Comprehension Skills Practice

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Part 1: Reading for Understanding

Read the passage carefully, then answer the questions below. Scaffolding tip: Look back at the text to find your answers — they are stated directly!

Passage: Tāmati has a dog named Kuri. Every morning, Tāmati takes Kuri for a walk to the park near their house. Kuri loves to run and chase birds. After the walk, Tāmati gives Kuri fresh water and a bowl of food. Tāmati says, "Looking after a pet is a big responsibility."

1. What is the name of Tāmati's dog?

Tāmati

Kuri

Buddy

Patch

2. What does Kuri love to do at the park?

Sleep under a tree

Swim in the pond

Run and chase birds

Play with other dogs

3. True or False? Circle your answer.

Tāmati takes Kuri for a walk every evening. TRUE FALSE

4. In your own words, write one sentence that summarises what this passage is about.

Scaffolding tip: Think — Who is it about? What do they do?

Part 2: Reading Between the Lines

Read the passage carefully, then answer the questions. Scaffolding tip: Some answers are not stated directly — use clues in the text to figure them out!

Passage: Aroha arrived at school with dark circles under her eyes. She yawned three times during the morning roll call and forgot to bring her homework. At lunchtime, instead of playing with her friends, she sat quietly by herself and stared at the ground. Her teacher, Ms Parata, noticed and brought her a glass of water. "Are you doing okay?" she asked gently.

5. What can you infer about how Aroha is feeling? Choose the best answer.

Aroha is excited about something happening after school.

Aroha is tired and possibly upset or unwell.

Aroha is angry at her teacher.

Aroha forgot it was a school day.

6. What evidence from the text supports your answer above? Write two clues from the passage.

Scaffolding tip: Look for things Aroha did or didn't do that give you hints about how she feels.

Clue 1: _____________________________________________________________

Clue 2: _____________________________________________________________

7. True or False? Circle your answer.

Ms Parata noticed that something seemed wrong with Aroha. TRUE FALSE

8. Why do you think Ms Parata asked Aroha if she was okay? Use evidence from the text in your answer.

Scaffolding tip: Think about what Ms Parata observed. Start with: "Ms Parata probably asked because she noticed..."

Part 3: Summarising, Inferring & Self-Monitoring

Read the passage carefully. Scaffolding tip: If you are confused, re-read the tricky part. Ask yourself: "What is the author really trying to say here?"

Passage: In 2023, scientists in Aotearoa New Zealand reported that kākāpō numbers had risen to over 250 birds — a remarkable achievement for a species once considered on the brink of extinction. The kākāpō is the world's heaviest parrot and is completely flightless. For decades, introduced predators such as stoats, rats, and cats pushed the population to dangerously low numbers. Conservation teams now work around the clock on predator-free islands, monitoring every individual bird. Each kākāpō is fitted with a transmitter so rangers can track their health and behaviour. Despite this progress, experts warn that the species remains critically endangered and that sustained effort is essential. "We cannot afford to become complacent," said one ranger. "Every single bird matters."

9. Which statement best summarises the main idea of this passage?

Kākāpō are interesting because they cannot fly.

Conservation work has helped kākāpō numbers grow, but the species is still at risk.

Scientists in New Zealand study many different types of birds.

Predators such as stoats and rats live on New Zealand islands.

10. What does the ranger mean when they say, "We cannot afford to become complacent"? Use the context of the passage to explain.

Scaffolding tip: "Complacent" means feeling too relaxed or satisfied. Why might that be dangerous for the kākāpō?

11. Check ALL the strategies that good readers use when they don't understand a part of a text.

Re-read the confusing section more slowly

Skip the whole passage and guess the answers

Look for clues in the sentences before and after

Think about what you already know about the topic