RIC-6946 The Comprehension Box 1 - Sample student cards

Red 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Pets are animals we keep at home. 

Dogs and cats can be pets. They 

are fluffy, friendly and fun. My pet is 

different! 

My pet is small. It isn’t fluffy or 

friendly! It has no ears. It has no legs. 

It lives in a glass tank. Its eyes are 

small and beady. It has scales and 

eats mice. My pet’s name is Fang. 

Do you know what it is? 

My pet is a snake! It is such 

a cool pet. I love my pet! 

©R.I.C. Publications 

Low Resolution Images 

Display Copy 

R.I.C. Publications ® Comprehension box 1 (01) 

Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

Which word in Paragraph 3 means a place 

where a fish or snake is kept? 

(a) cage 

(b) glass 

(c) tank 

2. 

Which is the best answer? The pet snake: 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

(a) has fur and is fun. 

(b) is playful and small. 

(c) has scales and two eyes. 

The snake’s eyes are: 

(a) beady. 

(b) round. 

(c) small and beady. 

This text is mainly about: 

(a) one person’s pet. 

(b) pets. 

(c) snakes. 

The writer thinks his or her pet is 

different because it: 

(a) is funny. 

(b) isn’t fluffy or friendly. 

(c) is called Fang. 

In Paragraph 5, it means: 

(a) the author. 

(b) the snake. 

(c) a mouse. 



Display Copy 

Something extra 

H Think about what sort of 

animals can be pets. Make a 

list of pets. 

Write as many as you can! 

H Do you have a pet? If so, 

write what your pet looks like.

Red 2 

Knock! Knock! 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Knock, knock 

Who’s there? 

Dishes 

Dishes who? 

Dishes the police! Open up! 

Knock, knock 


Cargo 

Cargo who? 

Car go beep! beep! 

Knock, knock 


Boo 

Boo who? 

Oh, it’s OK, don’t cry! 

Knock, knock 


Lettuce 

Lettuce who? 

Lettuce in! 



Display Copy 

5 

Knock, knock 


Arch 

Arch who? 

Bless you! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word means to tap on 

something with your knuckles? 

(a) bang 

(b) knock 

(c) bless 

In Paragraph 1, Dishes the 

police! means: 

(a) Police use plates! 

(b) This is the police! 

(c) Police do washing up! 

What kind of text is this? 

(a) report 

(b) jokes 

(c) stories 

What sound does the car make in Paragraph 2? 

(a) honk! honk! 

(b) beep! beep! 

(c) parp! parp! 

The writer wrote these words to: 

(a) make people laugh. 

(b) tell a story. 

(c) give information. 

Which paragraph is 

about sneezing? 

(a) Paragraph 3 

(b) Paragraph 4 

(c) Paragraph 5 



Display Copy 


H Write a joke you know 

or try to make up one 

of your own. 

H Write a funny story 

about someone 

interesting knocking 

on your door.

Red 3 

1 

2 

3 

Next Monday it’s my birthday. It’s the best day 

of the year! I’m sure I’ll get some good 

presents. I’m going to have a party and 

a big cake with seven candles on top. 

People do different things on birthdays. Some 

people don’t have cakes or presents. But one thing 

lots of people do is sing ‘Happy birthday to you’. 

The ‘Happy birthday’ song is over 100 years old. 

Two sisters in the USA wrote it. Their names were 

Mildred and Patty Hill. At first, the song was called 

‘Good morning to all’. Later, the words changed 

to the words we know. Now people all around the 

world sing it! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. What will go on top of the birthday cake? 

(a) presents 

(b) candles 

(c) paper 

2. Paragraph 3 tells the reader about: 

(a) songs. 

(b) sister. 

(c) the ‘Happy birthday’ song. 

3. Who wrote the ‘Happy birthday to you’ song? 

(a) Mildred Hill 

(b) Patty Hill 

(c) Mildred and Patty Hill 

4. How old is the ‘Happy birthday’ song? 

(a) a few hundred years 

(b) less than 100 years 

(c) a bit more than 100 years 

5. Which answer is a fact? Everyone has: 

(a) a birthday party. 

(b) a birthday cake. 

(c) a birthday. 

6. In Paragraph 3, it means: 

(a) the letter. 

(b) the song. 

(c) the card. 



Display Copy 


H Write your own song using the 

‘Happy birthday’ tune. 

H Write what you do on your 

birthday. 

H Look around the room. Can 

you see the word ‘birthday’? 

Count how many times you 

can see it written

Red 4 

Nugget and Clucky 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Do you like eggs? I do! I love them! 

I love eggs so much my mum said we 

could get some hens. She said they 

can be good pets. They eat food 

scraps, and bugs in the garden. Best 

of all, they lay eggs we can eat! 

First we had to buy a few things. 

We got some wood and wire to 

make a coop. We put a little box in 

the coop for the hens to lay their 

eggs. We got some chicken food 

and straw from the pet shop. 

Then we got two hens! One is 

called Nugget and the other is 

called Clucky. 

They lay eggs nearly 

every day. It’s great 

having hens. 

You should get 

some, too! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Paragraph 3 means a cage 

made of wood and wire for chickens? 

(a) home 

(b) coop 

(c) scraps 

Hens can help in the garden by: 

(a) eating bugs. 

(b) eating scraps. 

(c) laying eggs. 

Why does the writer want hens? 

(a) for dinner 

(b) for their eggs 

(c) for fun 

What sort of scraps might the hens eat? 

(a) paper 

(b) food 

(c) wood 

How does the writer feel about hens? 

The writer: 

(a) likes to look at them. 

(b) likes their eggs. 

(c) wants to have some for dinner. 

In Paragraph 2, they means: 

(a) hens. 

(b) Mum and Dad. 

(c) children. 



Display Copy 


H Make a list of other 

animals that lay eggs. 

Can you think of five? 

H Chickens live in a 

coop. 

What do these animals 

live in? dog - pig - 

goldfish - horse

Red 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Eeek! Dragon! 

Once there was a dragon named Dave. 

He lived in a cave next to a small town. 

Dave was a very friendly dragon. But the 

people of the town were scared of him. 

When they saw him, they screamed and 

ran away. Poor Dave felt lonely and sad. 

One day, Dave was flying over the land. 

He saw a farmer stuck in some mud. He 

flew down to help. 

‘Eeek! A dragon!’ the farmer screamed. 

‘It’s okay,’ said Dave, ’I’m here to help’. 

Dave took the man’s arms and pulled 

him out of the gooey, sticky mud. 

‘Thanks!’ said the farmer. ‘I’ll tell 

everyone that you are a friendly 

dragon.’ And he did. 



Display Copy 

From then on the people liked 

Dave. He was the town hero! 

And he was never lonely or sad 

again. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Where did Dave live? 

(a) in a cave 

(b) on a farm 

(c) in the mud 

What happened after Dave helped the farmer? 

(a) Dave was sad. 

(b) The farmer screamed. 

(c) Dave was a hero. 

This text is a: 

(a) fairytale. 

(b) letter. 

(c) poem. 

After Dave helped the farmer, what might the 

farmer say to him? 

(a) Eeek! 

(b) Go away! 

(c) Hello, Dave! 

Why did Dave save the farmer? 

(a) He was strong. 

(b) He was friendly. 

(c) He was hungry. 

In Paragraph 2, him means: 

(a) the farmer. 

(b) the people. 

(c) Dave. 



Display Copy 


H Write five things a dragon has 

on its body. 

H Write a different ending to the 

story, starting with ‘One day, 

Dave saw a farmer stuck in 

some mud …’

Red 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Merrick, the 

mud monster 

Once upon a time, in water far away, lived a friendly mud monster. 

His name was Merrick. 

Merrick played in the water and on the rocks. Merrick made friends 

with the fish, birds and other animals. He watched the grass and 

plants near the water. 

One day, Merrick stepped on bottles and plastic bags in the water. 

He hurt his feet. 

Soon, the water got sick. The grass and plants got sick. The fish, birds 

and other animals got sick, too. 



Display Copy 

Merrick was scared, so he ran away. He ran and ran until he came 

to a hot, dry land. His skin started to dry out. He felt sick. He felt sad. 

He missed his water home. 

6 

‘I’m going home’, he cried. ‘I’m going to clean up the water. I’m 

going to make the environment better for the fish, birds, plants and 

other animals’, he said. 

7 

And he did! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Where did Merrick live? 

(a) in water 

(b) in a dry land 

(c) in the sky 

Merrick’s friends were: 

(a) the water and rocks. 

(b) fish, birds and other animals. 

(c) the hot, dry land. 

When Merrick stepped on bottles 

and plastic bags, he: 

(a) cried. 

(b) fell over. 

(c) hurt his feet. 

What made everything sick? 

(a) bottles and plastic bags in 

the water 

(b) hot days 

(c) the flu 

The word environment in 

Paragraph 6 means: 

(a) the water. 

(b) play. 

(c) sick. 

In Paragraph 2, he means 

(a) Merrick. 

(b) the hot, dry land. 

(c) the fish. 



Display Copy 


H Explain how to 

make a mud pie. 

H Draw a picture of a 

river with litter in it.

Red 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Legend of Muda, 

the pelican 

A long time ago in the Dreaming, a group of Aboriginal Australian 

people sent a pelican to find out about a new land. 

Muda, the pelican, set off with fish and water for his trip. He carried them 

in the pouch underneath his neck. 



Display Copy 

He flew for a long time. Then he felt sick, so he landed on a hill. 

As he sat on the hill, he saw many beautiful colours in the stones on the 

ground. He started to peck at the ground. 

5 

Suddenly, a spark flew from the ground. It went into the dry grass nearby 

and started a fire. The fire ran across the land until it came to some 

people camping near a creek. They used the fire to cook their fish. 

6 

The fire was a special gift from Muda, the pelican. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

What did Muda carry fish and water in? 

(a) his pouch 

(b) his beak 

(c) a sack 

Muda felt sick because: 

(a) he had a cold. 

(b) he flew for a long time. 

(c) he was thirsty. 

Which paragraph tells how Muda started a fire? 




Why would people want to find out 

about a new land? 

(a) They wanted to have a holiday. 

(b) They wanted to live there. 

(c) They liked new things. 

Which word in Paragraph 2 means 

a sack for holding small things? 

(a) net 

(b) pouch 

(c) beak 

The word He in Paragraph 2 is 

used instead of: 

(a) Muda. 

(b) fish. 

(c) Aboriginal people. 



Display Copy 


H Find a picture of a pelican 

to copy onto white paper. 

H Colour it in Aboriginal 

colours—black, orange, 

red, yellow and brown.

Red 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Batty bats 

Bats are small animals like mice. 

‘Bat’ means ‘hand-wing’. Bats are 

the only mammals that can fly. 

Bats rest all day and hunt at night. 

They eat insects, birds, fish and 

small animals. They use sounds to 

find food. They need to eat lots and 

lots of insects. 

They look after their babies. Baby 

bats are called pups. 

Bats like to hang upside down by 

their feet. They can let go, drop and 

fly away quickly. 

A group of bats is called a colony. 

There are many different kinds of 

bats. Some are big and some are 

small. 



Display Copy 

Bats live in trees, buildings and 

caves. They live under bridges and 

in old mines. Some people build 

homes for bats to live in. But 

sometimes other animals 

and insects move in first! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Bats live in: 

(a) shoes. 

(b) nests. 

(c) trees. 

Baby bats are called: 

(a) insects. 

(b) pups. 

(c) kittens. 

Paragraph 3 tells: 

(a) when bats sleep. 

(b) how to hit a ball with a bat. 

(c) about baby bats. 

The word mines in Paragraph 7 means: 

(a) places where gold and 

coal are found. 

(b) belonging to me. 

(c) little. 

The writer thinks bats are: 

(a) funny. 

(b) messy. 

(c) interesting. 



Display Copy 

6. 

The word They in 


(a) trees. 

(b) caves. 

(c) bats. 


H Write words for groups of: 

cows, fish, sheep, ducks, bees, 

pups, snakes, birds. 

H Draw a group picture of your 

favourite animal.

Red 9 

How the elephant 

got its trunk 

1 

2 

Once upon a time there was a little elephant. One day, she wanted 

to know what the crocodile ate for dinner. She asked all the other 

elephants. But they didn’t know. 



Display Copy 

So she went to the river to ask the crocodile. The crocodile said to 

come closer and he would tell her. The little elephant did. She walked 

to the edge of the river. 

3 

Suddenly, the crocodile bit the little elephant’s nose. The little elephant 

pulled and pulled to get free. Her nose got longer and longer. 

4 

At last the little elephant got away. But now she had a long trunk 

instead of a nose. At first she didn’t like it. But then she found she could 

squirt water all over her back! And she could use it to wave to all her 

friends! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

What does the word suddenly in Paragraph 3 mean? 

(a) very slowly 

(b) all at once 

(c) sadly 

The little elephant wanted to know what: 

(a) was for dinner. 

(b) the crocodile ate for dinner. 

(c) the time was. 

What happened first to the little elephant? 

(a) She got away. 

(b) Her nose got longer. 

(c) Her nose was bitten. 

Why do you think the crocodile wanted her closer? 

(a) so he could eat her 

(b) so he could stretch her nose 

(c) so he could squirt water on her back 

Was the little elephant happy her nose 

turned into a trunk? 

(a) don’t know 

(b) yes 

(c) no 



Display Copy 

6. In Paragraph 4, it means: Something extra 

(a) the little elephant. 

(b) her trunk. 

(c) a crocodile. 

H Find pictures in magazines or 

draw your own to show animals 

with different types of noses. 

H List other things the little elephant 

could do with her long trunk.

Red 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The mystery of the 

missing 

objects 

‘Give back my new blue ribbon, Justin! I know you took it!’ I yelled at 

my brother. 

‘Don’t be silly!’ he said. ‘Why would I take your ribbon? But if you took 

my blue marker, I want that back!’ 

‘Mum,’ I yelled, ‘Justin took my new blue ribbon and won’t give it back!’ 



Display Copy 

‘Stop yelling, Beth!’ Mum said. ‘But if you took the blue pegs from the 

clothes line, I’d like them back, please!’ 

‘I didn’t take your blue pegs, but Justin took my ribbon!’ I replied. 

6 

‘Dad, a thief has taken all our things!’ I bellowed. ‘The thief has taken 

my blue ribbon, Justin’s blue marker and Mum’s blue pegs.’ 

7 

‘Come outside’, said Dad. He pointed to the grass in the bush nearby. 

‘There’s your thief.’ The male bird in the nest had blue things all around 

him. A female bird nearby watched him. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Who lost things? 

(a) Justin, Mum and Beth 

(b) Dad 

(c) Justin and Mum 

All the missing objects were: 

(a) green. 

(b) red. 

(c) blue. 

Three words which mean the 

same as said are: 

(a) took and taken. 

(b) yelled, replied and bellowed. 

(c) ribbon, marker and pegs. 

The male bird collected blue objects to: 

(a) eat them. 

(b) make the nest pretty for the female bird. 

(c) make the nest warm. 

Which paragraph tells who took the objects? 




The word He in Paragraph 7 means: 

(a) Dad. 

(b) the male bird. 

(c) the female bird. 



Display Copy 


H List all the blue objects in 

the room. 

H Find pictures of different 

nests in books. Draw a 

colourful picture of them.

Card 1 

Yellow 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

big elephants 

Once upon a time, thousands of mice lived in an empty village near 

a lake. 

Every day, a herd of elephants visited the lake to drink water. As they 

went through the village, they crushed hundreds of mice under their 

feet. 

King Mouse said to King Elephant, ‘If the elephants can walk to the 

village a different way, one day we will help you if you need us’. 



Display Copy 

King Elephant laughed and said, ‘You are too small to help us, but we 

will walk to the lake a different way from now on’. 

5 

Soon some hunters trapped the elephants in strong nets. They could 

not get free. 

6 

The mice came and chewed through the nets. They set the elephants 

free. 

7 

The mice and elephants were friends forever. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

How are mice different from elephants? 

(a) Mice are little and elephants are big. 

(b) Mice have tails but elephants don’t. 

(c) Elephants have ears but mice don’t. 

A group of elephants is called a: 

(a) flock. 

(b) herd. 

(c) school. 

Which paragraph tells about the elephants 

being trapped in nets? 




The mice were able to chew through the 

nets because: 

(a) they had sharp teeth. 

(b) they had knives. 

(c) the nets were made from weak rope. 



Display Copy 

The word they in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) the mice. 

(b) the elephants. 

(c) the hunters. 

After the mice set the elephants 

free, they: 

(a) were crushed under their feet. 

(b) ran and hid. 

(c) became friends forever. 


H Write a rhyme or poem 

you know about mice or 

elephants. 

H Draw and colour a picture 

to match. 

H Find one interesting fact 

about mice or elephants 

to tell a friend.

Yellow 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Llamas are animals from South 

America. They look a bit like 

camels, but they don’t have 

humps. 

Llamas are very strong. This 

makes them good for carrying 

things up mountains. They have 

thick, woolly fur. This fur can be 

used to make clothes. 

Llamas are very social. This 

means they like to live with other 

llamas in a group. A group of 

llamas is called a herd. 



Display Copy 

Llamas are usually friendly, but 

sometimes they spit! This spit can 

have food in it, or even be green! 

The green spit is very smelly. Most 

of the time they only spit at other 

llamas. This is usually to ‘tell them 

off’. If they are scared, Llamas 

sometimes spit at people. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

The word social in Paragraph 3 means llamas like: 

(a) nice food. 

(b) to be with other llamas. 

(c) to work. 

Where do llamas come from? 

(a) South Africa 

(b) South America 

(c) South Australia 

Which paragraph gives information 

about ‘spitting’? 




Llamas spit to show they are: 

(a) hungry. 

(b) scared. 

(c) friendly. 

Llamas are used to help carry 

things because they are: 

(a) strong. 

(b) brave. 

(c) clever. 


(a) camels. 

(b) people. 

(c) llamas. 



Display Copy 


H Dogs are social animals, 

too. Do you know any other 

animals that are social? 

H Write some things people do 

when they are scared.

Yellow 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Once upon a time, zebras were all white. 

Why the zebra 

has stripes 

One day, the jungle animals were having a big party. The male and 

female zebra were getting ready. They wanted to look special. 

First, the male zebra painted his body green. Then the female zebra 

painted her body brown. They looked like a lizard and a lion. They did 

not like that. They wanted to look different. So they painted on black 

stripes. 



Display Copy 

All the animals at the party liked the stripes, even the lion! 

The next day, everyone talked about the zebra stripes. The other 

zebras wanted to look special, too. They painted black stripes on 

themselves. 

6 

Soon, the zebras got tired of the stripes. They tried to wash them off. 

The stripes would not wash off. 

7 

Today, zebras still have black stripes. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Once upon a time, zebras were all: 

(a) white. 

(b) black and white. 

(c) green. 

The word in Paragraph 3 that means a 

girl zebra is: 

(a) different. 

(b) female. 

(c) male. 


(a) how the zebras painted their bodies. 

(b) what happened after the party. 

(c) what happened at the party. 

What colour did the male zebra paint 

himself first? 

(a) green 

(b) brown 

(c) black 



Display Copy 

The colours of lizard and lion were: 

(a) black and white. 

(b) green and brown. 

(c) white. 

The word They in Paragraph 5 means: 

(a) the zebras. 

(b) the stripes. 

(c) the lion. 


The stripes on each 

zebra are different. No 

two patterns look the 

same. 

H Use a pencil to draw 

two zebra shapes. 

H Use a black pencil 

or crayon to make 

each striped pattern 

look different.

Yellow 4 

1 

2 

Teddy bears 

There’s a teddy bear museum near our school. I had never been. 

Then my teacher said our class was going there. I was so excited! 

A man from the museum showed us around. He told 

us about a president in the USA called Theodore 

Roosevelt. This man’s nickname was Teddy. He was 

the president when the first teddy bear was 

made. He liked bears, so the first bear made 

was called ‘Teddy’s bear’. 



Display Copy 

3 

There were so many teddy bears there. One of 

them was more than 100 years old! That’s even 

older than my grandad! That one was smelly, 

like my gran’s old things. Then there was a 

huge teddy. It was as big as our teacher! 

4 

I had a great day at the museum! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

What word in Paragraph 2 means a leader? 

(a) museum 

(b) president 

(c) Teddy 

One of the teddy bears in the story was as big as: 

(a) the author. 

(b) the teacher. 

(c) a house. 

President Roosevelt thought teddy bears were: 

(a) silly. 

(b) smelly. 

(c) great. 

Why did the class go to the museum? 

(a) to play 

(b) to learn 

(c) to eat 

The writer thinks the museum was: 

(a) boring. 

(b) interesting. 

(c) small. 



Display Copy 

In Paragraph 3, them means: 

(a) the teddy bears. 

(b) the museums. 

(c) the children. 


H Write three things that are 

bigger than your teacher. 

H Would you like to go to the 

teddy bear museum? Write 

why or why not.

Yellow 5 

Birthday wish 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

It was my birthday. All my friends were 

coming to my party. Ben was the first 

to come. He gave me a big box. As 

I started to open it, I saw a frog 

outside. Yuck! I didn’t like frogs. 

Green, slimy things. 

I opened the box and looked 

inside. It was empty! 

‘Wow. It’s ... an empty box. 

Thanks’, I said. 

‘It’s not really empty’, said 

Ben. ‘It’s a wish. Think about 

something you want and you’ll 

get it!’ 

‘Well, I was just thinking about 

frogs’, I said. ‘But I don’t like frogs! I... 

ribbit, ribbit!’ 

6 

I looked down. My hands were 

green. So were my legs. I had 

big, webbed feet. I had turned 

into a frog! 



Display Copy 

7 

‘Oh no!’ said Ben. 

‘Don’t worry, I know 

what to do! We need to 

go to the vet. Come on!’ He picked 

me up and ran out the door. 

8 

So in the end, I missed my party. 

But now I’m a person again! Thank 

goodness for that! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Which word in Paragraph 6 means feet 

with the toes joined by thin skin? 

(a) frog 

(b) webbed 

(c) slimy 

The story happened: 

(a) at a party. 

(b) at school. 

(c) in a dream. 

What happened at the end of the story? 

The person turned: 

(a) into a frog. 

(b) back into a person. 

(c) around three times. 

What made the person in the story turn 

into a frog? 

(a) a frog 

(b) a party 

(c) a wish 

The writer wrote this story: 

(a) to give information. 

(b) to say how something works. 

(c) for people to enjoy. 

In Paragraph 7, He means: 

(a) the frog. 

(b) Ben. 

(c) the party. 



Display Copy 


H Write what you would 

wish for if it were your 

birthday. 

H Frogs ribbit or croak. 

What noises do these 

animals make? 

cat, sheep, horse, duck

Yellow 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Hi. My name is Bob. I’m a 

superhero! I know I don’t look 

very strong. But I have a super 

power like every other superhero. 

What’s my super power? 

I have ‘X-ray’ eyes. That’s 

right, I can see through 

things! 

When I was little, I could see 

people’s underwear through 

their clothes. My mum didn’t 

like it when I told her she had a 

hole in her underpants one day. 

She sent me to my room. 

When I played cards with my friends, 

I could see what cards they had. So I 

always won. My friends got mad. 

At Christmas, I could see through the 

wrapping paper on the presents. I told 

everyone what they were going to get. 

They got cross with me. 



Display Copy 

I didn’t like everyone being mad at me all the 

time. So I started using my power to do good 

things. Now, when someone is sick, I look 

into his or her body to find out 

what’s wrong. I help my friends 

find the things they have lost. 

No-one gets mad at me 

anymore. It’s great being a 

superhero! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

In Paragraph 1, the word strong means: 

(a) powerful. 

(b) clever. 

(c) deep. 

How is Bob like other superheroes? 

(a) He is strong. 

(b) He can save the world. 

(c) He has a super power. 

Why did his friends get mad? 

(a) Bob always won card games. 

(b) Bob was stronger than they were. 

(c) Bob helped them find things. 

From the story, we know Bob can see through: 

(a) walls. 

(b) paper and clothes. 

(c) cars. 

Why did Bob start doing good things with his super power? 

(a) He didn’t like people being mad at him. 

(b) He wanted to be famous. 

(c) He liked wearing superhero clothes. 


(a) friends. 

(b) people. 

(c) cards. 



Display Copy 


H Write what sort of 

things you would do if 

you had X-ray eyes. 

H Write what kind of 

superhero you would 

like to be. What special 

powers would you 

have? What would you 

look like?

Yellow 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Tick! Tock! Squeak! 

Tick Tock is the big red clock 

On the shed near the dock. 

Blink Flash is the metal sundial 

In the garden near the leaf pile. 

Ding Dong is the grandfather clock 

that likes to bong 

When it sings its song. 

Tick Tock Tick Tock is the little watch 

that moves quickly 

And keeps on clicking. 

Flip Flop is the digital clock 

Next to the bed that never stops. 

Hickory Dickory is a tall wooden house 



Display Copy 

For baby, sister and Mum and Dad Mouse. 

7 

Tick! Tock! 

Blink! Flash! 

Ding! Dong! 

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock! 

Flip! Flop! 

Squeak! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Where is the clock near the dock? 

(a) on the shed 

(b) on the bed 

(c) at the door 

What makes a sundial work? 

(a) batteries 

(b) the sun 

(c) leaves 

Which paragraph tells about a watch? 




The noise of a grandfather clock is: 

(a) soft. 

(b) loud. 

(c) not heard at all. 

The clock which doesn’t make a 

noise is the: 

(a) digital clock. 

(b) sundial. 

(c) grandfather clock. 

In Paragraph 3, it means the: 

(a) clock on the dock. 

(b) grandfather clock. 

(c) digital clock. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a big circle and 

write all the numbers 

around it to make a clock 

face. 

H Write a list of objects or 

animals and the sounds 

they make.

Yellow 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Jenny and Mum made green jelly and 

carefully placed it in the fridge to set. 

‘This packet of jelly crystals came from 

Mr Hulk’, said Mum. ‘He is a very strange 

old man.’ 

Later, Jenny looked in the fridge to see if the jelly was set. 

‘This jelly needs some jelly snakes’, she said. She dropped in red and 

orange chewy jelly snakes and closed the door. Some time later, 

Jenny opened the fridge door. A large green, red and orange jelly 

blob plopped out. 



Display Copy 

‘Help Mum!’ yelled Jenny. ‘It’s after me!’ Mum saw Jenny slipping and 

sliding on the floor. A wobbly blob chased her. It grew and grew. 

6 

‘If Jenny added sweet things to the jelly, then perhaps salt will stop 

it’, thought Mum. She threw a handful of salt on the blob. It started to 

shrink. Soon it was a small runny puddle on the floor. 

7 

‘I don’t like jelly anymore’, said Jenny, as she helped Mum clean up 

the mess. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Who made the jelly? 

(a) Jenny and Mum 

(b) Mr Hulk 

(c) no-one 

Which is an opinion? 

(a) Mr Hulk is a man. 

(b) Mr Hulk is very strange. 

(c) Mr Hulk is old. 


(a) how to make jelly. 

(b) how the jelly grew into a monster. 

(c) where the packet of jelly crystals came from. 

What caused the jelly to grow into a monster? 

(a) hot water 

(b) red and orange chewy jelly snakes 

(c) salt 

The word me in Paragraph 5 means: 

(a) Jenny. 

(b) Mum. 

(c) Mr Hulk. 

Why doesn’t Jenny like jelly anymore? 

(a) Jenny likes hotdogs now. 

(b) Jelly is too runny. 



Display Copy 

(c) The jelly monster scared her. 


H Write a procedure to 

tell how to make jelly. 

H Draw a big bowl of 

jelly and colour it your 

favourite jelly colour. 

H List your favourite 

chewy lollies or sweets.

Yellow 9 

In the land of Nuts and Bolts 

1 

2 

3 

4 

In the land of Nuts and Bolts lived a robot king named Rebus. Rebus 

was a good king. All the robots were shiny. They did not clank or 

grind when they moved. 

One day, Rebus thought, ‘Everything is clean and shiny. Everything is 

quiet. Life is boring. What we need is a little boy to make a mess and 

lots of noise’. 

Rebus sent his soldier robots to Earth to find a little boy to make a 

mess and lots of noise. 

‘Tommy, stop making all that noise! Go and clean up your room!’ the 

soldier robots heard. They peeked in the window of the house. They 

saw a little boy in a messy room. He was banging a spanner on a toy 

workbench. 



Display Copy 

5 

‘I don’t belong here’, cried Tommy. ‘I can’t make a mess or lots of 

noise. I must be an alien or something.’ 

6 

The soldier robots grabbed Tommy and carried him to the land of 

Nuts and Bolts. 

7 

Tommy was very happy. He made a mess and lots of noise. King 

Rebus was not bored. Tommy’s mum had a clean, quiet house. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Rebus was bored because: 

(a) everything was clean and quiet. 

(b) he had no robot friends. 

(c) he needed more work to do. 

What did Rebus think a little boy 

would do? 

(a) tell jokes 

(b) make a mess and lots of noise 

(c) play with Rebus 

In Paragraph 4, a spanner is: 

(a) a type of food. 

(b) a tool. 

(c) something that spins. 


(a) what Rebus was doing. 

(b) what happened at the 

end of the story. 

(c) how Tommy was feeling. 



Display Copy 

The word they in Paragraph 4, means: 

(a) Tommy. 

(b) the soldiers. 

(c) Tommy’s mother. 

At the end of the story, everyone was: 

(a) sad. 

(b) happy. 

(c) not happy or sad. 


H Use the letters in the 

word ‘robot’ to make 

lots of little words. You 

can only use each letter 

once, except for the 

letter ‘o’. You can use ‘o’ 

twice. 

H Draw a design for a 

robot made from ‘bits 

and pieces’.

Yellow 10 

Floating egg tricks 

If you put a fresh egg into a glass of water, it sinks to the bottom. 

Read the instructions below to see how you can make an egg float! 

Trick 1 

You will need: 

• a fresh egg 

• teaspoon 

• salt 

• glass of water 

What to do: 

Step 1. 

Step 2. 

Step 3. 

Step 4. 

Add 10 teaspoons of salt to the glass of water. 

Stir with the teaspoon until the salt is dissolved. 

Put the egg into the water. 

Watch the egg float! 

This next trick will make the egg float halfway up! 

Trick 2 


• the egg in the glass of water from Trick 1 

• teaspoon 

• tap water 

What to do: 

Step 1. 

Step 2. 

Step 3. 

Step 4. 

Step 5. 



Display Copy 

Take the floating egg out of the glass of water. 

Pour out half the water. 

Gently pour in some fresh tap water on top. 

Don’t mix. 

Carefully put the egg back in the glass of water. 

Watch it float halfway up! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

In Trick 1, Step 2, the word dissolved means: 

(a) dirty. 

(b) floating. 

(c) mixed. 

How many teaspoons of salt are needed? 

(a) 5 

(b) 10 

(c) 2 

In Trick 1, which step happens first? 

(a) stirring the salt 

(b) watching the egg float 

(c) putting the egg into the water 

Which step in Trick 2 best explains what to 

do with the tap water? 

(a) Step 1 

(b) Step 3 

(c) Step 4 

Which is a fact? 

(a) A fresh egg tastes horrible. 

(b) A fresh egg will float in salty water. 

(c) A fresh egg tastes good in water. 

The word it in the last line means: 

(a) water 

(b) a glass 

(c) the egg 



Display Copy 


H Draw 10 eggs. 

H Try and write a word in 

each egg beginning 

with tr as in trick.

Blue 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Beetle’s adventures 

Once a big black beetle left his cosy home 

To have lots of adventures. He set out all alone. 

He’d eaten all his breakfast. His Mum had said ‘Okay!’ 

He’d packed his little backpack and started on his way. 

Up and down a slippery rock, sticking in the mud. 

In and out a prickly bush with flowers still in bud. 

Out along a spiky branch, pointing to the sky. 

Underneath a shiny leaf, many beetles high. 

Soon he reached a sandy beach and water by the tonne. 

‘I think my adventure’s over!’ he said. ‘But it 

certainly was fun!’ 

Back beneath a shiny leaf, many beetles high. 

Back along a spiky branch, pointing to the sky. 

In and out a prickly bush with flowers still in bud. 

Up and down a slippery rock, sticking in the mud. 



Display Copy 

8 

A tired beetle, a happy beetle, reached his cosy home. 

‘Tomorrow I’ll go another way! It is such fun to roam!’ 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

The word adventures in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) exciting things people do. 

(b) adding numbers together. 

(c) to walk around. 

2. What did the beetle take with him? 

(a) nothing 

(b) his little backpack 

(c) his mum 

3. Where did the beetle go after he went out along the spiky branch? 

(a) in and out a prickly bush 

(b) home 

(c) underneath a shiny leaf 

4. Which paragraph tells what caused beetle’s adventures to stop? 



5. 


Which two things were smooth to walk on? 

(a) the leaf and the rock 

(b) the branch and the bush 



Display Copy 

(c) the backpack and the beach 

6. . The word it in Paragraph 5 

is used instead of: 

(a) his adventure. 

(b) a beach. 

(c) water. 


H Write adjectives to tell about: 

the sea, Mum, the adventures, 

breakfast, the mud, the sky.

Blue 2 

What’s for breakfast? 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Breakfast is the first meal of the 

day. In our country, people usually 

eat toast and cereal. But around 

the world people eat all kinds of 

things at breakfast. 

In some parts of Africa, people eat 

a corn pudding with sweet milk. 

Another African breakfast is atogo. 

This is a mix of green bananas in a 

beef or bean stew. Fresh fruits like 

coconuts and bananas are also 

eaten. 

In Japan, many people eat fish, 

rice, soup, dried seaweed and 

salad for breakfast. 

In Vietnam, people eat sticky rice, 

sweet bread or pho. Pho is a rice 

or noodle soup with meat and 

herbs. 



Display Copy 

5 

In Germany, cold meats, sausage 

and cheeses are eaten with 

different breads. Some of the 

breads have seeds. Others are so 

dark they look black. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The word usually in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) sometimes. 

(b) most of the time. 

(c) never. 

The main idea of this text is to tell the reader: 

(a) about different breakfasts. 

(b) what the author likes. 

(c) a funny story. 

What food is eaten in both Japan and Vietnam at breakfast? 

(a) fish and chips 

(b) cold meats 

(c) rice 

What cold meats might people eat 

at breakfast? 

(a) bacon and eggs 

(b) ham and salami 

(c) honey and jam 

Which foods are eaten in Africa? 

(a) corn, rice and soup 

(b) pudding, stew or fruits 

(c) cold meats and salad 


H ‘Brunch’ is a late breakfast, a 

mix of breakfast and lunch. 

What could you call a meal 

between lunch and dinner? 

H Write which of the breakfasts 

in the text you would like to 

try. 



Display Copy 

6. 


(a) breakfasts. 

(b) other breads. 

(c) foods.

Blue 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

The girl 

who could 

turn into 

a cat 

Beth Purton lived at 9 Tabby Lane with her mum, dad and her cat, 

Whiskers. She liked doing all the things other children her age did. But 

Beth had a secret. She could turn into a cat! 

It all began when Beth was feeding Whiskers one day. She loved the 

smell of the cat food he was eating. It was ‘Tuna Delight’. Beth looked 

in the pantry and found some tins of tuna. She opened one and ate it. 

Later, Whiskers was playing with a ball of wool in her room. Suddenly, 

Beth wanted to do it too. She rolled around and pounced on and 

played with the wool. Then she saw herself in her mirror. She’d grown 

whiskers, a cat nose and fluffy fur! 



Display Copy 

Beth stared into the mirror and blinked. Suddenly, she was a girl 

again! How could this happen? Of course! It all began with the tuna. 

5 

Beth crept into the kitchen. She opened another tin of tuna and ate 

it. Then she went to her room to lick her paws and clean behind her 

ears. After that, she curled up next to Whiskers on her bed and purred! 

6 

As long as Beth had a mirror to blink into she could become a girl 

again. It was fun being a cat sometimes—and Whiskers loved it too! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. In Paragraph 3, the word pounced means: 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

(a) leapt. 

(b) bounced. 

(c) ate. 

What happened first? Beth: 

(a) ate a tin of tuna. 

(b) looked in the mirror. 

(c) liked the smell of Whiskers’ food. 

How did Beth become a girl again? 

(a) She looked in a mirror. 

(b) She blinked in a mirror. 

(c) She ate tuna. 

What did Beth do after she curled up with Whiskers? 

(a) She purred. 

(b) She played with wool. 

(c) She licked behind her ears. 

Does Beth like being a cat sometimes? 

(a) don’t know 

(b) yes 

(c) no 

In Paragraph 2, he is used instead of: 

(a) Whiskers. 

(b) cat food. 

(c) Beth. 



Display Copy 


H Write ten words that 

rhyme with ‘cat’. 

H Write five names to call 

a male cat and five 

names you could call a 

female cat.

Blue 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Hi! I’m Kyle. I have a twin sister, Hayley. 

And we have a magical treehouse! 

It doesn’t look magical. Our treehouse 

is built around a big tree in the 

backyard. It is made of wood and has 

a roof, a doorway and two windows. 

A railing goes all around the edge so we don’t fall off. We have a 

ladder to climb up and a slide to come down. Inside is a table with 

two chairs and a bench with shelves. 

The magical part is the spyglass attached to the railing. Grandad 

gave it to us. He said it once belonged to a pirate! When we look 

through it we see all kinds of strange lands. When we find a place we 

like, we touch the glass then … ZOOM! We are there! 



