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📋YLE Starters20 dk
Reading & WritingYLE Starters Exam Guide
20
minutes
25
questions
3
task type
There is no pass or fail. Children earn 1 to 5 shields for Reading and Writing, which is one combined paper, up to 5 shields.
Tested Skills
Basic readingSpellingGap fillingSentence completionEveryday vocabulary
Question Types
1Tick or Cross the Sentence
2Copy the Words
3Answer with One Word
Task Types
YLE Starters Reading & Writing
1
Tick or Cross the Sentence
8 questionsChildren look at a picture and decide if a simple sentence is true or false.
Strategies:
- •Look carefully at every detail in the picture.
- •Read the sentence slowly before choosing tick or cross.
2
Copy the Words
8 questionsChildren match a picture to a word and copy the word correctly on the line.
Strategies:
- •Copy every letter exactly as it is written.
- •Check your spelling matches the example word.
3
Answer with One Word
8 questionsChildren read a short question about a picture and write a single-word answer.
Strategies:
- •Answers are usually one easy word you already know.
- •Write neatly so the examiner can read your word.
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Golden Tips
- ✓Practise copying short words to build neat handwriting.
- ✓Learn the spelling of common Starters words like 'cat' and 'red'.
- ✓Always look at the picture before reading the question.
- ✓Read the whole sentence, not just the first word.
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Common Mistakes
- ✗Copying words with missing or extra letters.
- ✗Writing a sentence when only one word is needed.
- ✗Choosing tick or cross without checking the picture.
- ✗Untidy writing the examiner cannot read.
Preparation Resources
Recommended resources for Reading & Writing section
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Practice
Starters Wordlist Flashcards
Picture cards covering the official Starters vocabulary list.
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Guide
Handwriting Practice Sheets
Tracing pages to help children copy letters and words neatly.
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Template
First Reading Picture Books
Easy books that match words to friendly pictures.
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