Pi Leo Academy · Year 4 English

Reading and viewing

7 questions and practical tasks · Victorian Curriculum English Version 2.0 · Level 4 · VC2E4LY07

Questions with a separate answer key and review guidance.

Circle one option for multiple-choice questions. Use the response spaces or extra paper for longer work.

Name: ________________________________ Date: __________________

Question 1

purpose across time · core

Two children's story openings from different times A — The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, first published in 1902. This is its opening sentence, with line breaks preserved: “Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were— Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter.” B — Pip's Morning, an original Pileo Academy classroom story, 2026: Meet Pip: a rabbit with muddy paws and a plan. This morning she is going to find out who has been nibbling the carrot tops. Her brothers think the answer is obvious. Pip is not so sure. Both openings introduce rabbit characters in stories for children. The short extracts do not show the complete stories.

What shared purpose do these openings have?

To advertise vegetables for sale.
To report the result of a scientific observation.
To give instructions for caring for real rabbits.
To introduce characters in a story for children.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 2

language across time · core

Use the text at Question 1.

Which phrase in the 1902 opening is a traditional way to begin a tale?

“muddy paws”.
“Once upon a time”.
“Meet Pip”.
“not so sure”.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 3

comparing language · core

Use the text at Question 1.

How does the 2026 opening address the reader differently?

It starts with the exact same phrase as A.
It gives four names on separate lines.
It asks the reader to stop reading.
It begins by inviting the reader to meet Pip directly.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 4

comparing story information · core

Use the text at Question 1.

What does B introduce that is not yet included in the short extract from A?

More than one rabbit.
A named rabbit.
A question for the main character to investigate.
An audience of child readers.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 5

layout across time · core

Use the text at Question 1.

How is the presentation of names different?

B lists names alphabetically and A does not.
A gives no names, while B gives four.
A gives a list across several lines; B names one rabbit within its opening sentence.
Both print every name as a numbered list.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 6

source awareness · extension

Use the text at Question 1.

Which conclusion is fair after comparing these two extracts?

No modern story ever uses a traditional opening.
Every story in 1902 began in exactly the same way.
Children in 1902 could read only stories about rabbits.
These openings share a purpose but use different introductions; two examples cannot represent every story from their times.

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Question 7

texts across time · extension

Use the text at Question 1.

Compare the dated story openings using one similarity of purpose and two differences in language or presentation. Explain why the dates do not prove that every story of each period uses the same style.

What to aim for

Names the common purpose and audience.
Gives two supported differences.
Avoids generalising two extracts to all writing in either period.

Response or adult observation notes:

VC2E4LY07 · VC2E4LY09

Text references: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902), Beatrix Potter — public-domain text

Answers and review guidance

Open responses, handwriting and spoken tasks need adult review. The models are examples; different responses may meet the criteria.

Question 1

Answer: To introduce characters in a story for children.

Both introduce named rabbits as story characters, rather than giving animal-care facts.

Question 2

Answer: “Once upon a time”.

This familiar story-opening phrase places the narration in an unspecified story time.

Question 3

Answer: It begins by inviting the reader to meet Pip directly.

“Meet Pip” addresses the reader with an invitation; A begins with a statement about four rabbits.

Question 4

Answer: A question for the main character to investigate.

Pip wants to find out who nibbled the carrot tops. A only introduces the four names in the supplied sentence.

Question 5

Answer: A gives a list across several lines; B names one rabbit within its opening sentence.

This compares the visible arrangement of the two openings, not assumptions about their whole books.

Question 6

Answer: These openings share a purpose but use different introductions; two examples cannot represent every story from their times.

Comparing dated texts shows particular choices, but does not justify claims about all writers or readers in either period.

Question 7

Example response / review guidance: Both introduce rabbit characters for child readers. Potter uses a traditional opening and a displayed list of names. The new story directly introduces Pip and her mystery. These two choices cannot represent all stories from either date.

Other wording is acceptable when it is supported by the supplied text. Check the reasoning and evidence against the criteria.

Review criteria

Names the common purpose and audience.
Gives two supported differences.
Avoids generalising two extracts to all writing in either period.