Display Copy 

5 

Last week, we went to a tropical island and swam with green sea 

turtles. Yesterday, we went to the Sahara Desert and rode on camels. 

Today, we want to go skiing in the Rocky Mountains. 

6 

The only bad thing about our magical adventures is that they stop 

when we hear Mum call our names. ZOOM! Suddenly, we are back in 

our magical treehouse. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, the word attached means: 

(a) touched. 

(b) joined. 

(c) looked. 

Who gave them the spyglass? 

(a) a pirate 

(b) Mum 

(c) Grandad 

Paragraph 2 is mainly about: 

(a) what is inside the treehouse. 

(b) what the outside looks like. 

(c) how to climb up to and 

down from the treehouse. 

Their adventures begin when: 

(a) they touch the glass. 

(b) Mum calls out. 

(c) they climb the ladder. 

Which paragraph tells about how 

their adventures end? 




In Paragraph 4, the word it 

means: 

(a) Grandad. 

(b) the treehouse. 

(c) the spyglass. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a picture of your 

treehouse or cubbyhouse. 

If you don’t have one, draw 

one you would like to have.

Blue 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Tarantulas 

Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders. Most are black or brown. Some 

have been known to live for 30 years! 

Did you know that the largest tarantulas are longer than a ruler? 

They have a tiny claw on the end of each of their eight hairy legs. 

These help them to climb. 

Some live in burrows under the ground. Others live on the ground 

under rocks, bark or logs. Some even live in trees. 



Display Copy 

Tarantulas are meat eaters. They like to eat insects, other spiders and 

small lizards. Larger tarantulas also eat frogs, snakes and small birds. 

5 

They kill their prey with a poisonous bite. Then they crush them with 

their strong jaws. Most tarantulas don’t wait in their web to catch their 

prey. They run after them and catch them! 

6 

A tarantula’s bite is like a bee or wasp sting to a human being. It is 

good to know that if one bit a person, he or she would not die! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. The word poisonous in 


(a) deadly. 

(b) tasty. 

(c) strong. 

2. What helps tarantulas to climb? 

(a) long legs 

(b) tiny claws 

(c) strong jaws 

3. Paragraph 5 is mainly about: 

(a) how tarantulas catch food. 

(b) how tarantulas eat food. 

(c) how tarantulas scare people. 

4. What would happen if a tarantula bit you? 

You would: 

(a) not feel it. 

(b) die. 

(c) live. 

5. Which answer is true? Tarantulas eat: 

(a) weeds. 

(b) plants. 

(c) grasshoppers. 

6. In Paragraph 5, the word them means: 

(a) tarantulas. 

(b) their prey. 

(c) their jaws. 



Display Copy 


H Find a picture of another 

type of spider in a book 

or magazine. 

H Draw and label it.

Blue 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

First, I was thrown outside the front door of the Brown’s home. Ouch! It 

hurt! It was a cold, dark, wet morning and I shivered. 

About 7 o’clock, Mr Brown brought me inside. He ripped off the wet 

plastic sheet covering me and put me on the table. That felt better! 

Next, I could smell Mrs Brown cooking toast. Then Erin and Zac Brown 

came running into the room for breakfast. Mr Brown read me while eating 

his toast. A few crumbs landed on the sports pages. I started to itch. 



Display Copy 

Suddenly, I could see a pair of scissors over me. Whew! It was only Erin 

cutting out a piece of news for ‘Show and tell’. It was about a new baby 

elephant born at the zoo. 

5 

Mrs Brown read me after lunch. Then she wrapped some food scraps in 

two of my middle pages and put them in the bin. 

6 

Finally, the rest of me was put in the recycling bin with some other 

newspapers, bottles, tins and plastic containers. What a day! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word ripped in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) cut. 

(b) tore. 

(c) washed. 

Which family members looked at the newspaper? 

(a) Mr and Mrs Brown 

(b) Mr and Mrs Brown, Erin and Zac 

(c) Mr and Mrs Brown and Erin 

What happened to the newspaper after 

Mrs Brown read it? 

(a) Some pages were used to wrap scraps. 

(b) It shivered outside the front door. 

(c) The plastic sheet covering it was taken off. 

Paragraph 3 tells about what happened 

to the newspaper: 

(a) at breakfast. 

(b) after lunch. 

(c) in the recycling bin. 

What caused the newspaper to itch? 

(a) the rain 

(b) the scissors 

(c) the crumbs 

In Paragraph 1, I is used instead of: 

(a) the newspaper. 

(b) Mr Brown. 

(c) the driveway. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a picture and write a 

sentence about some other 

news Erin Brown might have 

cut out of the newspaper for 

‘Show and tell’.

Blue 7 

2 

4 

Four different dinosaurs 

Compsognathus was one of the smallest 

dinosaurs. Its body was about the size of a 

chicken but it had a long tail. Compsognathus 

was a very fast runner. It moved on its two back 

legs. It had sharp teeth and ate small animals. 

1 

Brachiosaurus was so big, it weighed the 

same as about 800 people. It was taller 

than a four-storey building. Brachiosaurus 

was longer than five cars. Even though it 

was big, it didn’t have sharp teeth. It ate 

lots and lots and lots of leaves 

from the treetops. 

3 

Stegosaurus was quite a large 

dinosaur. It had large, flat, bony 

plates on its back. They were 

shaped like a triangle. It had 

spikes on its tail. The plates and 

spikes were there to protect 

it. Stegosaurus did not 

have teeth. It used 

its beak to rip up 

plants to eat. 

Albertosaurus was a very large 

dinosaur but not as big as 

Brachiosaurus. It had a huge head and 

long, sharp teeth. Albertosaurus moved 

on its two back legs. It had long, sharp 

claws on its feet and hands. It’s easy to 

guess it ate other dinosaurs! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 3, the word protect means: 

(a) look after. (b) eat. (c) attack. 

Which dinosaur ate meat? 

(a) Brachiosaurus 

(b) Stegosaurus 

(c) Compsognathus 

Which dinosaur was the largest? 

(a) Albertosaurus 

(b) Brachiosaurus 

(c) Compsognathus 

What is the same about 

Compsognathus and 

Albertosaurus? 

(a) both ate plants 

(b) both were small 

(c) both had sharp teeth 

Which dinosaur might have 

been able to eat people? 

(a) Albertosaurus 

(b) Brachiosaurus 

(c) Stegosaurus 

In Paragraph 3, the word 

they means: 

(a) plants. 

(b) the bony plates. 

(c) dinosaurs. 



Display Copy 


H Draw and label two 

things larger than 

Brachiosaurus. 


things smaller than 

Compsognathus.

Blue 8 

Protecting firefighters 

1 

2 

3 

5 

7 

Did you know that firefighters have about one minute to get dressed 

in their firefighting gear? They have to reach the fire as quickly as 

possible. All their gear must be ready to put on. 

Firefighters wear clothing made from special material. This protects 

them from heat, smoke, water and flames. None of their skin must be 

showing when they fight a fire. 

A helmet protects 

the firefighter’s head 

from falling objects, 

heat and water. A 

hood protects the 

hair, neck and 

ears. 

The jacket and 

pants are made from 

material that doesn’t 

catch fire easily. They 

have stripes that 

glow so the firefighter 

can be seen in dark, 

smoky places. 

Boots are made from 

rubber and have metal 

in the toes and soles. 

8 

4 

6 

A face mask 

is joined to an 

air tank on the 

firefighter’s back. It 

supplies air when 

the firefighter needs 

to breathe in smoky 

places. 

Thick leather 

gloves protect 

hands from heat 

and sharp objects. 



Display Copy 

Other things a 

firefighter uses 

include a torch, a 

radio and tools such 

as an axe and rope. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

11. 

The word supplies in 


(a) turns. 

(b) smiles. 

(c) gives. 

2. What protects a firefighter from 

heat, smoke and flames? 

(a) warm clothes 

(b) special clothing 

(c) water tanks 

3. A hood protects a firefighter’s: 

(a) hands and feet. 

(b) ears and neck. 

(c) head. 

4. If firefighters didn’t have stripes that glow, they would: 

(a) get wet. (b) not be easy to see. (c) get too hot. 

5. 



Display Copy 

If firefighters’ skin wasn’t covered, they could: 

(a) get burnt. (b) get dirty. (c) feel hot. 

6. 


they means: 

(a) the firefighters. 

(b) the stripes. 

(c) their jacket and pants. 


H Use the colours black, red, 

grey, orange and yellow to 

draw a picture of a fire.

Blue 9 

6 

Silky silkworms 

Did you know that the silkworm is not really a worm at all? It is actually 

a moth! 

Read about the life cycle of the silkworm moth. 

The moth emerges in 

about three weeks. It 

cannot fly or eat. The 

moth reproduces and 

dies within five days. 

1 

A female adult moth 

lays hundreds of eggs 

on mulberry leaves. 

2 

A tiny caterpillar 

hatches out of its 

egg after about 

three weeks. It is 

called a silkworm. 



Display Copy 

5 

The silkworm 

changes into a 

moth inside its 

cocoon. 

4 

After about four weeks, the 

silkworm is fully grown. Then 

it spins a cocoon of silk. 

3 

The silkworm eats 

mulberry leaves day 

and night. It grows 

bigger and bigger. It 

sheds its skin as it grows. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Step 6, the word emerges means: 

(a) hatches. 

(b) sleeps. 

(c) eats. 

How long does an adult silkworm moth live for? 

(a) three weeks 

(b) five days 

(c) ten days 

What happens first? A silkworm: 

(a) eats mulberry leaves. 

(b) changes into a moth. 

(c) spins a silk cocoon. 

Why do you think these creatures are 

called silkworms? 

(a) They make cocoons. 

(b) They are worms. 

(c) They spin silk. 



Display Copy 

Which step describes how a 

silkworm grows? 

(a) Step 2 

(b) Step 3 

(c) Step 6 

In Step 4, the word it means: 

(a) the cocoon. 

(b) the silkworm. 

(c) silk. 


H The word ‘silkworm’ is made from 

two small words: ‘silk’ and ‘worm’. 

Write six other words that are 

made from two small words.

Blue 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

The world’s tallest man was Robert Wadlow. He grew to be 272 

centimetres tall. That’s even taller than two ten-year-olds standing 

on top of each other! 

Robert’s parents, two brothers and two sisters were of average 

height. Robert grew so tall because a special gland in his body 

made him grow too much. 

Robert’s feet were the length 

of one and a half rulers. 

His hands were a bit longer 

than a ruler. He had to have 

special shoes, clothes and 

furniture made for him. As 

Robert grew older, he had to 

wear leg braces to help him 

walk. 

Robert could not fit in a 

normal car. His dad took out 

the front passenger seat of 

their car. Robert sat in the 

back seat so he could stretch 

out his long legs. 

tallest man 



Display Copy 

5 

When Robert was 22, he got 

an infection in his ankle from 

wearing a leg brace. Doctors 

couldn’t stop the infection 

and Robert died in his sleep. 

At the time of his death, 

Robert was still growing. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. The word average in 


(a) nice. 

(b) tall. 

(c) normal. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Robert’s feet were: 

(a) a bit longer than a ruler. 

(b) as long as one and a 

half rulers. 

(c) as long as two rulers. 

Why did Robert use braces? 

(a) to help him grow 

(b) to help him walk 

(c) to help him fit in a car 

The main idea of Paragraph 4 is to explain: 

(a) why Robert grew so tall. 

(b) how he fitted in a car. 

(c) the cars Robert liked. 



Display Copy 

Why did Robert need special shoes? 

(a) He had long feet. 

(b) He didn’t like normal shoes. 

(c) He was tall. 

In Paragraph 2, the word him means: 

(a) Robert. 

(b) Robert’s dad. 

(c) Robert’s brother. 


H Write the names of 

the tallest and shortest 

person in your class. 

H Now write the names 

of six other people in 

your class from tallest 

to shortest.

Orange 1 

How to stop me bugging you 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Hey, Dad! You know the pile of 

wood in our yard? I have an 

idea how we can use it that will 

stop me annoying you on the 

weekends! 

We can make a cubbyhouse! 

If we use all the old wood we already 

have, we can help the environment. 

And using it to make something will help tidy up our garden. 

It won’t cost much. We can find free plans on the internet. I don’t 

think it will be too hard. We have all the tools we need, like hammers 

and nails. And of course, I’ll help you. 

If I have a cubbyhouse, I will be so busy playing I won’t get bored! 

So I won’t annoy you at the weekend. 

So come on, Dad. Let’s build a 

cubbyhouse this weekend! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. The word annoy in Paragraph 4 means to: 

(a) bother someone. 

(b) make someone happy. 

(c) make something. 

2. Where does the author think they can get plans for a cubby? 

(a) from the internet 

(b) from a shop 

(c) from a television show 

3. Paragraph 2 tells mainly: 

3. 

(a) how much a cubbyhouse will cost. 

(b) why building a cubbyhouse is a good idea. 

(c) when to build a cubbyhouse. 

4. Why does the author want a cubbyhouse? 

(a) to annoy his or her dad 

(b) to get strong 

(c) to play in 

5. Which answer is a fact? Cubbyhouses are: 

(a) playhouses for children. 

(b) great fun. 

(c) easy to build. 



Display Copy 

6. The word it in Paragraph 2 

is used instead of the: 

(a) cubbyhouse. 

(b) wood. 

(c) environment. 


H Write what you would like to ask 

an adult to build for you. 

H What else could be made from 

scraps of wood? List four things.

Orange 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Floss, 

the tooth 

fairy 

Have you ever wondered about the tooth fairy? Where does she live? 

Why does she collect teeth and what does she do with them? 

Floss, the tooth fairy, lives in an old, white, magical castle in the sky. 

It is quite beautiful! Its bricks are sparkling white baby teeth. But 

because the castle is so old, Floss has to spend a lot of time fixing 

things up! 

During the day, Floss works hard repairing her castle. But at night, she 

flies around the world. Floss peeks under pillows and searches for 

teeth to fill her tooth sack. 



Display Copy 

As soon as she gets home, Floss uses toothpaste and a brush to clean 

the teeth. Then she sorts them out—big ones for building walls and 

small ones for making beautiful furniture. 

What does Floss do with any teeth she does not use? At the end of 

each day, she scatters the leftover teeth across the sky! They sparkle 

as bright, shining stars, lighting her way as she flies through the night. 

The gift under your pillow is a special ‘Thank you’ from Floss. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Red 2 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 3, the word repairing means: 

(a) fixing. 

(b) returning. 

(c) collecting. 

What was used to build Floss’s magical white castle? 

(a) bricks 

(b) stars 

(c) baby teeth 

Before she begins her night-time flight, Floss: 

(a) builds walls. 

(b) makes furniture. 

(c) scatters leftover teeth across the sky. 

The first thing Floss does when she gets back home is: 

(a) make furniture. 

(b) sort the teeth. 

(c) clean the teeth. 

It is an opinion that Floss’s castle is: 

(a) beautiful. 

(b) white. 

(c) built from baby teeth. 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, the 

word it means: 

(a) the sky. 

(b) the castle. 

(c) Floss. 


H Which words mean the same as 

sparkling? glittering boring 

shining gloomy twinkling 

H Write a poem about Floss cleaning 

her castle.

Orange 3 

1 

2 

3 

Popcorn is a food that many people like to eat. It is a tasty snack you 

can buy or make yourself. 

Popcorn is a type of corn. When heated up, it explodes and puffs up. 

So what makes popcorn explode? 

The secret to popcorn’s pop is ... water! There is some water inside 

a kernel of popcorn. On the outside of each kernel is a hard shell. 

When the kernel gets very hot, the water inside starts to turn into 

steam. The steam can’t get out because of the hard shell. The steam 

pushes on the hard shell until … POP! The hard shell explodes! The 

inside of the kernel puffs out, white and fluffy. And it is ready to eat! 



Display Copy 

steam 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word explode in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) to burn. 

(b) to burst open with a noise. 

(c) to break. 

Which word in Paragraph 3 means a grain of corn? 

(a) shell 

(b) steam 

(c) kernel 

The main idea of Paragraph 3 is: 

(a) where popcorn pops. 

(b) why popcorn pops. 

(c) why things explode. 

For popcorn to pop, it has to: 

(a) get wet. 

(b) puff out. 

(c) get very hot. 

What makes popcorn explode? 

(a) water 

(b) heat 

(c) steam 

In Paragraph 2, the word it 


(a) the steam. 

(b) popcorn. 

(c) the hard shell. 



Display Copy 


H Write three words that 

rhyme with ‘corn’. 

H Write two other things 

that go ‘pop’.

Orange 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

I used to ask Mum and Dad 

for money all the time. 

Money for snacks, money for toys, 

money for bouncing green slime. 

Then one day, Dad said, ‘I’ve had enough 

Of you spending all my money! 

I think its time you earned your own, 

By helping in the house, sonny’. 

So now, each week, I do some jobs. 

Like cleaning my room and our car. 

And I get my own pocket money. 

Which I keep in a big glass jar. 

Now I can buy the things I want 

Down at the local shops. 

Sweets, toys, comics and 

Ice-creams with chocolate tops. 

I’m going to save for something big 

Like a bike or new Gameboy . 

While I’m not sure what I’m going to buy, 

I know it’ll be something I enjoy! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Which word in Verse 2 means got money for working? 

(a) spent 

(b) saved 

(c) earned 

How does the author feel about saving and 

spending money? 

(a) The cleaning makes him tired. 

(b) He thinks it’s a good idea. 

(c) He doesn’t like it. 

Before the author got pocket money, how did he get money? 

(a) He did jobs. 

(b) He helped his mum and dad. 

(c) He asked his mum and dad for money. 

What might the author spend his saved money on? 

(a) a soft drink 

(b) a new game 

(c) a pack of cards 

What is the main idea of Verse 2? 

(a) what he liked doing 

(b) how he spent his money 



Display Copy 

(c) he had to work for pocket money 

6. 

In Verse 5, it is used instead of: 

(a) the thing he is going to buy. 

(b) the pocket money he gets. 

(c) the jobs he is going to do. 


H Draw what you would 

like to save up for. 

H Write what jobs you do, 

or think you could do, 

around the house.

Orange 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Dolphins 

Dolphins are aquatic animals. They live in oceans, seas and 

sometimes rivers. 

Dolphins are not fish. They are mammals, like people. This means they 

have warm blood, breathe air and feed their babies milk. A baby 

dolphin is called a calf. 



Display Copy 

Dolphins live in groups called pods. They mostly eat fish or squid. They 

can live for about 20 years. Dolphins like to play and sometimes surf 

waves! They can leap high above the water. 

Sometimes, whales or sharks kill dolphins. But most dolphins are killed 

by people. They can get stuck in fishing nets. Some people still kill 

dolphins to eat them. 

Sometimes, dolphins help people in the water. They have kept sharks 

away from swimmers. Some people think we should do more to help 

dolphins and keep them safe. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word aquatic in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) has warm blood. 

(b) lives in water. 

(c) eats fish. 

A baby dolphin is called a: 

(a) calf. 

(b) cow. 

(c) guppy. 


(a) how sharks kill dolphins. 

(b) why dolphins live in the sea. 

(c) dangers faced by dolphins. 

How are dolphins and people the same? 

(a) They live in water. 

(b) They are fish. 

(c) They have warm blood and 

breathe air. 

The writer wrote this text to: 

(a) tell a story. 

(b) give information. 

(c) make people laugh. 

In Paragraph 5, them means: 

(a) dolphins. 

(b) people. 

(c) sharks. 



Display Copy 


H Can you list another seven 

aquatic animals? 

H Should people do more to protect 

dolphins? Write what you think. 

H Write two other words with ‘ph’ 

in them.

Orange 6 

The Loch Ness 

monster 

1 Loch Ness is a big lake in Scotland. It is very deep. It has more fresh 

water than all of the lakes in England and Wales put together. Many 

people think there is a monster in Loch Ness. This monster is called the 

Loch Ness monster, or ‘Nessie’ for short. 

In 1934, a doctor took a picture he said was of a monster he saw in 

Loch Ness. Since then, many more people have said they have seen 

a monster in the loch. Some of them have photos they say are of this 

monster. 



Display Copy 

Many people think that these pictures are not real. They think that 

Nessie is a hoax. Others think that people are really seeing bubbles 

or waves in the water, not a monster. Some have tried to search for 

Nessie with boats, radars and cameras. None of these searches has 

found a monster. 

No-one knows for sure if there is a monster in Loch Ness or not. 

What do you think? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The word hoax in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) a photo that was taken long ago. 

(b) a trick to make people think something is real. 

(c) a sea monster. 

Loch Ness is a lake that is very: 

(a) shallow. 

(b) dark. 

(c) deep. 

Paragraph 1 is mainly about: 

(a) the Loch Ness monster. 

(b) pictures of the monster. 

(c) Loch Ness. 

If there was a monster in the loch, what might it eat? 

(a) fish 

(b) hamburgers 

(c) seaweed 

The author wrote this to: 



Display Copy 

(a) make people believe in Nessie. 

(b) give information about a possible monster in Loch Ness. 

(c) tell readers that the Loch Ness monster is a hoax. 

6. 

In Paragraph 3, they in ‘They 

think that Nessie is’ means: 

(a) pictures. 

(b) many people. 

(c) monsters. 


H Draw what you think Nessie 

might look like. 

H Write what you would do 

if you saw the Loch Ness 

monster.

Red 7 

Orange 7 

1 

2 

Once there was a man named Bellerophon. He was kind and brave. 

There was also a terrible monster, the chimera, that no-one could kill. 

The king asked Bellerophon to go and kill the chimera. 

Bellerophon was scared. He did not think he could kill the monster. 

Then, one night, he had a dream. He dreamed he found a horse with 

wings, called Pegasus. In the dream he was able to catch Pegasus 

with a magic bridle. He and Pegasus could use a magic sword to kill 

the monster. 



Display Copy 

3 

When Bellerophon woke up he found the magic bridle and sword 

beside his bed. He went looking for Pegasus and found him. He put 

the magic bridle on Pegasus. Then they flew off to find the monster. 

Soon, they saw it flying ahead. After a long fight in the sky, Bellerophon 

killed the monster with the sword. 

4 

Bellerophon and Pegasus had many more adventures together. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraphs 3 and 4, a bridle is: 

(a) the straps for a horse’s head. 

(b) a kind of sword. 

(c) a magic spell to control horses. 

Pegasus was a horse that could: 

(a) do magic. 

(b) use a sword. 

(c) fly. 

What did Bellerophon do when 

he found Pegasus? 

(a) He killed the flying horse. 

(b) He put the magic bridle on him. 

(c) He woke up. 

What was Bellerophon doing when he killed the monster? 

(a) hiding behind a rock 

(b) flying on Pegasus’s back 

(c) standing on the ground 



Display Copy 

The king chose Bellerophon to kill the 

scary monster because he knew: 

(a) Bellerophon was brave. 

(b) Bellerophon was kind. 

(c) Bellerophon had a flying horse. 

6. 

In Paragraph 3, him means: 

(a) Pegasus. 

(b) the monster. 

(c) Bellerophon. 

H Draw what you think 

the monster looked like. 

Label its parts. 

H Write a different ending 

for the story.

Orange 8 

1 

2 

3 

Quicksand 

Maybe you have seen films 

or read stories about people 

stepping into quicksand. They 

get ‘sucked’ down and can’t 

get out. Is quicksand real? If so, 

how does it work? 

Quicksand is real! It can be 

found in many places, usually 

near riverbanks or beaches 

and on the shores of lakes. 

DANGER 

QUICKSAND 

Quicksand is a mix of sand, 

water, clay and salt. It looks like hard ground but it is more like jelly! 

Light things, like leaves, can stay on the top of it. But as soon as 

something heavy moves onto it, the clay starts to get ‘runny’. The 

heavy thing then starts to sink. If the heavy thing moves fast, the 

quicksand gets runnier. Then it sinks even faster! 

4 

Quicksand is usually not very deep, but it 

can be quite hard to get out of. The best 

way of getting out is to move your arms and 

legs slowly. When you are near the top, you 

should lie back and float. 



Display Copy 

5 

So if ever you get stuck in quicksand, think 

quickly, but move slowly! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which four things make up quicksand? 

(a) sand, salt, mud and clay 

(b) water, sand, salt and pepper 

(c) clay, sand, water and salt 

What makes people sink faster? 

(a) moving fast 

(b) moving slowly 

(c) keeping still 


(a) how to make quicksand. 

(b) what quicksand is made of. 

(c) how to get out of quicksand. 

After reading this text, readers should know how to: 

(a) keep away from quicksand. 

(b) get out of quicksand. 

(c) make quicksand at home. 

Which sentence is an opinion, not a fact? 

(a) Quicksand can be dangerous. 

(b) Moving slowly can help you get 

out of quicksand. 

(c) Quicksand is really scary. 


(a) danger. 

(b) runny clay. 

(c) quicksand. 


DANGER 

QUICKSAND 

H Imagine your friend 

is stuck in quicksand. 

Write what you would 

tell your friend to help 

him or her out. 

H Quicksand is a 

compound word. This 

is when two words are 

joined to form a new 

word, like ‘eyelid’ and 

‘newspaper’. Write 

four other compound 

words. 



Display Copy

Orange 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The wonder of worm poo 

Last week, my friend Kate found a worm at 

school. We showed it to our teacher, Miss 

Downey. She let everyone have a look. Our 

class was really interested, so Miss Downey 

said we could start a worm farm. 

First, we found out about worms and worm 

farms. A worm farm can be just a box 

where special worms live. These worms 

are called composting worms. They eat 

food scraps and turn them into ‘plant food’ 

which you can put in the ground to help 

plants grow. 

Next, we bought some big plastic boxes 

with lids. Miss Downey cut some holes in 

them. Then we put some newspaper and soil into the boxes. We 

collected our food scraps and put them into the boxes. Then we got 

some worms from a shop. We put them in the boxes, too. 

Now we have lots of worms. They eat all our food scraps. We have 

started a class vegetable garden, too. We put the worm ‘poo’ into the 

garden. It is great for helping plants to grow. 

All this from one little worm! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

Worms that can eat food scraps and make plant food 

are called: 

(a) farming worms. 

(b) composting worms. 

(c) poo worms. 

2. 

What made the class so interested in worms? 

(a) They read about worms. 

(b) They looked at a real worm. 

(c) They made a vegetable garden. 

3. 

Composting worms are good for vegetable gardens because: 

(a) their ‘poo’ helps plants to grow. 

(b) they are small. 

(c) they eat food scraps. 

4. 

The children brought a worm into class because they: 

(a) thought their teacher might be interested. 

(b) wanted their teacher to get rid of it. 

(c) wanted to keep it as a pet. 

5. 

The author thinks that worms are: 

(a) yucky. 

(b) slimy. 

(c) useful. 



Display Copy 

6. 


(a) the vegetable garden. 

(b) worm poo. 

(c) food scraps. 


• Write a list of things you need 

to start a worm farm. 

• Write two other words with the 

same sound as ‘or’ in ‘worm’.

Orange 10 

Dolphin daze 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

At the beach one day, I was 

having lunch with my family. I was 

just about to eat my sandwich when a bird 

took it and flew off! ‘Hey!’ I yelled. ‘Come back 

with my lunch!’ I got up and ran after the bird. 

I was looking up, so I didn’t see the big wave coming. Crash! 

It took me into the water. Under I went. Round and round I went. 

When I finally came up, I was far from the shore. I tried to swim back, 

but I wasn’t getting very far. I needed help! 

Then in the water next to me I saw a fin. Oh, no! A shark! I was going to 

be a shark’s lunch! A long grey nose popped up next to me. I saw a 

smile and a friendly eye. It was a dolphin! Then the eye winked at me. 

And in my head I heard, ‘Hold onto my fin. I’ll help you’. 

Was the dolphin talking to me? I wasn’t sure, but I held onto its fin. It 

took me back to shore. When I felt sand under my feet, I stood up. 

‘Thanks!’ I said to the dolphin. It winked again and swam away. 

I found my family and told them what had happened. 

‘Sure, darling. That’s a nice story’, said Mum. ‘Now off you go and play.’ 

‘But it’s all true, Mum!’ I said. 

‘It really happened!’ 



Display Copy 

8 

Didn’t it? Or was it just a 

daydream? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word from Paragraph 2 means the land next to the water? 

(a) shore 

(b) wave 

(c) sandy 

Which paragraph tells us how the author was rescued? 




Dolphins and sharks both: 

(a) have friendly eyes. 

(b) have fins. 

(c) help people. 

Next time the author goes to the beach, he or she might: 

(a) be afraid to go close to the water. 

(b) take cake, not sandwiches. 

(c) wear sunscreen. 


(a) Dolphins are nice. 

(b) Dolphins have fins. 

(c) Sometimes there are big waves 

at the beach. 

In Paragraph 2, it is used instead of: 

(a) the shore. 

(b) the big wave. 

(c) water. 


H Draw a dolphin. Label 

it with the parts told 

about in the story. 

H Write a short story 

about being rescued 

by a different animal. 



Display Copy

Green 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Titanic was a big ship called an ocean liner. It took more than 

two years to build. When it was finished in 1911, it was the biggest 

passenger ship that had ever been built. 

Titanic had a swimming pool, gym and cafe. It was built with the best 

technology for that time. Many people thought the Titanic was so 

good, it was ‘unsinkable’. 

There were 2240 people on Titanic’s first voyage. Some of these 

people were very rich and famous. This first trip was also to be 

Titanic’s last. 



Display Copy 

Just before midnight, a few days into the trip, Titanic hit a large 

iceberg. The iceberg cut a big hole in the ship and, three hours later, 

it sank to the ocean floor. 

There were not enough lifeboats on Titanic and 1517 men, women 

and children died in the freezing water. 

The sinking of Titanic is one of the worst sea disasters in history. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Paragraph 4 means a large 

piece of ice floating in the sea? 

(a) liner 

(b) iceberg 

(c) sank 

An ocean liner is a ship for carrying: 

(a) animals. 

(b) wheat and wool. 

(c) people. 

Which paragraph tells why Titanic sank? 




Titanic sank in: 

(a) warm water. 

(b) stormy water. 

(c) very cold water. 

Titanic sank because it: 

(a) was too heavy. 

(b) hit an iceberg. 

(c) was too big. 


(a) the iceberg. 

(b) Titanic. 

(c) water. 



Display Copy 


H The wreck of Titanic 

was found in the North 

Atlantic Ocean in 1985. 

Draw what you think 

the wreck might have 

looked like. 

H List five other kinds of 

water transport.

Green 2 

The biggest animal on Earth 

1 Blue whales are the biggest animals on Earth. They can grow to over 

30 metres long. That’s longer than two buses! Blue whales are thought 

to be bigger than any dinosaur that lived on Earth. 

2 

3 

A blue whale’s heart is as big as a small car. Its tongue is as heavy 

as an elephant. Even the sounds blue whales make are ‘big’. A blue 

whale can make sounds under water that are louder than a jet plane 

taking off. 



Display Copy 

The biggest animal in the world eats one 

of the smallest. Blue whales mostly eat krill, 

which are tiny sea animals about as big as 

your thumb. A blue whale can eat up to 40 

million krill in one day! 

4 

There used to be many blue whales. Then 

humans hunted them until there were almost 

none left. Now, many people work to protect 

these gentle giants. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word hunted in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) protected. 

(b) caught and killed. 

(c) followed. 

What do blue whales mostly eat? 

(a) seals 

(b) fish 

(c) krill 

A blue whale can grow bigger than: 

(a) any other animal on Earth. 

(b) a line of buses. 

(c) a city. 

A blue whale’s heart and a small car are the same: 

(a) colour. 

(b) size. 

(c) shape. 

Blue whales make: 

(a) no noise. 

(b) a little noise. 

(c) lots of noise. 

In Paragraph 4, them is used 

instead of: 

(a) humans. 

(b) whales. 

(c) blue whales. 


H Make a list of other large 

animals that live in the sea. 

H Draw a blue whale and a 

dinosaur. 



Display Copy

Green 3 

Go Blue! 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Each year we have a sports day 

at school. Yesterday, it was our 

sports day for this year. Every class 

was there, even the smallest kids. 

Like last year, it was on the school 

sportsground. 

We sat with our sports groups in big 

tents. My sports group wears blue. 

Mum let me put blue hair spray 

in my hair! We cheered and sang 

songs for our team. 

There were lots of different races. Some of them were running races. 

Others were funny, like the sack race. People had to jump in big sacks. 

It was funny because lots of people fell over. Some of the teachers did 

the sack race, too. I laughed so hard when my teacher, Ms Mack, 

fell over! 

I was in two races. One was a relay. I ran with three other kids from Blue 

group against other kids from our class. We came third out of seven 

teams! That was pretty good. 



Display Copy 

The other one was the 100 metres race. I felt very nervous before the 

race. Some of the kids in my class are very fast! But I ran really fast 

and came second! In the end, Blue team had the most points! It was a 

good day. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Paragraph 5 means feeling scared and excited? 

(a) happy 

(b) cheer 

(c) nervous 

The 100 metres race is a: 

(a) sack race. 

(b) relay race. 

(c) running race. 

Next year, the writer might: 

(a) not want to go to sports day. 

(b) look forward to sports day. 

(c) use red hair spray. 

Which words best tell what the writer is like? 

(a) a fast runner 

(b) a good swimmer 

(c) a funny person 

How did the writer feel about the sports day? 

(a) happy 

(b) sad 

(c) bored 

In Paragraph 4, we is used instead of: 

(a) the class. 

(b) Blue’s relay team. 

(c) other kids. 



Display Copy 


H The writer felt happy and 

nervous on sports day. 

Write five other feelings a 

person might have at a 

sports day. 

H Draw something you 

remember from your last 

sports day.

Green 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

hat hall we call him? 

When we got our puppy 

From the dog pound nearby 

We had to try to find a name 

For the fluffy little guy. 

Mum looked on the internet 

For interesting dog names. 

She found lots of funny ones 

Like T-Rex, Jaws and Flames. 

Some of the most popular names 

Were Max, Sam, Jake and Charlie 

Bella, Monty and Buster, too 

As well as Blue and Harley. 



Display Copy 

But we wanted to call our dog 

A really different name. 

So we had to keep thinking 

Until the answer came. 

Our puppy liked to take things 

Like clothes and purses, then he would 

Hide them all in the garden ... 

So—we called him Robin Hood! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Verse 1 means a place for 

keeping stray animals? 

(a) garden 

(b) pound 

(c) purse 

Which name did a lot of dogs have? 

(a) T-Rex 

(b) Max 

(c) Robin Hood 

The family called the dog Robin Hood 

because it: 

(a) was green. 

(b) took things like the storybook 

character, Robin Hood, did. 

(c) was a popular name. 

Why did the dog take clothes and purses? 

(a) It took them to eat. 

(b) It wanted to give them to the poor. 

(c) It was a playful puppy. 



Display Copy 

Which sentence is a fact? 

(a) The dog was very bad. 

(b) The dog hid things in the garden. 

(c) Naming a dog is hard. 

In Paragraph 5, them is used instead of: 

(a) the family. 

(b) the puppy. 

(c) the clothes and purses. 


H Write other clever names 

the family could have 

called the dog. 


the puppy might have 

looked like.

Green 5 

Raptor 

When we think of dinosaurs, we often think of great big animals. 

But the raptor (or velociraptor) was quite small. It was only 

about as big as a turkey! 

The raptor was like a turkey in other 

ways, too. It moved on two legs and 

had feathers. It also had a tail. 

But raptors were also very different 

from turkeys. Raptors had two big 

‘hands’ with three sharp claws. 

They also had three toes on 

each foot with very sharp 

claws, as well as a ‘spur’. The 

claws were used to cut and 

kill other animals. Raptors 

were meat eaters. 



Display Copy 

Foot of a velociraptor 

Even with its big claws, a raptor could run very fast. And it was quite 

a clever dinosaur. For its small size, it had quite a big brain. 

This fast, smart animal, with its sharp teeth and claws, was a 

small but deadly dinosaur! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Paragraph 5 means able to kill something? 

(a) smart 

(b) deadly 

(c) kill 

Raptors had: 

(a) two feet with one claw. 

(b) three hands with two toes. 

(c) two hands with three claws. 

Why was the raptor so deadly? 

It had: 

(a) lots of teeth and legs. 

(b) sharp claws and teeth. 

(c) claws and a tail. 

A raptor was like a turkey because it: 

(a) had feathers and a beak. 

(b) had sharp claws and teeth. 

(c) was small, with two legs and feathers. 

Standing next to you, a raptor would be about as high as: 

(a) your chest. 

(b) the top of your leg. 

(c) your head. 

In Paragraph 3, they is 


(a) turkeys. 

(b) raptor hands. 

(c) raptors. 



Display Copy 


H Draw your favourite dinosaur and 

write how it was different from or 

similar to the raptor. 

H Write the names of four other animals 

that have sharp teeth and claws.

Green 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Thousands of years ago, kids didn’t have 

electronic games. So what did they play 

with? One toy they had is still around 

today. That toy is the marble! 

If you’ve never seen marbles, they are 

really just small, hard balls. The name 

probably comes from the hard stone 

they were once made from—marble. 

Today, most marbles are made in factories, from glass. They come in 

different colours and sizes and have different names. Big marbles are 

sometimes called ‘kings’, ‘king kongs’, ‘shooters’ or ‘mashers’. 

