ABC Education

ABC Education · 7+ Practice

Week 13 · English Practice Paper

Reading: 37 marks · Writing: 15 marks · Suggested time: 45 minutes.

Reading Passage

ENGLISH COMPREHENSION Read the story below carefully, then answer the questions.

The Hedgehog and the Swallow

A Hedgehog was feeling rather sorry for himself. "I'm tired of shuffling along the ground, hunting for slugs and hiding under piles of leaves," he grumbled. "I wish I could fly south for the winter, like the swallows do."

He spoke to a Swallow about it. "You're not built for flying," the Swallow told him. "You haven't got any wings — just short little legs and a coat of prickles."

"Don't worry about that," said the Hedgehog. "I've watched you swallows swoop and glide for weeks. I'm sure if you just gave me a lift up into the sky, I could flap my legs fast enough to keep myself up there. I might even be better at it than you — and I promise to share any juicy beetles I find along the way!"

The Swallow wasn't at all sure this was a good idea, but the Hedgehog begged so much that in the end she agreed to help. She gripped the Hedgehog gently by his prickles and carried him high above the hedgerow.

"Now then," called the Swallow, "off you go!"

But the moment the Swallow let go, the Hedgehog did not fly at all. He tumbled and rolled through the air, bounced off a haystack, and landed with a soft thump in a pile of dry leaves. He was covered in scratches and feeling rather dizzy, but he was not badly hurt.

"I don't think flying is for me after all," the Hedgehog said, picking himself up and shaking the leaves from his prickles. "I think I shall stick to shuffling along the ground from now on."

Reading: The Hedgehog and the Swallow

Question 1

[2 marks]

Explain what the word 'grumbled' means.

Question 2

[4 marks]

How can we tell that the Swallow does not think it is a good idea to carry the Hedgehog into the sky?

Question 3

[4 marks]

How does the Hedgehog persuade the Swallow to help him? Please write your answer in a sentence.

Question 4

[4 marks]

Write one good thing and one bad thing about being a hedgehog.

Question 5

[4 marks]

Write one good thing and one bad thing about being a swallow.

Question 6

[3 marks]

If you had to choose to be any animal, bird or insect, what would you choose and why?

Story Order

Question 1

[6 marks]

Number these sentences 1-6 so the story makes sense: - She chose two books about dinosaurs from the shelf. - Bella walked to the library with her library card in her pocket. - As she stepped inside, she smiled at the rows of colourful books. - She waited patiently while the librarian stamped the date inside the front cover. - When she arrived at the library, she pushed open the heavy door. - She walked up to the desk and handed over her books.

Punctuation and Vocabulary

Question 1

[2 marks]

have emma and priya finished their picture

Question 2

[2 marks]

mrs patel bought apples bread and milk at the shop on friday

Question 3

[6 marks]

Circle the word in each row that does NOT mean the same as the other two: 1. giggle / chuckle / cry 2. tiny / small / huge 3. glad / happy / sad 4. begin / start / finish 5. quick / slow / speedy 6. shout / yell / whisper

Section B: Writing

Choose ONE of the following:

  • ENGLISH STORY WRITING
  • Choose just ONE of the titles below for your story. Remember to use interesting adjectives and words, try to make it exciting, and remember to punctuate your work.

Option 1: The Rainy Day Adventure

  • Describe where you are when the rain starts and how the weather changes.
  • Use interesting adjectives to describe what you see, hear and feel.
  • Give your story a clear beginning, middle and end.

Option 2: My Best Day at the Zoo

  • Describe which animals you see first and what makes the day so special.
  • Use interesting adjectives to make your descriptions exciting.
  • Give your story a clear beginning, middle and end.