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 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 comprehensionA text explains traffic congestion and proposes a new bus route. Which structure fits?

A. problem and solutionB. unrelated factsC. alphabetical list onlyD. a pronunciation key

2Reading comprehensionHow long would the test last?

Your answer

3Reading comprehensionWhat is the raw decrease in weekly usage?

Your answer

4Reading comprehensionWhich question tests whether evidence is relevant?

A. Does this detail help support this particular claim?B. Is the quotation the longest one?C. Does it contain difficult words?

5WritingWhich transition introduces a contrast?

A. for exampleB. similarlyC. howeverD. first

6WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? A reasoned challenge to the main argument.

A. ThesisB. CounterargumentC. Topic sentenceD. Audience

7WritingWhich practice is a weak paraphrase?

A. Rebuilding the sentence and checking its meaning.B. Identifying the source of the idea.C. Replacing a few words while retaining nearly all original structure.

8WritingWhich detail best supports a paragraph about reducing classroom noise?

A. Felt pads on chair legs reduced scraping sounds.B. The classroom has four windows.C. The wall is pale blue.D. The chairs were delivered in April.

9Grammar & vocabularyComplete with the past participle of eat: I have ___ lunch.

Your answer

10Grammar & vocabularyWhich semicolon joins two independent clauses correctly?

A. We waited; for the rain.B. The rain; stopped outside.C. The rain stopped; the match resumed.D. Because it rained; heavily.

11Grammar & vocabularyEnglish grammar essentials: which term fits this description? A short expression of feeling such as wow or oh.

A. AdjectiveB. PronounC. AntonymD. Interjection

12Grammar & vocabularyIn misread, mis- most directly means

A. incorrectlyB. againC. beforeD. carefully

From Grade 5

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

13Reading comprehension (Grade 5)What is the difference between the two reported counter counts?

Your answer

14Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 5)Choose the present-tense verb: There ___ two chairs by the desk.

A. amB. areC. isD. was

15Reading comprehension (Grade 5)How many people were counted at the unshaded bench?

Your answer