One marble game is called ‘keepsies’ (or ‘for keeps’). All the players 

put their marbles inside a circle. Then one player uses his or her thumb 

and fingers to flick one of the marbles. If it hits 

someone else’s marble out of the circle, the 

player can keep that marble. 

There are many other marble games 

people play around the world. 

Next time you are looking for 

something to do, maybe you 

can try playing marbles! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Paragraph 3 means 

places where things are made? 

(a) colours 

(b) glass 

(c) factories 

One way to flick marbles is with: 

(a) your toes. 

(b) your thumb and fingers. 

(c) elastic bands. 

Which paragraph tells the reader 

where marbles are made today? 




Marbles got their name from: 

(a) the place they come from. 

(b) how they roll. 

(c) a kind of stone used to make them. 



Display Copy 

Which sentence is a fact? 

(a) Marbles are fun. 

(b) Marbles are usually made of glass. 

(c) Flicking marbles is tricky. 

In Paragraph 3, they is used instead of: 

(a) factories. 

(b) marbles. 

(c) sizes. 

• Write four other words 

ending in ‘ble’ like marble. 

• Write four other games you 

know that use small balls.

Red Green 7 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The 

monster 

under my bed 

Just after Mum said goodnight, I heard a noise under my bed. 

‘Not again!’ I thought. The monster under my bed was back! 

When I was little, I used to think there was a monster under my bed. 

I had needed a night-light to sleep. I made Mum and Dad check 

under the bed before I went to sleep each night. I was older now. 

I didn’t need a night-light! Or did I? 

I was starting to get scared. But I knew I had to do 

something. Trying to be quiet, I moved slowly to the 

edge of my bed. ‘Woof! Woof!’ Holly, my dog, 

barked outside and made me jump. It also 

made the monster move! 



Display Copy 

Holding the edge of my bed, I lay frozen. 

The monster was coming out! I saw a 

claw. Then one black, hairy arm, and 

another. Then a pink nose and two 

yellow eyes. It was my cat! 

‘Jingles!’ I said. ‘You scared me!’ 

I gave her a cuddle, then went 

back to bed ... with the light on! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word edge in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) the side or end of something. 

(b) the blanket on top of a bed. 

(c) something shaped like a triangle. 


(a) the writer was scared. 

(b) the monster was hairy. 

(c) the monster was really a cat. 

What happened after the dog barked? 

(a) She heard a noise under her bed. 

(b) She tried to be quiet. 

(c) She jumped. 

What caused the writer to go back to 

bed with the light on? 

(a) She was still a bit scared. 

(b) She wanted to read. 

(c) She was not tired. 

The writer thinks that: 

(a) cats are scary. 

(b) all cats are monsters. 

(c) monsters are scary. 



Display Copy 

In Paragraph 5, her is used instead of: 

(a) the dog. 

(b) Jingles, the cat. 

(c) the writer’s mum. 

Something 

extra 

H If there was a monster 

under your bed, what 

might it look like? 

Draw a picture. 

H What other things are 

people afraid of in the 

dark? List three things.

Green 8 


• a coin 

• a clear glass 

• 2 pieces of paper (the same colour) 

• a handkerchief 

• sticky tape and scissors 

Before the trick: 

1 

2 

3 

Trace the top of the glass onto one piece of paper. 

Cut the circle out. 

Tape the circle onto the top of the glass. 

The trick: 

Step 1. Put the glass upside down on the other piece of paper. 

Step 2. Tell your friends you are going to made a coin disappear. 

Step 3. Put the coin next to the glass on the paper. 

Step 4. Put the handkerchief over the glass. 

Step 5. Say a magic word and slide the glass on top of the coin. 

Step 6. Now the coin is hidden under the paper on the glass. 

Take the handkerchief off. 

Step 7. It will look like the coin has gone! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing 

Step 3 

Step 5 

Step7

Questions 

1. 

The word clear means: 

(a) it has been washed. 

(b) you can see through it. 

(c) it is good. 

2. 2 Some cutting needs to be done: 

(a) before the trick. 

(b) in the middle of the trick. 

(c) after the trick. 

3. 3 At the end of the trick, the coin: 

(a) has gone. 

(b) looks like it has gone. 

(c) has changed into paper. 

4. 4 Which step tells how to hide 

the coin? 

(a) Step 6 

(b) Step 5 

(c) Step 7 



Display Copy 

5. 5 Friends watching the trick might be: 

(a) surprised. 

(b) angry. 

(c) bored. 

6. 6 What makes the coin look like it 

has gone? 

(a) the paper on the glass 

(b) magic 

(c) the hanky 

H Draw your favourite 

step in the coin trick. 

H Write a sentence 

using words with the ‘oi’ 

sound (as in coin): 

boil spoil 

soil join

Green 9 

Time machine 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

My brother, Dexter, had always been a bit 

odd. He collected all sorts of junk. Then 

he made things with it in Dad’s shed. He 

never played outside or watched TV. 

One day I was on the computer when 

Dexter ran into the room. 

‘I’ve done it!’ he shouted. 

‘Done what?’ I asked. 

‘Finished my time machine! Come on!’ 

I followed him to the shed. Inside was a big 

metal thing with wires. It had a door, which 

was open. 

‘That’s it?’ I asked, having a closer look. 

‘Yes, yes, my time machine ... it’s ready to be tested!’ he said. 

‘What do you mean, “tested”?’ I asked. ‘How can it be finished if you 

don’t even know if it works yet?’ 

My brother frowned and moved towards me. ‘Oh, I think it works … I 

just need to do one last thing!’ He grabbed me and pushed me inside 

the machine. 



Display Copy 

‘Hey!’ I yelled. But it was too late. The door banged shut. There was a 

loud buzzing sound and a big bump, then everything went black … 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

If time machines were real, they could: 

(a) take people into the past or the future. 

(b) fix clocks and watches. 

(c) be good for playing sports. 

The time machine was made of: 

(a) wires and doors. 

(b) metal and wires. 

(c) metal and wood. 

Who made the time machine? 

(a) the writer 

(b) the writer’s dad 

(c) the writer’s brother 

What was the writer doing before he saw 

the time machine? 

(a) playing outside 

(b) playing on the computer 

(c) watching TV inside 

Which words best tell what Dexter was like? 

(a) gentle and nice 

(b) clever but mean 

(c) sporty and nasty 



Display Copy 

6. 


(a) the junk. 

(b) the machine. 

(c) the shed. 


H Draw what you think the time 

machine looked like. Label it. 

H Write what you think 

happened next.

Green 10 

Because an ant got mad 

1 Once there was an ant who made a wall fall. 

How did he do it, this insect so small? 

2 Well, as Adam Ant walked in the park 

3 

4 

5 

So did a dog with its master, named Mark. 

When Mark sat down, he just missed Adam’s head, 

Adam Ant was so cross he bit Mark on the leg. 

Mark jumped up, landing on his dog’s tail. 

The startled dog sped off with a wail. 

It ran to the lake as some ducks swam by. 

The ducks got scared and flew into the sky. 

They flapped right into a hot-air balloon 

Going for its daily trip at noon. 

The balloon burst with a ‘pop’ and fell down 

On top of a truck driving into the town. 

The truck driver could not see or stop! 



Display Copy 

He drove off the street and just missed a shop. 

He crashed into a wall, which fell—how sad! 

And all because a little ant got mad! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which word in Verse 2 means the owner of an animal? 

(a) driver 

(b) master 

(c) head 

The word startled in Verse 3 means: 

(a) suddenly surprised or scared. 

(b) hurt. 

(c) chasing animals. 

The ducks flew into the balloon 

because they were: 

(a) exercising. 

(b) mad. 

(c) scared. 

What happened just before the 

truck crashed? 

(a) A dog chased it. 

(b) A balloon fell on it. 

(c) It hit a shop. 

What sort of text is this? 

(a) a report 

(b) a story 

(c) a poem 

In Verse 3, it is used instead of: 

(a) the ant. 

(b) the dog. 

(c) a duck. 



Display Copy 


H Draw one of the verses. 

H Write what you think the 

driver thought when a 

balloon landed on his truck.

Purple 1 

The wind and the sun 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

One fine day, long ago, the wind and 

the sun were having an argument. 

‘I’m stronger than you’, said the wind. 

He blew out a puff of wind to show off. 

‘I’m stronger than you’, said the sun. 

He shot out a ray of sunshine to show off. 

They kept arguing and couldn’t decide who was the stronger. Suddenly, 

they saw a man walking down the road. He was wearing a jacket. This 

gave them an idea. They agreed that whoever was able to make the 

man take off his jacket would be the stronger. 



Display Copy 

The wind went first, so the sun hid behind a cloud. The wind began to 

blow as hard as he could. He huffed and puffed and tried to get the 

man to take off his jacket. But the harder he blew the tighter the man 

held on to it. 

6 

7 

Then it was the sun’s turn. He came out from behind the cloud and 

beamed brightly. He beamed brighter and brighter. The man became 

hotter and hotter. Soon he was too hot in his jacket and took it off. 

The sun was the stronger! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 6, what does the word beamed mean? 

(a) smiled 

(b) blew 

(c) shone 

Who huffed and puffed in the story? 

(a) the man 

(b) the wind 

(c) the sun 

What happened after the sun and the wind saw the man? 

(a) The sun came out from behind the cloud. 

(b) The wind and the sun showed off to each other. 

(c) The wind and the sun argued. 

What happened first to the man in the jacket? 

(a) He wrapped his jacket around himself tightly. 

(b) He began to get hot. 

(c) He took off his jacket. 

What made the man take off his jacket? 

(a) the strong wind 

(b) the long walk 

(c) the heat of the sun 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, he means the: 

(a) wind. 

(b) sun. 

(c) man. 


H Make a list of ways to say warm. 

H Make a list of ways to stay cool.

Purple 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

You need: 

1 pack of cards 

What to do: 

Hold all the cards in a pile, 

face down. 

Flip the bottom card over so it faces up. 

Hold the pile of cards and ask 

someone to take any card. 

Ask the person to look at it and to 

remember it. 

As he or she looks at the card, turn 

the pile over. Make sure no-one 

sees you! Now the bottom card is 

on the top. It is facing down. But 

the rest of the cards are facing up. 



Display Copy 

Ask the person to put the card 

back in the pile. It will be put in 

face down. 

Look for the card. It will be the one 

turned the other way. Find it and 

reveal it to your friends. They will 

be amazed! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Red 2 

The word reveal in Step 7 means: 

(a) hide. 

(b) return. 

(c) show. 

The pile needs to be turned over when: 

(a) no-one is there. 

(b) no-one is looking. 

(c) you finish the trick. 

The bottom card needs to 

be turned over: 

(a) before the trick. 

(b) after the trick. 

(c) on Friday. 

This text tells the reader how to: 

(a) play a card game. 

(b) do a card trick. 

(c) remember cards. 

Which answer is a fact, not an opinion? 

This magic trick: 

(a) is fun. 

(b) uses cards. 

(c) is real magic. 

H A person who does magic is 

called a magician. 

In the last sentence, they means: 

H What do we call a person who 

fixes cars? paints pictures? 

(a) the cards. 

cuts hair? 

(b) your friends. 

H A group of cards is called a 

(c) your eyes. 

pack or deck. Write three other 

things that come in a pack. 



Display Copy

Purple 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Cloud spotting 

Clouds form in the sky. Tiny water droplets join together to make a 

cloud. When the water droplets get too heavy, it rains, hails or snows. 

There are three main types of clouds—‘cirrus’, ‘cumulus’ and ‘stratus’. 

Cirrus clouds form high in the sky. The word ‘cirrus’ means ‘tuft’ or ‘curl 

of hair’. These clouds look like white, wispy curls of hair and are made 

of thin ice crystals. 

Cumulus clouds are big and fluffy. The word ‘cumulus’ means ‘a heap’ 

or ‘pile’. They can be white and look like cotton balls, or grey, which 

means it may rain. Cumulus clouds form when warm, moist air is 

forced upward. As the air rises, it cools and makes clouds. 



Display Copy 

Stratus clouds form low in the sky. The word ‘stratus’ means to ‘spread 

out’. They are in layers and look like a flat blanket across the sky. 

Stratus clouds form when a layer of warm, moist air passes over a 

layer of cool air. They can be white or grey. If they are grey, it means it 

may rain. 

6 

Other clouds are a mixture or variation of these three cloud types. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

What are clouds made from? 

(a) hair 

(b) cotton 

(c) water droplets 

The word form in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) take shape. 

(b) a paper with blank spaces. 

(c) can be seen. 

Paragraph 2 tells about: 

(a) the three main types of clouds. 

(b) cirrus clouds. 

(c) stratus clouds. 

The word They in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) cumulus clouds. 

(b) cotton balls. 

(c) water droplets. 

The lowest clouds are: 

(a) cirrus clouds. 

(b) cumulus clouds. 

(c) stratus clouds. 



Display Copy 


6. Grey clouds mean: 

H Look out the window. Draw the 

clouds you can see. Write the 

(a) the water is dirty. 

name of the cloud under your 

(b) the clouds are heavy. 

picture. 

(c) it may rain. 

H Write five words which begin 

with ‘cl’. 

H Write a poem about clouds.

Purple 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Cows have one large stomach, but it has four separate parts. Animals 

with four parts in their stomach are called ruminants. Other ruminants 

are giraffes, deer, sheep and goats. Ruminants eat fast and store 

large amounts of grass or foliage in their stomachs. 

The first part, called the rumen, stores and softens food. This is where 

‘cud’ comes from. Cud is food that cows swallow, partly digest, bring 

up and chew again. Cows may chew their cud for up to eight hours 

a day. 

Cows sometimes accidentally swallow bits of fences and metal. The 

second, and smallest, part of the stomach collects these materials. 

This prevents the cow from getting hurt. It is called the reticulum. 



Display Copy 

The third part acts like a filter. It takes in water and gets the nutrients 

from food. It is called the omasum. Cows drink about a bathtub full of 

water each day. 

The fourth part is like a human stomach. This is where the final stage 

of digestion occurs. It is called the abomasum. 

The stomach of a cow is so large that it can be one-third of the weight 

of an adult cow. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

A ruminant is: 

(a) an animal with four parts to its stomach. 

(b) leftovers from dinner. 

(c) garbage. 

Cud comes from: 

(a) the omasum. 

(b) the rumen. 

(c) the bathtub. 

Which paragraph tells 

about the reticulum? 




Which part of a cow’s 

stomach is like a filter? 

(a) the second part 

(b) the third part 

(c) the first part 

The word it in 


(a) cows. 

(b) the stomach. 

(c) horses. 

Cows need: 

(a) very little water. 

(b) no water at all. 

(c) lots of water. 



Display Copy 


H Find a rhyme, poem, story 

or riddle about a cow to 

read to yourself. 

H Investigate different 

breeds of cows. Draw 

pictures to show the 

different colours and 

patterns.

Purple 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Upside-down houses 

All the houses in my street look the same. The roofs are straight and 

point to the sky. The walls, windows and doors are straight. The fences 

stand in straight lines. Even the garages and letterboxes have straight 

lines! Wouldn’t it be better if some houses were different! 

Imagine a house with the roof on the bottom. Imagine the floor on the 

top. A curvy letterbox could sit on top of the floor. The front door could 

be at the back. There could be lots of curvy lines and circles. These 

houses would not look like other houses at all. They would be very 

different. I think upside-down houses would be the best houses of all! 

What if you lived in a two-storey house and it was upside down? You 

would have to walk up the stairs to go down, and go down the stairs to 

go up! When you wanted to slide down the railing, you would have to 

pull yourself up! That wouldn’t be much fun at all! 



Display Copy 

What if you slept in bunk beds? You would have to climb down from 

the top bunk to the bottom bunk to climb up on top! You would have 

to climb up onto the top bunk to get down to the bottom bunk! 

Perhaps upside-down houses would not be that much fun after all. But 

I wonder how different houses would be if more colours or different 

materials were used to make them. Yellow bamboo houses? Pink and 

purple plastic houses? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The houses in the writer’s street all 

have 

lines. 

(a) straight 

(b) zigzag 

(c) curved 

Paragraph 1 says that all houses in 

the street are: 

(a) different. 

(b) the same. 

(c) new. 

The word curvy in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) flat. 

(b) wavy. 

(c) rounded. 

The writer thinks upside-down houses 

may not be fun because they would: 

(a) be difficult to live in. 

(b) have curvy letterboxes. 

(c) be different. 

This text was written to: 

(a) tell some facts. 

(b) entertain. 

(c) write a report. 

The word it in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) the two-storey house. 

(b) railings. 

(c) the roof. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a design for 

a house built from 

unusual materials. 

H Draw your house and 

use unusual colours to 

complete it.

Purple 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

A natural satellite is a body in space which moves around a planet. 

The moon is our closest neighbour in space. It is the Earth’s only 

natural satellite. 

In 1969, astronauts landed on the moon. It was the first time that 

people had been to the moon. When Neil Armstrong stepped onto 

the moon, he said, ‘That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap 

for mankind’. 

On Earth, we always see the same side of the moon. If you look 

carefully, you can see light and dark parts. The higher, lighter areas 

have many craters. 



Display Copy 

The moon has no atmosphere to protect it. This allows asteroids, 

comets and meteorites to crash onto its surface and make craters. 

There is no air on the moon. Soundwaves need air to travel, so the 

moon is a silent place. 

The moon doesn’t belong to anyone. An agreement among the 

countries on Earth protects the moon. It says the moon can only be 

explored for peaceful activities. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

What is a satellite? 

(a) a smaller body which circles a planet 

(b) a dance step 

(c) Earth 

Neil Armstrong was: 

(a) the man who lived on the moon. 

(b) an astronaut. 

(c) a singer. 


(a) who the moon belongs to. 

(b) about the different parts of the moon. 

(c) about the moon’s atmosphere. 

4. 

Which is an opinion? 

(a) The moon is beautiful. 

(b) There are craters on the moon. 

(c) It is silent on the moon. 

5. 

Neil Armstrong thought his trip to 

the moon was: 

(a) very dangerous. 

(b) very important. 

(c) very long. 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, the word it is used 

instead of: 

(a) the atmosphere. 

(b) the surface. 

(c) the moon. 

Something 

extra 

H Write five words 

to rhyme with 

‘moon’. 

H Make a list of 

‘natural’ things 

you can see. 

H Write a short 

story about a 

visit you have 

made to the 

moon. 



Display Copy

Red 7 

Purple 7 

Cat alarm 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Once upon a time, the mice had a meeting to think 

up some ways to outsmart their enemy—the cat. Many 

different ideas were suggested and discussed. 

Finally, one young mouse said, ‘Listen everyone, I have 

the perfect answer to our problem’. All the mice pricked 

up their ears to listen. 

‘Our main worry is that the cat sneaks up on us quietly. We can’t hear 

her coming’, he said. ‘If we could work out a signal to let us know 

when she is coming, we could run away and hide.’ 

‘If we get a small bell and place it on a piece of ribbon, we could 

hang it around her neck. This will tell us when she is coming and we 

could easily hide until she goes away’, he explained. 



Display Copy 

All the mice thought this was a wonderful idea. They clapped very 

loudly. 

6 

7 

8 

Finally, a wise old mouse spoke. ‘That sounds like a clever idea,’ he 

said, ‘but who is going to put the bell on the ribbon around the cat’s 

neck?’ 

All the mice looked at each other but no-one spoke. No-one raised a 

paw to volunteer, either. 

No-one suggested the bell alarm for the cat again. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word outsmart in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) trick. 

(b) outside. 

(c) hurt. 

Who suggested putting a bell on the cat? 

(a) a wise old mouse 

(b) a young mouse 

(c) the dogs 

The cat is: 

(a) male. 

(b) female. 

(c) can’t tell. 

Which paragraph tells how the cat alarm 

would work? 




No-one wanted to put the bell on the cat 

because: 

(a) it would be dangerous. 

(b) the young mouse was going to do it. 

(c) the wise old mouse was going to do it. 



Display Copy 

The mice didn’t know the cat was coming 

because: 

(a) they didn’t listen. 

(b) she crept up quietly. 

(c) they weren’t looking. 

Something 

extra 

H Design a simple 

alarm for your pet. 

H Draw a picture of 

your favourite cat 

from a story or 

cartoon.

Card 58 

Purple 8 

Computer 

curse 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

David tore away the box around the computer and helped his dad 

to set it up. When it was switched on, David browsed through the 

programs and documents on the computer. 

‘Open at your own peril!’ David read on one of the files. He opened 

the document and a skull appeared on the screen. Ghostly words 

floated across the monitor: ‘The curse is set. The warning given. Beware 

all users. Danger lurks’. 

‘Someone is playing a very bad joke’, thought David as he stared at 

the screen. 

‘Woosh!’ The sound echoed in his ears. He blinked and opened his 

eyes. ‘Where am I?’ he asked. He saw coloured wires and plastic and 

metal streets and lanes. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was actually 

inside the computer’, he thought. He ran down the first street and up 

the next. Nothing looked familiar. Nobody appeared when he called. 



Display Copy 

Heavy breathing sounded behind him. It came closer. David could 

feel prickling along the back of his neck. ‘Danger lurks’, he thought. 

He bolted as fast as he could. He ran until he couldn’t run any further. 

‘I’ve got to think of something. If this was a computer virus or corrupt 

program, what would I do?’ he thought. Finally, an idea occurred to 

him. 

6 

He searched for a blue door with the words ‘Quit program’ written on it 

and raced quickly through it. 

Step 3 

Step 5 

Step7 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

After David set up the computer 

and switched it on, he: 

(a) shut it down. 

(b) played a game. 

(c) looked through the 

programs and documents. 

The word monitor in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) a computer screen. 

(b) a school friend. 

(c) money. 


(a) the curse on the computer screen. 

(b) David’s plan to escape. 

(c) David being chased. 

The words on the blue door said: 

(a) ‘Quit program’. 

(b) ‘Danger lurks’. 

(c) ‘Exit’. 



Display Copy 

The word it in Paragraph 5, means: 

(a) the screen. 

(b) his neck. 

(c) heavy breathing. 

What do you think is most likely to 

happen at the end of the story? 

(a) David will escape. 

(b) David will be caught. 

(c) David will close the book 

he is reading. 


H Write a list of commands 

found on a computer; 

for example, edit, open, 

browse, delete, close, 

save. 

H Draw your own 

imaginary computer 

virus monster.

Bells, Dick Whittington 

and his cat 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

A long time ago, there was an orphan named Dick Whittington. 

Purple 9 

Dick decided to go to the city of London to make his fortune. Tired, cold 

and hungry, he fell asleep on the steps of the house of a rich merchant 

named Mr Fitzwarren. Kind Mr Fitzwarren gave him a job in the kitchen. 

One day, Dick bought a cat for a penny. The cat chased away the mice 

in Dick’s tiny room so he was happy. 

Mr Fitzwarren was getting ready to send one of his ships to a land far 

away. Any servant could send something of value to be traded for gold. 

Dick sadly sent his cat. 



Display Copy 

The cook was very mean to Dick so he ran away. When he reached 

the end of the city, he heard the Bow Bells ringing out, ‘Turn again, 

Whittington, three times Lord Mayor of London!’ Dick was amazed, but 

he decided to go back to work in Mr Fitzwarren’s house. 

6 

Eventually, the ship returned. Dick discovered that his cat had been 

sold to a king for a lot of money. His palace was overrun with mice. So 

Dick became a rich man. He started working with Mr Fitzwarren in his 

business. Later, he married his business partner’s daughter, Alice. He also 

became Lord Mayor of London—three times! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word orphan in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) bad. 

(b) a piece of fruit. 

(c) a child with no parents. 

Mr Fitzwarren was kind because he: 

(a) gave Dick a job. 

(b) was rich. 

(c) was old. 

The word he in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) Dick. 

(b) Mr Fitzwarren. 

(c) the Lord Mayor of London. 

The cat was valuable to Dick because it: 

(a) had a coat of gold fur. 

(b) was a strange breed of cat. 

(c) caught many mice. 

Which paragraph tells how Dick found out about his future? 






Display Copy 

Dick was amazed when the Bow Bells 

rang because: 

(a) he had never heard bells ring before. 

(b) they said he would become Lord Mayor. 

(c) they sounded so beautiful. 

Something 

extra 

H Write a sentence 

or two for the Bow 

Bells to say to you. 

H Find out the name 

of the Mayor or 

Lord Mayor of 

your city.

Purple 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Snakes are reptiles. 

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals with backbones. Their body heat 

comes from outside of them so snakes need the sun to keep warm. 

Snakes have scales which feel smooth and dry. Their special belly 

scales help them to grip bumps on surfaces. Then they use their muscles 

to push off and move. 

Snakes live in most areas of the world 

except the Arctic and Antarctica. 

Most snakes live on land—on the 

ground or up in trees—but some 

snakes live in the sea. 



Display Copy 

Some snakes give birth to live babies. Other snakes 

lay eggs. Baby snakes hatch out of the eggs. 

Some snakes have poisonous venom to capture or kill their prey. Others 

swallow their prey whole and alive. Snakes such as the python squeeze 

their prey to death. A few snakes have venom which is harmful or 

deadly to humans. Snakes cannot bite or tear their food so they must 

swallow it whole. After eating, snakes rest while they digest their food. 

Snakes shed their outer layer of skin at least once or twice a year. This 

gets rid of the old, worn skin as well as mites and ticks. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

What do all snakes have? 

(a) arms and legs, scales and cold blood 

(b) scales, cold blood and a backbone 

(c) a backbone and poisonous venom 

All snakes hatch from eggs. 

(a) true 

(b) false 

(c) too hard to tell 

What type of animals are snakes? 

(a) mammals 

(b) dangerous 

(c) reptiles 

Snakes are beautiful animals. 

(a) fact 

(b) opinion 

(c) too hard to tell 

The word capture in Paragraph 5, means: 

(a) protect. 

(b) catch. 

(c) kill. 



Display Copy 


6. 

What is the main idea of Paragraph 4? 

(a) All snakes are poisonous. 

(b) All snakes are dangerous. 

(c) how snakes give birth 

H Write five words which 

rhyme with ‘snake’. 

H Write five words to 

describe a snake. 

H List as many other 

reptiles as you can 

think of.

Brown 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The wolf in sheep’s clothing 

Once upon a time, there was a very 

annoyed wolf. No matter how hard 

he tried, he could not catch a young, 

tender lamb for a delicious meal. 

It was all the fault of the shepherd 

and his sheepdogs. They were too 

good at their job! Every time the wolf 

crept up closer to the flock of sheep, 

the shepherd would spy him or the 

dogs would sniff his scent. 

He’d tried sneaking slowly through the bushes so they would hide him, 

but somehow he was always seen. He’d tried creeping slowly towards 

the flock against the breeze, so his scent would be carried away from the 

dogs. But somehow they still sniffed him out and chased him away. 

One day, as the wolf was watching the flock from the top of a hill, he 

noticed the skin of a sheep on the ground. The sheep must have been 

killed by the shepherd for meat and the woolly fleece left behind. This 

gave the wolf a terrific idea. 

‘If I put the fleece over me, I will look like a sheep’, he thought. ‘Then I 

can get close enough to catch a lamb for supper.’ 



Display Copy 

6 

His idea worked! Disguised as a sheep, the 

wolf managed to catch a lamb without 

being noticed by the shepherd or his dogs. 

7 

He tried this several times and each time it 

worked. But one day, just as he was about 

to pounce on a lamb, he felt something 

grab him. It was the shepherd! He was after 

a sheep to kill for more meat. The shepherd 

thought the wolf was a sheep and quickly 

caught and killed the sneaky wolf. And that, 

of course, was the end of the sneaky wolf. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The wolf was annoyed because: 

(a) he was hungry. 

(b) he couldn’t catch a lamb. 

(c) the lambs ran away. 

The wolf tried creeping up with the 

wind against him so the: 

(a) shepherd couldn’t see him. 

(b) dogs wouldn’t know he was 

coming. 

(c) sheep could chase him. 

Which paragraph explains the wolf’s 

good idea? 




Which word in Paragraph 7 means to 

leap at? 

(a) pounce 

(b) grab 

(c) kill 

What happened before the wolf disguised 

himself as a sheep? 

(a) The shepherd caught him. 

(b) He caught a lamb. 

(c) He found a fleece on the ground. 

In Paragraph 2, they means the: 

(a) flock of sheep. 

(b) wolf. 



Display Copy 

(c) shepherd and sheepdogs. 

Something 

extra 

H Draw yourself in a 

disguise. 

H Make a list of 

animals that eat 

other animals.

Brown 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Marvellous mucus 

Some people pick it, some little kids even 

eat it … of course I’m talking about the 

sticky stuff in your nose. It may seem 

yucky to us, but this stuff, called mucus or 

sometimes ‘snot’, is really good for you! 

Your body makes it for lots of parts of 

your body, like the mouth, stomach and 

lungs. And, of course, the nose! Your body 

makes about one cup of mucus, just for 

your nose, each day. 

There are little germs, bits of dust, smoke and other things in the air. 

They are often too small for us to see. When you breathe in, these little 

bits come into your nose. The mucus in your nose traps these little bits. 

Then they don’t go down into your lungs and make you sick. Most of 

the mucus is moved to the back of the throat by little hairs called cilia. 

It goes into the stomach. Your stomach can kill some of the germs in 

the mucus and help your body get rid of the other little bits. 

Some of the mucus dries up in your nose. This 

mucus, with the bits from the air in it, makes 

little clumps. These can be small or big, slimy 

or dry, brown or green! People sometimes 

call them ‘boogers’ or ‘bogeys’. The best 

way to get rid of these is to blow your 

nose. Putting a finger into your nose to pick 

it out just puts more germs into your nose. It 

is also not very healthy to put your finger in 

your mouth or on food if it has been in your 

nose. 



Display Copy 

Mucus might be yucky, but it helps to keep us 

healthy. Next time you see some mucus, 

be happy: it means your nose is 

working properly! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Nose mucus is sometimes called: 

(a) germs. 

(b) snot. 

(c) cilia. 

How much mucus does your body make 

for your nose in one week? 

(a) one cup 

(b) seven cups 

(c) five cups 

Nose mucus helps: 

(a) your nose to move. 

(b) to keep bits that are in the air from your lungs. 

(c) to keep your throat wet. 

What causes the mucus to move to the back of your throat? 

(a) cilia 

(b) sneezing 

(c) dust 

The healthiest way to get rid of mucus from your nose is to: 

(a) pick it out. 

(b) blow your nose. 

(c) swallow often. 


(a) mucus. 

(b) body. 

(c) mouth. 



Display Copy 

Something 

extra 

H Write five words to 

describe nose mucus. 

H Write an acrostic poem 

using the word ‘mucus’ 

(use each letter of the 

word to start a line of 

the poem).

Brown 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

The oxygen cycle 

Most people know about the 

water cycle. The sun heats up 

the water in rivers and oceans. 

The water changes to water 

vapour. When the water vapour 

gets cold it changes back to 

water. This water stays in the 

sky as clouds. When the clouds 

become heavy, the water falls 

as rain, hail, sleet or snow. 

rain 

photosynthesis 

carbon 

dioxide 

oxygen 

respiration 

water 

vapour 

Fewer people know about the oxygen cycle. This cycle is about 

oxygen and carbon dioxide. These are two of the gases in the air. They 

are breathed in and out by animals and plants. 

Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Plants 

do the opposite. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out 

oxygen. What great partners animals and plants make! 

Plants don’t have brains but they are very clever! They don’t need any 

other living thing for food because they can make their own. 

Plants make their food using water, carbon dioxide and energy from 

the sun. This is called photosynthesis. Without these things, plants 

cannot grow. During 

photosynthesis, plants 

breathe out oxygen. 

Animals breathe in 

oxygen from the air. 

They need it to change 

food into energy. They 

breathe out carbon 

dioxide. This is called 

respiration. 



Display Copy 

BUS 

STOP 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In this text, a cycle is something that: 

(a) you can ride on. 

(b) happens over and over again. 

(c) is stronger than a storm. 

To change food into energy, 

animals need: 

(a) oxygen. 

(b) carbon dioxide. 

(c) oxygen and carbon dioxide. 

Plants make their food by: 

(a) the oxygen cycle. 

(b) photosynthesis. 

(c) respiration. 

It is an opinion, not a fact, that plants: 

(a) are clever. 

(b) make their own food. 

(c) breathe in carbon dioxide. 

When water is a gas, it is called: 

(a) water. 

(b) ice. 

(c) water vapour. 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, the word they is 


(a) the plants. 

(b) the animals. 

(c) carbon dioxide and oxygen. 


H Draw a picture of a plant. 

Label the leaves, stem, roots 

and flowers. 

H Find out which part of the 

plant makes the food.

Brown 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Blobfish 

Have you heard of a blobfish? It is very rare and must be one of the most 

unusual creatures ever found in the sea. 

This fish is so unusual that there are very few people who have ever seen 

one. This is because it lives in the deepest parts of the ocean. Its home 

is so deep down below the surface that it’s always dark there. Light just 

can’t get through all the water above it to reach the sea floor. 

This strange creature looks a bit like a giant tadpole. It has a large head 

which thins out to a point at the tail. There are small fins on both sides. 

A blobfish is made of a kind of jelly. It grows to about 30 centimetres in 

length. 

Because a blobfish doesn’t need to go and get food, it doesn’t have to 

move about much. Its jelly-like flesh weighs less than water which means 

it is lighter and it can float very easily without a lot of effort. It likes to 

float very deep, just above the bottom of the ocean. It has a very big 

mouth which it opens wide to collect any food which just happens to be 

floating by. 



Display Copy 

The first person to discover one of these amazing sea creatures, nearly 

one hundred years ago, was a famous Australian zoologist called Alan 

McCulloch. He gave it its name. 

6 

Blobfish may look very ugly and some people might think they are 

scary, but they are really just harmless, but very interesting, blobs of jelly. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

A blobfish can float because: 

(a) its flesh is like jelly. 

(b) its flesh is lighter than water. 

(c) it doesn’t need to move much. 

It is a fact that: 

(a) Blobfish are very strange. 

(b) Blobfish are very ugly. 

(c) Blobfish live in deep water. 


(a) how blobfish get their food. 

(b) blobfish can float. 

(c) a blobfish has a big mouth. 

Not many blobfish have been seen because: 

(a) people don’t like them. 

(b) they are shy. 

(c) they live in such deep water. 

The word rare in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) roaring 

(b) not often seen. 

(c) common. 

The word it in Paragraph 5 is used instead of: 

(a) sea creatures. 

(b) the name. 

(c) the blobfish. 



Display Copy 


H 

H 

Draw a blobfish. 

Why do you think Alan 

McCulloch called it a blobfish?

Brown 5 

Banana recipes 

1 Banana fluff 

2 

Ingredients: 

• 4 large bananas 

• 1 tablespoon honey 

• 1 

/ 4 teaspoon cinnamon 

• ice-cream cones to serve 

Method: 

1. Peel bananas, place on 

a tray and freeze for 2 to 

3 hours (bananas will be 

frozen but not completely 

hard). 

2. Cut frozen bananas into 

chunks and place in 

food processor. Beat until 

bananas are thick and 

creamy. (This takes about 

5 to 8 minutes.) 

3. Add honey and 

cinnamon. 

4. Serve in an ice-cream 

cone or as a dessert. 

3 

Banana chips 

Ingredients: 

• 4 bananas 

Method: 

1. Peel bananas and cut into thin, 

even slices. 

2. Place slices on greased oven tray. 

3. Bake in hot oven (250 °C) for 15 to 

20 minutes or until crisp. 

4. Allow to cool on tray. 

Banana pops 

Ingredients: 

• 1 / 4 cup orange juice 

• 10 ripe bananas 

• 1 / 2 cup Rice Bubbles 

• 10 craft sticks 

Method: 

1. Pour orange juice into dish. 

2. Spread Rice Bubbles on board 

or clean bench and crush with 

rolling pin. 

3. Peel bananas and dip in juice. 

4. Roll bananas in crushed Rice 

Bubbles . 

5. Insert a craft stick into base of each 

banana. Place on tray lined with 

non-stick baking paper and freeze 

for about 20 minutes. 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Which banana recipe uses a food processor? 

(a) Banana fluff 

(b) Banana chips 

(c) Banana pops 

If you were to make all of the recipes, how 

many bananas would you need altogether? 

(a) 10 bananas 

(b) 14 bananas 

(c) 18 bananas 

In the recipe ‘Banana pops’, why do you think we need to dip the 

banana in orange juice? 

(a) to make the recipe taste nice 

(b) to help the Rice Bubbles stick to the banana 

(c) to use up leftover orange juice 

It is a fact, not an opinion, that the ‘Banana pops’ recipe: 

(a) uses orange juice. 

(b) is the tastiest of the three recipes. 

(c) is the easiest to make. 

Which banana recipe uses heat? 

(a) Banana fluff 

(b) Banana chips 

(c) Banana pops 



Display Copy 

It is important to slice the bananas thinly 

and evenly for the banana chips so they: 

(a) are crisp. 

(b) look good. 

(c) cook evenly. 

Something 

extra 

H Design and make 

a poster which 

encourages people to 

eat more bananas. 

H The word ‘banana’ has 

three syllables. Make 

a list of ten fruits and 

show their syllables.

Brown 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

I am a bully. 

I like to be mean. 

It gives me power and it helps to 

make me seen! 

I am a victim. 

