Grade 8 Reading & writing diagnostic

15 questions on reading comprehension, writing and grammar & vocabulary, plus 3 from Grade 7. Answer what you can, then check your answers to see which topics are secure and what to practise next.

15 questions3 topicsAbout 15 minutesSet 3 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 long would the test last?

Your answer

2Reading comprehensionReading and literary analysis: which term fits this description? A central character whose actions or experiences organize a story.

A. IronyB. AlliterationC. ToneD. Protagonist

3Reading comprehensionBecause and as a result often signal

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

4Reading comprehensionWhat happened to the notice after the redesign?

A. It was never mentioned.B. It became the printer.C. It was the only change.D. It remained in place.

5WritingWriting and argument: which term fits this description? The quality of ideas fitting together in an understandable sequence.

A. CitationB. ThesisC. RevisionD. Coherence

6WritingWhich transition introduces an illustration?

A. for instanceB. finallyC. insteadD. nevertheless

7WritingWhich is the main purpose of a summary?

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

8WritingAn argument attacks the speaker rather than the claim. What should a reviewer do?

A. Accept the attack as proof.B. Ask for evidence about the claim itself.C. Ignore all future evidence.D. Count the insults.

9Grammar & vocabularyEnglish grammar essentials: which term fits this description? A short expression of feeling such as wow or oh.

A. AdjectiveB. PronounC. AntonymD. Interjection

10Grammar & vocabularyWrite the possessive form for one fox: the ___ tail.

Your answer

11Grammar & vocabularyChoose the opposite of “before”.

A. afterB. alwaysC. nearD. under

12Grammar & vocabularyChoose the noun: run, blue, river, slowly.

A. riverB. slowlyC. runD. blue

From Grade 7

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

13Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 7)Which word names a person who teaches?

A. retaughtB. teachableC. teacherD. teaching

14Reading comprehension (Grade 7)Why were some items put in the third tray?

A. The volunteers disliked all repairs.B. The items had no owners.C. They required tools or expertise unavailable there.D. The tray was decorative.

15Grammar & vocabulary (Grade 7)In careless, -less suggests

A. full ofB. againC. more thanD. without