Year 4 - Comprehension
To ContentsYear 4 - ComprehensionFiction, Non - Fiction and Poetry Texts in Themese.book versionLICENCE TERMSPermission to use and reproduce the materials in this publication is on anon-exclusive and non-assignable basis.This licence only covers use of this Publication by the purchaser’s Educational Establishment for educational purposes or for the purchaser’s personal reference only.This permission terminates if you breach these licence terms. Any other use(including use for commercial purposes) is strictly prohibited.“Educational Establishment” means any school and any other description ofeducational establishment as may be specified by order of the Secretary ofState under s 174 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act, 1988 (asamended, modified or re-enacted from time to time).Full terms and conditions can be found atwww.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
YEAR 4 - ComprehensionThemed Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry Texts with QuestionsIntroductionYear 4 Comprehension is a collection of fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts grouped inthemes suitable for the age group. These exercises can be used to prepare children for SATstyle tests or matched to themes the class may be studying at the time. The question pagesare split into three sections. Section A gives an overview of the text with missing words orphrases to find, Section B contains open-ended questions and Section C is a relevant writtenchallenge for more able pupils or those who work quickly. All the pages have been printed‘Landscape’ to make maximum use of the space on Interactive Whiteboards. Black and whiteimages are used in the paper book; full colour images have been used in the e.book anddownload.Texts written by:Peter Bell, Heather Bell, Kath Cope, Paul Cross and Adrienne Dawes.Topical Resources publishes a range of Educational Materials for use in Primary Schools andPre-School Nurseries and Playgroups.For the latest catalogueTel 01772 863158Fax 01772 866153Email: sales@topical-resources.co.ukVisit our Website at:www.topical-resources.co.ukCopyright Peter BellFirst Published January 2012ISBN 978-1-909458-70-7Illustrated by John Hutchinson, Art Works, Fairhaven,69 Worden Lane, Leyland, PrestonDesigned by Paul Sealey, PS3 Creative, 3 WentworthDrive, Thornton, LancashirePrinted in the UK for ‘Topical Resources Ltd’ by T.Snape and Co Ltd., Boltons Court, Preston, Lancashire1Permission to use and reproduce the materials in thispublication is on a non-exclusive and non-assignablebasis. This licence only covers use of this Publicationby the purchaser’s Educational Establishment foreducational purposes or for the purchaser’s personalreference only. This permission terminates if youbreach these licence terms. Any other use (includinguse for commercial purposes) is strictly prohibited.“Educational Establishment” means any school andany other description of educational establishment asmay be specified by order of the Secretary of Stateunder s 174 of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act,1988 (as amended, modified or re-enacted from time totime).Terms and conditions can be found atwww.topical-resources.co.uk/termsTopical Resources is the trading name of Topical Resources Ltd,registered in England number 8072582.Registered office: Jumps Farm, Durton Lane, Broughton, Preston, Lancashire. PR3 5LE Topical Resources Ltd.ContentsTheme: Ancient GreeksThe Legend of the MinotaurThe Olympic GamesAncient Greek Olympic FestivalTheme: IndiaAn Indian AdventureThe World’s Cheapest CarVisit the Tandoori PalaceTheme: HabitatsWhat is a Habitat?Human HabitatsThe SettTheme: BooksThe Boy DectectiveHow to Make a Pop Up Book PageThe BookshelfTheme: JourneysHoliday PackingPlanning a JourneyThe JourneyTheme: ElectricityThe Discovery of ElectricityWhere Does Our Electricity Come From?How to Make a Simple CircuitTheme: Tudor TimesTudor Kings and QueensThe Six Wives of Henry VIIIA Tudor Writing LessonTheme: MoneyThe Bank RobberyThe History of Money‘Bargain 404244464850Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 1 Ancient GreeksBack to ContentsPlayscriptruatoniMehtfoThe Legendhad the headThe Minotaur in Greek LegendTheof a bull and the body of a man.Crete.Minotaur lived on the island ofrs KingLegend has it that every nine yeang men andAegeus had to send seven youMinotaur.women to be devoured by theTheseus was the king’s son.ribleTheseus: I am to be fed to the