Overview

This set of 20 English comprehension questions is tailored for students preparing for the 11+ exam. These questions test a range of comprehension skills, including understanding the main idea, identifying details, making inferences, vocabulary, and interpreting meaning. The following passages and questions challenge students to think critically and analyse written texts.

Sample Passage and Questions

Passage Example:

It was a bright, sunny afternoon when Lucy decided to explore the woods behind her house. She had always been curious about what lay beyond the dense trees and had often imagined secret paths and hidden treasures. As she ventured deeper, she heard the sound of rustling leaves and noticed a faint trail that seemed to lead somewhere. Following her instincts, Lucy continued along the path, hoping to discover something extraordinary.

Sample Questions:

  1. What time of day does Lucy decide to explore the woods?
  • a) Morning
  • b) Afternoon
  • c) Evening
  • d) Night
  1. Why had Lucy always been curious about the woods?
  • a) She heard stories about the woods.
  • b) She thought there might be secret paths and hidden treasures.
  • c) Her friends told her to explore.
  • d) She lost something there.

Answer: 1) b) Afternoon, 2) b) She thought there might be secret paths and hidden treasures.

Questions Based on Comprehension Skills

Passage 1

Henry’s family had always lived in the city, surrounded by tall buildings and busy streets. But one day, his father announced that they would be moving to a small village in the countryside. At first, Henry felt sad about leaving his friends and familiar surroundings. However, as they settled into their new home, he started to enjoy the peacefulness and the fresh air. He even made a few new friends at the local school, and soon, the village felt like home.

Questions

  1. Where did Henry’s family live before moving to the village?
  2. How did Henry feel about the move initially?
  3. What made Henry start to feel more at home in the village?

Passage 2

The wind howled through the trees as Emily wrapped her coat tightly around her. She had set out on a walk to the old lighthouse at the edge of the cliff, determined to reach it before nightfall. Despite the cold, she felt a sense of excitement as she approached the tall structure. Its light flickered in the distance, guiding her along the rocky path.

Questions

  1. Why did Emily wrap her coat tightly around her?
  2. What was Emily’s destination?
  3. How did Emily feel as she approached the lighthouse?

Passage 3

Oliver’s dog, Max, was always full of energy. Every morning, they would go for a run in the park, and Max would chase after squirrels and bark at passing birds. One day, however, Max seemed tired and refused to run. Oliver grew worried and decided to take him to the vet. The vet assured him that Max was fine but suggested that he needed a bit more rest.

Questions

  1. What activity did Oliver and Max do every morning?
  2. Why did Oliver take Max to the vet?
  3. What did the vet suggest about Max?

Passage 4

Sara loved reading adventure books. One day, while browsing the library, she found an old book with a faded cover. Curious, she opened it and discovered that it was filled with maps and stories of hidden treasures. As she turned the pages, she imagined herself as a brave explorer, searching for lost cities and forgotten islands.

Questions

  1. What type of books did Sara love reading?
  2. What did Sara find in the library?
  3. How did she feel as she read the old book?

Passage 5

James stood at the top of the hill, looking down at the town below. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the rooftops. He took a deep breath and felt a sense of peace wash over him. It was moments like this that made him appreciate living in a small town.

Questions

  1. Where was James standing?
  2. What time of day was it?
  3. How did James feel about living in a small town?

Advanced Comprehension Questions

Passage 6

In the depths of the forest, there was a hidden waterfall that very few people knew about. The water cascaded down the rocks, sparkling in the sunlight. Every weekend, Ella would visit this secret spot, enjoying the tranquillity and the sound of the water. It was her place to escape from the busy world.

Questions

  1. What was special about the waterfall?
  2. How often did Ella visit the waterfall?
  3. Why did Ella enjoy visiting this spot?

Passage 7

Tom’s grandfather had always been a storyteller. He would sit by the fire every evening, sharing tales of brave knights, fierce dragons, and magical kingdoms. Tom would listen with wide eyes, imagining himself as the hero of each story. It was his favourite time of the day.

Questions

  1. Who was the storyteller in Tom’s life?
  2. What kind of stories did Tom’s grandfather tell?

Answers

Passage 1

  1. The city
  2. Sad
  3. He made new friends and started to enjoy the peacefulness and fresh air.

Passage 2

  1. Because it was cold.
  2. The old lighthouse.
  3. She felt excited.

Passage 3

  1. They went for a run in the park.
  2. Because Max seemed tired and refused to run.
  3. That Max needed more rest.

Passage 4

  1. Adventure books
  2. An old book with a faded cover
  3. She felt like a brave explorer.

Passage 5

  1. At the top of a hill
  2. Sunset (evening)
  3. He felt at peace and appreciated it.

Passage 6

  1. It was hidden, and very few people knew about it.
  2. Every weekend
  3. It was her place to escape from the busy world.

Passage 7

  1. Tom’s grandfather
  2. Tales of brave knights, fierce dragons, and magical kingdoms

These comprehension questions test students’ ability to understand and interpret texts, identify details, and infer meanings. This practice will help develop the comprehension skills required to succeed in the 11+ exam.