I feel so sad. 

For their nasty words and 

actions make me mad! 

I am a bully. 

I feel so strong. 

When I make a victim cry I 

laugh along! 

Now I am strong. 

I stand my ground. 

The strength deep inside of me 

is finally found! 

I was a bully. 

I’ve lost my clout. 

For you can take my words and 

shut them out! 

We now are friends. 

We laugh and play. 

We respect each other— 

that’s how it will stay! 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Why do people bully? 

(a) to make them feel noticed and powerful 

(b) so they can make friends 

(c) because they care about other people’s feelings 

How can a victim stop being a victim? 

(a) by running away 

(b) by standing strong and ignoring the bully 

(c) by shutting doors to keep the bully away 

What is the main idea of Verse 3? 

(a) how the victim feels after being bullied 

(b) why a bully is a bully 

(c) how the bully feels when the victim becomes upset 

When the victim stands up to the bully, what might happen? 

(a) The victim becomes the bully. 

(b) The bully may begin to respect the victim. 

(c) The bully becomes the victim. 

‘For you can take my words and shut them out!’—What does this mean? 



Display Copy 

(a) The victim doesn’t take the hurtful words to heart. 

(b) The victim blocks his or her ears and sings loudly so as not to hear. 

(c) The victim runs away so he or she can’t hear the bully. 

6. 

Choose the best meaning for the 

word clout as used in Verse 5. 

(a) a hard punch or smack 

(b) a patch made of cloth 

(c) power or influence 


H Practise saying ‘no’ or ‘leave 

me alone’ in a firm voice. 

H Design and make a poster 

encouraging people to 

stand up to bullying.

Red Brown 7 7 

A very different place 

1 

2 

3 

4 

My nanna, Maria, comes from Peru. If you don’t know where that is, 

it’s in South America, near Chile and Brazil. 

Nanna left Peru when she was little. But she has always wanted to go 

back. So last holidays, Mum, Dad and I took her back for a visit. 

NICARAGUA 

I had never been to Peru 

before. But I knew a little bit COSTA 

RICA 

about it from Nanna. It has 

jungles, lots of interesting 

ECUADOR 

plants and animals, deserts 

and mountains. Big mountains! 

And in these mountains is a really 

old city called Machu Picchu. It 

was built by the Incas, a group of 

people living there long ago. Machu 

Picchu is sometimes called ‘the lost city 

of the Incas’ because for a long time it 

was forgotten. I really wanted to see it. 

PANAMA 

First we visited some of Nanna’s family in 

Lima, the capital city. They were nice, but 

they mostly spoke Spanish. So I couldn’t 

understand what they were saying. Their 

food, clothing and music were so different 

from what I’m used to. 

COLOMBIA 

PERU 

VENEZUELA 

CHILE 

BOLIVIA 

ARGENTINA 

PARAGUAY 

GUYANA 

FRENCH 

GUIANA 

SURINAME 

URUGUAY 

BRAZIL 



Display Copy 

5 

6 

After a couple of days in Lima we went 

to Cusco. That’s where Machu Picchu is. We had to walk up very 

steep paths. I don’t know how the Incas built this city so high! It was 

amazing. We saw a stone table the Incas used for sacrifices. This 

means killing animals and sometimes children to make their gods 

happy. I was glad there were no Incas there now! 

Peru is a really interesting and beautiful place. You should go there if 

you get the chance! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

An animal or person killed to 

please a god is called: 

(a) an Inca. 

(b) a child. 

(c) a sacrifice. 

Which of these countries are 

next to Peru? 

(a) Columbia, Uruguay and 

Ecuador 

(b) Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia 

(c) Chile, Bolivia and Brazil 

Machu Picchu 

Why did the writer go to Peru? 

(a) to visit Machu Picchu 

(b) to take his or her grandmother back for a visit 

(c) to learn Spanish 

How long did the writer stay in Lima? 

(a) almost a week 

(b) about eight days 

(c) less than three days 

Before the writer went to Cusco, he or she: 

(a) climbed Machu Picchu. 

(b) visited Lima. 

(c) saw the Inca’s sacrifice table. 

In the second sentence in 

Paragraph 3, it means: 

(a) the writer. 

(b) Nanna. 

(c) Peru. 



Display Copy 


H Make a small travel 

brochure about Peru. 

H Write why you would or 

would not like to visit Peru.

Brown 8 

Bad boy, Butch 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

‘Butch! Stop digging!’ I yelled from 

inside. It was no use. Butch, my 

dog, was born to dig. He loved it. 

He dug up plants. He dug huge 

holes in the ground. He dug in 

grass, sand and mud. If there 

were a world championship for 

digging, Butch would win! 

I went outside and called Butch. ‘You’ll get me into trouble!’ I told him. 

‘I might even have to find you a new home!’ Butch looked at me with 

his happy eyes. His tongue flopped out of his mouth and he licked my 

face. Yuck! 

I turned around to go back inside. Butch turned around to go back to 

his hole. Naughty dog! I would have to chain him up. I went over to get 

him—and then I saw his latest hole. 

It was HUGE! His deepest ever. I looked down and could just see the 

bottom. Butch was down there … digging and scratching fast. 

‘Butch! Get out of there!’ I called. Butch kept going. He was trying to get 

something. Then he grabbed something with his jaws. He scrambled to 

the top of the hole looking very pleased with himself. And he dropped 

that something at my feet. 



Display Copy 

It was a dirty white bone. A very big, dirty white bone. I had no idea 

what it was. So I took it inside to show Mum. Mum had no idea what it 

was. She showed it to Dad. He had no idea, either. So we took it to the 

museum. And guess what it turned out to be? A dinosaur bone! Butch 

had found a dinosaur in our backyard! 

The museum people dug up our backyard to find a whole dinosaur 

skeleton. It was a new kind of dinosaur. They named it ‘Butchosaurus’, 

after Butch. Our garden is a big mess now, so we just let Butch dig. Who 

knows what he might find next! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

What did the bone Butch found look like? 

(a) long, grey, with bits of brown 

(b) big, white and dirty 

(c) quite old, with a sharp end 

Which is the best answer? Butch: 

(a) was an evil dog. 

(b) loved to dig and dug very well. 

(c) was good at finding lots of dinosaur bones. 

How did the writer find out what kind of bone Butch had found? 

(a) by asking his or her parents 

(b) by reading books about ‘Butchosauruses’ 

(c) People at the museum told him/her. 

How does the writer feel about Butch at the end of the story? 

He/She: 

(a) doesn’t mind Butch digging. 

(b) wants Butch to stop digging. 

(c) is angry that Butch keeps digging. 

Paragraph 4 gives information about: 

(a) Butch. 

(b) Butch’s hole. 

(c) Butch’s bone. 


(a) the bone Butch found. 



Display Copy 

(b) the garden where the bone was found. 

(c) the kind of dinosaur Butch found. 



a Butchosaurus 

looked like. 

H Write about what 

Butch finds next.

Brown 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Bees are flying insects that 

are related to ants and 

wasps. There are thousands 

of different bees in the 

world. The smallest bee is 

as tiny as a speck of dust, 

but the biggest could be 

as large as your little finger! 

The most well-known bee is 

the honey bee. 

A colony of bees usually has one large queen. Her job is to lay eggs. 

Other female bees are called workers. They collect pollen and look 

after the queen. The pollen is used to feed the bees. The male bees are 

called drones. Their job is to breed with the queen bee. 

The body of a bee has three main parts. The mouth, eyes and 

antennae are on the head. The wings and three pairs of legs are 

attached to the thorax. The sting is at the tip of the abdomen. 



Display Copy 

One very important job of a bee is to pollinate flowers. This means 

to take pollen from one flower and put it on to another flower so that 

seeds can be made. Bees and other flying insects do this job very well. 

When a bee visits flowers to drink the rich, sweet nectar, pollen sticks to 

its fuzzy coat. It is also collected in special sacs on the bee’s legs. The 

bee drinks nectar through its long tongue, which is called a proboscis. 

A honey bee has two stomachs. The second one is called the honey 

stomach. This holds the nectar collected by the bees. In the hive, the 

bee empties its honey stomach and the nectar is changed to honey. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. In Paragraph 5, the word rich means: 

(a) expensive. 

(b) full of goodness. 

(c) hard to believe. 

2. The main idea of Paragraph 2 is to: 

(a) show that female bees are more 

important than male bees. 

(b) show that male bees are lazy. 

(c) explain how a bee colony works. 

3. A bee’s wings and legs are attached to its: 

(a) head. 

(b) thorax. 

(c) abdomen. 

4. If bees and other insects didn’t pollinate flowers: 

(a) the bees and other insects would starve. 

(b) animals that eat plants would eat the bees 

and other insects. 

(c) plants would not survive. 

5. Honey is made from: 

(a) nectar. 

(b) pollen. 

(c) flowers. 

6. In Paragraph 5, the word it is 


(a) pollen. 

(b) nectar. 

(c) the bee’s fuzzy coat. 



Display Copy 


H Draw and label a picture 

of clothing worn by 

beekeepers. Explain why it 

is important. 

H Draw and label a diagram 

to show honey bee workers 

leaving the hive, collecting 

nectar and pollen from 

different flowers and 

returning to the hive to 

make honey.

Brown 10 

What is an island? 

Bishop Rock 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

An island is a piece of land which is surrounded 

by water. Islands can be found in oceans, rivers 

and lakes around the world. They can be many 

different sizes. Some are as small as a few houses 

put together. Others are hundreds of thousands 

of kilometres in area. 

The smallest island in the world with a building 

on it is Bishop Rock off the south-west coast of 

England. It is famous for its lighthouse. It shines its 

light to warn sailors of jagged rocks and reefs. 

The largest island in the world is the country of Greenland. 

It is near the North Pole. It is so cold on this island that 

most of it is covered by ice. 

Sometimes, many islands make up one country. 

The country of Japan is made up of four main 

islands and thousands of smaller ones. They 

extend in a long line. 

Some islands are called continental islands 

because they lie in the ocean near a 

continent. Greenland is a continental island 

as it is found near the continent of North 

America. 

Other islands are called oceanic 

islands as they are usually far out in 

the ocean, away from continents. 

Some were formed when volcanoes 

erupted in deep water. The volcano 

spat out lava which built up under 

the water. Eventually, the lava rose up 

and up and formed an island. Japan 

is made up of volcanic islands. 

Japan 



Display Copy 

volcanic 

island 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The world’s largest island is: 

(a) Japan. 

(b) England. 

(c) Greenland. 

How many main islands make 

up the country of Japan? 

(a) thousands 

(b) four 

(c) one 

Paragraph 6 explains: 

(a) what Japan is made up of. 

(b) where continental islands are. 

(c) how volcanoes can form islands. 

The word extend in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) are extra. 

(b) stretch out. 

(c) reach. 

Which statement is true? 

(a) Bishop Rock is too small 

to be an island. 

(b) Greenland is an oceanic island. 

(c) Islands can be found in rivers. 


(a) islands. 

(b) oceans. 

(c) lakes. 



Display Copy 


H Draw and label ten things 

you would take on a tropical 

island holiday. 

H The word ‘island’ has a silent 

‘s’. List four other words that 

have a silent letter.

Black 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Fire! Fire! 

Fire! Fire! 

Many years ago in London, a massive fire swept through the city. 

It began in a baker’s shop in Pudding Lane. The fire started in the early 

hours of the morning when most people were still in bed. No-one 

realised just how big this fire would get! 

In those days, many of the houses and shops were close together and 

all of them were made of wood. The fire burned easily as it jumped 

from house to house. 



Display Copy 

The people tried hard to put out the fire. They threw buckets of water 

onto the flames but it was no use, the fire was too powerful and very 

fierce. 

5 

6 

A strong wind helped the fire to spread quickly. It burned for four whole 

days. Hundreds of homes and shops were destroyed. Where would the 

people live? What would they do? 

The people of London worked hard to build the city again. They had 

learned a very important lesson. This time, they would use stone instead 

of wood and they would leave wider spaces between the buildings. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 1, the word massive means: 

(a) marvellous. 

(b) enormous. 

(c) horrible. 

The fire broke out in a 

(a) butcher’s 

(b) grocer’s 

(c) baker’s 

The fire burned so well because the 

buildings were: 

(a) old. 

(b) wooden. 

(c) wet. 

shop. 

If there had been no wind, the fire could 

have been put out: 

(a) sooner. 

(b) in four days. 

(c) later. 

Stone was used to rebuild the city because it: 

(a) doesn’t burn. 

(b) is cheaper. 

(c) is easier to find. 

In Paragraph 5, the word it means the: 

(a) homes. 

(b) wind. 

(c) fire. 

Something 

extra 



Display Copy 

H Unjumble the words 

to find the names 

of some building 

materials. 

ntoes 

krbic 

tamel 

troecnec 

H Write the list in 

alphabetical order.

Black 2 

Streets of water 

1 

2 

3 

Can you imagine living in a city without any cars? How would you 

travel to school and to the shops? It’s hard to imagine, but there really 

is a famous city that has no cars! 

Venice is a beautiful, very old city in Italy. It is made up of over one 

hundred islands that are separated by waterways called canals. 

There are no roads on the islands. People walk everywhere or travel 

between the islands on boats or in water taxis. 



Display Copy 

There are hundreds of bridges crossing the canals. It is possible to 

spend all day walking around the city without worrying about traffic. 

The most famous bridge in Venice is the Rialto. It is over four hundred 

years old. 

4 

5 

If you are ever lucky enough to be a visitor to Venice, you must take 

a ride along the canals on a long, thin boat called a gondola. A 

gondolier uses a long pole to steer it through the water. 

Everyone uses the canals in Venice. Even the police, fire service and 

ambulances have special boats instead of cars. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 4, the word gondolier means: 

(a) a family member. 

(b) the person who moves a boat. 

(c) a police officer. 

The Rialto Bridge was built 

(a) hundreds of 

(b) a few 

(c) four 

It is a fact that Venice: 

(a) is interesting. 

(b) has great beauty. 

(c) has canals instead of roads. 

People travel around Venice on foot or by: 

(a) train. 

(b) boat. 

(c) car. 

years ago. 

There are hundreds of bridges in Venice because: 

(a) people like them. 

(b) they are needed. 

(c) they are famous. 



Display Copy 


6. In Paragraph 2, the word it is used 

instead of: 

(a) Italy. 


gondola. 

H Write two good 

things and two bad 

(b) Venice. 

things about living in 

(c) canals. 

a place with canals 

instead of roads.

Black 3 

Sun bears 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The sun bear is sometimes called the honey bear because it loves 

honey—just like a famous bear you may know! Its coat is mostly black 

but it gets its name from the large golden mark on its chest. 

The exact number of sun bears in the wild is not known. Loss of habitat 

and hunting by poachers are the main reasons why the number of sun 

bears is falling. 

Just like children, sun bears love to climb trees and they are very good 

at it! They have long claws for gripping and soft pads for walking along 

the branches. 

Sun bears are nocturnal. During the day they sleep in nests which they 

build in the branches of tall trees. 



Display Copy 

Honey is not sun bears’ only food. They will eat insects, grasses, fruit and 

even small mammals. 

6 

Sun bears live in the tropics where it is warm all year round so they do 

not need to have a winter sleep. Bears that live in cold places need to 

hibernate because food is scarce in winter and weather conditions are 

very bad. 

7 

Sun bears may be small and cute to look at but the adults are very 

aggressive. They would not make very good pets! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 7, the word aggressive means: 

(a) small. 

(b) cute. 

(c) wanting to fight. 

Sun bears eat: 

(a) only meat. 

(b) only plants. 

(c) meat and plants. 

Sun bears do not hibernate 

because: 

(a) they live in the tropics. 

(b) they are nocturnal. 

(c) they live in trees. 

The number of sun bears is falling because: 

(a) their habitat is being destroyed. 

(b) they are being hunted. 

(c) their habitat is being destroyed and they are being hunted. 

Sun bears would not make good pets because they: 

(a) are too big. 

(b) eat too much. 

(c) are not gentle. 



Display Copy 

6. 



(a) children. 

(b) sun bears. 

(c) feet. 


H Copy a picture of a sun bear. 

H Find out what is special about 

the sun bear’s skin. Tell a friend.

Black Black 4 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Playing games outside when the weather 

is fine is great fun. It can help to keep you 

fit, strong and healthy. In the old days, 

children spent as much time as they 

could playing games outdoors. 

Hopscotch is a great children’s game. 

You can play it on your own or with 

friends. All you need to do is draw 

the court on the ground and find a 

marker to throw. 

You can choose how big to make 

your court. Twelve is a good number 

of squares to have, but you can make 

a mini-court with only six squares or a 

maxi-court with 18 squares! 

At the beach, you can draw the court 

in the sand, using a stick. At home, you 

can draw it with chalk on a path. A 

marker can be anything that is small 

and easy to throw but choose something 

that does not roll, like a flat stone. 



Display Copy 

People have different rules for playing hopscotch, so make sure 

everyone agrees with the rules before you begin your game! 

Hopscotch has been played for thousands of years. Even Roman 

soldiers used to play it! Ask your parents and grandparents. They 

probably played it too! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 1 In Paragraph 5, the word agrees means: 

(a) hurts each other’s feelings. 

(b) argues with each other. 

(c) thinks the same. 

2. 2 For how many years have people 

been playing hopscotch? 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

(a) hundreds 

(b) thousands 

(c) tens 

Which paragraph tells about different 

sizes of hopscotch courts? 




You should use a marker that does not roll so that: 

(a) it doesn’t get lost. 

(b) it stays where it lands. 

(c) you don’t hop on it. 

The writer thinks that hopscotch is: 

(a) dull. 

(b) difficult. 

(c) enjoyable. 

In Paragraph 6, the word it is used 

instead of: 

(a) hopscotch. 

(b) soldiers. 

(c) year. 



Display Copy 

H Write these words 

in two lists under 

the correct header. 

-tch ch 

match rich 

much witch 

ditch such 

lunch hutch 

stitch crunch

Black 5 

Down with electronic games! 

1 

2 

3 

4 

I think electronic games should be banned. They are turning children 

into monsters! 

All they do is play those annoying machines. Mums and dads 

don’t want to interrupt them. Their children get so angry if they are 

disturbed and lose a game. 

Children used to be active, fit and healthy, having fun in the fresh air. 

Now, they just sit with their eyes on a screen. Pressing buttons is their 

only exercise. 



Display Copy 

They used to help at home, but now they don’t care. No more 

helping in the garden or washing the car. No more tidying toys or 

putting away clothes. 

5 

6 

Even on car trips, children sit with their eyes glued to a tiny screen 

instead of looking at the world around them. 

Let’s bring the children back again. We don’t want them to become 

monsters. Ban electronic games so they will start playing in parks 

and gardens once more! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The word banned in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) monsters. 

(b) not allowed. 

(c) wrapped up. 

Mums and dads don’t interrupt their 

children because they: 

(a) will make a mistake. 

(b) will cry. 

(c) will get cross. 

Paragraph 5 tells us that children: 

(a) are interested only in their electronic games. 

(b) are lazy. 

(c) are rude. 

The text tells us that electronic games make children: 

(a) unhealthy. 

(b) clever. 

(c) active. 

The writer wants children to: 

(a) read more books. 

(b) play computer games. 



Display Copy 

(c) give up their electronic games. 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, the word them is 

used instead of the: 

(a) children. 

(b) mums and dads. 

(c) electronic games. 


H Write a letter telling the 

writer what you think about 

electronic games. 

H List as many words ending in 

‘-onic’ as you can you find.

Black 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Wonderful mermaids 

Can you imagine living in an underwater world? Wouldn’t it be 

fantastic to breathe and see clearly as you swim beneath the waves! 

Think of all the fun you could have, diving among the ocean creatures 

and in and out of caves. How wonderful to be a mermaid! 

Mermaids have a human head and body and a fishtail instead of 

legs. They are mythical creatures that live only in our imagination. They 

are the stars of many stories. 



Display Copy 

Some legends say mermaids with long, flowing hair would lie on rocks 

close to the shore and sing in their eerie voices. They wanted to warn 

sailors about the dangerous rocks that might wreck their ships. 

But other legends say mermaids attracted ships onto the rocks on 

purpose. They would take drowning sailors down to the world of the 

mer-people where they would live forever. 

The little mermaid is a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. In this story, 

the mermaid changes her tail into legs so she can marry her prince. 

There is a statue of the little mermaid in Denmark. It was built there to 

honour Andersen’s famous story. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, the word mythical means: 

(a) amazing. 

(b) different. 

(c) imaginary. 

Which word in Paragraph 3 means spooky? 

(a) eerie 

(b) dangerous 

(c) flowing 

Paragraph 4 explains that mermaids: 

(a) helped sailors. 

(b) warned sailors of the rocks. 

(c) caught sailors. 

In Andersen’s story, the little mermaid wanted to: 

(a) marry her prince. 

(b) walk. 

(c) be a princess. 

In the writer’s opinion, being a mermaid would be: 

(a) boring. 

(b) scary. 

(c) fun. 

In Paragraph 2, the word they means the: 

(a) stories. 

(b) mermaids. 

(c) stars. 



Display Copy 


H Write a list of words 

to describe the life of 

a mermaid. 

H Draw a picture of the 

undersea world of 

mermaids.

Black 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Merry-go-rounds have been popular for many years. They are often 

called carousels and you can usually find one at any fairground 

you visit. They are easy to see and to hear because they are big and 

colourful and special music is played while they revolve. 

There are beautifully painted ponies with long, flowing manes and tails 

on a merry-go-round. If you look carefully, you may notice that the 

ponies on the outside are usually brighter than those on the inside. They 

do this because they want carousels to look really pretty and inviting. 



Display Copy 

The carousel ponies are held in place by poles. Riders hold the poles, 

which stretch all the way to the top of the canopy. As the merry-goround 

spins, the ponies are moved up and down by the poles. There 

are often brightly coloured stripes painted on the top of the canopy. 

Although the ponies move slowly and are very safe, many carousels 

have seats that don’t go up and down. Younger children or anyone 

who feels a bit scared can sit on them and enjoy the ride too. 

When you get off a carousel it sometimes feels as if you are still 

moving. This is all part of the fun. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word revolve in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) remove. 

(b) spin around. 

(c) move. 

While the carousel spins, the ponies: 

(a) move up and down. 

(b) stay still. 

(c) fly out to the side. 

Paragraph 2 tells us how: 

(a) to paint a carousel. 

(b) to make a carousel. 

(c) carousels look. 

The seats on the carousel are different 

from the ponies because they: 

(a) are soft. 

(b) are scary. 

(c) don’t move up and down. 

The writer is telling you: 

(a) about merry-go-rounds. 

(b) to have a ride on a 

merry-go-round. 

(c) to visit a fairground. 

In Paragraph 4, the word them 

means the: 

(a) seats. 

(b) ponies. 

(c) children. 

H Make a list of words that 

change from ‘-y’ to ‘-ies’ 

like pony—ponies. 


yourself on a carousel 

pony. 



Display Copy

Black 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Skipping is a great way to have fun on your own or with friends. 

It is also a very good way to keep fit and build strong muscles 

in your legs. 

Many children skip to music and rhymes, but skipping is 

not just a game for children. People all over the world 

participate in rope skipping competitions. It could soon 

be an Olympic sport! 

Skipping is not just for girls. Boxers, football players and 

other athletes also skip. It helps to keep them nimble and 

agile so that they can move and change direction 

quickly. 



Display Copy 

To get started, you will need a rope of the right length. Stand 

on the middle of your rope. Hold an end in each of your 

hands. If it reaches your armpits, it’s the right length for you. 

All you need to do now is start skipping! Don’t be 

disappointed if you keep stopping. Just relax, take a deep 

breath and try again. Soon you will be able to do skipping 

tricks with your rope. One day, you could even be skipping at 

the Olympics! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 2, the word participate 

means to take: 

(a) a part away. 

(b) part in. 

(c) over. 

A skipping rope of the right length measures: 

(a) any length you like. 

(b) from one armpit to the ground. 

(c) from one armpit to the ground and up 

to the other armpit. 

The main idea of Paragraphs 3 is that: 

(a) only girls skip. 

(b) only children skip. 

(c) anyone can skip. 

If your skipping rope is not the right 

length, you might: 

(a) make a mistake. 

(b) trip over. 

(c) skip better. 



Display Copy 

The writer thinks that skipping is: 

(a) boring. 

(b) hard work. 

(c) good exercise. 

6. In Paragraph 4, the word it is 

H Write a list of action 


words ending with ‘-ing’. 

(a) your armpits. 

H Put your list in 

(b) the rope. 

alphabetical order. 

(c) your hands.

Black 9 

Enchanting 

unicorns 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Close your eyes and imagine a picture of a unicorn, one of the most 

beautiful creatures of myths and legends. Standing tall, strong and 

proud, it is a symbol of good over evil. 

A unicorn looks like a majestic horse but with a single horn pointing 

out from its forehead. Some are also pictured with wings on their 

backs. In days gone by, unicorns were also imagined with the beard 

of a billy-goat, a lion’s tail and hooves like a cow or a pig. 

Unicorns have magical powers which they always use wisely. Unicorn 

horns have the power to cure illness and take away poison. Hunters 

want this power so they try to catch a unicorn. But do you know that a 

unicorn can never be captured? 



Display Copy 

From their homes in the sky, unicorns can see the whole of the 

enchanted world. If someone is hurt or in danger, a unicorn can fly 

swiftly to the rescue. 

5 

6 

It takes many years for a young unicorn to learn all the skills of magic 

and enchantment and many of them make mistakes. But when they 

are ready, unicorns find their own parts of the enchanted world to 

watch over and protect. 

There may be one close to you! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, majestic means: 

(a) like a king. 

(b) noticeable. 

(c) boastful. 

Unicorns are symbols of all things: 

(a) magical. 

(b) bad. 

(c) good. 

Hunters want unicorns’ horns because they: 

(a) are beautiful. 

(b) cost a lot of money. 

(c) have great power. 

How do unicorns get their magical powers? 

(a) They are born with great powers. 

(b) They have to learn them. 

(c) The powers are given to them. 

Unicorns move by: 

(a) flying. 

(b) trotting. 

(c) galloping. 


(a) skills. 

(b) mistakes. 

(c) unicorns. 



Display Copy 


H Make a list of words to describe a unicorn. 

H Write a story of how a unicorn came to 

your rescue.

Black 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

nostrils 

mouth 

eyes 

lateral line 

Fish have many of the same senses people have, but fishy senses are 

also different. 

Fish have eyes like people but they are at the sides of their heads. Fish 

see things best when they are close to them and they have difficulty 

seeing things at a distance. They can also see things in colour. Fish who 

live further down under the water have larger eyes than those who live 

close to the surface. 

Fish have two nostrils on top of their head to smell prey. The ‘nose’ of a 

fish is not connected to the throat as it is in people. Fish use their nose to 

smell chemicals given off by other sea creatures. 

Fish have ears inside their body. Bones in the ear feel movements in the 

water. Fish ears help them to find food to eat. Fish ears also help fish to 

keep their balance. Unlike people, fish have a line down each side of 

their body called the lateral line. This line feels movements in the water, 

which helps fish to catch food and to hide from predators. 



Display Copy 

Fish have tastebuds, like people. Some fish have them in their mouths, 

some have them along their head and others have them on their belly. 

The catfish has whiskers for tasting its food. 

All fish give off an electric field. Other fish can ‘feel’ this. Sharks and 

rays are experts at using this sense to feel where their prey is located. 

Sometimes, their prey may be hundreds of kilometres away! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Fish can see best: 

(a) up close. 

(b) from far away. 

(c) with their eyes shut. 

Fish smell using: 

(a) their tail. 

(b) two holes on top of their head. 

(c) their head. 


(a) eyes. 

(b) ears. 

(c) tastebuds. 

Fish ears can’t be seen because 

they are: 

(a) inside the body. 

(b) too small. 

(c) not there. 

The word their in Paragraph 5 

means: 

(a) tastebuds. 

(b) people. 

(c) fish. 

The word connected in 


(a) made. 

(b) separate. 

(c) joined. 



Display Copy 

H Trace around your hand on a 

sheet of paper. 

H On each finger write the 

words for each major sense 

— sight, hearing, taste, touch 

and smell. 

H Next to each sense, write 

the body part used and your 

favourite thing to see, taste, 

smell, touch and hear.

Lime 1 

The legend of Black Bart 

1 

2 

3 

4 

A long time ago, John Roberts 

was born in Wales. As an adult, 

he started work as a sailor on a 

slave ship. 

When his ship was attacked by 

pirates, he was captured and 

forced to work with them. After 

the death of the captain, John 

Roberts was elected commander 

of the ship. Black Bart, the pirate, 

had begun his pirate career. 

Black Bart became a very 

successful pirate. He captured 

over four hundred ships and 

stole over one hundred million 

dollars worth of loot. He caught 

and hanged one of his enemies. 

Black Bart made a lot of money 

selling slaves. 



Display Copy 

Following a fight between his ship and the warship HMS Swallow, Black 

Bart was killed by cannon fire. His crew threw his body overboard as 

was his wish. His career as a pirate was over, after less than three years. 

5 

6 

Black Bart was also famous for his unusual ways. He drank a lot of tea, 

instead of rum. He encouraged his crew to pray and he did not like 

them to get drunk or gamble. 

He was also well-known for his habit of wearing gentlemen’s clothing. 

His favourite outfit was a bright red waistcoat and trousers, a hat with a 

red feather and a diamond cross on a gold chain around his neck. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Before he became a pirate, Black Bart was: 

(a) a ship’s captain. 

(b) a baker. 

(c) a sailor on a slave ship. 

The word commander in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) sailor. 

(b) captain. 

(c) teacher. 

Which paragraph tells how Black Bart 

began his career as a pirate? 




Black Bart was a successful pirate because he: 

(a) stole lots of loot and captured many ships. 

(b) sold slaves. 

(c) became captain of a pirate ship. 

In Paragraph 3, he means: 

(a) the enemy. 

(b) loot. 

(c) Black Bart. 

Black Bart was an unusual pirate because he: 

(a) didn’t want his crew to drink rum 

and gamble. 

(b) wore an eyepatch. 

(c) stole loot. 



Display Copy 

Something 

extra 

H Use the 

description in 

Paragraph 6 to 

draw a colourful 

picture of Black 

Bart. 

H Label the clothing 

in your picture.

Lime 2 

It’s not for sale! 

1 

3 

5 

I’m Slimy the snail. I was born with my home on my 

back. I take it wherever I go. It’s not for sale! My shell 

home protects my soft body. Friends such as turtles 

and crabs also have shells. 

2 

I’m Garth the grizzly bear. I like to search for a cave 

to stay in. It’s not for sale! I sleep there through the 

cold winter. My friends the mountain lions, wolves 

and bats also like to use caves. But they don’t sleep 

all winter! 

I’m Serena the spider. I use silk inside my body to spin 

a web. It’s not for sale! My web helps me to catch 

insects to eat. Spiders build webs in all kinds of places! 

4 

I’m Bevan the bee. I live in a hive with hundreds of 

other bees. It’s not for sale! We have wax inside our 

bodies to build the hive. Our friends the wasps also 

build hives. 



Display Copy 

I’m Rosa the rabbit. I live in a burrow under the ground 

with lots of other rabbits. It’s not for sale! My burrow 

has lots of tunnels and ways to get in and out. It tricks 

our enemies. My friends the moles, chipmunks and 

badgers also have burrows. 

6 

I’m Oliver the owl. My home is a hollow in a tree. 

It’s not for sale! Some hollows take more than 100 

years to form on a tree. My friends the possums, 

squirrels and black bears also like tree hollow 

homes. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word protects in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) keeps clean. 

(b) keeps safe. 

(c) keeps happy. 

Which animal uses a cave sometimes? 

(a) bee 

(b) owl 

(c) bat 

Which animal would choose 

a tree hollow to live in? 

(a) possum 

(b) snail 

(c) mole 

The main idea in Paragraph 5 

is to tell about: 

(a) burrows. 

(b) webs. 

(c) shells. 

What is the same about crabs 

and turtles? They have: 

(a) a shell outside their body. 

(b) a shell inside their body. 

(c) silk or wax inside their body. 

The word we in Paragraph 4 is 


(a) wax. 

(b) wasps. 

(c) bees. 



Display Copy 


H Find or draw pictures of 

animals and write the type 

of home they like to use 

next to each.

Lime 3 

Have you ever seen 

raisins wriggle as 

if they were doing 

a dance? If you 

read the instructions 

below, you will see 

how to make it 

happen! 

What to do: 

Step 1. 

Fill the glass with 

the fizzy drink. 

Step 3. 

After a while, 

the gas bubbles 

from the fizzy 

drink will stick to 

the wrinkles on 

the raisins. The 

raisins will start 

to ‘wriggle’ and 

rise to the top of 

the glass. 

Step 2. 

Drop the raisins 

into the glass. 

They will sink to 

the bottom. 


• a glass 

• a bottle of clear, 

fizzy drink 

• 6 to 8 raisins 

Step 4. 

As the gas bubbles 

‘pop’, the raisins 

will wriggle back 

down to the 

bottom of the 

glass. After a while, 

they will come to 

the top again, as if 

they are dancing 

up and down! 



Display Copy 

The raisins will keep wriggling up and down until the fizzy drink goes flat 

and there aren’t any gas bubbles left to make them go to the top. 

R.I.C. R.I.C. Publications Publications ® ® 

Comprehension box 1 (83) 

www.ricpublications.com.au 

Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word rise in Step 3 means to: 

(a) drop. 

(b) go up. 

(c) spin. 

How many raisins are needed? 

(a) 10 to 12 

(b) 8 to 10 

(c) 6 to 8 

Which part of the trick happens first? 

(a) pouring the fizzy drink into the glass 

(b) putting the raisins in the glass 

(c) watching the raisins wriggle 

Which step best explains how 

the raisins wriggle to the top? 

(a) Step 4 

(b) Step 2 

(c) Step 3 

When the fizzy drink goes flat, 

the raisins will: 

(a) continue to wriggle. 

(b) stay on the bottom. 

(c) stay on the top. 

The word they in Step 4 

means the: 

(a) gas bubbles. 

(b) glass. 

(c) raisins. 



Display Copy 

Something 

extra 

H Draw an animal that 

can wriggle. 

H Write as many words 

as you can that 

rhyme with trick.

Lime 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Living with the dinosaurs 

Did you know that ferns are plants that lived at the time when dinosaurs 

were on Earth? Isn’t it amazing they are still with us today! 

A bird’s nest fern lives in a tropical rainforest, which is a very damp, hot 

place with lots of rain all year round. The trees grow close together and 

can be very tall. A bird’s nest fern can grow on the forest floor or in a 

tree! Because it is in the shade of the trees it has to grow well in weak 

sunlight. 

The fern has long, green leaves called fronds that are in the shape of a 

tongue. New fronds grow from the middle of the fern. These new fronds 

look like balls of brown, fuzzy wool in the shape of eggs in a nest. That is 

how it gets its name! 

The fronds turn green and uncurl as they grow. Some grow as long as 

120 centimetres. That’s about the length of four rulers. 

The shape of the bird’s nest fern 

means it can catch falling leaves. 

These then rot and feed the tree. 

Isn’t that clever? 

If a bird’s nest fern lives on a tree, it 

absorbs water that runs down the 

tree’s trunk. If it lives on the ground, 

it catches drips of water from the 

trees and plants above it. 



Display Copy 

Some people like to grow bird’s 

nest ferns at home. They must be 

kept in a warm, damp, shady place 

outside without much wind. If they 

are kept inside, they must also be 

in a warm place and sprayed with 

water to keep them moist. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 6, the word absorbs means: 

(a) eats up. (b) soaks up. (c) throws out. 

Where could a bird’s nest fern not live? 

(a) in a tropical place 

(b) in a warm, shady place 

(c) in a cool, sunny place 

What part looks like the shape of 

eggs in a nest? 

(a) the long, green fronds 

(b) the brown, fuzzy new fronds 

(c) the fronds that uncurl 

Paragraph 5 is mainly about how 

the bird’s nest fern gets: 

(a) food. 

(b) water. 

(c) sunshine. 

Which answer is an opinion? The bird’s nest fern is: 

(a) green. 

(b) clever. 

(c) found in a rainforest. 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, the word they means: 

(a) bird’s nest ferns. 

(b) rulers. 

(c) fronds. 


H Write as many 

words as you can 

that rhyme with 

each of these 

words: 

bird nest fern

Lime 5 

Limerick fun 

The poems below are all limericks. A limerick is a nonsense poem. Each 

poem has five lines. The first, second and fifth lines rhyme. The third and 

fourth lines rhyme. 

Limerick 1 

There once was a bear called Sunny 

Whose favourite food of course was honey 

He went to the store 

And bought all that he saw 

Which cost him a whole lot of money! 

Limerick 3 

A fish who forgot how to swim 

Wanted to practise where it was dim 

He found a dark cave 

And gave his fins a long wave 

And—that was the end of him! 

Limerick 2 

A young lady called Loretta Link 

Found a frog in her kitchen sink 

She tried to pick it up 

With the help of a cup 

But all the frog did was wink! 



Display Copy 

Limerick 4 

There once was a man from France 

Who couldn’t fit into his pants 

He lost lots of weight 

Eating things he did hate 

And doing all kinds of dance! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Limerick 3, what does the word dim mean? 

(a) deep 

(b) flat 

(c) dark 

In Limerick 4, which two words rhyme? 

