Question 1 Sequencing narrative events · support
Write one paragraph about a child who misses a bus and finds a safe solution. Use 'after', 'while' and 'eventually' to link events in a sensible order.
What to aim for Events form a plausible sequence with a safe solution. All three connectives fit their meanings. Adult can follow the paragraph without guessing what happened between events. Response or adult observation notes
Question 2 Cohesion through word associations · support
Write a story paragraph about a lost dog returning to its owner. Use at least three related words from the same topic to connect your sentences, without repeating 'dog' in every sentence.
What to aim for The paragraph has a clear sequence. Adult identifies at least three useful related words. Pronouns and alternate references clearly identify the same animal. Response or adult observation notes
Question 3 Conditional relationships in narrative · core
Write a paragraph about a character preparing a surprise. Include a sensible 'if' sentence and an 'unless' sentence that affect what happens.
What to aim for Both conditional sentences express clear, sensible relationships. The conditions influence the character's actions. Adult can follow the paragraph as a connected scene. Response or adult observation notes
Question 4 Writing a practical procedure · support
Write instructions for making a paper bookmark for a classmate. Include materials, 4–6 numbered steps and a time connective. Check that the steps can be followed in order.
What to aim for Materials match the actions in the steps. Steps begin with clear action verbs and follow a useful order. Adult can follow the instructions without missing information. Response or adult observation notes
Question 5 Explaining a process from observations · core
Class observation: equal-sized ice cubes on matching plates; one plate in sun, one in shade; checked together after ten minutes; more liquid water and less remaining ice on the sunny plate.
Use the observations to write a 5–7 sentence explanation of what happened to the ice. Connect causes and results and distinguish what was observed from what you explain.
What to aim for Adult checks that the reported observation matches the notes. Cause-and-result language connects the ideas. The explanation does not claim every sunny/shady setting always gives the same result. Response or adult observation notes
Question 6 Writing conditional instructions · core
Write a troubleshooting guide for a class slideshow that will not play its sound. Use 'if' and 'unless' sensibly and give a safe final step if the checks do not work.
What to aim for The checks follow a sensible order. 'If' and 'unless' express correct conditions. Adult checks that the guide ends with an appropriate way to seek help. Response or adult observation notes
Question 7 Moving sentences to improve sequence · support
We watered the pots. We placed them by the window. We filled them with soil. We collected clean pots. We put seeds into the soil.
Rewrite this paragraph so its events follow a clear time order. Add two appropriate time connectives, and explain one sentence you moved.
What to aim for Adult checks that every original action remains. The sequence is practical and clearly linked. The explanation identifies a useful move. Response or adult observation notes
Question 8 Editing repetitive references · core
The rabbit escaped from the rabbit's pen. The rabbit hid behind the compost bin. The rabbit waited until Zara brought food. The rabbit hopped back into the rabbit's pen.
Rewrite the paragraph to reduce unnecessary repetition while keeping it clear who each sentence is about. Use a pronoun and another suitable reference to the rabbit.
What to aim for All original events remain clear. The revision uses a pronoun and another reference to the rabbit. Adult checks that no pronoun could be confused with Zara. Response or adult observation notes
Question 9 Editing time and conditional links · core
Cover the table. Begin painting. Put on an apron. Collect your brush. The paint might be too thick. Ask the teacher about adding water. Wash the brush at the end.
Edit this paragraph by adding suitable connectives to explain time and conditions. Include 'before' and 'if', and keep the instructions sensible.
What to aim for The table is protected before painting begins. The condition about thick paint has a matching action. Adult checks that the revision keeps all essential steps. Response or adult observation notes
Question 10 Repairing misleading time links · core
After the visitors arrived, we set out the chairs. Before they watched the demonstration, we explained our model at the same time. While they left, we packed everything away after the event.
Repair the connectives in this paragraph. Write a sensible revision and explain why one original connective was misleading.
What to aim for Preparation, demonstration and packing occur in the correct order. The revised connectives match those relationships. Adult checks that the explanation identifies a specific changed meaning. Response or adult observation notes
