National curriculum tests
Key stage 2
English grammar,
punctuation and spelling
Paper 1: questions
First name
Middle name
Last name
Date of birth
Day
Month
Year
School name
SAMPLE BOOKLET
Published July 2015
PUPIL ID NUMBER
This sample test indicates how the national curriculum will be assessed from 2016.
Further information is available on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/sta.
S00040A0128
[BLANK PAGE]
Please do not write on this page.
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Instructions
Questions and answers
You have 45 minutes to complete this test. There are different types of question
for you to answer in different ways. The space for your answer shows you what
type of answer is needed. Write your answer in the space provided. Do not write
over any barcodes.
Multiple-choice answers
For some questions, you do not need to do any writing. Read the instructions
carefully so that you know how to answer each question.
Short answers
Some questions are followed by a line or a box. This shows that you need to
write a word, a few words or a sentence.
Marks
The number under each line at the side of the page tells you the maximum
number of marks for each question.
You should work through the booklet until you are asked to stop.
Work as quickly and as carefully as you can. If you finish before the end, go back
and check your work.
You have 45 minutes to answer the questions in this booklet.
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G002428.p1 – 13 May 2015 10:29 AM – Version 4
1
x
Tick the sentence that must end with a question mark.
Tick one.
What I wanted had already sold out
Ask Ryan what he thinks about it
What time will the film start
I didn’t know what to say
1 mark
G003609.p1 – 18 June 2015 3:32 PM – Version 2
2
XX
Which pair of verbs correctly completes the sentence below?
Pluto ______ now called a dwarf planet, but once it _____ classified
as a planet.
Tick one.
was
is
was
was
is
is
is
was
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
S00040A0428
G003788.p1 – 18 March 2015 11:43 AM – Version 4
3
x
Draw a line to match each prefix to the correct word so that it makes
a new word.
Prefix
Word
re
mature
de
understood
mis
legible
im
frost
il
do
1 mark
G003912.p1 – 18 March 2015 11:45 AM – Version 3
4
x
Which sentence has been punctuated correctly?
Tick one.
Immediately after, dinner we did the washing up.
Immediately after dinner we did, the washing up.
Immediately after dinner, we did the washing up.
Immediately, after dinner we did the washing up.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003537.p1 – 18 March 2015 11:48 AM – Version 2
5
XX
Which sentence below is written in the past tense?
Tick one.
That is the oldest house in our village.
The original part of the house dates from 1760.
The roof was replaced in 1970.
The owners plan to open the house to the public.
1 mark
G003701.p1 – 18 May 2015 10:44 AM – Version 3
6
X
Circle one verb in each underlined pair to complete the sentences
using Standard English.
We was / were planning to hold a cake sale at school.
I was / were chosen to design the posters.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A0628
1 mark
G003617.p1 – 18 March 2015 11:56 AM – Version 3
7
XX
Write the contracted form of the underlined words in the box.
That decision does not seem fair.
1 mark
G004990.p1 – 18 March 2015 11:59 AM – Version 3
8
x
Tick the sentence that must end with a question mark.
Tick one.
Next week, I’ll ask about joining the library
Please ask the librarian if you need any help
I asked for a joke book, but there were none
This is the book you asked for, isn’t it
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003742.p1 – 18 March 2015 12:02 PM – Version 3
9
X
Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?
Tick one.
The children’s clothes were hanging up.
The childrens’ clothes were hanging up.
The childrens clothe’s were hanging up.
The childrens clothes’ were hanging up.
1 mark
G004030.p1 – 18 March 2015 12:05 PM – Version 3
10
7
What does the word Others refer to in the passage below?
Some plants, such as sunflowers, die in winter. Others, such as daffodils,
survive as bulbs underground.
Tick one.
plants
sunflowers
daffodils
bulbs
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
S00040A0828
G004991.p1 – 18 March 2015 1:10 PM – Version 2
11
X
Circle all the pronouns in the sentence below.
They bought new jumpers for themselves and a warm scarf
for Dad.
1 mark
G003673.p1 – 18 March 2015 1:15 PM – Version 3
12
XX
Complete the sentence with an adjective formed from the verb create.
The artist was very ____________________ and produced many
original works.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003771.p1 – 9 June 2015 1:36 PM – Version 4
13
x
Tick one box to show which part of the sentence is a relative clause.
The table which is made of oak is now black with age.
1 mark
G003580.p1 – 19 June 2015 1:50 PM – Version 3
14
X
Tick the option that shows how the underlined words are used in the
sentence.
My baby brother was born in the hospital where my father works.