(a) cave and wave 

(b) up and cup 

(c) weight and hate 

What happened first in Limerick 1? 

(a) The bear paid for the honey. 

(b) The bear went to the store. 

(c) The bear put honey in his shopping trolley. 

The main idea of Limerick 2 is that frogs: 

(a) are hard to catch. 

(b) like to wink. 

(c) live in sinks. 

What do you think happened to the fish in 

Limerick 3? 

(a) He got tired of practising how to swim. 

(b) He went fishing. 

(c) He was eaten. 

In Limerick 1, the word him means: 

(a) Sunny. 

(b) the money. 

(c) the honey. 



Display Copy 

Something 

extra 

H Write a list of simple 

rhyming words. 

H Use them to make up your 

own limerick using the 

same rhyming pattern.

Lime 6 

It’s not what really happened! 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

I am the spider in the nursery rhyme 

‘Little Miss Muffet’. I want to tell you what 

really happened that day. As you know, 

this is how the rhyme goes: 

Little Miss Muffet 

Sat on a tuffet 

Eating her curds and whey 

Along came a spider 

And sat down beside her 

And frightened Miss Muffet away! 

Most people believe I was mean. They 

think I was hiding in my web in the bushes 

waiting for someone or some creature to 

come along and to scare them. But I wasn’t 

planning to scare anyone or anything. 

Art: 

pic 

of 

Miss Muffet on tuffet with 

spider next to her and knocking bowl of 

curds and whey off in fright 

That morning, I was in my web looking 

out at the meadow. I saw Little Miss Muffet 

walking along carrying a bowl of food. She sat down on a tuffet below 

me and began to eat her curds and whey. 



Display Copy 

I felt lonely and thought she would be nice to talk to. I gently lowered 

myself down by a silk thread and politely said ‘Hello’ to her. She turned 

around, took one look at me and screamed! Then she jumped up, 

spilt her curds and whey everywhere and ran away! 

6 

7 

Some people also say I scared her so I could eat her curds and whey. 

When her bowl tipped up, some curds and whey landed on me. I had 

to scrape them all off. I wasn’t eating them. I don’t like curds and whey. 

I prefer juicy insects that land on my web. 

I hope Miss Muffet understands what really happened that day and 

that I didn’t mean to scare her. Perhaps she might even visit me! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 6, the word prefer means: 

(a) taste. 

(b) like better. 

(c) eat more. 

What was the spider doing when Miss Muffet came into the meadow? 

(a) hiding in the bushes 

(b) sitting on the tuffet 

(c) looking out from his web 

What happened before Miss Muffet screamed? 

(a) The spider wiped away the curds and whey. 

(b) The spider went down his silk thread. 

(c) Miss Muffet ran away. 

Why did the spider go down his web? 

(a) to scare Miss Muffet 

(b) to eat Miss Muffet’s curds and whey 

(c) to talk to Miss Muffet 

Which statement is a fact? 

(a) Spiders eat insects. 

(b) Spiders are horrible creatures. 

(c) Spiders are mean. 

In Paragraph 6, what does them mean? 

(a) insects 

(b) curds and whey 

(c) spiders 



Display Copy 


H Imagine that Miss Muffet 

has read the spider’s 

story about what really 

happened. Write what 

she might think about 

the spider now.

Lime 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The Earth’s slowest mammal 

The sloth is the slowest mammal 

on Earth. Even a snail or a tortoise 

moves more than a sloth! 

Sloths live in tropical rainforests in 

South America. Some have three 

toes and others have two toes. The 

sloths with three toes move even 

slower than those with two toes! 

Sloths spend most of their time 

hanging upside down from tree 

branches. They use their strong claws to grip onto the branches. Sloths 

eat, sleep and have babies hanging upside down! 

They can sleep between 15 and 20 hours a day. Even when they are 

awake, sloths hardly move. They eat mostly at night. Sloths are plant 

eaters and enjoy leaves, juicy young shoots and fruit. 

Sloths are about the size of a large cat. They have thick, brown fur with a 

greenish covering over it. This is a plant called ‘algae’. It is useful to sloths. 

The greenish colour of the algae helps them hide among the leaves. 

Sloths also lick the algae off their fur for food. 

6 

These animals seldom come down 

to the ground. When they do, their 

long claws make it hard to walk. 

Their weak back legs mean they 

can’t stand up straight. They drag 

themselves along the ground using 

their strong front legs and claws. 



Display Copy 

7 

The main enemies of sloths are 

jaguars, eagles and large snakes. 

Sloths are hard to find in the trees 

because they hardly move and 

have green algae on their fur. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 1 In Paragraph 6, the word seldom means: 

(a) never. 

(b) hardly ever. 

(c) always. 

2. 2 Which animal moves the slowest? 

(a) three-toed sloth 

(b) two-toed sloth 

(c) snail 

3. 3 If you see a sloth dragging itself, 

it will be: 

(a) hanging in a tree. 

(b) sleeping in a tree. 

(c) on the ground. 

4. 4 Which paragraph best explains how sloths 

protect themselves from their enemies? 




5. 5 Why don’t sloths fall out of trees? 

(a) They hang upside down. 

(b) They use their claws to grip. 

(c) They get stuck in the branches. 

6. 6 In Paragraph 3, the word they means: 

(a) branches. 

(b) claws. 

(c) sloths. 



Display Copy 


H Write six words that 

begin with ‘sl-’, as in 

sloth. 


other animals that 

move slowly.

Lime 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Invisible paint 

This morning, I was looking behind our back 

shed. There, under an old plastic sheet, was 

a pile of paint tins. One of them caught my 

eye. It said: INVISIBLE PAINT. 

Of course, I had to open it. To my 

surprise it looked like water! I stared 

at it for a couple of minutes. Then I 

slowly dipped my finger in it. My finger 

disappeared! 

Wow! How exciting! If I painted myself all over, I would 

become invisible! I quickly spread paint all over myself. 

The first person I saw was my older sister. I poked my tongue out at her. She 

didn’t even blink. I danced around her, making the most horrible faces. It 

was so much fun. 

Next, I went into the kitchen. Mum was taking a batch of chocolate 

cupcakes out of the oven. I took two and ate them right in front of her. They 

were still warm. Yum! 

Then I saw Dad watching the football on television. I picked up the remote 

control and switched channels. He looked around but couldn’t see anyone. 

He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. I turned it back to the sports 

channel. He sat there, looking puzzled. 



Display Copy 

7 

8 

Barkly, our dog, was harder to trick. I threw 

his ball to him and ran away. But he always 

seemed to know where I was. He’d come 

and drop the ball at my feet each time. 

Perhaps his nose helped him! 

Suddenly, it began to rain. I looked down 

and saw all the invisible paint wash off. I 

hoped there would be enough left in the tin 

for another time! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

In Paragraph 5, what does the word batch means: 

(a) a number of things. 

(b) patch. 

(c) packet. 

2. 2 Which paragraph explains what the boy did to his dad? 




3. 3 What happened before the boy spread paint all over himself? 

(a) He ate two cupcakes. 

(b) He poked his tongue out at his sister. 

(c) He dipped his finger in the paint. 

4. 4 Barkly seemed to know where the boy was because: 

(a) he could hear him. 

(b) he could see him. 

(c) he could smell him. 

5. 5 If it hadn’t rained, the boy could have become visible again by: 

(a) putting on the paint. 

(b) having a shower. 

(c) counting to ten. 

6. 6 In Paragraph 7, the 

word him means: 

(a) the boy. 

(b) Barkly. 

(c) Dad. 



Display Copy 


H List some things you 

would do if you could 

become invisible.

Lime 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Hiccup! Hiccup! Hiccup! 

Hiccup! Hic! Hic! Excuse me! I know we say 

‘Excuse me!’ when we hiccup. But why do 

we hiccup? 

Put your hands at the bottom of your chest. 

Take a deep breath in and then out. You will 

feel a muscle moving as you breathe in and 

out. It is called the diaphragm (die-a-fram). 

Usually the diaphragm works as it should do. It 

helps to pull air into our lungs and push air out of them again. 

It moves smoothly. 

Sometimes, something happens and the diaphragm does not move 

so smoothly. It moves in a jerky way. The air we breathe out makes a 

hiccup sound. 

This usually happens because we have eaten something too quickly 

or eaten something rich. Hiccups nearly always last just a few minutes. 

However, some people have been known to have them for a few days, 

a few weeks or even years! 

There are several things people do to try to get rid of their hiccups. 

Some people drink sips of water while holding their breath. Others take 

deep breaths in and out of a paper bag. 



Display Copy 

Another way to get rid of hiccups is to say ‘Boo!’ to someone when he 

or she isn’t expecting it. It makes the person take a sudden breath in 

and often fixes the hiccups! 

BOO! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word jerky in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) burpy. 

(b) soft. 

(c) jumpy. 

Where is your diaphragm? 

(a) in your lungs 

(b) at the bottom of your chest 

(c) at the top of your chest 

Saying ‘Boo!’ to people fixes their 

hiccups because it makes them: 

(a) happy. 

(b) take a sudden breath. 

(c) scared. 


(a) why we get hiccups. 

(b) what to do when we get hiccups. 

(c) what we say when we hiccup. 

Which is true? 

(a) Hiccups always last a long time. 

(b) If you eat you will get hiccups. 

(c) The diaphragm helps us breathe. 

In Paragraph 3, the word them means: 

(a) the diaphragm. 

(b) the lungs. 

(c) hiccups. 

Something 

extra 



Display Copy 

H Write another way 

people try to get 

rid of the hiccups. 

H The word ‘hiccup’ 

has six letters. 

Write six more 

words that have 

six letters. 

TOM 

SAU

Lime 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

issun-Boshi, the tiny boy 

Long ago in Japan, there lived a man and his wife. They wished they 

had a child of their own. They wanted a child so much that they didn’t 

even mind if the child was tiny. 

One day, their wish was granted. They were given a tiny boy who was 

only three centimetres tall. They named him Issun-Boshi, which meant 

‘tiny boy’. 

Issun-Boshi lived a happy life with his parents. However, as he grew older 

he stayed the same size. Even though he was so small, he decided to 

see the world. His parents gave him some things to help him. His mother 

gave him a soup bowl he could use as a boat and some chopsticks for 

oars. His father gave him a sewing needle he could use as a sword to 

protect himself. 

When he reached the city he looked for a job. A nobleman thought 

he would make a good servant for his daughter. She was an attractive 

princess. Issun-Boshi and the princess became good friends. 

One day, they were walking back from visiting a temple. Suddenly, 

a large green ogre jumped out at them. The ogre wanted to kidnap 

the princess. But Issun-Boshi quickly climbed up to the ogre’s mouth 

and stabbed him in the tongue 

with his needle. The ogre ran away, 

screaming in pain. 



Display Copy 

The princess was saved! She shut her 

eyes tight and made a wish. ‘I wish 

for my brave friend Issun-Boshi to 

grow tall.’ She opened her eyes and 

looked at her friend. Slowly Issun- 

Boshi grew as tall as a man. 

Issun-Boshi and the princess were 

married and lived happily together 

for the rest of their lives. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 5, the word ogre means: 

(a) an old man. 

(b) an evil giant. 

(c) an owl. 

What three things did his parents give him? 

(a) bowl, spoon, needle 

(b) bowl, chopsticks, knife 

(c) bowl, chopsticks, needle 

Which paragraph explains how Issun-Boshi 

became tall? 




What happened before Issun-Boshi 

stabbed the ogre? 

(a) The ogre jumped out at them. 

(b) The ogre ran away screaming. 

(c) The princess made a wish. 

Which word best describes Issun-Boshi? 

(a) clever 

(b) brave 

(c) happy 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 5, the word him means: 

(a) the ogre. 

(b) a needle. 

(c) Issun-Boshi. 

SOMETHING EXTRA 


the ogre looked like. 

H Make a list of other 

words that mean the 

same as ‘tiny’.

Grey 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

Rainbows in the sky 

The light we get from the sun is not just white. It is made up of many 

different colours. We can see them each time we look up at a rainbow 

in the sky. 

A rainbow is an arc of these different colours. It appears in the sky on a 

rainy day when the sun bursts through the clouds. 

A rainbow is formed when the sun shines through the raindrops in the 

rain clouds. As it passes through the raindrops, the white sunlight is split 

into the colours red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo (deep blue) 

and violet (purple). 

If you shine the light from a torch through 

a glass prism, the prism acts in the 

same way as a raindrop. It also splits the 

torchlight into the colours of the rainbow. 

Next time you look at a rainbow, notice 

where the sun is. You will find that you 

can only see a rainbow in the sky when 

the sun is behind you. 



Display Copy 

The colours of the rainbow are always in the same order. The red is on 

the outside of the arc and the violet is on the inside. 

Sometimes, a second, faint rainbow can be seen in the sky. The colours 

of this rainbow are reversed with red on the inside and violet on the 

outside. 

Have you heard the old story that says if you go to the end of a 

rainbow and dig there, you will find a pot of buried gold? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word arc in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) a string of colours. 

(b) part of a circle. 

(c) a boat. 

A rainbow is formed when the sun 

shines through: 

(a) raindrops. 

(b) rain. 

(c) the sky. 

For a rainbow to form, there must be: 

(a) sunshine and rain. 

(b) sunshine and rain clouds. 

(c) clouds and rain. 

If the sun is in front of you, a rainbow 

can 

be seen. 

(a) sometimes 

(b) always 

(c) never 

In a second rainbow, the order of 

the colours is: 

(a) the same. 

(b) backwards. 

(c) all jumbled up. 

In Paragraph 1, the word it means: 

(a) the colours. 

(b) white. 

(c) the light. 



Display Copy 


H Write the colours of the 

rainbow in order from red 

to violet. 

H Write as many words as 

you can from the letters in 

the word ‘rainbow’.

Grey 2 

Slugs 

and snails 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Slugs and snails belong to a group of 

creatures called molluscs. All molluscs have 

soft bodies. Some of them, like snails, carry a 

shell where they can hide. Other molluscs, like 

squid and octopuses, do not have shells. 

Slugs and snails are also called gastropods. They are given this 

strange name, which means ‘stomach foot’, because under their 

stomach they have just one foot. They use this foot to glide around. 

Slime is squeezed out of their foot. This makes it easier for them to 

move. They just glide along on their slime as they move across the 

ground. They also use it when they climb on fences and plants. 

Gastropods are not very popular with farmers and gardeners because 

they feed mostly on plants. They may not be very big but they can eat 

a lot and they have lots of friends to help them. Gastropods’ tongues 

are a bit like cheese graters, scraping food off the plants in the small 

pieces they like to eat. 



Display Copy 

Slugs and snails like warm and damp environments. If it gets too 

dry for them, they can use dried slime to stick themselves to a hard 

surface. They just stay there until it becomes damp again and then 

they move on. 

6 

Even if you do not see any slugs or snails in your garden, you can tell if 

they have visited. They leave trails of dried slime on paths and fences 

and trails of destruction through your flowerbeds. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

Red 2 

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word gastropod means: 

(a) carries a shell. 

(b) soft body. 

(c) stomach foot. 

The gastropod’s slime comes from its: 

(a) stomach. 

(b) foot. 

(c) head. 

Slugs stick themselves to walls when: 

(a) it is too dry. 

(b) they are tired. 

(c) they have eaten too much. 

A snail is different from a slug 

because it has: 

(a) a bigger foot. 

(b) a shell. 

(c) more slime. 

It is a fact that slugs and snails are: 

(a) revolting. 

(b) not popular with farmers and 

gardeners. 

(c) gastropods. 


(a) slugs and snails. 

(b) damp environments. 

(c) hard surfaces. 



Display Copy 


H Write as many words 

as you can from the 

letters in ‘gastropod’. 


slug and a snail.

Card 93 

Grey 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Moths and butterflies are insects. So, like all insects, they have three 

body parts and six legs. Although there are many other things about 

them that are the same, there are many differences between them too. 

Each of these insects has two pairs of wings. These are covered with 

tiny scales that overlap like tiles on a roof. Their wings are attached to 

the middle part of their body, which is called the thorax. 

Both moths and butterflies have a mouth, eyes and antennae which 

are attached to its head. These insects also have a very long tongue 

called a proboscis. They use this tongue to drink the nectar they 

enjoy from flowers. They have big eyes that help them see in different 

directions. Their feelers, called antennae, are used for balance and to 

detect smells. 



Display Copy 

Some people confuse moths and butterflies but there are a few ways 

to tell the difference between the two insects. Moths fly mostly at night, 

while butterflies are seen during the day. When it is resting, the wings of 

a moth lie flat, but on a butterfly they stand up. If you look closely, you 

can see that a butterfly has lumps at the end of its feelers but a moth 

doesn’t. 

It is thought that moths use the light of the moon to help them fly in 

the night sky. But other lights affect their flying skills and confuse them. 

You can often see them dancing around a light at night and going 

nowhere. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 3, the word detect 

means to: 

(a) collect. 

(b) get rid of. 

(c) find. 

The wings of moths and 

butterflies are attached to the: 

(a) thorax. 

(b) antennae. 

(c) proboscis. 

Paragraph 4 explains how moths 

and butterflies: 

(a) eat. 

(b) fly. 

(c) are different. 

Moths dance around lights 

because they: 

(a) like dancing. 

(b) are cold. 

(c) are confused. 

Which is true? When resting: 

(a) a moth’s wings stand up. 

(b) a butterfly’s wings stand up. 

(c) moths’ and butterflies’ wings stand up. 


(a) a moth’s wings. 

(b) a butterfly’s wings. 

(c) lumps. 



Display Copy 

H Find the names 

of three types of 

butterfly. 

H Draw and colour 

a picture of one of 

them.

Grey 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

First trip to 

the movies 

Zoe and Brad were remembering back to when Uncle Rob had taken 

them to their first movie. Their friends at school had been loads of times, 

but for the twins, this was a first. 

As they arrived, Zoe cried out, ‘Smell that popcorn! Please may we have 

some, Uncle Rob?’ He smiled at their excited faces. How could he refuse 

them? 

The children ran down the long line of doors, each leading to a cinema 

showing a different movie. Their door was the last one on the left. As they 

walked through it, they fell silent. 

‘It’s so dark in here! How will we find our way in?’ asked Brad. They 

walked very slowly up the short, dark passage. When they reached 

the end and turned the corner, they could just see the huge curtains 

covering the screen and the seats set out in rows. Dim lights helped 

them to find their way in and to choose their seats. 



Display Copy 

Suddenly, they were in darkness again and they heard a swish as 

the giant curtains opened. Music started and the children stared in 

amazement as adverts for fast foods and new movies appeared on the 

screen and shouted at them from large speakers all around the cinema. 

6 

7 

Then the lights came on and the curtains closed. The twins were 

confused. Seconds later, it was dark again and they heard the curtains 

swish open once more. 

‘At last!’ laughed Zoe and Brad together. ‘Our first movie!’ 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 6, the word confused means the children didn’t know: 

(a) where they were. 

(b) who they were with. 

(c) what was happening. 

The door leading to the 

children’s cinema was the: 

(a) first on the right. 

(b) last on the left. 

(c) first on the left. 

The children bought popcorn: 

(a) before the movie. 

(b) after the movie. 

(c) during the movie. 

Which word in Paragraph 5 

means that the sound from the 

speakers was loud? 

(a) shouted 

(b) large 

(c) all around 



Display Copy 

The children thought their trip to the 

movies was: 

(a) okay. 

(b) dull. 

(c) exciting. 


(a) their faces. 

(b) the children. 

(c) popcorn. 


H Write phrases to 

describe your 

feelings about the 

cinema. 

H Write all the verbs 

ending in ‘-ed’. How 

many can you find?

Learn about the library 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Grey 5 

A library is a wonderful place to spend some time—rows and rows of 

books about everything you could think of and about things you’ve 

never even heard of, too. 

Not everything in the library is suitable or interesting for children and 

you won’t be able to read and understand all the books there yet. But 

all libraries have an excellent children’s section filled with fiction and 

nonfiction for all ages and interests. 

To use a library, you must be a member. It’s often free to join but an 

adult has to go with you and give some information before you can 

get your card. You will be told how many books, DVDs, CDs and CD- 

ROMs you may borrow each time you visit. 



Display Copy 

It is very important for the library to keep track of where things are. 

When you have made your choices, the librarian will scan the 

barcode on your card and on all the things you want to borrow. The 

computer then has a record of what you have taken. 

The librarian will give you a bookmark with a date stamped on it. This 

tells you when the books should be returned. You may borrow them for 

longer if you want to but you will need to ask the librarian so the return 

date on the library computer can be changed. 

Libraries often plan special events to show children how much fun they 

can have with books and to encourage them to use the library. Why 

not check out your local library! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, the word scan means: 

(a) to write on. 

(b) to read. 

(c) look at. 

To keep a record of what you have 

borrowed, the librarian scans: 

(a) the books. 

(b) your library card. 

(c) your library card and the books. 


(a) what you can borrow. 

(b) what happens if you 

don’t return the books. 

(c) returning books. 

The text is telling you: 

(a) what libraries are. 

(b) about libraries and how 

to use them. 

(c) about borrowing books. 

It is a fact, not an opinion, 

that libraries are: 

(a) often free. 

(b) wonderful places. 

(c) dull places. 


(a) libraries. 

(b) the books. 

(c) children. 



Display Copy 


H Make a paper 

bookworm with six 

segments. Write the 

title and author of a 

favourite book on 

each segment. 

H Write all the words you 

can make from the 

letters in ‘libraries’.

Grey 6 

Tall poppies 

1 

flower buds 

4 

The poppy is a beautiful tall plant 

with a single flower at the top of 

each stem. Poppies come in many 

colours, including white, pink, yellow, 

orange, red and blue. Many poppies 

have dark centre markings. The most 

popular is the deep red corn poppy. 

seed sprout 

flowering plants 

closed pods 

seeds fly out of 

open pods 

Poppies are wildflowers that grow well in soil 

that is often disturbed. In the battlefields of the 

First World War, corn poppies grew very well. The 

soil there had been dug up by soldiers building 

trenches, tanks driving over the ground and by 

shells exploding on the land. 

2 

3 

When the petals fall from a 

poppy flower, a round seed 

pod is left at the end of the 

stem. When it is ripe and ready 

to release its seeds, the top of 

the pod opens. 

As the stems sway in the 

wind, the seeds fly out of the 

pod. They are carried on the 

breeze and if they land in a 

good place they begin to 

form a new plant. 



Display Copy 

5 

Since then, poppies have been a symbol of 

remembrance for people who died fighting in 

a war. A poppy is often worn on Remembrance 

Day, 11 November. On this day, people around 

the world remember and honour those who 

fought or served in their country’s wars. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 1, the word single means: 

(a) one. 

(b) without a husband. 

(c) lonely. 

Poppy seeds form in the: 

(a) flower. 

(b) pod. 

(c) stem. 


(a) what it was like on the battlefields. 

(b) why the poppies grew well on the 

battlefields. 

(c) how the soil on the battlefields 

was dug up. 

In the life cycle of the poppy: 

(a) seeds are released from the pod 

before the petals fall. 

(b) the pod opens before the seeds 

are released. 

(c) the petals fall after the pod opens. 



Display Copy 

After the pod opens, a very strong 

breeze would: 

(a) scatter the seeds far and wide. 

(b) scatter a few seeds close by. 

(c) destroy the plant. 


(a) a flower. 

(b) petals. 

(c) the pod. 


H Draw the life cycle of 

the poppy. Label and 

colour your picture. 

H Write four sentences 

about poppies. Start 

each line with ‘Poppies 

are …’

Red 7 

Grey 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Pirates ahoy! 

No wonder we all love the 

excitement and adventure of 

pirate stories. Imagine sailing the 

high seas with a band of tattooed 

rascals, searching for ships to 

plunder! It would have been a 

dangerous and exciting life. 

A pirate was a scary looking fellow. 

On his head, a pirate wore a scarf 

to protect himself from the harsh 

sun. Over one eye he may have 

had a patch to hide an ugly scar. 

Many of his teeth might have been 

missing and the ones that were left 

would have been black. Pirates 

didn’t spend much time cleaning 

their teeth! 

No ship was safe from a band of 

pirates. All they wanted was to get 

rich quickly by stealing money and 

treasure. The sight of the Jolly Roger 

flying high on the mast of a pirate 

ship put fear into anyone travelling 

across the high seas. 



Display Copy 

In many stories, pirates stored their 

stolen goods in large, wooden treasure chests. They used big iron keys 

and heavy iron locks to keep their loot safe from other pirates. Many of 

them stole from each other. 

Sometimes, they buried their chests on an island and drew a map 

where ‘X’ marked the spot of the buried treasure. Other pirates would 

commit terrible crimes to get the map of the island. There are many 

stories about pirates’ adventures trying to find buried treasure. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 1, the word plunder means: 

(a) find. 

(b) sink. 

(c) to rob. 

A pirate would have worn an eye patch to: 

(a) cover up an injury. 

(b) shade his eye from the sun. 

(c) look fancy. 

The last paragraph describes how some pirates: 

(a) drew maps. 

(b) hid their stolen treasure. 

(c) helped each other. 

Jolly Roger is the name of a: 

(a) pirate flag. 

(b) pirate ship. 

(c) pirate. 

After pirates buried their treasure, they: 

(a) put it in a chest. 

(b) drew a map. 

(c) locked it up. 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 4, the word they 

means the: 

(a) stories. 

(b) treasure chests. 

(c) pirates. 


H Draw a picture of a pirate. 

H Draw a map of an island 

where ‘X’ marks the spot of 

your buried treasure.

Grey 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Newborn kittens are quite 

helpless. They can not see or 

hear because their eyes and 

ears are shut tight. They use 

their sense of smell to find their 

mother. The kittens need her 

because she keeps them warm 

and gives them her special milk. 

For the first two weeks, kittens just drink, sleep and grow. By the end of 

the second week, their eyes start to open and they begin to hear. They 

move around more as their sight and hearing get better. 

In the third week, the kittens’ teeth can be seen and you can hear them 

purr. This is the best time to start handling the little bundles of fur. Always 

wash your hands before and after holding the kittens. Pick them up very 

carefully and stroke them gently. It is best to hold them for just a few 

minutes at a time until they get used to you. 

From now on, kittens grow and develop very quickly. They learn how to 

wash and look after themselves. They play at fighting with other kittens 

in their litter and join in hunting games. 



Display Copy 

Kittens should stay with their mother until they are about twelve weeks 

old. By then, they will be eating solid food and drinking from a bowl. The 

kittens will also have had injections to stop them from getting diseases 

such as cat flu. Now they are ready for the 

outside world and to be given a new home. 

If you have a pet such as a kitten, it is 

important to look after it properly. Take it to 

the vet for regular check-ups, give it the right 

food, a comfortable home and lots of love. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In Paragraph 4, the word litter means: 

(a) something you write. 

(b) rubbish. 

(c) baby brothers and sisters. 

Kittens are ready for a new home 

when they are about: 

(a) three weeks old. 

(b) twelve weeks old. 

(c) two weeks old. 

The second paragraph tells you how: 

(a) kittens change in their first 

two weeks. 

(b) clumsy newborn kittens are. 

(c) lazy newborn kittens are. 

Kittens should not go outside before 

twelve weeks in case they: 

(a) get lost. 

(b) give an infection to other animals. 

(c) pick up an infection. 

The writer thinks you should: 

(a) let a pet look after itself. 

(b) look after a pet properly. 

(c) not have pets at all. 



Display Copy 

6. 

In Paragraph 1, the word she 

means their: 

(a) mother. 

(b) sense of smell. 

(c) owner. 

H Draw a picture of a kitten. 

Write a list of words to describe 

it; e.g. fluffy, cute, purrs. 

H Write a list of names for boy 

and girl kittens.

Grey 9 

How do you make a balloon magic? Read the instructions below and you 

will find out how to give balloons special 

powers that make them seem magical! 


• two different coloured balloons 

• a sheet of coloured paper torn 

into small pieces 

• a spoon • some sugar 

Step 1 Blow up 

the balloons. 

Tie the end 

of each 

balloon with 

a firm knot. 

Step 3 Scatter the pieces of 

coloured paper over a desk. 

Hold a balloon 

just above the 

torn pieces 

of paper. 

They will 

lift up and 

stick to the 

balloon! 

Step 2 Rub each 

balloon hard against 

your shirt or jumper. 

The trick works best if 

you are 

wearing 

something 

made from 

wool. 

Step 4 Sprinkle a spoonful of 

sugar over a desk. 

Hold the other 

balloon just 

above the 

sugar. It too 

will lift up and 

stick to the 

balloon! 



Display Copy 

The balloons became ‘magic’ when you rubbed them against your 

clothes. The rubbing gave the balloons what we call ‘a charge of static 

electricity’. This gives them the power to pick up very light things such as 

paper and sugar and to make them stick. Try the trick on your friends! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

The word scatter in Step 3 means to: 

(a) drop. 

(b) spread. 

(c) crush. 

What material is best to rub 

the balloon against? 

(a) sugar 

(b) paper 

(c) wool 

Which part of the trick happened last? 

(a) the paper stuck to the balloon 

(b) the balloon was rubbed against 

some clothing 

(c) the sugar was sprinkled over the desk 

The balloon could not pick up large 

pieces of paper because they would: 

(a) be too heavy. 

(b) not fit on the desk. 

(c) not look as good as small pieces. 

The balloons need to be tied 

in a firm knot so they will: 

(a) pop. 

(b) stay blown up. 

(c) look magic. 

The word it in Step 4 is 


(a) sugar. 

(b) the balloon. 

(c) the desk. 



Display Copy 

H Draw a bunch of different 

coloured balloons. Write 

words in them that have ‘ll’ or 

‘oo’, like the word ‘balloon’. 

H Draw yourself dressed 

as a magician 

doing a magic trick.

Grey 10 

A river walk 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

If you could take a long 

walk along the bank of a 

river from where it begins 

to where it flows into the 

sea, you would see just how 

much it changes. 

Every river has a source, which 

is the place where it begins. At 

its source, it is small and moves 

quickly, rushing over small rocks 

and bubbling through little stones. 

You may not even realise that it is 

the start of a river as you would be 

able to walk over it in one step. 

As it moves along, the river grows wider 

and you may need stepping stones 

to cross it. Further on, it is even wider 

and it flows more slowly. It is also deeper 

and can have strong currents. These can 

be dangerous so always be careful when 

playing near a riverbank. You wouldn’t want 

to slip and fall in! 



Display Copy 

Parts of a river can be so wide that long bridges are 

needed. They carry people, cars, trains and other vehicles from 

one side of the river to the other. 

Your walk along the river may take you through beautiful countryside 

and interesting towns. Unfortunately, you may also see ugly places 

where there are lots of factories and dirty smoke rising into the sky. You 

would see lots of people using the river for work and for fun. 

Some say a river is like a person. When it is young, it is small and active. 

As it gets older and moves towards its end, it flows more slowly—just like 

people do! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

In Paragraph 2, the word source means: 

(a) beginning. 

(b) place. 

(c) ketchup. 

Which sentence is a fact, not an opinion? 

(a) The life of a river is very interesting. 

(b) Rivers are used by lots of people. 

(c) Rivers are beautiful. 

The writer says playing on a river bank 

can be dangerous because: 

(a) you may cut yourself on stones. 

(b) the fish may attack you. 

(c) you may slip and fall in and strong 

currents can sweep you away. 

Bridges are built across rivers: 

(a) because they are too wide 

to step across. 

(b) to carry people and 

transport across them. 

(c) because they look nice. 



Display Copy 

The text is about how: 

(a) much fun we can have on rivers. 

(b) important rivers are. 

(c) rivers grow and change. 


(a) bridges. 

(b) people. 

(c) trains. 

Something 

extra 


river from beginning to 

end. Add some natural 

and built features. 

H Write a list of fun things 

you could do on a 

river.

Pink 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Mighty moose 

In North America, the largest member of the deer family is the moose. 

Male moose have huge antlers which can grow up to two metres 

across. The older ones drop them in winter to conserve energy and 

grow a new set in spring. 

These large animals can be light brown in colour through to a dusty 

black and can be as heavy as you and your whole class. They have 

a long nose, a drooping lip, a hump at their shoulder and a short tail. 

There is a flap of skin, called a bell, under their throat. 

Moose live in forests with swamps and streams nearby and where 

there is deep snow in winter. They have long skinny legs which help 

them to move quickly and get through the snow. Their wide hooves 

have two toes that can spread out and stop them from sinking or 

getting stuck in very wet ground. 



Display Copy 

Their thick shaggy fur keeps them warm. Sometimes they make a bed 

in the snow to protect themselves from the cold wind. They like to eat 

from leafy trees and to rest by leaning against them. 

Moose have few enemies but are attacked by packs of wolves. Grizzly 

bears enjoy eating moose and often take over a wolf pack’s kill. 

Many moose are hit by cars. This usually kills them and the people in 

the cars too. Fences and moose warning signs have been put up on 

busy roads to try to protect moose and motorists. 

R.I.C. R.I.C. Publications ® ® 

Comprehension box 1 (101) 

www.ricpublications.com.au 

Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Moose have wide hooves with two toes so they can: 

(a) reach high plants. 

(b) not get stuck in wet ground. 

(c) run fast. 

Moose make a bed in the snow because they: 

(a) need to sleep. (b) like playing. (c) feel cold. 

Which moose have antlers? 

(a) females (b) males (c) both 

Wolves and grizzly bears are similar because they: 

(a) eat moose. 

(b) hunt moose. 

(c) are the same size. 

The word conserve in 


(a) save. 

(b) show. 

(c) make. 

Moose live where it is: 

(a) hot. (b) cold. (c) dry. 

Which statement is an opinion and not a fact? 

(a) Moose are attacked by wolves. 

(b) Wolves are stronger than bears. 

(c) Grizzly bears eat moose. 

The word them in Paragraph 1 is 


(a) the moose. 

(b) their antlers. 

(c) spring. 



Display Copy 


H Design a moose 

warning sign. 

H Draw a moose and 

label its different parts.

Pink 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

You’ll never guess what I did today! I still can’t believe that it really 

happened. It was fantastic! I had a ride in a hot-air balloon. 

This term, every class at our school has been learning all about flight. 

The library is full of books about flight and our classrooms have pictures, 

flight stories and poems pinned up for everyone to read. 

A pilot even came to our school to talk to us about aeroplanes, airports 

and flying. It was really great! 

Last week we all went to the airport and saw lots of interesting things, 

but our teachers saved the best for today: a hot-air balloon! 



Display Copy 

When I arrived at school, there it was on the school grounds. It looked 

so big and beautiful floating there. The balloon was really colourful and 

there was a basket under it with ropes so it couldn’t float off. 

The whole school watched while some teachers climbed into the 

basket with the pilot. We were allowed to hold onto the ropes as the gas 

fire under the balloon pushed hot air into the balloon. It slowly rose into 

the sky. 

After it landed I just couldn’t believe it—Mrs Reid chose me to have a 

go! It was very noisy and a bit scary but I loved it. I wished we could just 

float away instead of coming back down to the school. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What caused the balloon to rise? 

(a) the ropes (b) the hot air (c) the wind 

Why did a pilot come to speak to the 

students at the school? 

(a) He wanted to see their work. 

(b) His children went to the school. 

(c) The school was learning about flight. 

The main idea in Paragraph 2 is the whole 

school was learning about: 

(a) drawing pictures. 

(b) writing poems. 

(c) flight. 

What happened after the teachers climbed into the basket? 

(a) It went up. (b) They got in. (c) It came down. 

The word rose in Paragraph 6 means: 

(a) went up. (b) a flower. (c) went down. 

The writer is probably: 

(a) interested in flight. 

(b) bored. 

(c) good at drawing. 

After the writer leaves school, 

he or she may want to: 

(a) become a teacher. 

(b) learn to fly. 

(c) become a writer. 


(a) the school. 

(b) the balloon. 

(c) the ropes. 

H Make a list of things 

you could see if you 

went up in a hot-air 

balloon from your 

school. 

H Draw and colour a 

hot-air balloon. 



Display Copy

Pink 3 

This is how Indigenous Australians 

make their unique musical 

instrument, using a tree trunk 

hollowed out by insects. 

1 Walk into the bush. 

2 Look for a tree trunk that is the right size. 

3 Peel back some bark. 

4 Tap tree trunk and listen for hollow sound. 

5 Cut the tree trunk if it is hollow. 



Display Copy 

6 Collect some poking sticks. 

7 Use sticks to poke out termites and bits and pieces. 

8 Remove more bits and pieces by banging it on a log. 

9 Carve and shape outside of didgeridoo. 

10 Cut didgeridoo to the length that makes the best sound. 

11 Paint pattern on didgeridoo. 

12 Play and enjoy the instrument. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What caused the tree trunks to become hollow? 

(a) water (b) insects (c) They grow that way. 

Because they want their didgeridoos 

to look good, they: 

(a) add decorations. 

(b) choose good trees. 

(c) test for sound. 

After the bark is peeled back, 

what happens next? 

(a) Sticks are collected. 

(b) Sound is tested. 

(c) Trunk is tapped. 

They tap the tree trunk because 

they are trying to find: 

(a) termites. 

(b) a hollow trunk. 

(c) food. 

The word termites in Step 7 means: 

(a) an insect that destroys wood. 

(b) an insect that bites. 

(c) something that happens every term. 

They know how to make a didgeridoo the right length by the way it: 

(a) looks. (b) sounds. (c) feels. 

