Comprehension - worksheets KS3

We have some great resources here for comprehension at KS3. 

At Key Stage 3 (school years 7, 8 and 9) pupils need to be able to form their own ideas and put these thoughts into writing. This is where comprehension helps students form opinions, discuss their thoughts on varying topics and analyse passages from different perspectives across a broad spectrum of subjects.

KS3 comprehension passages could vary from classical novels, the world today, health issues, moral issues such as truthfulness and honesty, to political and social problems. Some students find this form of comprehension stimulating and inspiring. Others need to be encouraged to put their thoughts into succinct and meaningful prose. They also need to create and convey atmosphere, demonstrate insight into the personality of the writer and to use some imagination.

It is important when tackling passages like this that students question the difference between good and bad writing, correct and incorrect spelling and a general use of the English language. The words 'who, why, what and when' should be constantly on the mind of the reader, as well as maintaining an enjoyment of the author's writing.

The passages in the comprehension worksheets we have chosen below include newspaper articles, songs, and factual writing. They even include topics to stimulate debate about everyday issues. These should help pupils to have a bank of their own thoughts and opinions on topics such as: smoking, health issues, literary works, and all the book recommendations read in this age group. To these one can also add articles on current events. 

Remember age groups may overlap so you might consider using resources from Key stage 2 for practice. It is always a good idea to start with a passage which is easy. This builds confidence and stimulates interest.

Comprehension Key stage 3 (KS3)

Great Expectations
A visit from St Nicholas comprehension Y7
Reading comprehension half truths
Comprehension KS3 Flannan Isle
Comprehension strategies
Information text on UK KS3
 
   
Pinocchio comprehension
 
Frankenstein comprehension
A smuggler's song Year 7 comprehension
Victorian Thief Year 7 comprehension
Owl pellets Year 7 comprehension
Newspapers, comprehension & writing KS3
Comprehension on Marie Curie KS3
Discussion on hand hygiene with questions
Venus fly trap comprehension
Comprehension on Hard Times Year 8
Comprehension cinema poster Y7
Comprehension skateboarding Y7
Spelling and comprehension for Year 7
Comprehension about adventures Y7 and 8
 
 
Reading a map
Comprehension on Tom Sawyer Year 7
Greenwich Mean Time & Y8 comprehension
Comprehension KS4 The Light Brigade
 
Comprehension on Pride and Prejudice KS4
 
Comprehension on chess KS3
Advertising comprehension KS3
Know your vegetables comprehension
What is the brain? comprehension KS3
Healthy eating KS3
Too much television
Materials comprehension KS3
Concorde comprehension KS3
Comprehension on The Kinks KS3
Comprehension on cycling KS3
Comprehension on water KS3
The new device KS3
Street Fashion and Teddy Boys (KS3)
Thoughts on Bulgaria KS3
How a community works
Different types of houses KS3

At this stage, improving comprehension will come, not just from these sort of exercises, but also by encouraging reading as much as possible and by tackling other aspects of English language including writing. Look here for further help: 
English Key stage 3/4 worksheets

Comprehension Practice

Here are some popular books to prepare students for tests and exams. Included are useful tips on tackling comprehension and marking schemes.

Reading Comprehension Skills Builders Levels 3 - 5 from Rising Stars

Requests for help with comprehension are one of our most frrequent questions and this is an excellent resource for KS3.  The passages chosen are modern examples to which children can relate and are designed so that they can work through the book on their own. All the exercises will complement and reinforce work they are already doing in school. Warm-up exercises provide plenty of skills practice and all the answers are included. The book shows what needs to be done to attain level 3-4 and 4-5 under five key topic areas. The explanations are clear and the guidance excellent. Also available - Skills Builders Reading Skills Level 5 -7

Tutor Master helps you with Comprehension Practice Standard Set One ISBN: 978-0-9555909-3-1   (80 pages)

An English Comprehension workbook in standard format providing 5 separate comprehension tests plus a choice of 10 different composition/essay topics. Written to provide revision and practice for students in KS 2/3 and for Common Entrance and Independent school entry examinations, this book also offers tips and advice to assist the development of comprehension and writing skills. All answers to the comprehension tests are included plus a detailed mark scheme for both the comprehensions and compositions.
  • Provide revision and practice for school students in the age range Years 5-7
  • Help with preparation for school examinations
  • Prepare students for eleven plus examinations for grammar school entrance
  • Provide comprehension practice for entrance examinations to independent and private schools
  • Offer tips and advice to assist the development of comprehension skills
  • Provide five separate comprehension tests
  • Offer ten different composition/essay topics
  • Include easy to use and detailed answers plus a mark scheme.
Tutor Master helps you with Comprehension Practice Multiple Choice Set One ISBN: 978-0-9555909-4-8     (92 pages)

This book contains the same comprehension passages as Standard Set One but offers totally different questions in multiple-choice format. The book includes 10 different composition topics, contextually based spelling tests, punctuation, grammar and syntax tests within a story format plus all the answers and a detailed mark scheme. It is ideal for revision and practice at KS 2/3, for preparation for 11+, Common Entrance and Independent School examinations.
  • Provide revision and practice for school students in the age range Years 5-7
  • Help with preparation for school examinations
  • Prepare students for eleven plus examinations for grammar school entrance
  • Provide multiple choice comprehension practice for entrance examinations to independent and private schools
  • Offer tips and advice to assist the development of multiple choice comprehension skills
  • Provide five separate multiple choice comprehension tests
  • Offer ten different composition/essay topics
  • Give tips and advice to develop the creative writing skills needed for examinations
  • Include easy to use and detailed answers plus a mark scheme.

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