Tick one.
as a preposition phrase
as a relative clause
as a main clause
as a noun phrase
Page 10 of 28
KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
S00040A1028
G003895.p1 – 18 March 2015 1:44 PM – Version 3
15
x
Tick one box in each row to show how the modal verb affects the
meaning of the sentence.
Modal verb
indicates
certainty
Sentence
Modal verb
indicates
possibility
It will be very cold
tomorrow.
John might have missed
the train.
Ann can speak six
languages.
You could finish your work
by the end of the lesson.
1 mark
G003693.p1 – 9 June 2015 1:38 PM – Version 3
x
16
What is the name of the punctuation mark used between the
two main clauses below?
My sister loves team sports; my brother, on the other hand, prefers
individual sports – such as athletics.
1 mark
S00040A1128
KS2 item template version 1.2
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G003888.p1 – 18 March 2015 1:56 PM – Version 3
17
x
Tick one box in each row to show if the underlined clause is a main
clause or a subordinate clause.
Main
clause
Sentence
Subordinate
clause
Billie, who was nine years old, loved
to play tennis.
Billie’s mum bought her a tennis
racket so that she could play
more often.
Billie could not play tennis with her
friend Lana because Lana did not
have a racket.
1 mark
G003795.p1 – 9 June 2015 1:40 PM – Version 2
x
18
Circle all the conjunctions in the sentences below.
Once Harry had checked the weather forecast, he set off on
his walk.
Whilst climbing up the mountain, he was unaware of the
dangers ahead.
He needed to turn back immediately since a storm was coming.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 1.2
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G003941.p1 – 18 March 2015 2:04 PM – Version 3
19
x
Circle the two words in the sentence below that are synonyms
of each other.
He was lucky to win first prize – he knew it was fortunate
that his closest rival had decided not to take part.
1 mark
G003899.p1 – 18 March 2015 2:12 PM – Version 3
20
x
Tick all the sentences that contain a preposition.
Ali locked the door before he left.
The shops are beyond the main road.
My brother is behind me in the race.
Barry is below Andrew in the register.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003752.p1 – 18 May 2015 10:50 AM – Version 3
21
x
Write a sentence using the word cover as a noun.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
1 mark
Write a sentence using the word cover as a verb.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
1 mark
Replacement Q22 – 20 March 2015 1:46 PM – Version 3
22
x
What does the root struct mean in the word family below?
destruction
structure
reconstruct
Tick one.
break
build
carry
touch
Page 14 of 28
KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
S00040A1428
G003908.p1 – 18 March 2015 3:23 PM – Version 5
23
x
Draw a line to match each word to its correct antonym.
Word
Antonym
meandering
confront
sympathetic
unfeeling
evade
unbelievable
plausible
straight
1 mark
G003890.p1 – 13 May 2015 10:32 AM – Version 3
24
x
Rewrite the sentence below, adding a subordinate clause.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
The children played on the swings.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 1.2
Page 15 of 28
G003685.p1 – 18 March 2015 3:44 PM – Version 3
25
x
Label the boxes with V (verb), S (subject) and O (object) to show
the parts of the sentence.
Nadia ate strawberries.
1 mark
G003785.p1 – 18 March 2015 3:50 PM – Version 3
26
x
Circle all the words in the sentences below that should start with
a capital letter.
henry tudor married his first wife, catherine, in june 1509. they
married in london.
Page 16 of 28
KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
S00040A1628
G003612.p1 – 18 March 2015 3:54 PM – Version 2
27
XX
Which sentence is written in the active voice?
Tick one.
The book was returned to the library yesterday.
The assembly was held in the hall.
The bad weather led to the cancellation.
The floods were caused by the heavy rain.
1 mark
G003649.p1 – 18 March 2015 3:59 PM – Version 3
28
XX
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Tick one.
The wind was blowing howling, actually, so
we headed – for home.
The wind was blowing – howling, actually – so
we headed for home.
The wind was blowing, howling – actually – so
we headed for home.
The wind was blowing howling actually – so
we headed for home.
S00040A1728
KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G005050.p1 – 18 May 2015 11:42 AM – Version 4
29
x
Tick one box to show where a dash should go in the sentence below.
African elephants are the largest animals in the world they can weigh up
to 10 tonnes.
1 mark
G003880.p1 – 18 March 2015 4:13 PM – Version 2
x
30
Tick to show which sentence uses the past progressive.
Tick one.
After Ali finished his homework, he went out to play.
Gemma was doing her science homework.
Jamie learnt his spellings every night.
Anna found her history homework difficult.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A1828
1 mark
G003557.p1 – 18 March 2015 4:20 PM – Version 1
31
XX
Which of the sentences is a command?
Tick one.
After you wash the dog, you will need to dry it with a towel.
Before you go out, ask your mother for the shopping list.
I want you to clean out the playhouse this afternoon.