To make a good didgeridoo, Indigenous Australians need to: 

(a) be good musicians. 

(b) do each step in the correct order. 

(c) be clever. 

The word it in Step 8 is used instead of the: 

(a) stick. (b) termites. (c) tree trunk. 

H Draw and decorate 

a didgeridoo. 

H Listen to some 

didgeridoo music. 



Display Copy

Pink 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Bring 

back 

writing 

slates 

Ladies and gentlemen 

I think it is time we tried to save our planet and one way to do this is to 

bring writing slates back into our schools. 

Some of you won’t even know what a writing slate is. I suggest you talk to 

your grandparents because some of them used slates when they were at 

school. It is now time for your children to use slates, too. 

Years ago, children liked slates for a number of different reasons. If they 

made a mistake it was easy to change it. Also, they didn’t need to keep 

sharpening their pencils. This saved a lot of time, more trees and meant 

less mess as well. 



Display Copy 

You only need to walk into any school and look around it. There is paper 

everywhere. Think of all the beautiful trees that were cut down to make all 

that paper. 

Think about where most of the paper eventually ends up. That’s right, in 

the rubbish bins at school or at home. 

I know that some of you will protest and say that you recycle paper in 

your schools and in your homes as well. That’s great, but it takes energy 

to recycle paper and it would be much better if we didn’t use so much of 

it in the first place. 

So please, join me by encouraging schools to use slates again and help 

us to save the planet. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

The speaker wants slates used in schools again because: 

(a) they are fun. 

(b) it will save trees. 

(c) they’re easy to use. 

The speaker wants children to find out about slates by: 

(a) asking old people. 

(b) reading. 

(c) using one. 

Which statement is a fact? 

(a) Most paper ends up in rubbish bins. 

(b) Your grandparents liked using slates. 

(c) Paper is made from trees. 

Slates and paper are the same because they are: 

(a) white. (b) used for writing. (c) easy to make. 

The word eventually in Paragraph 5 means: 

(a) soon. (b) finally. (c) even. 

The main idea in Paragraph 3 is to explain why slates: 

(a) were popular. (b) were easy to use. (c) saved time. 

The speaker’s reason for speaking was to persuade people to: 

(a) cut down more trees. 

(b) save money. 

(c) use less paper. 



Display Copy 

8. 

The word it in Paragraph 4 


(a) school. 

(b) paper. 

(c) trees. 

Something different 

H Make a list of things that 

are made from trees. 

H Draw ten things made of 

paper.

Pink 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Dear Mrs Jones 

Did you know that Year 3 Red has a class pet? It’s a goldfish named 

‘Chips’. Well, we, the students of Year 3 Blue, would like to get a class pet, 

too. 

We thought a lion would be a great class pet. They are cute and furry, 

just like big kittens, really. 

A lion could help us learn about Africa, because that is where they 

come from. We could also learn a lot about caring for animals if we 

had a class lion. We could measure its growth and the food it eats. We 

could use it for creative writing ideas, weigh the meat it eats and vote 

for things like what to name it. We would learn lots of first aid, too. 



Display Copy 

We think lions can make great pets. They are social and like to be with 

others. They can be quite affectionate and won’t bite too often if we 

feed them enough. They might cost a little bit to buy and feed. But they 

can eat some of the scraps from our school meals. So they can help 

us to reduce the amount of rubbish we make. They don’t smell bad like 

some pets. And a lion could help keep robbers and thieves out of our 

classroom on weekends. 

We hope you can see that a lion would be a great addition to our class, 

and that you will agree to get us one soon! 

Year 3 Blue 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Which word in Paragraph 4 means friendly and loving? 

(a) social (b) great (c) affectionate 

What scraps would lions be most likely to eat? 

(a) cakes (b) fruit and vegetables (c) meat 

Which paragraph explains what lions could teach the class? 

(a) Paragraph 1 (b) Paragraph 3 (c) Paragraph 4 

The main idea of Paragraph 4 is that lions: 

(a) eat scraps. 

(b) don’t cost much. 

(c) can make good class pets. 

Which sentence is an opinion? 

(a) Lions are cute. 

(b) Lions eat meat. 

(c) Lions have fur. 

Where do lions come from? 

(a) South America 

(b) Africa 

(c) Asia 

The writers think a lion might be: 

(a) funny. 

(b) fun. 

(c) a good class pet. 

In Paragraph 3, the word they 


(a) lions. 

(b) a lion. 

(c) animals. 



Display Copy 


H Write what sort of class pet 

you have or would like to 

have. 

H Make a list of the things 

you would need to get to 

look after a lion.

Pink 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Danger on the mountain 

How could something that started out so well have 

changed so quickly? 

When Caleb and his dad had left home 

to spend the weekend climbing Mount 

Reid, it had been a beautifully still 

spring day. They had both felt 

great as they walked along 

munching muesli bars. They 

hardly noticed the heavy packs 

they carried on their backs. 

Their plan was to spend the night 

in the climbers’ hut near the top, 

where there were no phones and no 

people. They would climb up to the 

summit in the morning before making 

their way back down again. 

During the afternoon, it became quite 

dark and the wind was stronger and 

very cold. They put on extra clothes and 

trudged on. It was getting harder and 

harder to move against the wind. Then the 

rain started and it stopped being fun. 



Display Copy 

The ground was wet and very slippery. Dad slid 

across some rocks, twisted his foot and fell. He just sat there, holding 

his leg and moaning. 

Caleb realised Dad couldn’t get up to the hut or get back down 

again. It was dark and they were both cold, wet and miserable. This 

just shouldn’t be happening at this time of year. What could he do? 

He couldn’t leave his dad and if he did, he might get lost. All he could 

do was try to keep Dad as warm, dry and comfortable as he could. 

He dragged open their packs. He was sure it was going to be the 

longest night of his life! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Which season of the year was it? 

(a) winter (b) spring (c) summer 

What happened before Dad fell? 

(a) He slipped. 

(b) He groaned. 

(c) He held his leg. 

What probably happened the next day? 

(a) Dad crawled down the mountain. 

(b) Caleb climbed up to the top and phoned for help. 

(c) After the storm, rescuers came looking for them. 

Dad was moaning because he was: 

(a) cold. (b) in pain. (c) unhappy. 

The word summit in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) the top. (b) added bits. (c) the side. 

What caused Dad to slip? 

(a) He was hurrying. 

(b) It was cold. 

(c) slippery rocks 

Which statement is a fact, 

not an opinion? 

(a) Dad was careless. 



Display Copy 

(b) They were very good climbers. 

(c) The weather changed suddenly. 

8. 

The word he in Paragraph 5 


(a) Dad. 

(b) Caleb. 

(c) the man. 


H Make a list of the 

things you think Caleb 

might have taken in 

his backpack.

Pink 7 

Canteen food – 

Good or bad? 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

What do you think about the food and drinks school canteens sell? Lots 

of the parents, teachers and students at our school have been talking 

about it this week. 

We have a new canteen manager who wants to change things by 

getting rid of everything she thinks is not healthy. She wants to ban soft 

drinks and even some fruit juice packs because they have too much 

sugar. But why? She doesn’t look like she eats healthy food herself. 

Our teacher, Mr Tan, is very cross because he has an ice-cream every 

morning. He says that the milk in it is good for him and the sugar gives 

him the energy to put up with us for the rest of the day. He usually buys 

a pie and chips for lunch. 



Display Copy 

Miss Cody, who is very thin and sporty, thinks that we should all be 

running around at lunch. So she doesn’t think we need a canteen. You 

can see that she lives on carrot sticks, celery and nuts. She wants us all 

to be healthy and to look and feel like sports stars. 

My mum doesn’t let us buy much junk food, but she says that the 

money from the canteen buys books for the school library. Mum is 

worried that if it doesn’t sell as much, we won’t get any new books. 

We’ll just have to wait and see what happens and who wins. But I do 

know it will be impossible to please everyone! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

What does Mr Tan buy every day from the canteen? 

(a) pie and chips (b) an ice-cream (c) milk 

Mum is concerned because: 

(a) the canteen sells junk food. 

(b) Mr Tan eats junk food. 

(c) the school needs the money 

from the canteen. 

The main idea in Paragraph 3 is: 

(a) ice-cream is good. 

(b) Mr Tan is cross. 

(c) Mr Tan likes sugar. 

It is a fact that the new canteen manager: 

(a) looks healthy. 

(b) wants change. 

(c) is popular. 

The word ban in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) put together. (b) stop. (c) make. 

Miss Cody: 

(a) is healthy. (b) hates sport. (c) is fat. 

This text was written: 



Display Copy 

(a) to stop the canteen being changed. 

(b) to discuss canteen changes. 

(c) because the writer wants the canteen to change. 

8. 

The word she in Paragraph 5 


(a) Mum. 

(b) Miss Cody. 

(c) the librarian. 


H Draw and label five healthy 

foods you would like to eat. 

H Circle the one you like best.

Pink 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Are prairie dogs 

really dogs? 

Prairie dogs, which are found on the prairies or grasslands of North 

America, are not anything like dogs. They are a type of rodent and 

belong to the squirrel family. They were called ‘dogs’ because of the 

high barking noise they make. 

When prairie dogs standing on guard see an enemy, they bark to 

warn others about it. Then they run down one of the entrances of their 

burrows as fast as they can. This is a wise move because they are very 

fast over a short distance and can get to safety quickly. Their enemies 

include large birds, snakes, badgers and humans. Prairie dogs have a 

different bark for each one. 

These animals are about 30 cm tall and have round heads, hairy tails 

and short legs. They are a yellowish-brown colour with darker ears 

hidden in their fur and a lighter belly. Their large eyes are on the sides of 

their head. 



Display Copy 

Their burrows, called ‘towns’, have several entrances and side rooms 

where they sleep at night, hibernate in winter and store the grass, seeds 

and leaves they eat. Prairie dogs get all the water they need from this 

food. They also enjoy eating a few insects. 

Prairie dogs are not like other rodents because each year they have 

only one litter of three to five pups. Pups are born blind and hairless and 

only come out of the burrow after six weeks. 

So you can see that they are really not a bit like dogs, are they? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Prairie dogs were called dogs because they: 

(a) look like dogs. (b) sound like dogs. (c) act like dogs. 

Prairie dogs are different from other rodents like mice because they: 

(a) have only one small litter a year. 

(b) can stand up on their back legs. 

(c) live in burrows. 

Prairie dog burrows have more than one entrance: 

(a) to look good. (b) for fresh air. (c) for safety. 

Prairie dogs can see very well because they: 

(a) have two large eyes. (b) are tall. (c) see enemies. 

The word hibernate in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) sleep a long time. 

(b) hide. 

(c) sleep in summer. 

Which statement is a fact, not an opinion? 

(a) Prairie dogs are cute. 

(b) The barking noise they make is strange. 

(c) They eat grass. 

Because prairie dogs get the water they need 

from their food, we know that they: 

(a) don’t drink water. 

(b) like eating. 

(c) drink milk. 

The word it in Paragraph 2 is 


(a) the prairie dog. 

(b) a burrow. 

(c) an enemy. 



Display Copy 



H Do you think a prairie dog 

would be a good pet? 

H Write some instructions 

for looking after a prairie 

dog pet.

Pink 9 


l 1 small tub vanilla ice-cream 

l 4 ice-cream cones 

l 200 g dark chocolate 

l 32 white or pink marshmallows 

l Coloured sweets for decoration 

Instructions 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Melt chocolate in microwave. 

Paint each cone with melted 

chocolate and put aside. 

Place 4 scoops ice-cream on 

waxed paper. 

Stick on hats. 

Decorate faces with sweets 

and place in freezer for 2 

hours. 



Display Copy 

6 

Arrange 8 marshmallows 

on each plate to make the 

clown’s ruffle and decorate 

them with drizzled chocolate 

and sweets. 

7 

8 

9 

Remove from freezer and peel 

off waxed paper. 

Place clowns on plates. 

Eat and enjoy! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

What should you do before you place 

ice-cream scoops on waxed paper? 

(a) Wedge on hats. 

(b) Make ruffles. 

(c) Paint cones. 

The clowns’ ruffles are made with: 

(a) chocolate. 

(b) marshmallows. 

(c) paper. 

The clowns are put back in the freezer to: 

(a) keep them safe. 

(b) stop them melting. 

(c) stop people from eating them. 

Which statement is an opinion? 

(a) The clowns will be delicious to eat. 

(b) The ruffles go around the clowns necks. 

(c) Chocolate melts in a microwave. 

The word ruffle in Step 6 means: 

(a) frill around a neck. (b) head. (c) nose. 



Display Copy 

If you didn’t make sweet eyes for the clowns, they would: 

(a) not be able to see. (b) melt. (c) look strange. 

What causes ice-cream to freeze? 

(a) heat (b) cold (c) cooking 

8. 8 The word them in Step 6 


(a) plates. 

(b) sweets. 

(c) clowns’ ruffles. 

H Draw a picture to show how 

you would decorate an icecream 

clown if you made one. 

H Make a list of the sweets you 

would use to do this.

Pink 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The first sandwich 

You know what a sandwich is, but do you know how it got its name? 

This explanation, which may or may not be true, is said to have 

happened in England in 1762. 

A man called John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was enjoying 

playing cards with some friends. He was feeling hungry, but he didn’t 

want to stop playing cards to eat. Calling a waiter over, he asked for a 

slice of roast beef between two thick slices of bread. When he ate the 

meat like this, his fingers didn’t get greasy. This made him very happy. 



Display Copy 

Some of the men who were playing cards with him saw what he was 

eating. They probably said something like this to the waiter: ‘I would 

like what Sandwich is having’. They tried one and decided that it was a 

great way to eat meat and play cards at the same time. So they kept 

requesting it. 

After some time, they just started asking the waiter for a ‘sandwich’. The 

name became very popular. It is now used all over the world. 

The Earl of Sandwich is also remembered because the Sandwich 

Islands, which are now called Hawaii, were named after him by 

Captain James Cook. He had given Captain Cook money to pay for 

his long journeys and it was Cook’s way of saying thank you. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. What did the Earl of Sandwich want between the bread? 

(a) lamb (b) salad (c) beef 

2. The main idea in Paragraph 3 is: 

(a) the men were talking to the waiter. 

(b) the Earl of Sandwich’s friends copied him. 

(c) they enjoyed playing cards. 

3. What happened first? 

(a) The men wanted what the Earl was eating. 

(b) The Earl ordered meat between slices of bread. 

(c) The men were playing cards. 

4. The Earl didn’t want greasy fingers because he didn’t want: 

(a) greasy cards. (b) to wash them. (c) to feel them. 

5. The word requesting in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) asking for. (b) explaining. (c) telling about. 

66. 

What would cause the Earl’s fingers 

to become greasy? 

7. 

(a) the bread 

(b) the meat 

(c) the cards 

The Earl: 

(a) loved cards. 

(b) was greedy. 

(c) worked hard. 



Display Copy 

8. 



(a) an explanation. 

(b) the name. 

(c) the sandwich. 


H Make a list of the things you 

like to have in a sandwich. 

H Draw a picture of it.

Lemon 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Laszlo Biro’s 

invention 

You have probably heard the word biro , but do you know that it is the 

name of the man who invented the ballpoint pens we use today? 

Laszlo Biro, who was working for a newspaper in Hungary, noticed how 

quickly the ink they used to print newspapers dried on the paper and 

that it didn’t smudge. He thought it was so much better than the Indian 

ink they used in fountain pens, which was so messy that people often 

had to use blotting paper. 

He tried the newspaper ink in a fountain pen, but it wouldn’t flow into 

the tip of the pen. So he decided to try to make a pen that could use a 

quick-drying ink. 

Working with his brother, George, who was a chemist, he tried using a 

small metal ball that rolled around at the end of a tube of thicker 

quick-drying ink. It worked! 



Display Copy 

The metal ball acted like a cap and stopped the ink from drying out. 

But when the pen was being used, it rolled around and let the ink flow 

onto the paper at an even rate. 

During World War II, crews in the Royal Air Force tried using biros. They 

worked so well in the air and on the ground that the British government 

decided to buy them. They soon became very popular. 

Today, millions of these pens are made each day around the world, 

but there are different names on them because Laszlo Biro sold his 

invention. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What was Laszlo Biro’s brother’s job? 

(a) pilot (b) chemist (c) reporter 

Blotting paper was used to: 

(a) dry ink. 


(a) make you laugh. 


(c) explain something. 

What did Laszlo Biro do first? 

(b) make blots. (c) write on. 

(a) ask his brother to help him 

(b) made a pen with a ball that rolled around 

(c) tried newspaper ink in a fountain pen 

The word smudge in Paragraph 2 means to make: 

(a) mud. (b) a dirty mark. (c) mistakes. 

Laszlo Biro was good at: 

(a) making money. 

(b) flying. 

(c) solving problems. 

Why did biros become so popular? 

(a) They worked very well. 

(b) Many different companies made them. 

(c) They looked good. 



(a) cap. 

(b) ink. 

(c) metal ball. 



Display Copy 


H Find a biro and look 

carefully at the tiny 

ball in the tip of the 

pen. 

H Make a list of names 

used on biros. What 

is the most common 

name?

Lemon 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

Mrs Crank’s house 

Just down the road from my place was an untidy, rundown house. 

The weeds out the front were waist-high and some of the windows 

were broken. I didn’t think anyone lived there until Mum told me it 

was home to an old lady known as Mrs Crank. 

For some reason, most of the kids around were scared of that old 

place. Even I walked on the other side of the road, rather than get 

too close. There was just something about it that made me shiver. 

One cold, dark afternoon in winter, my friends and I were bored. 

We had played every game we knew and had run out of ideas. 

‘Let’s play “dare” again’, suggested Tom. ‘It’s my turn. I dare Maya 

to knock on Mrs Crank’s door!’ 

‘Me?’ I said. ‘No way! That’s not fair!’ 

‘Maya is a chicken, Maya is a chicken …’ my friends chanted. It 

looked like I had no choice. I got my coat and we went outside. 

They hid behind bushes while I crept slowly up 

to the front door of Mrs Crank’s house. My heart 

was thumping and my hands were shaking. I 

was so scared. My hand reached up slowly 

to knock on the door. Just as I was about to 

knock … the door swung open! ‘Aaaargh!’ I 

screamed. ‘Aaaargh!’ my friends screamed, 

and ran away. 

‘Hello, dear’, said a smiling old lady. ‘My, 

it’s cold out here. Would you like to come 

in for a cup of hot chocolate?’ I stopped 

screaming. 

‘Ah … I guess so. Thanks.’ 



Display Copy 

In the end, I enjoyed that cold afternoon, 

cosy in Mrs Crank’s kitchen. We talked, 

ate cakes and drank hot chocolate. 

She’s a nice lady. I’m really glad I took 

that dare! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What does the word rundown 

in Paragraph 1 mean? 

(a) old and broken 

(b) tired and lazy 

(c) to run downhill 

Asking someone to do something 

scary is called a: 

(a) chicken. (b) dare. (c) game. 

While Maya walked up to Mrs Crank’s house, 

her friends were: 

(a) scared. (b) hiding. (c) screaming. 

What happened just before Maya screamed? 

(a) The door opened. 

(b) She saw an old lady. 

(c) Her friends dared her. 

How does Maya feel about Mrs Crank after meeting her? Maya: 

(a) likes her. (b) is scared of her. (c) dares her. 

How are Mrs Crank and Maya similar? 

(a) They are the same height. 

(b) They have the same colour eyes. 

(c) They live in the same town. 

Which words best describe Mrs Crank? 

(a) old and friendly 

(b) old and cranky 

(c) clever and nice 


(a) the writer. 

(b) Maya’s friends. 

(c) Mrs Crank and Maya. 



Display Copy 


H Write what you think 

Maya’s mum said 

when Maya told her 

what happened. 

H Write down some ideas 

to help Mrs Crank 

make her house look 

better.

Lemon 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Egypt is famous for its pyramids. They are enormous buildings with a 

square base and four triangle-shaped sides that come to a point at the 

top. These buildings have been in Egypt for thousands of years—so long 

that no-one today really knows how or why they were built. 

People who study graves, buildings and tools from the past are called 

archaeologists. They know that pyramids were made with thousands 

of large, very heavy stone blocks. Each stone block had to be cut and 

shaped to fit perfectly by stonemasons. Moving and lifting these blocks 

without machines would have been very hard. They think the Egyptian 

people used ropes to pull the heavy blocks up slopes made with mud. 

When they were finished, the pyramids would have been smooth. 

Many archaeologists have studied the pyramids to try to find out more 

about them. Inside most pyramids, a carefully buried body and treasure 

have been found. Because of this, most archaeologists think each 

pyramid was built to bury an Egyptian king or queen, called a pharaoh. 



Display Copy 

After a pharaoh died, his or her body was sometimes 

put in a pyramid with gold, treasures and even animals. 

Sadly, because many pyramids had treasures inside, 

nearly all of them were robbed before they could be 

studied. However, archaeologists have still been able 

to find out interesting things about these great big 

graves. The burial place in a pyramid was hidden in 

a maze of tunnels. Sometimes, a secret door leading 

to the burial place was hidden behind a statue. 

These things would have made it harder for the grave 

robbers to find. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What word in Paragraph 3 means king or queen? 

(a) archaeologist (b) pharaoh (c) pyramid 

What is a person who works with stone called? 

(a) an Egyptian (b) a builder (c) a stonemason 

Paragraph 3 tells mainly: 

(a) why pyramids were built. 

(b) where pyramids can be found. 

(c) how pyramids were built. 

A grave and a pyramid are similar because they both are: 

(a) underground. 

(b) places where people are buried. 

(c) often robbed. 

Some burial places were not easily discovered because: 

(a) they had a lock on the door. 

(b) they were too small. 

(c) the entrance was hidden. 

The people buried in the pyramids were: 

(a) very rich (b) men (c) workers 

It has sometimes been hard to learn about 

pyramids because they have been: 

(a) broken. 

(b) closed. 

(c) robbed. 


them is used instead of: 

(a) the pyramids. 

(b) buried bodies. 

(c) archaeologists. 



Display Copy 


H Write what you think it would 

be like if you became a 

king when you were nine. 

H Write about a discovery you 

might make if you were an 

archaeologist.

Lemon 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Does a huntsman hunt men? 

Does a huntsman hunt men? 

Huntsman spiders are 

found in many parts of the 

world. They can be found in 

bushland, gardens, garden 

sheds and sometimes in 

houses, but prefer to live in 

woody places, like under the 

bark on trees. 

Huntsman spiders can be 

quite large, growing up to 

15 cm wide from leg to leg. 

They are brown or grey in 

colour. They have crab-like legs 

that bend forwards. This means 

they can move sideways quite 

fast. Their front two pairs of legs 

are usually much longer than 

their back legs. They often have 

a flattened body, which is useful 

for crawling underneath bark 

and into other hiding places. 

These spiders can walk on walls 

and even on ceilings. They can 

move very quickly. They use their 

speed to hunt and catch insects to 

eat. Huntsman spiders do not build webs. 



Display Copy 

Even though their name makes you think they might hunt people, 

they don’t! Huntsman spiders are harmless to humans, but they might 

bite to protect themselves. While the bite is harmless, it can still be quite 

painful. 

If you see a huntsman, it’s probably best just to leave it alone. It is not 

dangerous and might even help get rid of harmful insects in your 

garden and home. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

The word harmless in Paragraph 

4 means not able to: 

(a) be a hunter. 

(b) be scary. 

(c) hurt people. 

Huntsman spiders can crawl 

under bark because they: 

(a) have longer front legs. 

(b) have crab-like legs. 

(c) have a flat body. 

The name huntsman might come from the way these spiders: 

(a) crawl. (b) catch their food. (c) grow. 

Huntsman spiders differ from most other spiders because they: 

(a) don’t spin webs. (b) can move fast. (c) are brown. 

Huntsman spiders can be useful to humans because they: 

(a) eat harmful insects. (b) don’t spin webs. (c) hunt at night. 

Huntsman spiders might bite a person to: 

(a) hunt. (b) protect themselves. (c) eat. 

Which sentence is an opinion? 

(a) Huntsman spiders can move sideways. 

(b) Huntsman spiders are scary. 

(c) Huntsman spiders eat insects. 


they is used instead of: 

(a) humans. 

(b) spider bites. 

(c) huntsman spiders. 



Display Copy 



H List three other animals or insects that 

can walk on ceilings. 

H Draw a place near your home where 

you think a huntsman might live.

Part human, part animal 

Lemon 5 

3 

4 

1 

2 

The Minotaur was a fierce and aggressive 

creature in Greek myths. There was only 

one Minotaur. It had the head and tail 

of a bull and the body of a man. When it 

was captured, the Minotaur was locked 

in a big maze from which escape was 

said to be impossible. The Minotaur was 

given seven young men and seven young 

women every nine years. It killed and ate 

them one by one. Finally, a hero called 

Theseus killed it while it slept. 

The Sphinx was part of Greek and 

Egyptian myths. It had the body of a lion 

and the head of a human. The Sphinx was 

a creature of destruction and bad luck. 

In one myth, a winged Sphinx would ask 

people a riddle: ‘What animal goes on 

four feet in the morning, on two at noon, 

and in the evening upon three?’ The 

answer was a human, who in childhood 

crawls on hands and knees, in adulthood 

walks, and in old age needs a walking 

stick. Any person who couldn’t give the 

right answer would be killed and eaten. 

Strange creatures can be found in many myths 

from around the world. Some of the strangest of 

these were part human and part animal. 

Centaurs in Greek mythology were part human 

and part horse. They had the legs and body 

of a horse. Where the horse’s neck and head 

should have been there was a human waist, 

chest, head and arms. The centaurs were wild, 

strong creatures. Only the leader of the centaurs, 

Chiron, was wise and gentle. He was a teacher to 

many of the Greek heroes, such as Achilles. 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

The word myths in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) mysteries. (b) old stories. (c) creatures. 

The legs of the Sphinx were those of a: 

(a) horse. (b) goat. (c) lion. 

When the Minotaur was killed, it was: 

(a) angry. (b) fighting. (c) asleep. 

Why was the Minotaur put in a maze? 

(a) for its safety (b) It was dangerous. (c) for sport 

Which part of a centaur was human? 

(a) the upper body 

(b) the body 

(c) the head 

What caused the Sphinx to kill 

and eat people? 

(a) a wrong answer 

(b) the right answer 

(c) being hungry 

The text was written to: 

(a) give information. 

(b) give instructions. 

(c) amuse. 


it means: 

(a) Theseus. 

(b) the Minotaur. 

(c) a young person. 



Display Copy 


H If you could choose to be part 

animal, which animal would you 

choose? Why? 

H Make up a riddle similar to the 

one that the Sphinx asked.

Lemon 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Was T. rex 

the king? 

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs 

(carnivores) that ever lived. Its name means ‘tyrant lizard king’. T. rex is 

seen by many as the king of the dinosaurs. 

From bones found in the ground (fossils), we know that T. rex was about 

12 metres long and about 4.6 to 6 metres tall. It walked on two large, 

strong back legs. It had a huge head, strong jaws and teeth that could 

bite through bone. Its mouth was big enough to fit a whole person! 

Tyrannosaurus’ arms were small but powerful. With its strong legs and 

long, powerful tail, it could move quickly. 

For a long time, T. rex was the biggest meat-eating dinosaur that had 

been discovered. Then bones of the slightly taller Giganotosaurus 

were found. Its skull was big, like T. rex’s, but not as wide or heavy. Its 

teeth were shaped more for cutting and slicing than crushing bones. 

Giganotosaurus also had a much smaller brain that was the size and 

shape of a banana. 



Display Copy 

Bigger again was Spinosaurus. It may be the largest carnivore to have 

roamed the Earth. Although it was bigger, Spinosaurus was lighter than 

both T. rex and Giganotosaurus. Its teeth and jaws were big, but not as 

strong, and it might have eaten mostly fish. 

T. rex wasn’t the largest carnivore, but with its strong teeth, jaws and 

legs it was a fierce predator. Many people think it deserves its name. 

What do you think? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Which word in Paragraph 4 means wandered, often in search of food? 

(a) walked (b) roamed (c) moved 

A predator is an animal that: 

(a) eats meat and plants. 

(b) has strong jaws and legs. 

(c) hunts and kills other animals for food. 

From biggest to smallest, the correct order of the dinosaurs is: 

(a) Tyrannosaurus rex, Giganotosaurus, Spinosaurus. 

(b) Spinosaurus, Giganotosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex. 

(c) Giganotosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Spinosaurus. 

A Giganotosaurus’s brain and a banana were a similar: 

(a) colour. (b) shape and size. (c) taste. 

Why do the three dinosaurs in the text have big teeth? 

(a) to kill and eat animals 

(b) to break tree branches 

(c) to look fierce 

What did T. rex eat? 

(a) fish (b) other dinosaurs (c) sheep 

Which answer is an opinion? 

Giganotosaurus was: 

(a) a dinosaur. 

(b) a carnivore. 

(c) huge. 



Display Copy 


(a) T. rex. 

(b) Giganotosaurus. 

(c) Spinosaurus. 


H Imagine you discover the 

bones of an even bigger 

carnivore. Write what you 

would call your dinosaur, 

and why. 

H Use the description in the 

text to draw a picture of 

yourself next to a T. rex

Lemon 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

The 

porridge pot 

Once upon a time, a little girl lived with 

her mother in a small village. They were 

very poor and hungry. One day, they had 

nothing left to eat, so the little girl went to 

the forest to find some berries and nuts. 

The girl couldn’t find any food. Upset, she 

sat down and cried. Just then, she heard a 

crackly old voice asking her what was wrong. She looked up to see an 

old lady with a hairy mole on her face. She was wearing a big, dark coat 

and pink, fluffy slippers. The little girl told her what was wrong. 

The old lady reached into her coat and took out a small black pot. She 

gave it to the girl and said, ‘Here, take this. It is a magic pot. Put it on the 

fire and say, “Boil, little pot, boil”, and you will have hot porridge. When 

the pot is full, you must say, “Stop, little pot, stop!”, and it will stop cooking. 

Don’t forget these words!’ 

The little girl thanked her and ran home to show her mother. They put it on 

the fire and said the words. Their eyes widened as the pot made delicious 

hot porridge! When the pot was full, the girl said, ‘Stop, little pot, stop!’ And 

it did! So, for a long time, the little girl and her mother had enough food 

to eat. 



Display Copy 

One day, while the girl was visiting her grandma, her mother got hungry. 

She decided to make some—you guessed it—porridge! ‘Boil, little pot, boil’, 

the mother said, and soon the pot was full. But she could not remember 

the magic words to stop the pot cooking. Porridge bubbled over the rim 

of the pot and onto the floor. ‘No more, little pot, no more!’ she said, but 

the pot kept on cooking. Soon, a river of gooey porridge oozed out the 

door, into the street and over paths, bushes and even small children. 

When the little girl got back, she quickly said the magic words and the 

pot stopped cooking. By that time the villagers were having swimming 

races in the porridge! Everyone had to eat a lot of porridge before they 

could get back into their homes! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What is another word for delicious in Paragraph 4? 

(a) deli (b) tasty (c) sticky 

The little girl and her mother were hungry because they were: 

(a) on a diet. (b) terrible at cooking. (c) poor. 

Why did the little girl go into the forest? 

(a) to visit her grandma (b) to find food (c) for a stroll 

Which paragraph explains how the girl got the magic porridge pot? 


What happened just before the porridge 

went everywhere? 

(a) The mother forgot to turn it off. 

(b) The little girl went to see her grandma. 

(c) The mother forgot the magic words. 

Next time the little girl goes out alone, 

she will probably: 

(a) lock her mother in her bedroom. 

(b) remind her mother of the magic words. 

(c) take her mother with her. 

The old lady in the forest 

was probably: 

(a) rich. 

(b) a witch. 

(c) crazy. 

The word she in Paragraph 5 


(a) the little girl. 

(b) the little girl’s mother. 

(c) the old lady. 



Display Copy 


H Write what might have 

happened if the little 

girl had not stopped the 

porridge pot cooking 

when she did. 

H Write some interesting 

ways the villagers might 

have got rid of the 

porridge.

Lemon 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Faster than sound 

Sound can move through the air. This is why we can hear loud sounds 

from something happening far away just after it happens. But sound is 

not the only thing that can move fast through the air. Some planes can 

fly as fast as sound. When they move at the speed of sound, they are 

travelling at Mach 1. This is about 1220 kilometres per hour. 

Some aircraft can move even faster than Mach 1. A plane moving 

faster than the speed of sound flies at supersonic speeds. The 

Concorde was a supersonic passenger plane. It flew people around 

the world much faster than other planes. However, it was also very 

expensive and loud. When a plane moves at supersonic speeds it uses 

a lot of fuel and makes a sound like thunder, called a sonic boom. The 

Concorde planes stopped flying in 2003. 



Display Copy 

Now most supersonic planes are used by the military. Some of them 

can move twice as fast as sound, a speed called Mach 2. Some can 

go even faster! Once a plane flies faster than Mach 5 (five times the 

speed of sound), it is called hypersonic. 

In 2004, NASA flew the X-43A, a hypersonic plane, at almost Mach 10. It 

reached a top speed of over 12 000 kilometres per hour. This is about 

twelve times faster than the passenger planes we usually fly in. 

Imagine one day flying in hypersonic planes. Instead of taking over 21 

hours to fly from Sydney to London, it could take you less than 2 hours! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

A plane that carries people is called a: 

(a) passenger plane. (b) supersonic jet. (c) navy plane. 

NASA flew a plane at nearly how many times the speed of sound? 

(a) two (b) three (c) ten 

A plane makes a sonic boom when it flies: 

(a) at supersonic speeds. (b) at Mach 1. (c) too high. 

How fast did the X-43A fly? 

(a) about 10 000 km/h 

(b) about 12 000 km/h 

(c) about 9000 km/h 


(a) Mach 1 is about 1220 km/h. 

(b) sound and some aircraft can move fast through air. 

(c) sound moves through air. 

One plane company claims in 25 years it will have a hypersonic 

passenger plane. This: 

(a) is totally impossible. 

(b) will definitely happen. 

(c) is possible. 

The word part sonic means: 

(a) sound. 

(b) light. 

(c) fly. 


(a) supersonic planes. 

(b) the military. 

(c) hypersonic planes. 



Display Copy 


H Draw and label a 

supersonic plane of 

your own design. 

H Imagine you are one of 

the first people to travel 

in a hypersonic plane. 

Write an email to your 

friend telling him or her 

what the flight was like.

Lemon 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

Forest secret 

I used to dread our visits to Nan’s place. It’s not that I don’t 

like Nan, it’s just that she lives in the middle of nowhere! It 

takes a few days to drive there and we usually stay about 

a week. There are no shops, no cinemas and not even 

any proper roads. All my sister, Gabby, and I can do is 

read, argue or go for walks in the forest. 

One cool, foggy morning, that’s just what Gabby and I 

did—we went walking in the forest. Normally, we didn’t go 

too far. But that day we did. We kept walking until Gabby 

disappeared right in front of me! One minute she was in front 

of me and the next she was gone! I froze in fright. 

‘Gabby?’ I called. ‘Where are you? GABBY!’ 

‘I’m down here’, came a faint voice. I quickly ran up to where 

she had been. I nearly fell down a black and dusty hole. 

‘Gabby? Are you OK?’ I asked, peering into the hole. 

‘I’m fine. There’s something down here. Something big.’ 

‘What kind of something?’ I asked. ‘A UFO? A dinosaur? A bomb?’ 

‘Something metal. It’s huge. I’ll try and see what it is … Wow! I think it’s a 

plane’, she said. ‘A really old one. But it is still intact.’ 



Display Copy 

As my eyes got used to the dark, I could see she was right. There was a 

small, dark green plane, covered in dirt and dust. ‘There’s a something 

painted on the side there ... it’s a big red circle with a white rim. Hey! I 

think it’s a Japanese warplane!’ 

It turned out we were right. I helped Gabby out of the hole and we 

raced back to Nan’s. Nan rang the army, and the next day the place 

was full of soldiers and people from the museum. 

The Japanese fighter plane was very rare. People came from near and 

far to see it! Now there’s cafes and souvenir shops everywhere. Nan’s 

place isn’t quite so boring anymore! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Which word in Paragraph 1 means to not look forward to something? 

(a) argue (b) dread (c) stay 

In the middle of nowhere means: 

(a) a faraway place which is all by itself. 

(b) a place right in the middle of a country. 

(c) a town near a big forest. 

The writer didn’t like Nan’s place because it was: 

(a) boring. (b) near a forest. (c) cold. 

Nan’s place was more interesting after the writer and Gabby: 

(a) had a fight. 

(b) found a warplane. (c) went walking. 

The writer and Gabby knew it was a Japanese plane 

because of the: 

(a) red and white circle. (b) writing. (c) shape. 

When Gabby fell down the hole, 

the writer felt: 

(a) excited. 

(b) right. 

(c) scared. 

What caused many people 

to visit the plane? 

(a) It was rare. 

(b) It was Japanese. 

(c) It was dusty. 


we means: 

(a) the army and the writer. 

(b) Gabby and Nan. 

(c) the two children. 



Display Copy 


H Write how you think the 

plane might have got there. 

H Write what you would have 

done if you had found the 

plane.

Lemon 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

The loose-tooth fairy 

Austin was getting tired of his loose tooth 

wobbling around like an old person on 

inline skates. So he decided to pull it out. 

