Parent guide
Marking 11+ English comprehension
The three question types you'll see
Retrieval
"What colour was the door?" The answer is stated in the text. If it's the wrong colour, it's wrong. Nothing subtle.
Inference
"How do we know the character is nervous?" The text doesn't say "she was nervous" but she's fidgeting, checking her watch, and breathing fast. The child has to spot the signals and name them.
Language and effect
"Why does the writer use the word 'crept'?" The child picks a specific word or technique and explains what it does to the reader.
Mark scheme phrases, in plain English
| Mark scheme says | Which means |
|---|---|
| Use evidence from the text | Quote or paraphrase a specific detail. 'The text says…' or 'when it says ____'. |
| Inference | Work out something not stated directly. 'This suggests the character is lonely because he's alone again.' |
| Retrieval | Find and quote an answer stated in the text. No interpretation needed. |
| Summarise in your own words | Rewrite the idea without copying whole sentences. Shows understanding, not memory. |
| Explain how the writer creates (tension, atmosphere, etc.) | Point at a specific word or technique and say what it does. 'The writer uses the word "crept" which makes the movement feel sneaky.' |
The four most common mark-losers
- One-word answer when the question wants more. Quick check: count how many marks the question is worth, then expect roughly that many ideas in the answer.
- No evidence from the text.The child knows the right answer but doesn't back it up with the quote.
- Copying a whole sentencewhen the question asks them to "use your own words".
- Explaining what, not why."The writer uses 'crept'" — yes, but what does it do? "Crept makes it sound slow and sneaky" scores the mark.
Parent questions
What's the difference between inference and retrieval?▾
Retrieval = the answer is stated in the text. Inference = the answer is implied, you have to read between the lines. Mark schemes reward explicit evidence either way: 'the text says ____' or 'this suggests ____ because ____'.
How many marks for a one-word answer?▾
Usually one mark if the question asks for one word. If the question is worth more and your child has given a single word, they almost certainly haven't scored full marks — even if the word is correct.
What counts as 'using evidence from the text'?▾
Quoting a short phrase from the passage in quotation marks, OR paraphrasing a specific detail. A vague 'the story says so' doesn't count. Mark schemes want the child to point at the words.
Can I give partial credit?▾
Yes, and you should. If the question is out of 3 marks and your child nailed the idea but only gave one piece of evidence, give 2/3. Don't all-or-nothing it.
What if the child's answer is better than the mark scheme?▾
Mark schemes list the expected answers but say 'accept any reasonable alternative'. If your child has clearly understood the text and written something valid, give the mark. Mark schemes are guides, not straitjackets.
Comprehension marking, without second-guessing
Scan every page of a comprehension paper and we'll extract the questions and your child's written answers. We mark what we can and flag the judgement calls so you only review the ones that need you.