Cambridge Progression Test Stage 3 English 2024 Paper 1

1. Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary: Identifying proper nouns, noun phrases, and verb tenses; understanding sentence structure; matching word forms (e.g. fossilised = adjective); recognising synonyms like ‘windy’.
2. Grammar and Punctuation: Locating prepositions, present tense verbs, and examples of opinions; recognising punctuation functions (e.g. exclamation mark for emphasis); understanding sentence openings and conditional phrases.
3. Scientific Content and Inference: Understanding what paleontologists do; reasons fossil digging in Antarctica is difficult; linking paragraphs to show how conditions impact fossil discovery; naming countries and people involved in fossil finds.
4. Text Structure and Analysis: Identifying use of paragraphs, subheadings, introduction; evaluating usefulness of the text for research on dinosaurs; explaining personal response to fossil hunting using text evidence.
5. Critical Thinking and Reasoned Opinion: Making judgments about the nature of fossil hunting (exciting vs dangerous); choosing a book based on blurbs and explaining preference; reflecting on content relevance and appeal.
6. Personal Writing Task: Writing a letter about a discovered object; including vivid description, setting, emotional reaction, and use of letter format (greeting, body, closing); creativity and personal experience encouraged.