He asked his friends for help. Lucy 

said she had lost her last tooth eating 

a crunchy peanut butter sandwich. 

Austin thought that it sounded like a good 

idea. So he made and ate a peanut butter 

sandwich. He felt in his mouth. Wibble, wobble—the tooth was still there. 

He had another sandwich. And another. Nine sandwiches later, Austin 

still had a wobbly tooth, and a stomach-ache as well. 

‘Why don’t you try our vacuum cleaner?’ suggested Matt. ‘It can suck 

anything up. It said so on the box it came in.’ 

So, later, at Matt’s house, Matt turned the vacuum cleaner on. Lucy held 

the nozzle and Austin closed his eyes. The vacuum sucked Austin’s lips 

halfway down the pipe. But not the tooth. It stayed right where it was. 

‘My dog, Fang, is really strong’, said Lucy. ‘Why don’t you tie some string 

to him and let him pull it out?’ 

They drew up a plan, collected string and rope, and put Fang into 

position. A rope harness was tied from Fang’s neck to Austin’s tooth. 

Austin stood on a skateboard as a stick was thrown for Fang to fetch. 

Over the lawn, onto the street and down the road they went. 

The horseless chariot ride ended when the rope broke. Fang 

ran off into the sunset with the stick and Austin ended up in 

a rubbish bin. 



Display Copy 

‘It’s no good’, said Austin, tired and sore. He went 

home, ate his dinner and went to bed. 

The next morning, he woke up to find a shiny coin 

beside his pillow. He felt around his mouth with 

his tongue. The wobbly tooth was gone! Under 

the coin was a note. It said: ‘Next time, leave it to 

the expert. Signed, the loose-tooth fairy’. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

A chariot in Paragraph 6 is a kind of transport usually pulled by: 

(a) dogs. (b) bulls. (c) horses. 

What did Matt suggest would help to get the tooth out? 

(a) sandwiches (b) a vacuum cleaner (c) Fang 

What is the main idea of this text? 

(a) Austin tries to pull his tooth out. 

(b) Lucy’s dog wasn’t strong enough to pull the tooth out. 

(c) The loose-tooth fairy is real. 

The vacuum cleaner and Fang were similar because they both: 

(a) worked well. (b) were strong. (c) were machines. 

Next time Austin has a wobbly tooth, he will probably: 

(a) leave it alone until it comes out. 

(b) try lots of different ways to get it out. 

(c) use two dogs instead of one. 


(a) Fang’s strength. 

(b) Fang’s neck. 

(c) Fang’s teeth. 

What caused Fang to run? 

(a) He was told to fetch a stick. 

(b) He was strong. 

(c) He was helpful. 



Display Copy 

8. 


(a) eating a crunchy peanut 

butter sandwich. 

(b) Austin’s tooth. 

(c) Austin’s mouth. 


H Write another suggestion for 

pulling out a wobbly tooth. 

H Write the story from the 

loose-tooth fairy’s point of view.

Mauve 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Wiley Wolf 

Dear Mrs Pig 

My name is Wiley Wolf and I am writing to you because I’m worried 

about your three sons. Yesterday, I went to the new straw house one 

of them had just finished building. It is quite close to where I live. I just 

wanted to be friendly and to see if I could help him. 

I knocked on the door, but the silly boy would not let me in. So I huffed 

and I puffed a bit when I was trying to talk to him and his poor little 

house blew in. Then the foolish boy ran to his brother’s stick house 

and I didn’t have time to explain what I wanted. 

The poor boys! I was so worried that I went and knocked on that door. 

Would you believe it? They just wouldn’t open the door! The little stick 

house blew in after I huffed and puffed a bit when I was talking to 

them. The two silly boys raced to their brother’s brick house. They can 

really run fast and I just couldn’t catch them. 



Display Copy 

I was very concerned that your three boys would be okay, so I 

knocked on the door. I don’t think they know what a kind, friendly 

person I am because they refused to open the door of that very, very 

strong brick house. 

5 

I am going to keep trying to help your boys. I would like you to phone 

them and tell them that I am really a friend and they must open that 

door and let me in. 

Yours sincerely 

Wiley Wolf 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In the story, it says that Wiley Wolf lived: 

(a) in the forest. 

(b) close to the pigs. 

(c) near Mrs Pig. 


(a) the wolf wants Mrs Pig to phone her children. 

(b) the wolf is friendly. 

(c) Mrs Pig has a telephone. 

Before the wolf huffed and puffed: 

(a) the pigs ran away. 

(b) the pigs wouldn’t let him in. 

(c) the house fell down. 

The second and third houses were the same because they were: 

(a) made of bricks. (b) blown down. (c) built by pigs. 

The word concerned in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) worried. (b) confused. (c) confident. 

Now the wolf will probably: 

(a) give up. (b) visit Mrs Pig. (c) knock again. 

The third house didn’t fall down because: 

(a) the wolf went away. 

(b) it was made of strong bricks. 

(c) three pigs were in it. 

The word you in Paragraph 5 is used instead of: 

(a) the wolf. 

(b) the pigs. 

(c) Mrs Pig. 



Display Copy 

Something 

extra 

H Draw the 

three houses. 

H Write a letter 

from Mrs Pig 

to the wolf.

Mauve 2 

Great homework excuses 

Some people like homework, but I hate it. 

Here are some great ideas for disposing of your homework. 

(I hope they work better for you than they did for me!) 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Find a goat to eat it. 

Give it to your baby brother to dribble on. 

Give it to your little sister to practise colouring in and cutting out. 

Accidentally put it in the kitchen bin. 

Use it to make paper aeroplanes. 

Bury it in the garden. 

Leave it out in the rain. 



Display Copy 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

Stamp all over it with muddy boots. (This one feels good too.) 

Spill something smelly on it. 

Leave it in a bag with your wet clothes and towel from 

swimming lessons. 

Cut it up and use it on the floor of your pet’s cage. 

Say the dog ran away with it. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What does the writer suggest you use when 

you stamp on your homework? 

(a) something smelly 

(b) muddy boots 

(c) your brother 

You can tell that the writer doesn’t really 

think these ideas are great, because 

he or she says: 

(a) some people like homework. 

(b) they are his or her own ideas. 

(c) the ideas didn’t work. 

For which idea would you need to use a spade? 

(a) Idea 4 (b) Idea 9 (c) Idea 6 

Ideas 2 and 3 are similar because the homework: 

(a) is given to family. (b) gets done. (c) tricks people. 

The word disposing in line 2 means: 

(a) getting rid of. (b) showing. (c) collecting. 

Why do you think this list was written? 

(a) to help children (b) to be funny (c) to teach children 



Display Copy 

What effect would these ideas probably have if you tried them? 

(a) They would work very well. 

(b) Other people would copy them. Something extra 

(c) I would get into trouble. 

H Which idea do 

you like the most? 

The word they in line 3 is used instead of: 

H Make up some 

(a) the people. 

more good ideas 

(b) the children. 

for getting rid of 

(c) the ideas. 

homework.

Mauve 3 

Crazy Horse 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Crazy Horse was a very famous leader of the 

Lakota Indians in the USA. 

When he was a boy his name was Curly Hair. 

At 18 years of age, he was given his father’s 

name of Crazy Horse because he was such a 

brave warrior. His father was then called Worm. 

Crazy Horse wanted his people, who lived in South 

Dakota, to keep their way of life and their lands. 

When the USA government ordered his people to 

move onto an Indian reservation, they refused 

to go. Crazy Horse became their leader and 

gathered 1200 warriors. They won many fights 

against the soldiers. Later, Crazy Horse joined 

forces with Chief Sitting Bull. They defeated and 

killed General Custer and all his 200 men at the 

famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. 

After this terrible battle, the other Indian chiefs 

fled to Canada, but Crazy Horse stayed and 

continued to fight. About a year later, he 

had to surrender because the soldiers kept attacking them and there 

weren’t enough buffalo left to hunt for food. 



Display Copy 

Although he was famous, there are few photos of Crazy Horse. This was 

because he refused to be photographed. He believed capturing his 

image would mean certain death. 

6 

7 

Crazy Horse died when he was only 31. He was arrested because 

he left the reservation without permission to take his sick wife to her 

parents. He began to struggle and while he was being held, a soldier 

stabbed him. 

Today, a huge rock carving of Crazy Horse and his horse is being 

created on a mountain in South Dakota. It won’t be finished for many 

years. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Who was the leader of the soldiers at the Battle of the Little Bighorn? 

(a) Crazy Horse (b) Custer (c) Sitting Bull 

Why did they give Crazy Horse his father’s name? 

(a) His father didn’t like it. 

(b) His father wanted to be called Worm. 

(c) Crazy Horse showed that he was a good warrior. 

What was Crazy Horse’s father’s name when his son was born? 

(a) Crazy Horse (b) Worm (c) Warrior 

Crazy Horse and the Lakota people didn’t want to go to the reservation 

because they wanted to: 

(a) stay on their land. (b) fight. (c) be brave. 

The word surrender in Paragraph 4 means to: 

(a) surround. (b) give up. (c) stay. 

When the rock carving of Crazy Horse is finished, the Lakota Indians 

will probably feel: 

(a) proud. (b) angry. (c) uncaring. 

Because Crazy Horse didn’t 

run away after the Battle of 

the Little Bighorn, you can 

work out that he: 

(a) couldn’t run fast. 

(b) was a brave man. 

(c) was trapped. 



Display Copy 


8. The word it in Paragraph 7 H Draw Crazy Horse 


on his horse. 

(a) the rock. 

H Find out about the 

(b) the carving. 

Little Bighorn and 

Custer’s last stand. 

(c) the mountain.

Mauve 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

bears! 

Everyone knows that polar bears are white. Polar bears don’t come in 

any other colour; they are just white. 

White is a great colour for polar bears because it makes them almost 

invisible in snow and ice. These large white bears all used to live in a 

very cold environment. There is lots of snow and ice there for them to 

hide in all year round. 

Can you imagine how confused people in Japan were in 2008 when 

they noticed that three polar bears in one of their zoos were not white 

but green? 

Some people were worried that their bears were sick. The zoo’s vets 

checked them out and said they were all very healthy. 

Had someone painted the bears green? They knew it would have been 

too dangerous and difficult for anyone to get close enough to the polar 

bears to do this. And their colour didn’t appear to have been painted 

on. 



Display Copy 

The zookeepers tried to hose the bears down, but the colour wouldn’t 

come off easily. What had happened to their bears? 

One day, they looked at the water the bears swam in for hours every 

day. It looked a bit green and they realised there was algae in it. The 

zoo had been trying to save water and hadn’t been changing it. 

They all stopped worrying because they knew the algae would die in 

winter when it was colder and they would soon have white polar bears 

in their zoo again. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Japan, polar bears are: 

(a) popular. (b) unpopular. (c) hunted. 

The Japanese were worried because they thought the polar bears were: 

(a) dangerous. (b) sick. (c) monsters. 

Which statement is a fact, not an opinion? 

(a) Polar bears are scary. 

(b) A cold environment is suitable for polar bears. 

(c) Polar bears are cute. 

The green polar bears were found in: 

(a) Russia. (b) America. (c) Japan. 

The word invisible in Paragraph 2 means: 

(a) not able to be seen. 

(b) noticeable. 

(c) white. 

The main idea of Paragraph 2 is to explain why: 

(a) polar bears live in cold places. 

(b) white is a good colour for polar bears. 

(c) polar bears hide. 


(a) how to paint bears. 

(b) how polar bears are dangerous. 

(c) why the zoo's vet didn’t think 

someone had painted the bears. 



(a) polar bears. 

(b) snow. 

(c) the colour white. 



Display Copy 


H Draw and colour a green 

polar bear. 

H Do you think the polar 

bears care about being 

green? Give a reason.

Mauve 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Do you have a little brother? I do! Is your little brother a pain? 

Mine is! In fact, my little brother makes my life really miserable. 

It started the day Mum and Dad brought him home. Back then all he 

ever seemed to do was scream and make a mess—and he hasn’t 

changed a bit. He has the world’s loudest voice. I’m sure you could 

hear him from outer space—which I think would be a great place for 

him to go. 

He is so messy. I’ve tried to tell him food should go in his mouth and 

not all around it, all over him and on my things. Not that I have things 

anymore. He thinks he owns everything and he can do whatever he 

wants with them. Even Mum can’t stop him messing up my things. 

He keeps Mum and Dad so busy that they never have any time for 

me. I sit in my room all the time, hiding from him with the door closed, 

reading books. 



Display Copy 

I love scary books. Last night I read about a short chant that made 

things vanish. You just have to hold your hands out in front of your nose, 

close your eyes, think hard about what you want to disappear, say the 

chant out loud twice and turn around three times. 

The girl in the story tried to make her friend’s grumpy dog disappear. 

I don’t know if it worked because my little brother got my door open, 

grabbed my book, ran away and hid it. I was really, really, really mad. 

Has anyone found my book? Has anyone seen my little brother? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

The girl thinks her little brother should: 

(a) go to outer space. (b) go to school. (c) stay home. 

Which sentence best tells what the girl thinks about 

her little brother? 

(a) He is very clever. 

(b) He makes her life miserable. 

(c) He is spoilt. 


(a) give instructions. 


(c) give a report. 

Which sentence tells a fact, not an opinion, 

about the little brother? 

(a) He always makes a mess. 

(b) He has the world’s loudest voice. 

(c) He has a mum and a dad. 

The word vanish in Paragraph 5 

means: 

(a) look good. 

(b) disappear. 

(c) scary. 

H Write the title of a scary 

book you know. 


scariest part and tell a 

friend about it. 



Display Copy 

The main idea in Paragraph 3 is that the little brother: 

(a) makes a fuss. (b) likes attention. (c) is messy. 

What did her little brother do to cause the girl to get really mad? 

(a) made a mess (b) took her book (c) was noisy 

The word him in Paragraph 4 is used instead of: 

(a) her teacher. (b) Dad. (c) little brother.

Mauve 6 

Birds 

that can’t fly 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Do you ever wish that you could fly? 

Imagine taking off into the sky and feeling 

the cool air, the peace and quiet and the freedom of being way 

up there above everything, gliding around and having fun. Think 

of all the places you could go and the things you could see. 

And it wouldn’t cost you anything! 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful? Wouldn’t it be great to be a bird and to fly! 

Sadly, there are birds that are not so lucky. Some birds can’t fly. Think 

about how unfair that is. Think how you would feel if you were a bird 

that couldn’t fly and do all the fun things other birds do. 

There are about 40 different types of birds that can’t fly. These 

include penguins, emus, kiwis and ostriches. Some of these birds 

can run fast and others can swim very well—but they can’t fly. 

Scientists think that these birds didn’t need to fly 

to escape their enemies or that they just didn’t 

have many enemies. Because of this, their 

bodies changed over time until they could 

no longer fly. Some of them now have 

big toe claws they can use if they are 

attacked. 



Display Copy 

6 

7 

Some of the differences between birds that can’t fly 

and those that can are that they have shorter wings, 

more feathers and the breastbone (called a keel) 

where their wing muscles join in their chest is much smaller. 

I think it’s good these poor birds that can’t take off into the 

sky don’t know how unlucky they are and what they’re 

missing out on. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Which birds can’t fly? 

(a) eagles and emus (b) emus and kiwis (c) crows and emus 


(a) some birds can’t fly. 

(b) birds have enemies. 

(c) why some birds can’t fly. 

Birds that fly and birds that can’t fly are similar because they have: 

(a) big keel bones. (b) feathers. (c) long wings. 

Some birds can’t fly because they: 

(a) are too lazy. (b) lay eggs. (c) have short wings. 

The word gliding in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) moving smoothly. 

(b) bumping. 

(c) skipping. 

The author probably wrote this because 

he or she: 

(a) wants people to help birds that 

can’t fly learn to fly. 

(b) is interested in birds and flying. 

(c) doesn’t like birds. 



Display Copy 

Which statement is an opinion? 

(a) All birds should be able to fly. 

(b) Some birds can’t fly. 

(c) Some birds have big toe claws. 

The word they in Paragraph 6 is 


(a) birds that can’t fly. 

(b) birds that can fly. 

(c) their wings. 


H Draw one of the birds 

that can’t fly looking 

after its egg or eggs. 

H Tell a friend why you 

would or would not like 

to be able to fly.

Mauve 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Dragon + fly = dragonfly? 

It seems strange that this 

beautiful insect we can 

often see flying around 

in summer is called 

a dragonfly. It isn’t a 

dragon and it isn’t a fly, 

so where did its name 

come from? 

One explanation is that 

some people saw dragonfly 

larvae and thought they were 

ugly and looked like dragons. 

The larvae hatch out of eggs laid by 

dragonflies in rivers, ponds, lakes and 

streams. These very hungry creatures 

crawl around underwater, always looking 

for food. They eat tadpoles and other 

smaller larvae. 

After about 60 days in hot places and up to 6 years in 

very cold places, the insect emerges and flies off to start its new life. 

They have large eyes and can see very well. This helps them to catch 

other insects. Mosquito is one of their favourite foods. 



Display Copy 

Speeds of up to 58 km/h have been recorded by some dragonflies. 

They are excellent fliers and can flap their two sets of long, lace-like 

wings independently. This means that, at the same time, their front wings 

can be going down and the back ones going up. Flying backwards 

and even looping the loop are easy for them. 

In Japan, the dragonfly is the national emblem. It is seen in many 

paintings and poetry is written about it. But in some Asian countries 

dragonflies are eaten like prawns. 

In England, dragonflies are sometimes called horse-stingers, but this is 

not a good name because they do not sting horses or people. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Dragonflies are a type of: 

(a) dragon. (b) fly. (c) insect. 

The whole text tells us about dragonflies and: 

(a) what they are like and 

what they do. 

(b) how they fly. 

(c) how they got their name. 

What does the writer want readers 

to do about dragonflies? 

(a) learn about them 

(b) like them 

(c) look after them 

It is a fact, not an opinion, 

that dragonflies: 

(a) have two sets of wings. 

(b) are the best fliers. 

(c) love looping the loop. 

The word emerges in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) disappears. (b) comes out. (c) hides. 

Dragonflies develop faster in places where it is: 


H Draw a dragonfly 

looping the loop. 

H Think of a better 

name for a 

dragonfly. 



Display Copy 

(a) cold. (b) dry. (c) hot. 

What do people in Japan think about dragonflies? 

(a) They taste good. 

(b) They are important. 

(c) They don’t like them. 

The word them in Paragraph 5 is used instead of: 

(a) their wings. (b) dragonflies. (c) their speed.

Mauve 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Reading by touch 

Learning to read can be quite difficult but think how much harder it 

would be if you couldn’t see. This was the problem a French boy, Louis 

Braille, had almost 200 years ago. 

When Louis was three he wandered into his father’s workshop where 

he accidentally stabbed himself in the eye with a sharp tool. That eye 

became infected, which then spread to the other eye. Poor Louis lost the 

sight in both his eyes. 

Because Louis was a very clever boy, he was allowed to go to school 

with the other children. He sat in the classroom every day and learnt a 

lot by just listening. But he still couldn’t read or write. 

When he was about 12, he was sent to a special school for the blind 

in Paris. At this school he learnt how to read night-writing. It used letters 

made up from twelve little raised dots. The army had developed this 

writing because they thought their soldiers would be able to use it to 

read messages in the dark. But it was very slow and too hard for them to 

learn. 



Display Copy 

Louis decided to improve night-writing and to make it smaller so it would 

be easier and quicker to read. He changed all the letters, using only six 

dots, because he wanted people to be able to feel a whole letter with 

only one of their fingertips. 

The letter ‘w’ wasn’t used in the French alphabet, so Louis added another 

letter to cater for people who wanted to read English. Since then many 

other changes have been made. Today it is known as braille and it is 

used around the world to help people who can’t see to read. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Louis Braille was blind because he: 

(a) was born blind. (b) was sick. (c) hurt his eye. 

Night-writing and braille are similar because: 

(a) they use 12 dots. 

(b) you can read them in the dark. 

(c) people can feel a whole letter 

with a fingertip. 

What happened to Louis first? 

(a) His eyes became infected. 

(b) He became blind. 

(c) His eye was injured by a sharp tool. 

The text doesn’t tell you but you can 

work out that Louis probably: 

(a) wanted to share his ideas. 

(b) didn’t like reading. 

(c) didn’t want others to use braille. 

The word cater in Paragraph 6 means to: 

(a) cook. (b) provide help. (c) give. 

It is an opinion, not a fact, that Louis was: 

(a) kind. (b) blind. (c) French. 



Display Copy 

The text, Reading by touch, was written to: 

(a) give instructions. 

(b) entertain. 

(c) give information. 


(a) not seeing. 

(b) learning to read. 

(c) the boy. 

Something 

extra 

H Find out how to 

read and write 

some braille 

letters and use 

them to write 

short words or a 

message for a 

friend to read.

Mauve 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Elephant 

and 

monkey 

One day an elephant was lumbering slowly through the jungle when 

she heard a faint cry. She looked around and saw a very small monkey 

up to the top of his legs in some mud. The poor animal was terrified. 

The elephant watched the monkey struggling to get out and realised 

that with every move he made, he was sinking deeper into the mud. It 

was now up to his middle. 

By the time the elephant got to the edge of the pool, the mud had 

reached the monkey’s armpits. She reached over with her trunk and 

grabbed him. It took all of her strength to pull him out of the sticky mud. 

Very gently the elephant carried the muddy monkey to the river so he 

could scrub himself clean. He thanked her and told her that one day he 

hoped he could do something to help her. But she just looked down at 

the tiny monkey and laughed and laughed. 



Display Copy 

A few weeks later, the monkey noticed an elephant lying down beside 

the river. When the curious monkey went to take a closer look, he saw 

that it was the elephant who had rescued him. He raced up to her. 

She had hurt her leg and couldn’t get up. For days she’d been stuck 

there with only river water to drink and she was weak with hunger. The 

monkey wanted to help, but what could a tiny monkey do? 

He scampered up a tree and was gone in a flash. A few minutes later 

he was back again, followed by about twenty friends. They all ran about 

collecting leaves and berries which they fed to the elephant. They fed 

her for days until she was strong enough to get up and walk. The moral 

of this fable is: One good turn deserves another. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

The monkey was sinking deeper 

into the mud because he: 

(a) stayed still. 

(b) couldn’t swim. 

(c) kept moving. 

The person who wrote this fable wanted to: 

(a) explain how something works. 

(b) teach people something. 

(c) make people laugh. 


(a) the monkeys saved the elephant. 

(b) a monkey ran up a tree. 

(c) the little monkey had lots of friends. 

Which happened last? 

(a) The elephant took the monkey to the river. 

(b) The monkey was pulled out. 

(c) The monkey thanked the elephant. 

The word lumbering in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) moving heavily. (b) running. (c) leaning. 

The stories about rescuing them are similar because both animals: 

(a) were the same size. (b) were hungry. (c) couldn’t get away. 

The elephant couldn’t stand up so she was unable to: 

(a) drink. (b) eat. (c) call for help. 



(a) the elephant. 

(b) the mud. 

(c) the monkey. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a picture of the monkey 

stuck in the mud. 

H Read the fable The lion and the 

mouse and talk about how the 

fables are similar and different.

Mauve 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

A 

dragon 

Doug was a young dragon and he was really big; bigger than his 

brothers, bigger than all the dragons at his school and even bigger 

than his dad. He was stronger than the others too, and he was the 

fastest runner and had the loudest roar. 

Life should have been good for Doug, but he had a problem. Everyone 

made fun of him because he was frightened of fire! This would have 

been a problem for any dragon, but for a huge fire-breathing dragon, 

it was a disaster. Doug couldn’t even breathe out a little bit of fire, so he 

ran away to the mountains to hide. 

Then, one day, Doug met Charlie and his life changed forever. They 

became friends and spent the summer in the mountains playing 

the best games and having the most fun ever. But then the weather 

changed and on some days it was too cold for Charlie to play. Then it 

snowed. 



Display Copy 

Charlie didn’t come to play and after a few weeks Doug went looking 

for him. He found Charlie and his family huddled in their tiny cottage. 

They were so poor they had only enough money for food and none for 

fuel to cook it or to heat their home. They were all so cold and so sad 

and they looked so sick that Doug was really worried. 

Without thinking, he opened his mouth, gave a loud roar and sent a 

warming circle of fire into the cold air. In no time the cottage was warm 

and cosy. Then everything changed. The family used the fire to cook 

food and to make hot drinks. They were all warm and happy. 

Doug wasn’t frightened any more. Now, thanks to his friend, he really 

was a fire-breathing dragon at last! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What could Doug do better than other dragons? 

(a) play games (b) run and roar (c) breathe out fire 

Doug was probably able to breathe out fire at the end because: 

(a) it was a really cold day. 

(b) he was older. 

(c) he really cared about his friend’s family. 


(a) Doug found Charlie’s family in their cottage. 

(b) Doug was very friendly. 

(c) Charlie’s family didn’t have money to buy fuel. 

What happened after it snowed? 

(a) Charlie didn’t play. (b) Doug ran away. (c) They had fun. 

The word huddled in Paragraph 4 means: 

(a) crowded together. (b) heaped up. (c) hidden. 

Doug’s life changed and was 

much better because he: 

(a) had a problem. 

(b) met Charlie. 

(c) wanted to hide. 

Doug wasn’t frightened of fire 

any more because: 

(a) the fire wasn’t very hot. 

(b) his friend told him it was safe. 

(c) he breathed out some fire 

and it didn’t hurt him. 

The word him in Paragraph 4 


(a) Doug. 

(b) Charlie. 

(c) Charlie’s family. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a huge fire-breathing 

dragon. 

H What are two questions you 

would like to ask a dragon?

Silver 1 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

Have you heard of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, where towering 

rock pillars lead into the sea just like a giant path? Legend says they are 

the remains of a bridge between Ireland and Scotland, built by the Irish 

giant, Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill). Could this possibly be true? 

Many years ago, the mighty Scottish giant, Benandonner, shouted 

across the sea to the Irish giant, Finn MacCool. He invited him to 

Scotland to have a contest to see who was stronger. 

Finn MacCool took up the challenge and set to work immediately, 

building a bridge across the sea. When he arrived in Scotland, MacCool 

caught sight of his mighty opponent. He was truly gigantic! MacCool 

was so filled with fear, he ran away, back to Ireland. 

When he reached home, MacCool was exhausted and fell fast asleep. 

He did not know that Benandonner had crossed the bridge and was 

planning to surprise him. 



Display Copy 

MacCool’s wife, Oonagh, saw the Scottish giant running towards their 

house. She quickly tied a bonnet around Finn’s head and wrapped him 

in a blanket. 

Benandonner reached the house ready to fight. But when he saw the 

sleeping giant baby, he let out a cry of terror. He ran back to Scotland 

as fast as he could, destroying the bridge as he went. 

Poor Benandonner thought to himself, ‘If MacCool’s baby is that big … 

MacCool himself must truly be the mightiest of all giants!’ 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 1, the word pillars means: 

(a) cushions for the head. (b) tall rocks. (c) paths. 

Who built the Giant’s Causeway? 

(a) Finn MacCool (b) Benandonner (c) Oonagh 

In Paragraph 5, Oonagh shows that she is: 

(a) strong. (b) foolish. (c) clever. 

Which happened first? 

(a) Oonagh dressed MacCool as a baby. 

(b) MacCool built the pathway. 

(c) Benandonner invited MacCool 

to Scotland. 

Oonagh dressed Finn as a baby to: 

(a) trick Benandonner. 

(b) stop him fighting. 

(c) make him look silly. 

In spite of their great size, both giants were: 

(a) cowards. 

(b) brave. 

(c) lazy. 



Display Copy 

Benandonner destroyed the bridge 

MacCool had built: 

(a) because he liked destroying things. 

(b) to stop MacCool from following him. 

(c) because he didn’t like it. 

In Paragraph 2, the word he means: 

(a) Finn MacCool. 

(b) Benandonner. 

(c) the Irish giant. 

H Make a list of all the 

words you can make 

from the letters in 

'giant’s causeway'. 

H Draw a story map 

of the legend of the 

Giant’s Causeway. 

H Write a list of 

adjectives to describe 

the two giants.

Silver 2 

Making marshmallows 

Ingredients: 

✦ 1 / 4 cup cornflour 

✦ 1 / 3 cup icing sugar 

✦ 1 sachet gelatine 

✦ 1 / 3 cup water 

✦ 2 / 3 cup granulated sugar 

✦ 1 / 2 cup golden syrup 

✦ pinch of salt 

✦ 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

What to do: 

1. Sift cornflour and icing sugar into a bowl. 

2. Spray a 20 x 20 cm cake tin lightly with oil and line 

with baking paper. Spray tin again. 

3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Step 1 mix into tin, coating sides and base. 

4. Pour water into small saucepan and sprinkle gelatine on surface. Allow 

to stand for 5 minutes. 

5. Add granulated sugar to saucepan and stir over a low heat until 

gelatine and sugar have dissolved. 

6. In large bowl, use electric mixer on high speed to beat gelatine 

mixture, golden syrup, salt and vanilla essence for 15 minutes to 

thicken, until soft peaks form. 

7. Pour mixture into cake tin and spread evenly. Allow to stand for 2 hours. 

8. Remove marshmallow block from tin. Cut into 36 equal pieces. Roll 

them in the cornflour/icing sugar mix. 

9. Place pieces on wire rack, cover and allow to stand overnight. 

10. Store in airtight container. 



Display Copy 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

How many marshmallows does this recipe make? 

(a) 36 (b) 15 (c) 20 

Which two ingredients are mixed to stop the marshmallows from 

sticking to the cake tin? 

(a) gelatine and water 

(b) golden syrup and salt 

(c) cornflour and icing sugar 

Which step describes how to beat the mixture? 

(a) Step 6 (b) Step 4 (c) Step 7 

How long do the gelatine and water stand before adding sugar? 

(a) 2 hours (b) 5 minutes (c) 15 minutes 

Which of these do you do first? 

(a) Beat until soft peaks form. 

(b) Cut into pieces. 

(c) Sprinkle gelatine on the water. 

The mixture is beaten to: 

(a) add air and make it thicker. 

(b) make it taste good. 

(c) make it white. 



Display Copy 

Standing the marshmallows overnight on 

a wire rack would make them: 

(a) stale. 

(b) dry out a little. 

(c) change colour. 

In Step 8, the word them means: 

(a) marshmallow pieces. 

(b) cornflour and icing sugar. 

(c) cake tins. 


H What would you do to 

make different coloured 

marshmallows? When 

would you do it? 

H Write a list of words to 

describe marshmallows.

Silver 3 

Dr Dolittle’s adventures 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

The stories of Dr Dolittle 

make fascinating 

reading. This amazing vet 

can speak over 500 animal 

languages, so talking to his 

patients is never a problem! 

Dr Dolittle’s surgery in Puddlebyon-the-Marsh 

is always full of 

unusual animals, from aardvarks 

to zebra. They travel from far and 

wide seeking help from the wonderful 

doctor. He can find a cure for even the 

most extraordinary complaint. 

Dolittle’s amazing adventures really begin 

when he is sent a strange animal from a 

friend in Tibet. The Pushmi-pullyu resembles 

an antelope, but unlike most four-legged 

creatures, it has a head at both ends with not a 

tail in sight! 

As you can imagine, this extraordinary creature becomes the star 

attraction at the circus. It is here that the doctor is introduced to 

Sophie, the performing seal. She tells Dr Dolittle that she wants to return 

to the sea as she misses her home and family. He agrees to help her. 



Display Copy 

But while trying to release Sophie, Dr Dolittle is arrested and put in 

jail. He manages to escape with the help of his only human friends, 

Tommy Stubbins and Matthew Mugg. Now they are all on the run from 

the police. Whatever will they do? 

Doctor Dolittle has a plan. For years he has wanted to find the Great 

Pink Sea Snail so, together with his collection of animals and three 

others, he escapes in a ship and sails into the distance. 

What wonderful adventures will be waiting for them over the horizon? 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 2, the word complaint means: 

(a) event. (b) illness. (c) appearance. 

How many people sailed away to find the Great Pink Sea Snail? 

(a) two (b) three (c) four 

The animals like Dr Dolittle because: 

(a) he understands them. 

(b) he finds a cure for every problem. 

(c) he understands them and he finds a cure for every problem. 

The Pushmi-pullyu is a star attraction at the circus because it is: 

(a) from Tibet. (b) so unusual. (c) cute. 

Sophie wanted to escape from the 

circus because she was: 

(a) homesick. 

(b) being cruelly treated. 

(c) bored. 

Tommy Stubbins and Matthew Mugg are 

on the run because they: 

(a) helped Dr Dolittle to escape. 

(b) are fast runners. 

(c) are thieves. 



Display Copy 

What did Dr Dolittle do first? 

(a) He was arrested. 

(b) He escaped in a ship. 

(c) He helped Sophie to escape. 


(a) Tommy Stubbins and Matthew Mugg. 

(b) Tommy Stubbins, Matthew Mugg and 

Dr Dolittle. 

(c) Dr Dolittle and Sophie. 



Pushmi-pullyu. 

H If you had a pet that 

could talk, write what 

you think it might say 

to you.

Silver 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

7 

8 

Horse ballet 

Can you imagine watching a horse perform ballet? Well, 

would you believe that at the Spanish Riding School, 

magnificent Lipizzaner stallions are trained in the art of 

classical dressage, or horse ballet! 

Before the Spanish Riding School was formed, 

Lipizzaners were used as cavalry horses. They 

were chosen because of their great strength. The 

movements that are practised today in the riding 

school had been used for many years by the horses 

and their riders on the battlefield. 

Just like human ballet dancers, the stallions and their 

riders have to train for years. There are many difficult 

movements for them to learn. 

Airs above the ground are spectacular steps in which the horse raises 

his legs above the ground. For example: 

5 

6 

Capriole – the horse leaps in the air and kicks 

his hind legs out before coming down. This 

would have been a very useful movement on 

the battlefield! 

Levade – the horse rears up with his front legs 

tucked into his chest. He holds this position 

for a few seconds before coming down. This 

movement is not as dramatic as others but it 

needs great skill and muscle control. 

Courbette – this is like the levade but the horse 

jumps for a few steps on his hind legs before 

coming down. This is one of the most impressive 

steps to watch. It takes great skill for the rider to 

remain on the horse’s back! 



Display Copy 

Visitors can enjoy the show either at a practice in 

the morning or at a gala performance at night. 

At any time of day, it is a wonderful experience. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 1, the word art means: 

(a) painting. (b) drawing. (c) skill. 

It is a fact, not an opinion, that all performing horses at the Spanish 

Riding School are: 

(a) magnificent. (b) handsome. (c) male. 

The movement in which the stallion has to remain still is the: 

(a) levade. (b) courbette. (c) capriole. 

The courbette is difficult for the rider because: 

(a) he has nothing to hold on to. 

(b) the horse is jumping on his hind legs. 

(c) the horse could fall. 

Horse ballet is also known as: 

(a) show jumping. 

(b) classical dressage. 

(c) horse racing. 

The Spanish Riding School uses 

Lipizzaner horses because they are: 

(a) strong. 

(b) white. 

(c) Spanish. 



Display Copy 

The capriole would have been useful on 

the battlefield because: 

(a) the enemy could not reach the rider. 

(b) the horse could kick the enemy. 

(c) the horse could fly out of trouble. 

In Paragraph 8, the word it means the: 

(a) morning practice. 

(b) evening gala performance. 

(c) the show. 


H Write a list of 

adjectives that 

you think might 

describe Lipizzaner 

horses. 


a Lipizzaner horse 

and its rider.

Silver 5 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

Mum and Dad love the huge bush at the bottom 

of our garden because it is a giant mass of leaves 

and beautiful purple flowers. I love it because 

inside it is a magnificent web of thick, gnarled 

branches that make up my very own forest den! 

It protects me from the heat of the sun. When it rains, the dense canopy 

of leaves keeps me dry. As I crawl inside, it is cool and cosy. I close my 

eyes and travel from the real world to the land of my imagination. 

In one corner of my den is a shallow pit. I call it the dragon’s lair. On 

cool days, I spar with my secret speckled dragon who lives in a hole in 

the pit. His name is Braith. He teaches me clever fighting moves so I can 

protect myself from enemies. 

High in the roof of my den, Eden, the golden eagle, has built a nest for 

her brood of eaglets. She takes me for thrilling roller-coaster rides on 

her back. I cling to the feathers of her neck while she swoops and soars 

through my forest. I cry out in delight as the wind whistles through my 

hair and rushes past my cheeks. 



Display Copy 

In the middle of my forest, Wilfred, the wizened old wizard, creates his 

magical potions with the help of Garth, his ancient, scrawny black cat. 

He teaches me how to use the fruits of my forest for spectacular spells 

to turn my enemies into frogs, bats and rats. 

As I crawl out of my den, the dragon scales, eagle feathers and musty 

smell of forest fruits cling to my clothes, reminding me that the land of 

my imagination is as real as the real world. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 4, which word means flies high? 

(a) swoops (b) soars (c) whistles 

The shallow pit is home to the: 

(a) wizard. (b) eagle. (c) dragon. 

The owner of the forest den is most likely: 

(a) a child. 

(b) a baby. 

(c) a dog. 

The main idea of Paragraph 1 is that 

the huge bush: 

(a) is beautiful. 

(b) is big. 