horMinotaur.Ariadne: Are you not afraid?e to do for myTheseus: No. I will do what I havfather the King of Athens.lding hisTheseus explores the maze horavellingunsword ready in one hand andother.the silk thread carefully with theing, is itTheseus: I can hear heavy breathcoming from down here?sees theTheseus enters a large cave andman andrifying Minotaur, which is halfterkbacmeetakandmerryAriadne: If you will mak so sad?half bull.ape from theTheseus: Father, why do you looto Athens then I will help you escthat, arh andMinotaur.e again toTheseus: Take that, and that andKing Aegeus: The time has comd in blood.n to bethat! Look at my sword, it is covere?mesend seven young men and womephelyoucanwHoit back to theTheseus:Where is the silk thread? I’ll followslaughtered by the evil Minotaur.door.thread. WhenAriadne: Take this ball of silkenasgowillI.mendSeair.Minotaur,Theseus: That’s unfAriadneyou enter the maze in search of theOutside the door Theseus findsn.mengyouandrdootheone of theofideinsthetie the thread towaiting for him.l it as you go along. That way,aveunrllyefucarthetoersothifTheseus sets sail with thirteenily find your way out of the mazeeaswillyouareytheivearrAriadne: Are you hurt?island of Crete. When theyk.lucodGoe.vivsuryouisa feastdressed in the finest robes andthe gatedtoTheseus: Just a little.prepared before they are sentthe maze is unlocked anddaytnexeThide.maze where the Minotaur lived.Theseus is the first to be put insAriadne: Thene and listenstsidousndstaeoneryEvr beautifultake me back toTheseus: I do not recognise youefully.carAthens and weface. Who are you?shall be marriede the thread and tie it totakI’llht,Rigus:eseThadne. Youas soon asAriadne: My name is Princess Aridoor. Now, where did I hide mytheofideinsthetheisatpossible.are a very handsome stranger, whord?swpurpose of this visit?2 Topical Resources Ltd.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 1 Ancient GreeksSection BPlayscriptThe Legend of the MinotaurSection AChoose the best word or group of words to fit the passage and put aring around your choice.The Minotaur had the head of a bull and the body of agirl.Why was the Minotaur frightening to look at?2What does the word ‘devoured’ mean?3Who sent young men and woman to be devoured?4How do you think King Aegeus felt about sending his own ich phrases suggests Theseus and Ariadne liked each other?4TheseusKing AegeusAriadneMinotaur6What did Ariadne want Theseus to do for her?5TheseusKing AegeusMinotaur7Which sentences suggest Theseus was very brave?6took a ball of thread.Seven men and seven women were sent everyyears to be eaten by the Minotaur.offered to be sent to Crete. He metAriadneman.11The Minotaur lived on the island ofboy.Back to ContentsCrunch.the night of the feast. She offered to help him escape from the Minotaurif he3found his way out.would marry her.took a sword. Topical Resources Ltd.Section CWrite a short story in which you have to face a fierce monster.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 1 Ancient GreeksBack to ContentsInformation TextThe Olympic GamesThe Olympic Games is the world’s oldest athletics competition. They first took place in Olympia in Greece in776 BC. The Ancient Greek Games ended in AD 394. The modern Olympic Games were restarted in 1896and are now held all over the world. They were originally held once every four years at the temple of Zeus.Preparing for WarIn the beginning Greekcity-states encouragedtheir men to take partin a wide variety ofsports as preparationfor warfare. People fromall over the Greek worldcame to watch andtake part. Winners were given a wreath ofleaves and a hero’s welcome back home.The Sacred Trucee athletesMessengers would invitworld tofrom all over the Greekarfare wasattend these events. Wthe gameshalted for the period ofto theso that all could travelSacredgames in safety. Thisonth beforeTruce lasted for one mthe games began.4 Topical Resources Ltd.The Eventsa straight track. TheonldherewesceragRunnindst for soldiers, involveteeattimuleth,onhlpentatrowingg, discus and javelin thtlineswr,ngpimjug,inrunnhorseday. Boxing, wrestling,eononeethlateonbyked to the training oflinlalrewegcinratioracing and charmen for war.The BuildingsgsA fine group of buildina,were erected at Olympil, awhich included a hotetogymnasium, a templeusthe Greek god called Zeand a running track.iesBuildings called treasurwere used by the CityfinestStates to display theirrunning ofworks of art during thethe games.