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Primary 5 English: Comprehension & Summary Practice
Real Primary 5 English questions on Comprehension & Summary, pulled directly from the Olibits question bank — the same questions a child would actually see, not separately written for this page.
MOE strand: comprehension
Curriculum alignment
English Language Syllabus, Primary (MOE, 2020 syllabus)
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Real Comprehension & Summary practice questions
Greenfield Primary School started a recycling programme last year. Every classroom now has three bins: one for paper, one for plastic, and one for food waste. Mr. Tan, the school's science teacher, leads a group of student volunteers called the Green Squad. Every Friday, the Green Squad collects the bins and sorts the rubbish before it is sent to the recycling centre. Since the programme began, the school has reduced the rubbish it sends to the landfill by half. Many students say they now think twice before throwing something away. The school plans to start a composting garden next year using the food waste collected. Question: Why do you think many students now think twice before throwing something away?
Because they are afraid of getting into trouble
Because the recycling programme has made them more aware of the waste they create ✓
Because the bins are too far away
Because Mr. Tan checks every bin personally
Although not directly stated, the passage suggests that taking part in sorting waste has made students more mindful of what they throw away.
Ravi used to feel his hands shake and his voice tremble whenever he had to speak in front of the class. Before every presentation, he would lie awake at night worrying about forgetting his words. His teacher, Ms. Kumar, noticed his fear and offered to help him practise during recess. Every day for two weeks, Ravi rehearsed his speeches in front of Ms. Kumar and a few classmates. Slowly, his confidence grew, and the shaking in his hands became less noticeable. By the time of the school's Speech Day, Ravi surprised everyone, including himself, by delivering a clear and confident speech. His classmates cheered loudly, and Ms. Kumar told him she was proud of how far he had come. Question: Who helped Ravi practise his speeches?
His parents
Ms. Kumar, his teacher ✓
The school principal
His older brother
The passage states that Ms. Kumar, his teacher, offered to help him practise during recess.
Ravi used to feel his hands shake and his voice tremble whenever he had to speak in front of the class. Before every presentation, he would lie awake at night worrying about forgetting his words. His teacher, Ms. Kumar, noticed his fear and offered to help him practise during recess. Every day for two weeks, Ravi rehearsed his speeches in front of Ms. Kumar and a few classmates. Slowly, his confidence grew, and the shaking in his hands became less noticeable. By the time of the school's Speech Day, Ravi surprised everyone, including himself, by delivering a clear and confident speech. His classmates cheered loudly, and Ms. Kumar told him she was proud of how far he had come. Question: How long did Ravi practise before Speech Day?
One day
One week
Two weeks ✓
One month
The passage says Ravi rehearsed his speeches every day for two weeks before Speech Day.
Every year, thousands of migratory birds called swallows travel from cold northern countries to warmer places like Singapore. They begin their journey in autumn, flying thousands of kilometres without stopping to rest for long. Scientists believe the birds use the position of the sun and the Earth's magnetic field to find their way. During their stay in warmer countries, the swallows feed on insects and build up energy for their return journey. When spring arrives, the same birds fly all the way back to their breeding grounds up north. Some swallows have been recorded making this incredible journey for more than ten years in a row. Bird watchers look forward to their arrival every year and often record when and where they are spotted. Question: According to the passage, what do scientists believe swallows use to find their way?
Maps drawn by other birds
The position of the sun and the Earth's magnetic field ✓
Sounds made by other swallows
Signals from bird watchers
The passage states that scientists believe the birds use the position of the sun and the Earth's magnetic field to navigate.