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Every Child Should Learn to Swim — Reading Comprehension — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the Year 4 reading comprehension comprehension exercise.

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Year 4 · English · Reading Comprehension

Every Child Should Learn to Swim — Reading Comprehension — Answers

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Part A — Right there in the text

Find each answer in the text.

1.What is the writer's opinion?[1 mark]

Answer: Every child should learn to swim.

2.How many main reasons does the writer give?[1 mark]
  1. Aone
  2. Btwo
  3. Cthree
  4. Dfive

Answer: three

The reasons are introduced with 'First', 'Second' and 'Third'.

3.According to the text, which parts of your body does swimming use?[1 mark]

Answer: Your arms, your legs and your lungs.

4.Name two sports the writer says children who can swim could try.[1 mark]

Answer: Surfing and water polo.

5.Who does the writer say runs low-cost swimming lessons?[1 mark]
  1. Alifeguards
  2. Bmany councils
  3. Cparents
  4. Dsports stars

Answer: many councils

The text says 'many councils run low-cost lessons'.

Part B — Reading between the lines

Use clues from the text to explain your answers.

6.Why does the writer say you cannot learn to swim in an emergency?[2 marks]

Answer: In an emergency there is no time to learn. You would be in danger already, so you need to practise swimming before you ever need it.

7.Why does the writer ask, 'Would you rather sit on the sand and watch, or jump into the waves with your friends?'[2 marks]

Answer: To make the reader imagine missing out, so they will agree that swimming is more fun than watching.

8.Why does the writer mention that some people think lessons cost too much?[2 marks]

Answer: To show they have thought about the other side of the argument, and then to answer it with low-cost council and school lessons.

Part C — Word meanings

9.Swimming is kind to your body because...[1 mark]
  1. Ait is very hard work
  2. Bthe water holds you up so your joints are not hurt
  3. Cyou get wet
  4. Dyou can do it alone

Answer: the water holds you up so your joints are not hurt

The text explains it is kind to your body 'because the water holds you up'.

10.Take the plunge means...[1 mark]
  1. Ago for a run
  2. Bwait and see
  3. Cbe brave and get started
  4. Ddive from a high board

Answer: be brave and get started

To take the plunge is to decide to do something after thinking about it. It also fits the topic of water!

11.What is an emergency?[1 mark]

Answer: A sudden, dangerous situation where you need help straight away.

Part D — Your turn

12.Write a short paragraph persuading a friend to learn a new skill, such as riding a bike or cooking. Give at least two reasons.[4 marks]

Model answer: You should learn to ride a bike. First, it is a fast way to get to school and the park without asking for a lift. Second, riding is great exercise for your legs and heart. Best of all, it is fun to go downhill with the wind in your face. So grab a helmet and give it a go!

Success criteria:

  • States a clear opinion in the first sentence
  • Gives at least two reasons
  • Uses linking words such as first, second, also
  • Ends with a sentence that tells the reader what to do
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Marking tips

  • Give credit for correct method even when the final answer slips — the working shows where the thinking went right.
  • For open-ended tasks, use the success criteria as a checklist rather than looking for one "right" answer.
  • Celebrate what went well first, then pick one thing to work on next.

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