Year 4 11+ English Diagnostic
Check comprehension, inference, vocabulary and written explanation — and see what stronger answers actually look like.
A useful Year 4 English diagnostic should do more than ask whether a child got the answer right. It should show whether they can retrieve, infer, explain and write with control.
Mini comprehension passage
Amira tightened the straps of her backpack. The hill was almost empty and the light was fading. A faint scraping sound came from behind the wall. For a moment she considered turning back, but curiosity pushed aside her fear.
Try these questions
1. Why does Amira consider turning back? Give one clue from the passage.
2. What does the phrase curiosity pushed aside her fear tell you about Amira?
3. What does faint mean in this context?
4. Write two sentences describing the hill without using the words scary or dark.
Worked exemplar: inference
Limited: “Because she is scared.”
Secure: “She thinks about turning back because the hill is empty and it is getting dark.”
Strong: “Amira considers turning back because she suddenly feels vulnerable on the hill. The passage says the hill is ‘almost empty’ and the light is fading, which makes her realise she is alone.”
Why the stronger answer works: it makes a clear point, uses evidence and explains what the evidence shows.
What to look for
A strong Year 4 starting point is not perfect grammar or adult-style analysis. Look for a child who can answer in a complete sentence, select a useful clue, explain the clue and improve vague vocabulary when prompted.
For a broader starting-point check, use our free Year 4 11+ readiness assessment or read the full Year 4 preparation guide.
Loughton Year 4 Taster / Assessment Seven Kings Year 4 Taster / Assessment
Want help interpreting the results?
Tell us your child’s year group and preferred centre. We can recommend the right Year 4 class or taster/assessment route.