Reading Comprehension

72 Skills in English. 49 are ready to try — three verified questions each, no account needed.

Ready to try

Ages 4–10
Predicting what happens next
Predict what might happen next in a story based on what has been read so far; discuss the significance of titles and events
12 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–9
Comparing Characters Across Stories
Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories; identify similarities and differences between two texts on the same topic
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–7
Connecting reading to experience
Link what is read or heard to own experiences; draw on background knowledge and vocabulary to support understanding of texts
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–7
Different Types of Texts
Recognise common types of texts (storybooks, poems, non-fiction); name the author and illustrator and define the role of each in telling or presenting a text
13 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–10
Listening to Texts Read Aloud
Listen to and discuss poems, stories, and non-fiction at a level beyond independent reading; confirm understanding of texts read aloud by asking and answering questions about key details
15 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–7
Main Topic of Informational Texts
Identify the main topic and retell key details of informational texts; describe connections between individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–9
Pictures and Text Working Together
Describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they appear; use pictures to support and extend comprehension
12 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–10
Reading between the lines
Ask and answer questions about key details in literary and informational texts; make simple inferences based on what characters say and do
21 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–11
Self-Correcting While Reading
Check that text makes sense while reading and self-correct inaccurate reading by re-reading or using context
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 6–9
Expressive and Sensory Language
Recognise recurring literary language in stories and poetry, identify words and phrases that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses, and discuss favourite words and phrases
19 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 6–10
Main Topic & Key Details
Identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text, determine the focus of specific paragraphs, and explain how key details support the main idea
18 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–10
Forms of Poetry and Performance
Recognise different forms of poetry (free verse, narrative poetry, haiku) and discuss their features; prepare poems and play scripts to read aloud and perform with understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action
5 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–10
Main Ideas & Note-Taking
Identify main ideas drawn from more than one paragraph and summarise them; retrieve and record information from non-fiction texts using notes, tables or other methods
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–10
Text Features & Presentation
Identify how language choices, text structure and presentational features (illustrations, diagrams, bold print, layout) contribute to the overall meaning and effect of a text
7 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 8–9
Character Traits and Motivation
Analyse character traits, motivations, and feelings using text evidence, and distinguish one's own point of view from that of the narrator or characters
5 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 8–9
Morals in Fables, Folktales and Myths
Explain how the central message, lesson, or moral of a story is conveyed through key details across diverse text types including fables, folktales, and myths
15 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 8–9
Why the author wrote it
Distinguish one's own point of view from that of the author of an informational text and identify the author's purpose
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Combining information from texts
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably, combining and comparing what each source contributes
24 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Explaining Events & Ideas
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in an informational text, including what happened and why, by citing specific textual evidence about causes, effects, and steps in a process
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Finding Theme and Summarising
Determine the theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, and provide an objective summary that captures the key events without personal opinions
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Firsthand and Secondhand Accounts
Compare and contrast a firsthand account (autobiography, diary, letter) with a secondhand account (biography, textbook, news report) of the same event or topic, identifying differences in focus and information provided
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
How authors support their points
Explain how an author of an informational text uses reasons and evidence to support particular points, evaluating whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient
14 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
In-Depth Character and Setting Analysis
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details from the text such as a character's thoughts, words, actions, and interactions
6 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Interpreting visual information in texts
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively in informational texts (e.g., charts, graphs, diagrams, timelines, animations) and explain how it contributes to understanding the text
6 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Narrator's Point of View
Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including distinguishing between first-person and third-person narration and explaining how the narrator's perspective shapes the reader's understanding
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Poems, Drama & Prose
Explain major differences between poems, drama, and prose, identifying structural elements unique to each form: verse, rhythm, and meter in poetry; cast of characters, dialogue, and stage directions in drama; chapters and paragraphs in pro…
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Recommending Books
Recommend books to peers, giving reasons for choices based on knowledge of a wide range of genres, authors, and themes, and making comparisons within and across books
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–10
Structure of information texts
Describe the overall structure of an informational text (chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) and explain how the author's chosen structure helps convey information and ideas
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Comparing Structure in Information Texts
Compare and contrast the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more informational texts, identifying patterns such as chronology, comparison, cause/effect, or problem/solution
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Different viewpoints in texts
Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described, recognising the difference between limited and omniscient narration and how perspective shapes storytelling
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Explaining Relationships in Texts
Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in historical, scientific, or technical texts based on specific information
11 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
How Authors Treat Similar Themes
Compare and contrast stories in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes and topics, identifying how different authors treat common ideas
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
How Language Choices Affect the Reader
Evaluate how authors use language including figurative language, considering the impact of word choices, imagery, and literary devices on the reader
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
How Parts Build a Whole Text
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a story, drama, or poem, analysing how each part contributes to the whole
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Justifying Views About Texts
Provide reasoned justifications for views about texts, supporting interpretations and opinions with evidence and logical arguments
5 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Multiple Accounts of Events
Analyse multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Quoting Accurately from Texts
Quote accurately from literary and informational texts when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences, using quotation marks and citations correctly
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Supporting ideas with evidence
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which specific points
16 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Synthesising across multiple texts
Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably, combining information without plagiarising
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 10–11
Using Multiple Sources
Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or solve a problem efficiently
13 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Analysing Text Structure
Analyse how a text's structure — including its overall organisation, use of chapters, stanzas, scenes, paragraphs, or sections — contributes to its meaning, style, and development of ideas
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Critical comparison across texts
Make critical comparisons across texts — comparing themes, characters, settings, styles, or arguments in two or more works, including texts from different periods, genres, or cultures
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Evaluating Arguments in Non-Fiction
Evaluate arguments and claims in non-fiction texts — assess whether reasoning is sound, evidence is relevant and sufficient, distinguish between fact and opinion, and recognise bias, propaganda, and rhetorical techniques
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Figurative Language and Literary Devices
Determine the meaning of figurative and connotative language in context, analyse the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, and identify literary devices such as metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, and irony
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Plot Structure and Character Development
Analyse how plot structure unfolds through episodes or key events, and how characters develop, respond to challenges, and change over the course of a narrative — including the relationship between character, setting, and plot
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Poetic forms and conventions
Recognise and understand poetic conventions — including form (sonnet, ballad, free verse), metre, rhyme scheme, stanza structure, imagery, and sound devices (alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia) — and analyse how poets use them for effect
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Purpose, audience, and context
Identify the purpose, audience, and context of a text and use this knowledge to support comprehension — recognising how writing aimed at different audiences (academic, popular, persuasive) uses different conventions, register, and tone
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Using and Evaluating Textual Evidence
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of what a text says explicitly and what can be inferred, distinguishing between strong and weak evidence and explaining how the evidence supports a point
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–14
Wide Independent Reading Across Genres
Read widely and independently across fiction and non-fiction — including whole novels, short stories, plays, poetry, and non-fiction from different genres, periods, and cultures — building stamina, breadth, and personal taste as a reader
6 verified questions on this shelf

