Comprehension: Non-Fiction Set 4
Comprehension: Non-Fiction Set 4 is an 11+ non-fiction comprehension task built around a discursive, balanced-argument passage, testing whether pupils can identify both sides of a debate, track connecting words that signal a change in viewpoint, and summarise fairly, alongside facts and vocabulary questions.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Skim the passage to identify the issue being discussed and whether the writer presents one side, both sides, or a personal opinion.
- Look for words that signal a shift between viewpoints, such as 'however', 'on the other hand' or 'some argue... while others', since these mark where the argument changes direction.
- Note any evidence given for each side (statistics, expert opinion, examples) and which side, if any, seems to be given more space or stronger language.
- Return to the exact paragraph a question names rather than relying on a general impression of the whole argument.
- For 'summarise' or 'in your own words' questions, cover every viewpoint mentioned if the extract presents more than one.
- Match the length and number of points in your answer to the marks available.
Worked example
Extract: 'Some doctors argue that teenagers' natural body clocks make an early school start harmful to concentration, while many parents worry that a later start would simply clash with work and childcare arrangements. A small number of schools that have already tried a later start report improved attendance, though it is too early to say whether this will last.' Question: What does this extract suggest about the writer's own opinion on later school starts? (3 marks)
- Notice that the extract presents three separate points: a medical argument for later starts, a practical worry against them, and early, cautious evidence in favour.
- Identify that the writer does not clearly state a personal opinion but instead presents multiple perspectives.
- Support this with the balanced phrasing: 'some doctors argue' and 'many parents worry' give roughly equal weight to opposing views, and 'though it is too early to say' shows caution rather than a firm conclusion.
- Explain the effect: this balanced structure suggests the writer wants to inform the reader of the debate rather than persuade them towards one side.
- Final answer: The writer does not reveal a strong personal opinion, instead presenting the medical case for later starts, parents' practical concerns, and early but uncertain evidence fairly and cautiously, leaving the reader to weigh up the debate themselves.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1According to the extract, why do some doctors think early school starts are harmful?Show answer
Answer: Because they clash with teenagers' natural body clocks, making it harder for them to concentrate.
Q2Give one word from the extract that means 'concerned' or 'anxious'.Show answer
Answer: worry (worried)
Q3True or False: According to the extract, every school that has tried a later start has seen improved attendance.Show answer
Answer: False (only a small number of schools, and it is too early to say if it will last)
Q4'many parents worry that a later start would simply clash with work and childcare arrangements.' What does 'clash' suggest about the relationship between school times and parents' schedules?Show answer
Answer: It suggests the two would conflict or be incompatible, causing practical difficulties for parents.
Q5In your own words, summarise the two main concerns raised against changing school start times.Show answer
Answer: A later start might not fit around parents' work hours, and childcare arrangements might become difficult to manage.
Q6Explain why a writer discussing a debate like this might choose to present both sides rather than only one.Show answer
Answer: Presenting both sides makes the writing seem fair and trustworthy, helping the reader understand the full picture rather than feeling persuaded towards one conclusion.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Extract: 'Sleep scientists point out that puberty naturally shifts a teenager's body clock later, meaning many genuinely cannot fall asleep before eleven at night.' Find and copy the phrase that gives a scientific reason for teenagers struggling with early starts. Then explain what this phrase tells the reader. (2 marks)
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Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
Nothing ticked yet - 2 available
Extract: 'Critics of a later start counter that shifting the school day would only push homework, clubs and family time later into the evening, undoing any benefit gained from extra morning sleep.' Explain how the writer presents the argument against later school starts in this sentence. (4 marks)
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Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
Nothing ticked yet - 4 available
Extract: 'Even among the doctors who support a later start, opinion is divided over how much later school should begin, with some favouring a thirty-minute shift and others arguing that anything less than an hour would make little real difference.' Explain how this sentence shows the debate is more complicated than a simple two-sided argument. (5 marks)
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Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the comprehension: non-fiction set 4 worksheet pack - 11 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 18 of 11+ English Workbook 1, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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