πŸ“‹
πŸ“‹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.

Task Types

YLE Starters Reading & Writing

1

Tick or Cross the Sentence

8 questions

Children look at a picture and decide if a simple sentence is true or false.

Strategies:

  • β€’Look carefully at every detail in the picture.
  • β€’Read the sentence slowly before choosing tick or cross.
2

Copy the Words

8 questions

Children match a picture to a word and copy the word correctly on the line.

Strategies:

  • β€’Copy every letter exactly as it is written.
  • β€’Check your spelling matches the example word.
3

Answer with One Word

8 questions

Children read a short question about a picture and write a single-word answer.

Strategies:

  • β€’Answers are usually one easy word you already know.
  • β€’Write neatly so the examiner can read your word.
πŸ’‘

Golden Tips

  • βœ“Practise copying short words to build neat handwriting.
  • βœ“Learn the spelling of common Starters words like 'cat' and 'red'.
  • βœ“Always look at the picture before reading the question.
  • βœ“Read the whole sentence, not just the first word.
⚠️

Common Mistakes

  • βœ—Copying words with missing or extra letters.
  • βœ—Writing a sentence when only one word is needed.
  • βœ—Choosing tick or cross without checking the picture.
  • βœ—Untidy writing the examiner cannot read.

Preparation Resources

Recommended resources for Reading & Writing section

πŸ“
Practice

Starters Wordlist Flashcards

Picture cards covering the official Starters vocabulary list.

πŸ“–
Guide

Handwriting Practice Sheets

Tracing pages to help children copy letters and words neatly.

πŸ“„
Template

First Reading Picture Books

Easy books that match words to friendly pictures.

Start YLE Starters Reading & Writing Preparation

Practice Reading & Writing with personalized VOXI AI sessions. Identify weak points and study with focus.

YLE Starters Reading & Writing | Mock Practice | ICS English