Being planted

These Skills are on the map, but their questions are still being written and checked.

Ages 5–8
Book Features and Author's Reasons
Coming soon
Ages 5–8
Characters, settings, and events
Coming soon
Ages 5–10
Discussing Texts as a Group
Coming soon
Ages 6–8
Characters' Viewpoints and Responses
Coming soon
Ages 6–9
Non-Fiction Text Features
Coming soon
Ages 6–8
Retelling Stories with Structure
Coming soon
Ages 6–8
Story Sequence and Central Message
Coming soon
Ages 7–10
Inferring Characters' Feelings and Motives
Coming soon
Ages 7–8
Story Lessons and Morals
Coming soon
Ages 7–10
Themes and messages
Coming soon
Ages 8–9
Connecting Ideas in Texts
Coming soon
Ages 8–9
Structural terminology
Coming soon
Ages 9–10
Cultural Allusions and Word Meaning
Coming soon
Ages 9–10
Text & Media Connections
Coming soon
Ages 9–10
Themes Across Cultures and Traditions
Coming soon
Ages 10–11
Comparing Books
Coming soon
Ages 10–11
Comparing Characters, Settings and Events
Coming soon
Ages 10–11
Fact vs opinion
Coming soon
Ages 10–11
Multimedia elements in texts
Coming soon
Ages 10–11
Summarising Non-Fiction Main Ideas
Coming soon
Ages 11–14
Narrative Perspective and Unreliable Narrators
Coming soon
Ages 11–14
Tracing Theme Across a Text
Coming soon
Ages 11–14
Understanding drama and performance
Coming soon

Skill names and descriptions include the Marble Skill Taxonomy © Generative Spark, Inc. (withmarble.com), licensed under ODbL 1.0 (database) and CC BY-SA 4.0 (content). Practice questions are GlowGrades's own, each checked by independent verifiers that must agree before a child ever sees it.