(c) means different things to 

different people. 

Who helps Wilfred to create 

his magical potions? 

(a) Garth, the cat 

(b) Braith, the dragon 

(c) Eden, the eagle 



Display Copy 

What would be most likely to grow in 

the forest den? 

(a) anything 

(b) nothing, because it is too wet 

(c) plants that like cool, dark places 

For the person in the story, the forest den is: 

(a) interesting. (b) magical. (c) dull. 

In Paragraph 5, the word he is used instead of: 

(a) Wilfred. (b) Garth. (c) enemies. 

H Write a list of words 

to describe a forest 

den like the one in 

the story. 


one character in 

the story.

Silver 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

Ryan and Cerys were 

in the attic at the top of 

Grandpa Joe’s house. 

There were cobwebs 

everywhere and it was 

stuffy and very dusty. 

‘This is creepy’, 

shuddered Ryan. ‘Let’s go 

back downstairs.’ 

Treasure trove 

‘Hang on a minute. Let’s 

just look in there’, said Cerys as she noticed a large toy chest under the 

window. 

As the lid creaked open, the two children gasped in amazement. The 

chest was full of old metal train track and engines. 

‘Wow! This is the real stuff!’ shrieked Cerys, who was a real engine expert 

and model railway fan. 

‘Let’s make a space and lay it all out’, cried Ryan eagerly as he took a 

handful of track in one hand and an engine in the other. Together, the 

two children worked until the last piece was taken from the chest. 

A sniffing sound made them turn quickly. Grandpa Joe was standing 

in the doorway. His eyes were full of tears and his voice croaked as he 

spoke. 



Display Copy 

‘No-one has touched that track in over 30 years … not since …, Joe’s 

voice trailed away. 

‘Sorry, Grandpa,' said Ryan softly, ’we should have asked first’. 

‘No lad. Don’t worry. It’s good to see it being used again. Harry would 

smile if he could see it … Now, let’s see if we can get those creaky old 

engines moving!’ 

‘Grandpa,’ asked Cerys, ‘who’s Harry?’ 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 1, the word stuffy means: 

(a) prim and proper. (b) not enough air. (c) full of stuffing. 

Grandpa Joe’s attic was used: 

(a) every day. 

(b) every week. 

(c) hardly ever. 

The toy chest was by the: 

(a) window. (b) door. (c) cupboard. 

When Grandpa Joe came to the attic, he was: 

(a) happy. (b) sad. (c) angry. 

In Cerys’s opinion, model trains were: 

(a) okay. (b) boring. (c) fantastic. 

Harry may have been Grandpa Joe’s: 

(a) father. (b) son. (c) grandson. 

What probably happened to Harry? 

(a) He died as a child. 

(b) He got a job overseas. 

(c) He moved to the next town. 

In Paragraph 1, the word it is 


(a) cobwebs. 

(b) Grandpa Joe’s house. 

(c) the attic. 



Display Copy 


H Write a list of words to describe an 

unused room. 

H Write six adjectives from the story.

Silver 7 

Lambing 

season 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Last weekend, I went to 

visit my Uncle Tom and 

Aunt Rosa on their farm. 

I had no idea I was in 

for such a wonderful 

treat … it was lambing season! I 

had always wanted to see lambs 

being born. 

All the ewes looked skinny because they had been sheared a few 

weeks ago. Uncle Tom says it makes it easier for the lambs to drink milk 

if their mothers’ fleece isn’t in the way. 

The first lamb I saw being born just fell out of its mother. I wondered if it 

had hurt itself. The ewe licked it clean and nuzzled it gently. Aunt Rosa 

then cut the cord and dipped the end in iodine to make sure it wouldn’t 

get infected. The lamb was ready now for its first meal! 

Before it could drink, Aunt Rosa had to check that the milk was coming 

out of the teats properly. The lamb was trying to push her out of the way. 

It must have been very hungry! I thought the ewe was going to fall over! 



Display Copy 

One mother just walked away from her lamb after it had been born. 

Uncle Tom had to run over to her and cut the cord. She let him check 

that her milk was flowing but she wasn’t interested in the lamb. The poor 

little thing just bleated. I don’t mind telling you, I almost cried! 

6 

7 

Uncle Tom put the lamb up to the ewe’s nose and then next to her 

udder but it didn’t know what to do. I pushed its back to move it closer. 

Then Uncle Tom did the funniest thing. He tickled the lamb’s bottom with 

some straw and that made it start sucking! 

It was a fantastic weekend. I worked really hard and got hardly any 

sleep but it was worth it. I want to do it again next lambing season! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 3, the word nuzzled means: 

(a) bit. (b) touched and rubbed. (c) licked. 

Ewes are sheared: 

(a) before lambing. (b) during lambing. (c) after lambing. 

With the first lamb, as soon as it was born, the ewe: 

(a) cleaned it. (b) fed it. (c) fell asleep. 

The ewe’s milk comes out of its: 

(a) cord. (b) teats. (c) fleece. 

The end of the cord is dipped in 

iodine to stop it from: 

(a) growing. 

(b) shrinking. 

(c) getting infected. 

Aunt Rosa checked that the milk 

was flowing properly so that the: 

(a) lamb wouldn’t bleat. 

(b) lamb didn’t bite the teat. 

(c) lamb could feed. 

What did the writer think about 

the weekend on the farm? 

(a) He or she hated it. 

(b) He or she didn’t mind it. 

(c) He or she enjoyed it. 

In Paragraph 5, the word her is 


(a) Aunt Rosa. 

(b) the mother. 

(c) the lamb. 



Display Copy 


H Draw a picture of a ewe 

and her lamb. 

H Write all the words you 

can make from the letters 

in ‘lambing season’.

Silver 8 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

The real Pinocchio 

If you think that the real Pinocchio is a cute 

cartoon character, you are very much 

mistaken! The original puppet from The 

adventures of Pinocchio, written by Carlo 

Collodi almost 130 years ago, is quite a 

horrible little boy. He acts in such a dreadful 

way that even quite naughty children would 

be shocked by his behaviour. 

Here is just a taste of the real Pinocchio’s 

character. You’ll have to read the original story 

to find out the rest! 

His father, Geppetto, soon realises what a 

naughty puppet boy he has made. As soon as 

his legs and feet are carved, Pinocchio gives 

him a big kick and runs away. Poor Geppetto is 

thrown in jail because Pinocchio tells the police 

that Geppetto has been cruel to him. 

Meanwhile, Pinocchio returns home. 

The talking cricket who has lived with 

Geppetto for 100 years tells Pinocchio that 

boys who tell lies turn into donkeys. This makes 

Pinocchio very angry and he throws a hammer 

at the cricket, killing it stone-dead. 



Display Copy 

By now, Pinocchio is very tired and he falls 

asleep by the fire. When he wakes up, he 

realises that his feet have burned away. At that 

moment, Geppetto walks through the door. He 

immediately makes new feet for Pinocchio who 

promises to be good for ever. 

6 

Pinocchio still meets the characters from the 

movie and many others who all help him to be 

wicked. He has the ghost of the talking cricket and 

a fairy with turquoise hair to help him to be good. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

In Paragraph 1, the word original means: 

(a) the first. (b) the best. (c) loved. 

What does Pinocchio do before Geppetto is released from jail? 

(a) He promises to be good. 

(b) He kills the talking cricket. 

(c) He makes dinner. 

Pinocchio burned his feet because he: 

(a) fell asleep by the fire. 

(b) washed them in hot water. 

(c) was playing with matches. 

In the original story, the cricket: 

(a) sings. (b) runs away. (c) is killed. 

Geppetto’s actions in Paragraph 5 show that he is: 

(a) good at making things from wood. 

(b) a kind man who has forgiven Pinocchio. 

(c) cross with Pinocchio. 

Before Pinocchio’s feet are burned: 

(a) he falls asleep. 

(b) Geppetto walks in. 

(c) Pinocchio promises to be good. 



Display Copy 

Geppetto was thrown in jail because: 

(a) he was cruel. 

(b) he made a naughty puppet. 

(c) Pinocchio lied to the police. 

In Paragraph 6, the word him is 


(a) the talking cricket. 

(b) Geppetto. 

(c) Pinocchio. 


H List the bad ways 

Pinocchio behaved. 

H List the bad ways you 

behave.

Silver 9 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

The tortoise who talked too much 

Long ago in India, there lived three 

friends—a tortoise and two geese. The 

tortoise lived in a pond where his two 

friends often visited. 

A drought began to affect the 

land and all the waterways 

began to dry up—including the 

pond where the tortoise lived. The 

animals had very little to drink. Some 

animals died. 

The three friends decided to leave 

the pond area and travel to a distant 

lake where there was plenty of water. 

Although it was easy for the geese to 

fly a great distance, it was very difficult 

for the tortoise, who could only trudge 

along very slowly. They finally thought 

of a plan. 

The geese would fly holding a strong stick in their beaks. The tortoise 

would grasp the stick in his mouth. However, the tortoise would not be 

able to speak at all because if he opened his mouth, he would plunge 

to the land below and almost certainly die. The tortoise agreed to the 

plan but the geese were still concerned about their friend, as he was 

very talkative. 



Display Copy 

The geese warned the tortoise again about talking and they set out 

on their journey. They soared high into the sky with the tortoise clinging 

tightly to the stick. 

Eventually, they flew over a town. The townsfolk saw the tortoise being 

transported by the geese and began to laugh and clap. The tortoise, 

annoyed at being made fun of, opened his mouth to speak. 

As soon as he opened his mouth, the tortoise lost his grip on the stick 

and fell to his death. The geese were very sad to have lost a friend who 

did not listen to their warning. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

What caused the pond to dry up? 

(a) a drought (b) too many animals (c) floods 

Some animals died: 

(a) because they got old. 

(b) of thirst. 

(c) because they killed each other. 

The word distant in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) talk about. (b) unusual. (c) far away. 


(a) why the three friends had to move away. 

(b) what the plan was. 

(c) what happened to the tortoise. 

After the tortoise held onto the stick with his mouth: 

(a) the three animals stayed near the pond. 

(b) there was a drought. 

(c) the geese flew with the stick between their beaks. 

In Paragraph 7, he means 

(a) the geese. (b) the tortoise. (c) the townsfolk. 

The geese could fly a great distance quickly but the tortoise: 

(a) could only travel slowly. 

(b) could run quickly. 

(c) did not talk very much. 



Display Copy 

8. 

The geese were worried about 

their friend because: 

(a) he was talkative. 

(b) he was too heavy. 

(c) he liked to eat sticks. 


H Find out and write some interesting 

facts about tortoises or geese. 

H Read about India.

Silver 10 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

Androcles and 

the lion 

Long ago in ancient Rome, a 

slave named Androcles escaped 

from his master into the forest. 

He wandered around the forest 

for many days, foraging for food 

and hiding. 

One day, Androcles discovered 

a lion lying in the grass, moaning 

in pain. As he cautiously 

approached, he noticed a large 

thorn in the lion’s paw. The paw 

was swollen and bleeding. Very gently, Androcles pulled out the thorn 

and bandaged the paw. The lion led Androcles to his cave. The lion’s 

paw improved daily and soon he was able to hunt for meat, which he 

shared with Androcles. 

Soon afterwards, both Androcles and the lion were captured by Roman 

soldiers. Androcles was sentenced to death in the arena and the lion 

was thrown into a cage where he was not fed for many days. 

Finally, the day arrived for Androcles to meet his doom. The Roman 

emperor and the people of the town gathered to watch the event. 



Display Copy 

Androcles was led out into the middle of the arena. The hungry lion was 

released from its cage. It bounded into the arena towards its victim. As 

the lion approached, he recognised Androcles. He was so pleased to 

see his rescuer that he licked his face and hands like a friendly dog. 

The emperor was amazed by the remarkable sight. He ordered 

Androcles to be brought to him and demanded an explanation. 

Androcles told him how he had removed the thorn from the lion’s paw. 

The emperor forgave Androcles for his crimes and released him from 

slavery. The grateful lion was set free in the forest where he lived happily 

for the rest of his life. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

A slave is: 

(a) a person owned by someone else. 

(b) a person who works for 

someone else. 

(c) a snail without a shell. 

Before Androcles bandaged the 

lion’s paw: 

(a) the lion hunted for meat. 

(b) he shared the lion’s meat. 

(c) the lion moaned in pain. 

As soon as Androcles pulled out the thorn, he: 

(a) bandaged the paw. (b) ate meat. (c) ran away. 

Before the lion hunted for meat, Androcles fed himself by: 

(a) catching fish. 

(b) foraging for food. 

(c) buying food at the supermarket. 

The lion was not fed for many days so that: 

(a) he would be slim when everyone saw him. 

(b) he would be hungry when he went into the arena. 

(c) it would not cost anything to feed him. 



Display Copy 

In Paragraph 5, to meet his doom means to: 

(a) go outside. (b) meet his friends. (c) die. 

Which paragraph tells what happened to Androcles and the lion 

in the arena? 


8. 

In Paragraph 2, He means: 

(a) Androcles. 

(b) the lion. 

(c) the emperor. 


H Find pictures of things in ancient Rome. 

H Make a list of words using the letters in 

the word ‘Androcles’.

Gold 1 

How a hot-air balloon works 

1 

2 

3 

A French science teacher, Pilâtre de Rozier, invented 

the first hot-air balloon. He named the balloon Aerostat 

Reveillon. On 19 September 1783, he loaded a sheep, 

duck and rooster into the balloon for a flight lasting fifteen 

minutes. 

On 21 November 1783, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, two French 

brothers, took to the air in their hot-air balloon. Their flight took off from 

the centre of Paris and lasted twenty minutes. This was the first time 

people had travelled in a hot-air balloon. 

A hot-air balloon has three 

main parts: 

• The basket, or gondola, 

holds the pilot, passengers 

and gas cylinders. Some 

baskets are large enough 

to carry more than twenty 

people. 

• The burner is like the 

engine of the balloon. 

It uses propane gas to 

push hot air up into the 

envelope. 

• The balloon, or envelope, is 

made of airtight, durable 

fabric. Balloons come in 

many colours, shapes and 

sizes. 

envelope 

burners 

basket 

parachute 

valve 



Display Copy 

gas cylinders 

4 

A hot-air balloon stays in the air because the warm air inside the 

envelope is lighter than the cold air outside. This makes the balloon 

float. To keep the balloon in the air, the pilot fires the burner so the air in 

the envelope stays warm. When the pilot wants to land, he or she opens 

the parachute valve at the top of the envelope to let out some of the 

warm air. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Which part of the balloon is like the engine? 

(a) gondola (b) envelope (c) burner 

What do you think the word durable in 

Paragraph 3 means? 

(a) tough 

(b) weak 

(c) washable 

Where will you find the parachute valve? 

(a) on a passenger 

(b) on the gondola 

(c) on the envelope 

Who were the first people to ride in 

a hot-air balloon? 

(a) a sheep, a duck and a rooster 

(b) passengers 

(c) Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier 

What do you call a person who controls the hot-air balloon? 

(a) pilot (b) passenger (c) inventor 

Would your whole family be able to fit in a gondola for a hot-air balloon 

ride together? 



Display Copy 

(a) yes (b) no (c) hard to tell 

From which country did the hot-air balloon originate? 

(a) Paris (b) France (c) England 

8. 

The hot-air balloon is: 

(a) an eighteenth-century 

invention. 

(b) an English invention. 

(c) a recent invention. 


H Draw a colourful hot-air balloon. 

H Make a list of other inventions 

which fly in the sky.

Gold 2 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Amazing animals 

Did you know that some animals 

are able to regenerate? That 

means if they lose a body part, 

such as a leg, they can grow a 

new one. Lizards can lose their 

tail and leave it wiggling on the 

ground to distract their enemy 

while they escape. It takes around 

nine months for a new tail to grow. 

If flatworms and sea cucumbers 

are cut into pieces, each piece 

grows into a whole new flatworm 

or sea cucumber. Spiders and sea 

stars are able to regrow missing 

legs or arms. 

A few amazing frogs are able to freeze 

themselves over the winter and thaw 

out once spring arrives. The North 

American wood frog freezes itself at 

the very first touch of ice. It begins 

by freezing its organs. As soon as the 

temperature rises in spring, the frog 

thaws from the inside and begins 

moving around within a few hours. 



Display Copy 

Have you ever thought about an animal ejecting its stomach? A sea 

cucumber gets rid of its stomach when it feels threatened. It takes a 

few weeks for its stomach to regrow. A sea star ejects its stomach to 

collect food. When it is finished eating, the stomach is sucked back 

inside its body. Some frogs eject their whole stomach when they vomit. 

They clean it with their leg and then take it back inside their body! 

How about zebras—did you know that each zebra has its own unique 

stripe pattern, just like our fingerprints are unique to each of us? 

Zebras use their stripes to recognise each other within the herd. A foal 

is able to recognise its own mother by her unique stripe pattern. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What does the word regenerate in Paragraph 1 mean? 

(a) to vomit 

(b) to grow something new 

(c) to freeze and thaw out 

When does a sea cucumber 

eject its stomach? 

(a) when it eats 

(b) when it regenerates 

(c) when it feels threatened 

A zebras stripes are unique, like: 

(a) human fingerprints. (b) lizard tails. (c) frog organs. 

Flatworms and sea cucumbers are the same because they both: 

(a) are plants. (b) live on land. (c) regenerate. 

A North American wood frog begins to thaw when it: 

(a) touches ice. (b) feels warmer. (c) moves around. 

The word it in Paragraph 2, means the: 

(a) spring. (b) North American wood frog. (c) ice. 

Which word could be used instead of thaw out in Paragraph 2? 

(a) freeze 

(b) melt 

(c) regenerate 

Why does a lizard lose its tail? 

(a) so other animals have a 

play toy 

(b) to survive 

(c) because it likes to grow 

a new one 



Display Copy 


H Use the letters in the word 

‘regenerate’ to make as 

many new words as you can. 

H Design a unique stripe 

pattern which could be found 

on a zebra.

Gold 3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Skin – the body’s blanket 

Skin is the largest organ 

of the body. If we were 

to lay out the skin of an 

adult, it would cover 

a two-metre by twometre 

blanket. Of all 

the different parts of 

the body, the skin is the 

heaviest! The thickest 

skin is found on the soles 

of the feet, while the 

eyelids have the thinnest 

skin. 

epidermis 

dermis 

subcutaneous 

fat 

skin layers 

Skin covers our whole body 

and protects us from germs, 

water and sunshine. The skin 

also keeps our body at just the right temperature. If it is too hot, 

the skin sweats to cool down and if it is too cold, tiny hairs stand up to 

trap warm air which helps to keep the body warm. Skin also plays an 

important part in keeping all our inside bits … well … inside! 

Skin has three layers. The outside layer, called the epidermis, is the bit 

we can see. New skin is always being made at the bottom of this layer. 

The new skin works its way up to the surface and the dead skin on the 

surface falls off. We lose about 10 million dead skin cells from our body 

every day. About every four years, we shed our own body weight in 

dead skin! This layer also has a chemical called ‘melanin’. Melanin 

works to protect us from the sun. The more melanin in the skin, the 

darker it is. 



Display Copy 

The second layer of skin, called the dermis, can’t be seen. This part 

of our skin gives us our sense of touch. The nerves and blood vessels 

are found here and they send messages to our brain if something is 

painful, hot or cold. 

The third layer is called ‘subcutaneous fat’. This layer of fatty tissue 

cushions us from any knocks or bumps, helps to keep us warm and 

attaches the skin to the tissue underneath. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Which of these sentences is true? 

(a) We lose all of our skin when we are four. 

(b) It takes four years to shed our body weight in dead skin. 

(c) We lose about 10 million dead skin cells every four years. 

We feel pain because of the nerves found in the: 

(a) subcutaneous fat. (b) epidermis. (c) dermis. 

When we are too hot: 

(a) the skin sweats. 

(b) tiny hairs stand up. 

(c) the skin gets thicker. 



(a) the body. 

(b) the skin of an adult. 

(c) a blanket. 

Fair-skinned people have: 

(a) lots of melanin. (b) thin skin. (c) little melanin. 

New skin is made in the: 

(a) epidermis. (b) dermis. (c) subcutaneous fat. 

The word organ in Paragraph 1 means: 

(a) a type of piano. 

(b) a blanket. 

(c) a part of the body. 

The surface of the skin is: 

(a) dead. 

(b) alive. 

(c) too heavy to carry. 



Display Copy 


H Measure out an area of 

2 m x 2 m to see how big it is. 

H Draw a poster showing how 

to protect our skin from the 

sun.

Gold 4 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

People use the term kung-fu to 

describe Chinese martial arts. 

But working hard and becoming 

an expert in any skill is the real 

meaning of kung-fu. 

Long ago, in China, kung-fu was all 

about working hard and training 

the body and mind to achieve 

excellence in any area of learning 

or skill. Today, a person could be 

kung-fu at basketball or art. When 

we say a person has kung-fu, it 

means that person has worked 

hard and has great skill. 

The term kung-fu became popular 

in the 1960s when a lot of movies 

were made in Hong Kong (a city 

in China). The movies showed a 

lot of Chinese martial arts. One of 

the stars of these movies was Bruce 

Lee. He was an actor and a master 

of Chinese martial arts. 



Display Copy 

Chinese martial arts were first 

used 5000 years ago. They were a form of self-defence, used during 

hunting expeditions. They were also used by Chinese soldiers in handto-hand 

combat and weapons training. Over time, Chinese martial arts 

changed and new techniques for good health and to develop inner 

strength were included. 

Today, there are hundreds of different styles of Chinese martial arts. 

The names given to Chinese martial arts as a group include: ‘kung-fu’, 

‘wushu’, ‘kuoshu’, or ‘ch’uan fa’. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Kung-fu really means: 

(a) Chinese martial arts. 

(b) becoming expert by hard work. 

(c) fighting. 

It is a fact, not an opinion, that: 

(a) a person can be kung-fu in 

skateboarding. 

(b) working hard is good. 

(c) everyone should work hard. 


popular means: 

(a) enjoyable. 

(b) well-known and used. 

(c) belonging to people. 

Chinese martial arts are: 

(a) very modern sports. 

(b) very old forms of self-defence. 

(c) only practised by Chinese soldiers. 

What is kung-fu really all about? 

(a) working hard to be your best 

(b) being really good at martial arts 

(c) training all the time 

Who can be kung-fu at something? 

(a) boys only 

(b) girls only 

(c) boys and girls 


(a) Bruce Lee was a famous actor. 

(b) Movies were made in Hong Kong. 

(c) how the term ‘kung-fu’ became 

popular 

8. When were Chinese 

martial arts first used? 

(a) 1960s 

(b) 5000 years ago 

(c) 2000 years ago 



Display Copy 


H On a map of the world, 

find and colour China. 

Circle Hong Kong. 

H Make a list of things 

you would like to be 

‘kung-fu’ at.

Gold 5 

Green sea 

1 

2 

3 

turtle 

The green sea turtle is a marine reptile. It is found in warm tropical and 

temperate oceans all over the world. The female lives in the sea and 

comes onto the beach each summer to lay eggs. The male doesn’t 

come onto land. There are seven different species of sea turtles. The 

green sea turtle is one of the largest turtles. 

The green sea turtle has a large, hard shell (called a ‘carapace’); a 

beak; a tail; and four flippers. This turtle is unable to retract its head 

and flippers into its shell for protection. The green sea turtle was so 

named because of the colour of the fat underneath the shell. The fat 

is green in colour because of the amount of sea grass and other sea 

plants it eats. The adult green sea turtle is a plant eater (herbivore); 

however, as a young hatchling, it is a meat eater (carnivore). 



Display Copy 

The female green sea turtle returns to the same beach each year to 

lay her eggs. It is the beach where she was born. She hauls herself 

onto the beach at night during summer to lay around 100 eggs. She 

uses her flippers to dig a pit, lays her eggs and covers them carefully 

with sand. She then returns to the sea. Around three months later, the 

baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. 

4 

The green sea turtle is considered endangered in some parts of the 

world. Climate change is threatening the future of these and other 

marine turtles. Rising waters, severe storms and flooding are destroying 

the beaches where the green sea turtles lay their eggs. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Green sea turtles are found: 

(a) in cold waters. 

(b) in temperate and tropical waters. 

(c) on beaches everywhere. 

Green sea turtles are: 

(a) reptiles. (b) mammals. (c) fish. 

After laying their eggs, female green 

sea turtles: 

(a) care for their young. 

(b) return to the sea. 

(c) wait until they hatch. 

Male sea turtles: 

(a) spend their entire life in the water. 

(b) go on to the beach. 

(c) care for their young. 

What is the name of a baby turtle? 

(a) reptile 

(b) carnivore 

(c) hatchling 

The green sea turtle was named after: 

(a) the person who discovered the species. 

(b) the colour of its shell. 

(c) the colour of the fatty layer under the shell. 

The meaning of the word retract in Paragraph 2 is to: 

(a) turn. (b) change. (c) pull back in. 

The main idea of Paragraph 4 is to: 

(a) give an introduction to green sea turtles. 

(b) describe the green sea turtle. 

Something 

extra 


baby turtles making 

their way to the sea. 

H Write a poem about 

green sea turtles. 



Display Copy 

(c) explain how climate change may affect green sea turtles.

Gold 6 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Batter up for 

tee-ball! 

Tee-ball is a great game for boys and 

girls between the ages of five and 12. It 

began in the United States of America 

in the 1950s to give young children the 

opportunity to develop baseball skills. 

The games of baseball and softball 

were changed to suit younger 

competitors. The tee-ball field is smaller 

than a baseball field and the rules have 

been made easier to understand. The 

main aims of playing tee-ball are: 

• to introduce children to a 

diamond-based team sport 

that is fun and where they can 

experience success 

• to encourage good health 

through exercise 

• to encourage good sportsmanship. 

A tee-ball game runs for 60 minutes. Teams bat for ten minutes, then take 

their turn on the field for ten minutes. Each team bats and fields three 

times per game. All players have a turn at batting. Fielding positions 

are rotated to make sure every player has a turn on one of the bases. 

Each team must have nine players. If one team does not have enough 

players, they may borrow players from another team with more than 

nine players. 



Display Copy 

Players hit a ball, about the size of a tennis ball, off a tee. The tee can 

be adjusted to suit the height of the batter. Once the ball has been hit 

successfully, the batter drops the bat and runs to first base. It is up to the 

fielders to get the ball to the base before the batter reaches it. Players 

practise and develop skills in throwing and catching, chasing and 

fielding balls, hitting and baserunning, and playing in different positions. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Which bat and ball game is tee-ball based on? 

(a) cricket (b) hockey (c) baseball 

How long does each team spend batting during a 60-minute game? 

(a) 10 minutes (b) 30 minutes (c) 60 minutes 

A tee-ball field is different from a baseball field because it is: 

(a) the same size. (b) smaller. (c) bigger. 

What does a batter do once he/she has successfully hit the ball? 

(a) drops the bat and runs to first base 

(b) catches the ball and throws it to first base 

(c) returns to the bench to join the rest of the team 

Which age group plays tee-ball? 

(a) 5–12 years 

(b) under 12 years 

(c) 10–15 years 

All players have turns: 

(a) batting. 

(b) fielding. 

(c) batting and fielding. 



Display Copy 

It is a fact, not an opinion, that tee-ball is: 

(a) fun. 

(b) played with a bat and ball. 

(c) easy to play. 

8. 

Tee-ball started in: 

(a) Australia. 

(b) the USA. 

(c) England. 


H Write an acrostic poem about tee-ball. 

H List other sports which use a bat and a ball.

Gold 7 

1 

2 

3 

4 

World records 

A world record can be set in anything which can be 

measured. World records usually include the fastest or 

slowest; largest or smallest; longest or shortest; the most or 

the least; oldest or youngest; heaviest or lightest—they are 

the extreme best in a category. 

You might be surprised to know that the Guinness book of 

world records was first published in August 1955, in Britain. Now titled 

Guinness world records ® , it is printed in 24 different languages and 

sold in more than 100 countries around the world. The book has many 

categories of world records. These include the human body, arts and 

media, amazing feats, modern society, the natural world, travel and 

transport, sports and games, and science and technology. 

An American man by the name of Ashrita Furman is known as ‘Mr 

Versatility’. He holds the world record for the most number of world 

records and also for the most number of world records held at any one 

time. By 2008, he had set or broken 204 official world records. He set his 

first world record in 1979 by doing 27 000 continuous jumping jacks. 

In June 2008, he set a world record when he crushed 53 eggs with his 

head in just 30 seconds. 



Display Copy 

Between 1200 and 1500 people attempt to set or break a world record 

each week. If you would like to set or break a world record, you must 

contact Guinness world records ® and apply to do so. You must tell them 

what you want to do and they will send you information about the 

current record and rules to follow. If it is a new type of record, they will 

tell you whether or not they are interested and send you rules to follow! 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

A world record can be set: 

(a) by humans only. 

(b) in anything which can 

be measured. 

(c) in anything. 

In which section of Guinness 

world records ® would records 

relating to animals be found? 

(a) sports and games 

(b) modern society 

(c) the natural world 

What is the main idea of 

Paragraph 3? 

(a) records set by Ashrita 

Furman 

(b) American men’s records 

(c) jumping jacks 

Guinness world records ® was 

first published in: 

(a) America. 

(b) Britain. 

(c) Australia. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What would be the 

best meaning for the 

word versatility used in 

Paragraph 3? 

(a) able to turn 

backwards or 

forwards 

(b) having many uses 

(c) able to change from 

one task to another 

Guinness world records ® 

sets rules for: 

(a) all records. 

(b) new records 

(c) old records. 

Guinness world records ® 

was first published in: 

(a) 2008. 

(b) 1955. 

(c) 1979. 



Display Copy 

5. 

Guinness world records ® will 

only publish a record if a 

person: 

(a) applies first. 

(b) sets a world record. 

(c) tells what they did. 


H How many jumping jacks 

can you do in one minute? 

H Which category of world 

records do you find most 

interesting? Explain why.

Gold 8 

1 

2 

3 

LEGO ® 

The colourful LEGO ® brick, as we know it today, was first made in 1958. 

Plastic is poured into specially shaped moulds to form these strong, selflocking 

bricks. Children all over the world spend billions of hours every 

year playing with LEGO ® bricks. 

The LEGO ® company was started in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen. He 

was a Danish carpenter who began making wooden toys to help 

children use their imagination in play. He made up the name, LEGO ® , 

from the first two letters in the Danish words ‘leg godt’, which means 

‘play well’. 

LEGO ® toys are sold in more than 130 countries around the world. 

There are more than 2200 different LEGO ® pieces in the LEGO ® range 

and 55 different colours available. The different LEGO ® pieces can 

be assembled to make anything you can imagine, from buildings to 

vehicles and even working robots. There are 120 designers working for 

the LEGO ® company. Once a new model is created, it takes around 

twelve months for that design to be sold in the shops. 



Display Copy 

4 

In 1968, the LEGO ® company built LEGOLAND ® Park in Billund, Denmark. 

LEGOLAND ® shows how creativity and imagination can be used. Visitors 

to LEGOLAND ® are treated to spectacular LEGO ® brick models, rides 

and interactive shows. They are encouraged to be creative with their 

own designs in special LEGO ® building areas. LEGOLAND ® can also be 

found in Windsor, UK; California, USA; and Gunzburg, Germany. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

The LEGO ® bricks we see today were first invented in: 

(a) 1968. (b) 1958. (c) 1932. 

The word assembled in Paragraph 3 means: 

(a) put together. (b) sorted. (c) collected. 

LEGOLAND ® is a place where: 

(a) LEGO ® bricks are manufactured. 

(b) Ole Kirk Christiansen first invented LEGO ® bricks. 

(c) creativity and imagination are displayed. 

LEGO ® toys are sold in: 

(a) USA, UK, Germany and Denmark. 

(b) more than 130 countries. 

(c) factories. 

LEGO ® pieces can be used to create: 

(a) buildings and vehicles. 

(b) working robots. 

(c) almost anything you can imagine. 


(a) where LEGO ® was first invented 

(b) how the LEGO ® company started 

(c) what LEGO ® is made of 



Display Copy 

It is an opinion, not a fact, that LEGO ® is: 

(a) great. (b) made of plastic. (c) sold in many countries. 

8. 



(a) visitors. 

(b) rides. 

(c) LEGO ® models. 

H 

H 

On a world map, show the locations of 

LEGOLAND ® . 

How many words can you make using 

the letters in the word ‘LEGOLAND ® ’.

Gold 9 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup nuts 

• ½ cup dates 

• ½ cup dried apricots 

• ½ cup raisins 

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon 

• ¼ cup desiccated coconut 

• 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional) 

Equipment 

• food processor 

• measuring cups and spoons 

• cup 

• kitchen paper or foil 

• plate 

Method 

1. Put nuts, dates, apricots, raisins and 

cocoa in the food processor and blend for one minute. 



Display Copy 

2. If the mixture does not hold together, add the orange juice. 

3. Put the cinnamon and then coconut into a cup. Mix well 

and spread onto kitchen paper. 

4. Use your hands to roll a teaspoonful of the mixture into 

small balls. You should make approximately 20 balls. 

5. Roll each ball in the coconut mixture to coat. 

6. Place on a plate and put in the fridge until firm. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

What does the word optional in the ingredients list mean? 

(a) You must use orange juice to make the recipe work properly. 

(b) It is the last ingredient on the list. 

(c) You can use orange juice if you need to. 

Orange juice can be added if the mixture: 

(a) won’t stay together. 

(b) tastes awful. 

(c) is too sweet. 

Which utensil would make it easier to measure the nuts, 

dates, apricots, raisins and coconut correctly? 

(a) a cup (b) measuring cups (c) measuring spoons 

Which is the last ingredient used? 

(a) cocoa (b) coconut (c) cinnamon 

If you and four friends were sharing the chocolatey fruit 

balls, how many balls would each person receive? 

(a) twenty (b) five (c) four 

What should be done first? 

(a) Roll into balls. 

(b) Blend mixture. 

(c) Add cinnamon. 

In a recipe, the method tells us: 

(a) what we will need. 

(b) what to do step-by-step. 



Display Copy 

(c) how long it will take to make. 

H Write the list of ingredients 

in alphabetical order. 

H Write ALL of the words from 

the recipe which are verbs. 

H Make a poster listing 

rules to be followed when 

cooking. 

Which word in the method could be 

replaced by the word about? 

(a) spread (b) place (c) approximately

Gold 10 

description 

activity 

diet 

defence 

native to 

habitat 

interesting 

fact 

What’s the difference? 

hedgehog 

small enough to fit in 

your hand; covered 

with thousands of very 

sharp spines mixed with 

coarse hair 

nocturnal; rests in a 

den burrowed into the 

ground or a nest of leaf 

litter 

omnivore: insects, 

snails, frogs and toads, 

snakes, bird eggs, 

mushrooms, grass 

roots, berries, melons, 

earthworms 

rolls into a tight ball 

with spines pointing 

outwards; can also 

run away or climb to 

escape danger 

Europe, Asia and Africa 

anywhere there is welldrained 

soil, dry shelter 

and plenty of insects 

Some people think 

they make good pets 

because they control 

pests in the garden. 

echidna 

covered in spines and 

coarse hair for warmth; 

has a long snout and 

long tongue for finding 

food 

nocturnal when it is hot; 

active day and night 

when it is cooler 

insectivore: ants, 

termites and grubs 

on hard ground; rolls 

into a tight ball 

on soft soil; lowers its 

head and digs quickly, 

sinking into the ground, 

leaving its spines 

showing 

Australia and New 

Guinea 

anywhere with ground 

cover and plenty of 

ants 

They don’t like the heat 

and are very good 

swimmers. 

porcupine 

mammal erinaceinae monotreme rodent 

large rodent covered 

in 30 000 barbed quills 

along back, sides and 

tail; has coarse hair for 

warmth 

nocturnal; rests in caves 

or rocky crevices 

omnivore: grass, clover, 

grubs, roots, bulbs, 

berries, fruits, bark, nuts 

backs up to the 

attacker; if quills are 

touched, they are 

released into the 

attacker and are 

difficult to take out 



Display Copy 

Asia, Italy, Africa and 

North and South 

America 

forests, hillsides, rocky 

outcrops, deserts, 

grasslands 

Most live on the ground, 

but some climb trees— 

even though they are 

very clumsy. 


Prim-Ed Publishing

Questions 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

Coarse hair is: 

(a) rude. (b) smooth. (c) wiry. 

An echidna: 

(a) is an omnivore and lives in Australia. 

(b) has spines and can swim. 

(c) has quills and can swim. 

An omnivore eats: 

(a) meat. 

(b) plants. 

(c) meat and plants. 

Which mammal does the writer think would make a suitable pet? 

(a) hedgehog (b) echidna (c) porcupine 

Which mammal is a rodent? 

(a) hedgehog (b) echidna (c) porcupine 

The word clumsy was used to describe the porcupine. It means: 

(a) is difficult to handle. 

(b) moves in a awkward way. 

(c) doesn’t get on well with others. 

Which animal defends itself by attacking? 

(a) hedgehog 

(b) porcupine 

(c) echidna 

The text was written 

to give: 

(a) instructions. 

(b) information. 

(c) an opinion. 



Display Copy 


H Select one mammal and write a 

poem about it. 

H Find and write the words in the text 

which have three or more syllables.

RIC-6946 The Comprehension Box 1 - Sample student cards

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?