How to use a SATs past paper: KS2 English

This test consists of a reading answer booklet and a separate reading booklet. Children have a total of one hour to read all three texts in the reading booklet and complete the questions at their own pace. They can approach the test as they choose, e.g. working through one text and answering the questions before moving onto the next, or reading all three texts first

Ask your child to open the booklet to page three and then explain the following to your child (this is also all written on their instructions page):

This test consists of about 49 questions. Children have 45 minutes to complete the test. Children are not allowed anything other than a pencil, blue or black pen and rubber.

Explain the following to your child at the start of the test:

Write your name on the front of the booklet.

Turn to page 3. I will read the instructions to you:

In this booklet, your grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are tested.

There are different types of question for you to answer in different ways.

The space for your answer shows you what type of answer is needed.

For some questions you do not need to do any writing.

Read the instructions carefully so that you know how to answer each question.

Some questions have a line or a box for your answer. This shows that you need to write a word, a few words or a sentence.

The number under each line at the side of the page tells you the maximum number of marks for each question.

You will have 45 minutes to answer the questions in this booklet.

You should try to answer all of the questions. If you can’t answer a question, move on to the next one and return to it later.

Pay particular attention to any instructions within test questions.

To make sure your answers can be marked, don’t write in the grey areas, on the barcode or on the lines at the top and bottom of the edge of the page and don’t crumple your test paper.

If you want to change your answer, rub it out or put a line through the response you don’t want the marker to read.

Remember to check your work carefully once you have finished your test.

You can ask me a question during the test, but remember I can’t help you with any questions.

I will tell you when you have five minutes left. I will tell you when the test is over and to stop.

This paper consists of an answer booklet for children to complete. You will need to read out 20 sentences to your child. Your child has the sentences written in their answer book, however each sentence has a word missing. They need to write the word that you have said out loud in the space. This should take approximately 15 minutes, however it is not strictly timed. 

Your child will need a blue or black pen or a pencil. They are allowed to use a rubber if they are writing with a pencil. Before you start the test, read these instructions to your child:

Write your name on the front of your test paper.

To make sure your answers can be marked, don’t write in the grey areas, on the barcode or on the lines at the top and bottom of the edge of the page and don’t crumple your test paper.

If you want to change your answer, put a line through the response you don’t want the marker to read.

You can ask me questions during the test, but remember, I can’t help you answer any of the test questions.

I am going to read 20 sentences to you. Each sentence has a word missing in your answer booklet. You should listen carefully to the missing word and fill this in, making sure you spell it correctly.

I will read the word, then the word within a sentence, then repeat the word a third time.

Now read the transcript given in the spelling instruction booklet to your child.