two closely related independent clauses on its own?

A. A semicolonB. An apostropheC. A comma

From Grade 5

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

13Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 5)Choose the present-tense verb: Each box ___ a label.

A. wereB. haveC. hasD. having

14Reading comprehension (Grade 5)Which is the main lesson of the passage?

A. No one should keep records.B. Ticking a box replaces thinking.C. A clear responsibility system should still allow sensible observation.D. Every plant needs identical daily water.

15Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 5)Which sentence has a plural noun as its subject?

A. A lantern glows.B. Lanterns glow.C. Light glows.D. It glows.