2024 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
School name
DfE number
M00030A0132
Year
[BLANK PAGE]
Please do not write on this page.
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M00030A0232
Instructions
Questions and answers
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 number of marks
available 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.
M00030A0332
Page 3 of 32
G007055 – 24 October 2023 12:50 pm – Version 1
1
Which sentence must end with a question mark?
Tick one.
Do you know how long it took for the trees to grow
We have planted rose bushes around the trees
How beautiful the flowers will be
I will ask my teacher if I can show you
1 mark
G005853 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
2
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Tick one.
After he ate the lion lay down, and slept for many hours.
After he ate the lion, lay down and slept for many hours.
After he ate, the lion lay down and slept for many hours.
After he ate the lion lay down and slept, for many hours.
Page 4 of 32
KS2 item template version 2.3 (2017)
M00030A0432
1 mark
G005882 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
3
Insert a semi-colon in the correct place in the sentence below.
It was raining heavily she had lost her umbrella the week before.
1 mark
G003534 – 24 October 2023 12:35 pm – Version 5
4
Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
Tick one.
Sadly, the match had to be cancelled.
However, talented she will still need to work hard.
Therefore the answer, is obvious.
Before next weekend all our packing, must be finished.
M00030A0532
KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
1 mark
Page 5 of 32
G005730 – 24 October 2023 2:00 pm – Version 1
5
Which sentence is a command?
Tick one.
The nurse will bandage your sprained ankle.
You have been told to stay at home and rest.
Putting an ice pack on it should help.
Hold the handrail to keep yourself steady.
1 mark
G002174 – 24 October 2023 12:43 pm – Version 1
6
Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?
Tick one.
The car’s horn beeps loudly.
The cars’ horn beeps loudly.
The cars horn beep’s loudly.
The cars horn beeps’ loudly.
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
M00030A0632
1 mark
G005806 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
7
Rewrite the underlined verbs in the sentence below so that they are
in the simple past.
Oliver feels proud when he collects his medal after he wins the race.
1 mark
G005675 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 1
8
Tick one box in each row to show whether the underlined word is a
possessive pronoun or a relative pronoun.
Possessive
pronoun
Sentence
Relative
pronoun
That red cycle helmet is mine.
I wear it when I ride the new bike
which my uncle gave me.
My bike goes much faster
than yours.
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
1 mark
Page 7 of 32
G005725 – 24 October 2023 2:00 pm – Version 1
9
Tick one sentence that must end with a question mark.
Tick one.
If you don’t mind, I’d rather stay at home today
He asked why his parents wanted to move house
If you finish your homework, are you able to stay
She wondered if she would ever find the answer
to her question
1 mark
G002048 – 24 October 2023 12:43 pm – Version 1
10
Tick the word that is an antonym of happy.
Tick one.
contented
bored
cheerful
miserable
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
1 mark
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G005962 – 24 October 2023 2:02 pm – Version 1
11
Which sentence is the most formal?
Tick one.
The school would save so much money, wouldn’t it?
The school could end up better off financially.
The school would benefit from the financial savings.
It’s a great idea to save school funds!
1 mark
G005573 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 2
12
Insert a dash in the correct place in the sentence below.
I will not tell you any more about the film you’ll have to see it
for yourself.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
Page 9 of 32
G007049 – 24 October 2023 12:50 pm – Version 1
13
Which sentence uses capital letters correctly?
Tick one.
In July, I will visit my grandparents in newcastle.
In July, I will visit my Grandparents in Newcastle.
In July, I will visit my grandparents in Newcastle.
In july, I will visit my grandparents in Newcastle.
1 mark
G002491 – 24 October 2023 11:04 am – Version 1
14
Insert a pair of brackets in the correct place in the sentence below.
The players both former world champions waited at the side of
the court.
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KS2 item template version 2.3 (2017)
1 mark
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G004635 – 24 October 2023 12:42 pm – Version 3
15
Look at the underlined pronoun in the sentence below.
Circle the noun that it refers to.
Early bicycles did not have pedals, so riders had to push
themselves along using their feet.
1 mark
G005511 – 8 November 2023 9:45 am – Version 2
16
What is the grammatical term for the underlined words in the
sentence below?
The cat that was stuck in the tree belongs to my sister.
Tick one.
a noun phrase
a relative clause
a co-ordinating conjunction
a main clause
1 mark
M00030A01132
KS2 item template version 1.2
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G006154 – 24 October 2023 2:02 pm – Version 2
17
Tick one box in each row to show whether the sentence is written in
Standard or non-Standard English.
