Reading and Comprehension (Non-Fiction) Set 4
Reading and Comprehension (Non-Fiction) Set 4 is a further practice set of ISEB Common Entrance-style non-fiction comprehension, using new invented factual and informational extracts to test retrieval, inference, vocabulary in context and understanding of a writer's purpose and audience at Year 7-8 level.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Before reading in detail, identify the text type and its likely purpose (to inform, instruct, persuade or entertain) and think about who the intended audience is.
- Use headings, subheadings, bold words and any captions or fact boxes to locate information quickly, since non-fiction texts are often designed to be scanned.
- For retrieval questions, find and copy the exact word or phrase asked for, unless the question specifically asks for your own words.
- For inference questions, base every answer on evidence actually stated in the text, quoting or referring precisely to the detail that supports your inference.
- For vocabulary-in-context questions, use the surrounding sentence to work out an unfamiliar word's meaning, since the context usually gives a strong clue.
- For comparison questions across two short non-fiction texts, choose a small number of clear points (such as purpose, tone or level of detail) and discuss both texts together under each point.
Worked example
This is an extract from a magazine article about rooftop beekeeping in cities: 'Across the capital, more than four hundred hives now sit above shops, offices and schools, tended by volunteers who often know nothing about bees until their first lesson.' Explain what this extract tells the reader about the rooftop beekeeping movement, using evidence from the text.
- Identify the first piece of evidence: 'more than four hundred hives' across the capital, showing the scale of the movement.
- Draw an inference from it: rooftop beekeeping has grown into a large, widespread activity rather than a small hobby.
- Identify the second piece of evidence: volunteers who 'know nothing about bees until their first lesson'.
- Draw an inference from it: the movement is open to complete beginners and does not require existing expertise, suggesting it is designed to be accessible to ordinary city residents. Final answer: the extract shows that rooftop beekeeping has become widespread across the city and is accessible to complete beginners, not just experienced enthusiasts.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Q1What do the letters PAF stand for when analysing a non-fiction text?Show answer
Answer: Purpose, Audience and Form.
Q2A factual article about volcanic islands is broken into sections titled 'How islands form', 'Life on the slopes' and 'Living with the risk'. What are these called, and what is their purpose?Show answer
Answer: Subheadings - they signpost the content of each section so a reader can scan the article and locate information quickly.
Q3In a report, a word is defined as follows: 'The team faced constant setbacks - equipment failure, bad weather and dwindling supplies chipped away at morale.' What does 'dwindling' mean here?Show answer
Answer: Gradually decreasing or running low, as shown by the surrounding words about setbacks chipping away at morale.
Q4A biography states that a person 'taught herself to read at six using her grandfather's newspapers, and published her first book by twenty.' What can a reader infer about this person's character from these facts?Show answer
Answer: That she was determined, self-motivated and talented, since she achieved a significant goal from a young age with limited resources.
Q5A travel article is written for a general newspaper audience rather than for expert climbers. How might its vocabulary and level of detail differ from a specialist mountaineering magazine?Show answer
Answer: It would likely use simpler, everyday vocabulary, explain any technical terms, and include less detailed technical information than a magazine aimed at expert climbers.
Q6You are asked to summarise a paragraph in one sentence. What is the biggest risk to avoid?Show answer
Answer: Including too much detail, or copying phrases directly from the text, instead of using your own words to capture only the main point.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 13+ Common Entrance exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Read this extract from a factual article about tightrope walkers: 'A single misplaced step can end a career built over twenty years, yet the walkers who cross the highest wires describe the moment not as fear, but as the quietest their minds have ever been.' Explain what this comparison tells the reader about the experience of tightrope walking.
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This is an extract from a newspaper report about a community garden: 'The garden, built entirely by local volunteers over eighteen months, opened to the public last Saturday. Retired teacher Elijah Nkomo, aged seventy-six, was given the honour of planting the first tree, having campaigned for the site for over a decade.' (a) Give one fact about how the garden was built, using a detail from the text. (b) Explain why the writer might have chosen to include the detail about Elijah Nkomo.
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Text A, from a travel brochure: 'Our rainforest lodges offer the wildest, most untamed adventure imaginable, far beyond anything a normal holiday could provide.' Text B, from a factual wildlife guidebook: 'Rainforest lodges typically provide basic accommodation and are reached by a two-hour boat journey; visitors should expect high humidity and limited electricity.' Compare how these two texts present rainforest lodges, referring to both purpose and language.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the reading and comprehension (non-fiction) set 4 worksheet pack - 10 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 13 of 13+ English Workbook, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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