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 1 Ancient GreeksSection BInformation Text1The Olympic GamesThe Olympic Games is the world’s oldest1climbingathletics2competition.3one4chariot racing5shops6carved statues.swimmingmotoringcompetition. Greek city-states encouraged men to take part in sports toprepare forholidays.warfare.good health.The Sacred Truce, a period of no fighting, lasted fortwothreefourmonth/s before the games began. Boxing, wrestling, horse racing andfence buildingwere all linked to training men for war. A fine group oftowersflagstrench diggingbuildingswere erected at Olympia. Buildings called treasuries were used todisplay their finest5works of art.soldiers uniforms.collections of medals. Topical Resources Ltd.Fill in the table:Ancient Greek games first took place:Ancient Greek games ended:Section AChoose the best word or group of words to fit the passage and put aring around your choice.Back to ContentsModern Olympic Games introduced:2Olympic Games originally held every:What were Ancient Olympic winners given to wear?Years3Who invited the athletes to the Ancient Olympic events?4What did the ‘pentathlon’ involve?5Why do you think the ‘pentathlon’ was the ultimate test for soldiers?6What do you understand by the phrase ‘a hero’s welcome’?7Why do you think ‘warfare was halted’ for the period of the games?Section CWrite an account of an imaginary race held at the Ancient Olympicgames.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
e.thitisV?fitdybouryodanythalWant to keep your mind heTheme 1 Ancient GreeksPersuasionBack to ContentslavitseFcipmylOAncient GreekWhere and when:MidsummerZeus,Olympia Valley near the Temple of9 miles East of Pyrgos, GreeceDuration – 5 daysFollowing Event – 4 years timeTime –Where –Attractions include:AthleticsArt and sculpture exhibitionsPoetry recitalswaresMerchants selling food and otherMen only eventGuaranteedSafe Travelto and fromthe EventYou will see:thThe athletes take the Olympic oaand feastingGrand processions, prize-givingolive leaves’Winners awarded their ‘wreaths ofAthletic events include:ing, the pentathlon and chariothorse racRunning races, wrestling, boxing,racingContests for boys and menNo slaves allowedAccommodation:6Purpose built hotelCamping outside the stadium Topical Resources Ltd.e:Entry Fe reOne SilvCoinSubject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 1 Ancient GreeksSection BPersuasionBack to Contents1Where did the Olympic Festival take place?2How long did the event last for?This poster advertising the Ancient Greek Olympic Festival containslots of information. The games take place in3What does a ‘merchant’ do?near the Temple of Zeus,4Name four different athletic events at the festival.5How would visiting this event help to keep your ‘body fit’?6How would visiting this event help to keep your ‘mind healthy’?7Only ‘boys and men’ were allowed to enter the athleticscompetitions. Why do you think this was the case?Ancient Greek Olympic FestivalSection AChoose the best word or group of words to fit the passage and put aring around your choice.1early spring2seven3swimming.4gold medals.midsummereightlate autumnninewintertenmiles east of Pyrgos, Greece. The attractions include art, poetry, foodas well asfootball.You will see the winners awardedtennis.athletics.wreaths of olive leaves.wreaths of holly leaves.silver cups.5boys.girls.6Temple of Zeus.east of Pyrgos.7one silver coin.two silver coins.There are contests for men andslaves.You can camp outside theThe entry fee is7women.hotel.stadium.three silver coins. Topical Resources Ltd.Section CDesign a poster encouraging people to visit your school sports day oranother event organised by your school.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 2 IndiaNarrativeAn Indian AdventureBack to ContentsHannah climbed up the steep steponto the ramshackle old bus andsqueezed into the seat between herparents. Across the aisle a small childin a tattered t-shirt laughed andpointed.“Why is he laughing at us?”whispered Hannah.