Friday

KS2 Reading Practice Test

Total: 48 marks

Instructions

Read each text carefully.
Answer the questions that follow.
Some questions are worth more than 1 mark.
Use evidence from the text when needed.

Text 1: The Hidden Cave (Fiction)

Sam had always loved exploring the woods behind his grandmother’s house. The tall trees stretched high above him, and the air smelled of damp leaves and pine needles.

One afternoon, while wandering along a narrow path, Sam noticed something strange. Between two large rocks, there was a small opening in the hillside that he had never seen before.

Curious, he crouched down and peered inside. The opening led into a cave. Cool air drifted out, carrying the faint sound of dripping water.

Sam hesitated. The cave looked dark and mysterious, but he also felt excited. Carefully, he switched on the small torch he carried in his backpack and stepped inside.

The cave walls sparkled slightly as the beam of light moved across them. Tiny crystals were scattered across the stone like glitter. Deeper inside, the cave widened into a larger chamber where a shallow pool of clear water reflected the light.

Suddenly, Sam realised something: this cave might never have been discovered before. He felt like a real explorer.

But just as he was about to go further, he heard a rumbling sound. A small rock fell from the ceiling and splashed into the pool.

Sam quickly decided it was time to leave. Adventures were exciting, but safety came first.

As he stepped back outside into the warm sunlight, he smiled. The woods still had secrets waiting to be discovered.

Questions for Text 1

1. Where was Sam exploring? (1 mark)

2. What did Sam notice between the rocks? (1 mark)

3. Find and copy one word that shows the cave was cold. (1 mark)

4. Why did Sam switch on his torch? (1 mark)

5. What made the cave walls sparkle? (1 mark)

6. How did Sam feel when he realised the cave might be undiscovered?
Tick one. (1 mark)

angry
excited
bored
tired

7. Why did Sam decide to leave the cave? (2 marks)

8. Find and copy a phrase that shows the cave was dangerous. (1 mark)

9. What kind of person is Sam?
Give two pieces of evidence from the text. (3 marks)

10. Summarise what happens in this story in no more than 20 words. (2 marks)

Total for Text 1: 14 marks

Text 2: The Amazing Octopus (Non-Fiction)

Octopuses are some of the most fascinating animals in the ocean. They belong to a group of animals called cephalopods, which also includes squid and cuttlefish.

An octopus has eight flexible arms lined with powerful suckers. These suckers help it grip rocks, catch prey and explore its surroundings. Surprisingly, an octopus has no bones at all. This allows it to squeeze through incredibly small spaces.

Octopuses are also masters of disguise. Their skin can change colour and texture in a matter of seconds. This helps them hide from predators or sneak up on their prey.

Another remarkable feature is their intelligence. Scientists have discovered that octopuses can solve simple puzzles, open jars and even remember solutions to problems.

Most octopuses live alone and prefer hiding in small dens made from rocks or coral. They usually hunt at night, feeding on crabs, fish and shellfish.

Although they are clever and adaptable, octopuses face dangers from predators such as sharks, dolphins and large fish. Humans also threaten them through pollution and overfishing.

Questions for Text 2

11. How many arms does an octopus have? (1 mark)

12. What are the suckers on the arms used for?
Give two uses. (2 marks)

13. Find and copy a word that means very interesting. (1 mark)

14. Why can octopuses squeeze into small spaces? (1 mark)

15. How does changing colour help octopuses? (2 marks)

16. What evidence shows that octopuses are intelligent?
Give two examples from the text. (2 marks)

17. When do octopuses usually hunt? (1 mark)

18. What do octopuses eat?
Give two foods from the text. (2 marks)

19. What dangers do octopuses face? (2 marks)

20. What is the main purpose of this text?
Tick one. (1 mark)

to entertain
to persuade
to inform
to instruct

Total for Text 2: 15 marks

Text 3: The First Flight (Biography)

Wright Brothers Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright were two American brothers who changed the world forever.

In the late 1800s, many inventors were trying to build a machine that could fly. However, most attempts ended in failure. The Wright brothers believed that careful experiments and patience were the key to success.

They began by studying how birds flew. After years of testing gliders and building their own wind tunnel, they slowly improved their designs.

Finally, on 17 December 1903, the brothers travelled to a windy beach in Kitty Hawk to test their new invention.

Their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, was powered by a small engine and had wooden wings covered in fabric.

That morning, Orville climbed into the machine while Wilbur watched. The plane lifted off the ground and flew for 12 seconds. It travelled 36 metres before landing safely.

Although the flight was short, it proved that powered flight was possible. This historic moment eventually led to the development of modern airplanes.

Today, the Wright brothers are remembered as pioneers of aviation.

Questions for Text 3

21. Who were the Wright brothers? (1 mark)

22. What problem were many inventors trying to solve in the late 1800s? (1 mark)

23. How did the Wright brothers study flight? (2 marks)

24. Where did the first successful flight take place? (1 mark)

25. When did the first flight happen? (1 mark)

26. How long did the first flight last? (1 mark)

27. Why was this short flight important? (2 marks)

28. Find and copy a word that means people who are among the first to develop something. (1 mark)

29. What materials were used to build the wings? (2 marks)

30. Explain why the Wright brothers are still remembered today. (3 marks)

31. Number the events from 1–4 in the correct order. (4 marks)

First powered flight takes place
The brothers study birds
They test gliders and designs
They travel to Kitty Hawk

Total for Text 3: 19 marks