Standard
English
Sentence
Non-Standard
English
“You haven’t done a bad job!”
she told us.
“You ain’t done a bad job!”
she told us.
“You’ve done an excellent job!”
she told us.
“You done an excellent job!”
she told us.
1 mark
G007058 – 24 October 2023 12:49 pm – Version 1
18
Insert a full stop, a question mark and an exclamation mark in the
correct places in the sentence below.
“ Did you see that goal I thought it was incredible ”
exclaimed Elle
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1 mark
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KS2 item arithmetic template version 2.1 (2017)
G005957 – 24 October 2023 2:02 pm – Version 1
19
Which sentence is the most formal?
Tick one.
We’d appreciate it if you could put your litter in the
bin outside.
Please pick up your litter and put it in the bin.
We request that you put any litter in the bins provided.
Don’t forget – litter goes in the bin!
1 mark
G005391 – 24 October 2023 12:21 pm – Version 2
20
What is the grammatical term for the underlined words in the
sentence below?
We discovered the dusty, narrow pathway behind the house.
Tick one.
a noun phrase
a relative clause
a main clause
an adverbial
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
Page 13 of 32
G002693 – 24 October 2023 12:34 pm – Version 2
21
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Tick one.
“Please take out your books, said the teacher
calmly, and finish your poems.”
“Please take out your books,” said the teacher
calmly, and finish your poems.
“Please take out your books”, said the teacher
calmly, “and finish your poems”.
“Please take out your books,” said the teacher
calmly, “and finish your poems.”
1 mark
G005435 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 1
22
Insert a colon and a comma in the correct places in the
sentence below.
We are pleased to announce the three winners of the art
competition Samir Ben and Ella.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
M00030A01432
1 mark
G002473 – 24 October 2023 12:32 pm – Version 1
23
Tick one box in each row to show whether the words are synonyms
or antonyms.
Pair of words
Synonyms
Antonyms
rough, smooth
courageous, brave
vivid, dull
1 mark
G005398 – 24 October 2023 12:21 pm – Version 2
24
What is the grammatical term for the underlined words in the
sentence below?
If you get tired on the cycle ride, stop and have a break.
Tick one.
a relative clause
a noun phrase
a subordinate clause
a preposition phrase
1 mark
M00030A01532
KS2 item template version 2
Page 15 of 32
G002503 – 24 October 2023 12:33 pm – Version 1
25
Insert a pair of commas in the correct place in the sentence below.
One of the world’s most interesting plants the Venus flytrap
catches its prey by snapping its leaves shut.
1 mark
G004510 – 8 November 2023 9:46 am – Version 2
26
Which sentence is in the passive?
Tick one.
The manager has sent you an email.
Our dog lost her new collar.
The weather was very cold this winter.
The meal was enjoyed by everyone.
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KS2 item template version 2
M00030A01632
1 mark
G004600 – 24 October 2023 12:42 pm – Version 3
27
What is the grammatical term for the underlined part of the word below?
happiness
1 mark
G005654 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 1
28
What is the word class of the underlined words in the
sentence below?
Although the battery on her phone was low, Amy managed to call her
mum when she knew she would be late.
1 mark
M00030A01732
KS2 item template version 1.2
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G007067 – 24 October 2023 12:48 pm – Version 1
29
Explain how the comma changes the meaning of the
second sentence.
1. We have cooked chicken soup and fresh bread.
2. We have cooked chicken, soup and fresh bread.
1 mark
G005010 – 25 October 2023 8:28 am – Version 1
30
Circle the modal verb in the sentence below.
Hannah said I could share her snack because I had
forgotten mine.
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KS2 item template version 2.3 (2017)
1 mark
M00030A01832
G002447 – 8 November 2023 9:48 am – Version 1
31
Circle the four nouns in the sentence below.
The successful athletes were full of pride when they accepted
their medals from the judges.
1 mark
G005719 – 8 November 2023 9:47 am – Version 1
32
Tick one box to show the subject of the sentence below.
Every Saturday, Nadim takes his dog for a walk in the park.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2
Page 19 of 32
G005924 – 8 November 2023 9:50 am – Version 1
33
Add a prefix to the word charge in the sentence below to show that
the waiter did not charge too much.
The waiter was careful not to
charge the customer.