“Because Dad is too tall to fit onto thebus seat,” said Mum.The engine of the bus spluttered intolife and they were jolted this way andthat as the bus wove its way throughthe crowded streets, occasionallythudding down into the potholeswhich made them jump out of theirseats so much that Dad banged hishead on the ceiling several times.Suddenly the bus lurched to a haltand dozens of people poked theirheads out of the windows to see whatwas going on. Hannah stretched asfar as she could until she could seetwo skinny cows lying in the middle ofroad holding up all the traffic. The busdriver hooted the horn loudly but thecows carried on chewing and refusedto move, they even ignored the8 Topical Resources Ltd.motorcycles dodging between thecars. Eventually the driver bumpedthe bus up onto the pavement anddrove around them; passers-by ran inall directions and a lady in a brightblue sari snatched up her child anddarted into a shop doorway as thebus rattled past.The traffic thinned as they reachedthe outskirts of the city and the bustrundled along, stopping now andagain to allow passengers to get onand off.Hannah spotted a lorry lying on itsside in the ditch, its cargo spilling allover the road, just before they got totheir stop. As they got off the bus shenoticed all the people who weresitting on the roof and she waved tothem as the bus pulled away.“Wow!” shouted Hannah as she sawthe hanging rope bridge, whichspanned the wide, rushing river, “arewe going to cross that bridge? Itlooks so dangerous!”“Bet it’s not as dangerous as thatbus!” said Dad as he rubbed the topof his head.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
An Indian AdventureTheme 2 IndiaNarrativeSection AChoose the best word or group of words to fit the passage and put aring around your choice.Hannah climbed up the steps into the old1bridgetrainplaneand sat down. The engine started and they were2rocked3arm4two skinny cows5gutter6lorry in the ditch.busbouncedjoltedthrownheadkneeelbowthis way and that. Dad banged hisseveral times. Suddenly they stopped becausea fat donkeywere holding up the traffic. The driver went on theroundaboutpavementa large motorbiketo drive round the problem. They finally stopped at thethe people on the roof.the hanging rope bridge.Dad rubbed the top of his head as they got off.9path Topical Resources Ltd.Section BBack to Contents1Why did a small child laugh at Dad?2Why did the lady with the blue sari snatch up her child?3Why did Dad rub the top of his head?4What was Hannah’s reaction to seeing people sitting on top of the bus?5Name three dangerous things that are described in this story.6Why was the rope bridge dangerous?7What is a ‘ramshackle old bus’?Section CDescribe something you have seen that you thought was reallydangerous.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
World’s Cheapest Car is Launched in IndiaTheme 2 IndiaBack to ContentsRecountThe Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, was launched in India in2009. The Nano went on sale costing just 100,000 rupees( 1,366).Tata, the manufacturer, hoped the three metre long, five-seatercar would be cheap enough to encourage millions of Indians totrade in their motorcycles and buy a new car.Tata owner, Ratan Tata, described the Nano as a ‘milestone’. Healso said, “I think we are at the gates of offering a new form oftransport to the people of India. I hope it will provide safe,affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now havenot been able to own a car.”Environmentalists warned that the Nano will add to India’salready clogged up roads and pollution levels will soar.The Nano has a 33bhp, 624cc engine at the rear and four forwardgears. It weighs only 600Kg. It has no boot lid so luggage has tobe loaded by folding down the back seat. It has only onewindscreen wiper and one door mirror. Each wheel is held on withonly three nuts instead of four. Engineers from the Tata factorysaid they have done everything they can to reduce the number ofparts used and make the car as cheap as possible to buy.Gopal Pandurang, a chauffeur for top Indian businessmen wasdelighted when he heard about the car. “All these years I havespent my life driving wealthy people around in air conditioned10 Topical Resources Ltd.comfort during the week and at the weekends I take my ownfamily out on the bus because I could not fit everyone on mymotorcycle.”“I was shocked,” said Rakhee, Mr Pandurang’s twenty four yearold daughter, “when such a cheap car was announced. My father,my brother and myself are working together to save for thedeposit. We hope to buy one next year.”Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 2 IndiaRecountWorld’s Cheapest Car is Launched in IndiaSection B12007.2( 3,166)3hundreds4bicycles5Nono6one nut.Size of engine in cc:Number of forward gears:Weight in kg:2008.2009.2010.2( 1,366)( 6,136)( 1,636)3Why is the car company called ‘Tata’ motors?trillions4Why do you think not many Indian people own a car?It cost just 100,000 rupeesto buy. The manufacturer hopedthousandsof Indians would sell theirmillionsWho did Tata, the manufacturer, think would buy this car?canoesrickshawsmotorcycles5Why was Gopal Pandurang delighted when he heard about this car?NanoNaughtyNice6Why do you think Ratan Tata described this car as a ‘milestone’?two nuts.three nuts.four nuts.to buy a new car. Some people warned that thewould clog up India’s roads. So few parts are used to build this car thateach wheel is only held on by11Length in metres:Brake horse power (bhp):Choose the best word or group of words to fit the passage and put aring around your choice.1Complete the table below:Number of seats:Section AThe world’s cheapest car was launched inBack to Contents Topical Resources Ltd.Section CDesign an advertisement for this car giving as much information about itas you can.Subject to Topical Resources LICENCE TERMS available at: www.topical-resources.co.uk/terms
Theme 2 IndiaBack to ContentsPersuasioneclaaPiroodnTA antHigh Quality Indian RestauraVisit the d unique modern Traditional Indian recipes ancreationsbest Indian Triple award winner includingRestaurant in the countryers available Genuine Indian wines and beand can be tailored to All curries freshly preparedyour specific tastes Plenty of parkingend of the High Conveniently situated at theStreet Excellent serviceend of each meal Complimentary drink at thege of Indian curriesWe specialise in a fantastic ranOur dishes includeoriginating from Northern India.sak in chicken,tandoori, masala, balti and dhanlamb and king prawn varieties.12 Topical Reso
YEAR 4 - Comprehension Themed Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry Texts with Questions Introduction Year 4 Comprehension is a collection of fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts grouped in themes suitable for the age group. These exercises can be used to prepare children for SAT style tests or
reading comprehension and thus listening comprehension instructional activities can be used as a tool for improving reading comprehension (Hogan, Adlof, and Alonzo, 2014) . As early as 1969, researchers demonstrated that listening comprehension and reading comprehension are two separate co
sentence comprehension skills of children and how these skills may impact reading comprehension. Although there is evidence that children’s sentence comprehension may also relate to accurate decoding(e.g.,Nation &Snowling,2004),myfocuswillbeon the relationship between sentence comprehension and reading com-
affect reading comprehension Proficient comprehension of text is influenced by: Accurate and fluent word reading skills Oral language skills (vocabulary, linguistic comprehension) Extent of conceptual and factual knowledge Knowledge and skill in use of cognitive strategies to improve comprehension or repair it when it breaks down.
comprehension (cited in Wharton-McDonald, R. & Swiger, S. 2009) * Taylor & Pearson (2002) report that even in exemplary classrooms, very little comprehension instruction takes place. (cited in Wharton-McDonald, R. & Swiger, S. 2009) * Comprehension is more than answering questions about a text. Comprehension involves Rich Talk [.
Reading Comprehension Task 15 mins. 4.Strategy Inventory for Reading Comprehension Accepting Ambiguity 10 mins. Local Strategies Global Strategies . A sample text selected from iBT TOEFL sample reading comprehension task ! 688 words consisting of 6 multiple-choice reading comprehension questions 2014. 4. 5.
501 reading comprehension questions. — 4th ed. p. cm. ISBN 978-1-57685-747-2 1. Reading comprehension—Problems, exercises, etc. I. LearningExpress (Organization) II. Title: Five hundred one reading comprehension questions. III. Title: Five hundred and one reading comprehension questions. LB1050.45.A15 2010 372.47—dc22 2009032221
Reading Comprehension - The Eating Habits of a Mosquito Reading Comprehension - Statue of Liberty Reading Comprehension - Animal Defenses Sequencing - Taking a Timed Test Sequencing - Answering Essay Questions Dictionary Skills - Finding Definitions Dictionary Skills - Alphabetical Order Using Reference Books Using an Encyclopedia Fact or Opinion Using Who and Whom Using Bring and Take .
Grade 9 English Home Language Comprehension, language and writing tasks Based on Idea War: Volume 1 by Abi Godsell Comprehension and language questions Comprehension Question 1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. 1 5 10 15 20 “Christopher Belle, pay attention!” The teacher’s voice cut through the classroom noise