Here is a list of jobs you must finish before lunchtime.
1 mark
G003803.p1 – 18 May 2015 11:08 AM – Version 4
32
x
Rewrite the sentence below as direct speech.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
She asked if he wanted a banana.
She asked him,
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 1.2
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G003918.p1 – 18 March 2015 4:26 PM – Version 4
33
x
Insert a pair of brackets in the correct place in the sentence below.
Lisa who had been playing the piano since she was nine had
achieved Grade 7.
1 mark
G003898.p1 – 18 March 2015 4:30 PM – Version 2
34
x
Tick one box in each row to show whether the underlined word is an
adjective or an adverb.
Sentence
Adjective
Adverb
It is a direct flight to Spain.
I hate arriving late.
The door opened wide.
That is the wrong spelling.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A2028
G003645.p1 – 18 March 2015 1:07 PM – Version 3
35
11
Explain how the use of commas changes the meaning in the
two sentences.
Mangoes, which are grown in hot countries, taste delicious.
Mangoes which are grown in hot countries taste delicious.
1 mark
G003656.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:05 AM – Version 3
36
XX
Which sentence uses the hyphen correctly?
Tick one.
There are thirty seven year-olds in Class 2.
There are thirty seven-year-olds in Class 2.
There are thirty-seven year olds in Class 2.
There are thirty-seven-year-olds in Class 2.
S00040A2128
KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003624.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:08 AM – Version 3
37
XX
Rewrite the sentence below so that it is written in the passive voice.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
The pouring rain drenched us.
1 mark
G003760.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:11 AM – Version 2
38
x
Tick one box in each row to show whether the word after is used as
a subordinating conjunction or as a preposition.
after used as a
subordinating
conjunction
Sentence
after used as a
preposition
He moved here after the end
of the war.
Entry is free after 5pm in
the evening.
I went to the cinema after
I had eaten my dinner.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A2228
1 mark
G003804.p1 – 12 May 2015 12:05 PM – Version 3
39
x
Complete the table below by adding a suffix to each noun to make
an adjective.
Noun
Adjective
care
nature
mess
danger
beauty
mark
G003892.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:20 1AM
– Version 3
40
x
Tick one box in each row to show if the underlined conjunction is
a subordinating conjunction or a co-ordinating conjunction.
Subordinating
conjunction
Sentence
Co-ordinating
conjunction
I like ice-skating and roller-skating.
Jamie likes roller-skating, but he
has never tried ice-skating.
Jamie will go ice-skating if I go
with him.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
1 mark
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G003620.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:22 AM – Version 3
41
XX
Complete the sentence below so that it uses the subjunctive form.
If I __________ to have one wish, it would be for good health.
1 mark
G004017.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:25 AM – Version 3
42
5
Circle all the determiners in the sentence below.
Two apple trees screened the open windows on one side.
1 mark
G003784.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:28 AM – Version 3
43
x
Underline the longest possible noun phrase in the sentence below.
That book about the Romans was interesting.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A2428
1 mark
G003879.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:31 AM – Version 2
44
x
Underline the verb form that is in the present perfect in the
passage below.
Rachel loves music and has wanted to learn how to play the piano for
years. She was hoping for piano lessons, and was delighted when her
parents gave her a keyboard for her birthday.
1 mark
G004745.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:41 AM – Version 1
45
XX
Write a sentence that lists all the information given in the box below.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
Milkshake ingredients
bananas
semi-skimmed milk
honey
marshmallows (for decoration)
1 mark
S00040A2528
KS2 item template version 1.2
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G004748.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:48 AM – Version 2
46
x
Complete the sentence below with a possessive pronoun.
They are __________________.
1 mark
G004752.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:55 AM – Version 1
47
x
Circle the adverb in the sentence below.
“Soon,” he thought, “I’ll be able to see my family.”
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KS2 item template version 1.2
S00040A2628
1 mark
G004744.p1 – 19 March 2015 9:58 AM – Version 2
48
x
Insert a colon in the correct place in the sentence below.
The school offered three clubs for its pupils art and craft,
dance and chess.
1 mark
G003046.p1 – 19 March 2015 10:04 AM – Version 5
49
x
Which punctuation mark should be used in the place indicated by
the arrow?
“Why did you do that?” he asked Harry was surprised by his
classmate’s actions.
Tick one.
exclamation mark
full stop
question mark
comma
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 1.2
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Sample key stage 2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test
Paper 1: questions
Electronic PDF version product code: STA/15/7316/e ISBN: 978-1-78315-734-1
For more copies
Additional printed copies of this booklet are not available. It can be downloaded from
www.gov.uk/government/publications.
© Crown copyright and Crown information 2015
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S00040A2828