KS2 SATs English: Reading Comprehension Guide

Reading the text first

Read the whole passage once for general understanding before looking at the questions. On a second read, look more closely at the parts the questions ask about.

Types of question

Some questions ask you to retrieve information directly from the text (the answer is there, word for word). Others ask you to infer — work out something the text implies but doesn't say outright, using clues in the writing.

Finding evidence

Always go back to the text to find your answer rather than relying on memory. For questions asking "how do you know?", quote or point to the exact part of the text that supports your answer.

Vocabulary in context

When asked what a word means, look at the words and sentences around it for clues, rather than only relying on what you already know the word to mean elsewhere.

Common mistakes

• Answering from memory instead of checking back in the text.
• Giving an opinion when the question asks for evidence from the text.
• Running out of time — the SATs reading paper covers three texts, so pace yourself.