Cambridge Progression Test Stage 4 English 2025 Paper 1

1. Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary: Definitions of key terms (e.g. ‘mainly’, ‘forever’, ‘whole’, ‘translated’); understanding word functions (adverb, adjective, connective); identifying irregular verbs and synonyms from context.
2. Grammar and Language Use: Recognising sentence elements like present/past tense verbs, adverbs, and connectives (e.g. because); interpreting comma use and word meaning in context (e.g. “while” meaning “but”).
3. Historical Understanding: Comparing Sumerian and Egyptian writing systems; materials used (clay vs papyrus); trained scribes and beauty in writing; interpreting tools like crushers and recognising papyrus plant uses.
4. Text Structure and Matching: Matching paragraphs to themes (e.g. invention of writing, Egyptian understanding, making paper); identifying accurate summary statements; comparing cultures using two-point analysis.
5. Personal Interpretation and Justification: Choosing between Egyptian or Sumerian writing and justifying with evidence; deciding whether to be a scribe and explaining using quotes from the text.
6. Non-fiction Writing Task: Writing an article about an ancient or historical place; including what it is, why it′s important, and interesting facts; using paragraphing, formal tone, and clear structure for a school website.