Key stage 2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test
Published 13 September 2013
© Crown copyright 2013
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-tests-an-overview/key-stage-2-english-grammar-punctuation-and-spelling-test
This publication was withdrawn on 27 May 2016.
Further information is available in the 2016 assessment and reporting arrangements for schools.
The levels 3-5 test
The levels 3-5 test has 2 components, worth a total of 70 marks:
- a booklet of short-answer questions
- a spelling task
Paper 1, the short-answer questions, consists of between 40 and 50 questions assessing grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Each question is worth 1 or 2 marks with a total for the paper of 50 marks. The questions are:
- selected response items (such as multiple choice questions)
- short, open response items, where pupils may have to write a word, a few words or a sentence
Paper 2, the spelling task, consists of 20 sentences, which are read aloud by the test administrator. Each sentence has a word missing which the pupil must complete. The task is worth a total of 20 marks.
The level 6 test
Schools may choose to administer the level 6 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test in addition to the levels 3-5 test. Headteachers should consider a pupil’s expected attainment before entering them for the level 6 tests as they should already be demonstrating attainment above level 5. The pupil must achieve a level 5 in the levels 3-5 test and pass the corresponding level 6 test in the same year to be awarded an overall level 6 result. If the pupil doesn’t pass the level 6 test they will be awarded the level achieved in the levels 3-5 test.
The level 6 test consists of 3 components, worth a total of 50 marks:
- an extended task
- a booklet of short-answer questions
- a spelling task
Paper 1, the extended task, carries a total of 14 marks. It assesses pupils’ grammar, punctuation and vocabulary through a short piece of writing.
Paper 2, the short-answer booklet, consists of between 18 and 21 questions assessing grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Each question is worth 1 or 2 marks with a total for the paper of 21 marks. The questions are:
- selected response items (such as multiple choice questions)
- short, open response items, in which children may have to write a word, a few words or a sentence
Paper 3, the spelling task, consists of 15 sentences, which are read aloud by the test administrator. Each sentence has a word missing which the pupil must complete. The task is worth a total of 15 marks.