1 mark
G005348 – 8 November 2023 9:49 am – Version 1
34
What is the word class of the underlined words in the
sentence below?
We had a drink after our swim in the pool.
Tick one.
adjectives
adverbs
nouns
verbs
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
1 mark
M00030A02032
G003712 – 24 October 2023 12:37 pm – Version 3
35
Insert a hyphen in the correct place in the sentence below.
There was a build up of litter around the bins in the
school playground.
1 mark
G005771 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
36
Circle the co-ordinating conjunction in the sentence below.
The journey proved difficult as they had to travel by night, but
they made good time once the stars came out to guide them.
M00030A02132
1 mark
Page 21 of 32
G004629 – 24 October 2023 12:42 pm – Version 3
37
Which word class is hand-operated in the sentence below?
One person turned the hand-operated wheel while the other steered
the boat.
Tick one.
a verb
an adjective
a noun
an adverb
1 mark
G005860 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
38
Draw a line to match the first part of each sentence to the second
part so that each sentence is correct.
The teachers
staffroom was full of books
and old armchairs.
The teachers’
new mug was a present
from her class.
The teacher’s
were taking part in the
school play.
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KS2 item template version 1.2
M00030A02232
1 mark
G005919 – 8 November 2023 9:51 am – Version 1
39
Add a prefix to the underlined word to make its antonym.
Write the whole word in the box.
Aisha had a very mature attitude to life.
1 mark
G005711 – 24 October 2023 12:23 pm – Version 1
40
What is the word class of the underlined words in the
sentence below?
After school, Jack takes his little brother to the park.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
Page 23 of 32
G007014 – 24 October 2023 2:02 pm – Version 1
41
In which sentence is dance a verb?
Tick one.
Our class took part in an Irish dance workshop.
After he sprained his ankle, he could not dance.
The dance involved moving very quickly.
Ballet and hip-hop are my favourite types of dance.
1 mark
G005562 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 2
42
Write the contracted form of the underlined words in the
boxes below.
If nobody is home, your parcel will not be delivered.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2.3 (2017)
M00030A02432
G005688 – 24 October 2023 12:22 pm – Version 1
43
In which sentence is fast an adverb?
Tick one.
Although he ran fast, Tom did not win the race.
Although he was a fast runner, Tom did not win the race.
Tom did not win the race, despite his fast time.
Tom’s time was fast, but he did not win.
1 mark
G005781 – 24 October 2023 2:01 pm – Version 1
44
Rewrite the underlined verbs in the simple past.
Joseph hurriedly draws the man’s portrait, but then tears the
1 mark
page out of his sketchbook.
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KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
Page 25 of 32
G003010 – 24 October 2023 12:34 pm – Version 2
45
Circle the two prepositions in the sentence below.
After playtime, you must stay inside the classroom until it
is lunchtime.
1 mark
G002034 – 24 October 2023 12:44 pm – Version 1
46
Rewrite the underlined verb so that it is in the past progressive.
Alexandra walked home.
1 mark
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KS2 item template version 2
M00030A02632
G004514 – 24 October 2023 12:42 pm – Version 1
47
Rewrite the sentence below in the passive.
Remember to punctuate your answer correctly.
The noise of the traffic disturbed us.
1 mark
G005002 – 24 October 2023 12:41 pm – Version 2
48
Which sentence is an exclamation?
Tick one.
It’s surprising how little is known about deep-sea creatures
It amazes me that anything can live so far under the sea
How do they survive without sunlight
How strange some deep-sea creatures look
M00030A02732
KS2 item template version 2.1 (2017)
1 mark
Page 27 of 32
G007026 – 24 October 2023 12:51 pm – Version 1
49
Underline the adverbial in the sentence below.
We put on our PE kits before the match.
1 mark
G005033 – 24 October 2023 12:21 pm – Version 2
50
Circle the two adjectives that are synonyms in the sentence below.
The street was lined with grand houses; the modest cottage
stood out amongst its imposing neighbours.
Page 28 of 32
KS2 item template version 2.3 (2017)
M00030A02832
1 mark
[END OF TEST]
Please do not write on this page.
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2024 key stage 2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling
Paper 1: questions
Print version product code: STA/24/8814/p ISBN: 978-1-83507-008-6
Electronic PDF version product code: STA/24/8814/e ISBN: 978-1-83507-029-1
For more copies
Additional copies of this book are not available during the test window.
They can be downloaded afterwards from
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© Crown copyright 2024
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M00030A03232