The Year 6 Reading SATs is a 1-hour test.
It has three separate texts (fiction, non-fiction, or poetry) with questions afterwards.
Pupils must answer 35–40 questions worth 50 marks in total.
The focus is reading comprehension and understanding the writer’s choices.
The test checks pupils’ ability to:
Find facts, dates, names, or events directly from the text.
Example question:
“According to the text, why did the character leave the village?”
Explain the meaning of a word or phrase using the context of the sentence.
Example:
“What does the word ‘reluctant’ mean in this sentence?”
Pick out key points from a paragraph or whole text.
May involve putting ideas in order or writing a short summary.
Analyse why the writer uses certain words, phrases, or literary techniques.
Understand how paragraphs and sentences create effect or meaning.
Example question:
“Explain how the writer makes the storm seem frightening.”
Work out unstated ideas based on clues in the text.
Requires reading between the lines.
Example question:
“How do you know that Tom is nervous?”
Sometimes pupils are asked to compare two texts or passages.
Focus on language, tone, or purpose.
Example question:
“Compare how the two authors present the weather in their texts.”
Give a brief overall account of a story, article, or poem.
Pick out key points, main ideas, or themes.
Skimming and scanning for answers quickly.
Annotating texts with notes, keywords, or page marks.
Inferring meaning from clues and tone.
Explaining writer’s choices (language, structure, and presentation).
Comparing ideas or themes across texts.
Using evidence from the text to support answers.