Practice Papers with Detailed Answers & Explanations for 8 Plus, KS1 & KS2 English Exams (RSL 8+ Comprehension)

Excellent boook. Just like all the other Robert Lomax materials. We have all of them for the 11+. The value of this book is not just in the questions, but in the extremely detailed answers, that are delivered in atutor-like/teaching style. Reading those together with your child will really demonstrate them both the technique, as well as what the examiners are looking for in an answer. Note: I would say the "8+" label is somewhat ambitious. My 7-year old would not be able to solve any of these. But it is a great starter for Year 4-5 kids

We are currently preparing a child (9 years) who was educated in a bilingual school in Europe to sit independent school exams in the UK in a year and a halfs time. He was struggling with comprehension and was not keen on doing them either. Having tried many books, I stumbled upon these papers through sheer luck and ordered the 8+ and the 11+. We started on the 8+ and found it extremely useful. The comprehension pieces are varied enough to hold his interest, the questions are pitched at the perfect level with gradually increasing complexity. As a parent what I find most useful is the answer sheets and how it clearly explains what would be acceptable, how to answer questions with more that one mark, what are the key elemants to watch out for and potential pitfalls too. Having done a few my son's confidence has grown immensly and he is more willing to do comprehensions. In his own words "I feel more well prepared to answer the questions, especially where I have to read between the lines". I have since recommended it to several friends whose children are sitting grammar school or independent school exams in January. I would use the 8+ initially and move on to the 11+ papers during the first term of year 6 prior the independent school exams in January.

This is a unique product. I have not come across anything so concise and relevant for the age group. It gives your child initial tools for the text analysis. For example, how to answer questions "in your own words". It might be obvious for an adult, but it is far from obvious for an 8 year old. Also it gives to the parents necessary tools how to explain these things to your child. The passages are various and interesting for children. There is progression in the difficulty as well. I would think it could be used with the older child as well to establish the solid foundations for more sophisticated texts. In addition, it is convenient that 11+ package by the same author is also available. The ideas on creative writing are also gently introduced. It is invaluable for the exam preparation, but also may be used to boost your child analytical skills and her/his interest in reading.

Loses a star for possibly being TOO hard. On the other hand, useful to use early in the 11+ prep process, before moving on to the RSL 11+ papers.

I brought it weeks ago and I decided to write a review. My daughter have finished 2 pieces, and I am really impressed. The answers are the best parts. It explains in details how to understand and how to answer to get full marks,which you will not find in other same type books. It teaches you how to re-write " in your own words", how to answer in "specfic" based on clues from the passages. Other comprehension books are more like practice books with very short answers. When you check your children's work, you think it looks fine. When you check children's answer with this book, you'll realize some answers looks fine but in fact it still will lose marks.

I've used the 11+ version of this as well. Brilliant and well written books with model answers and a detailed explanation on how to answer questions and pick up marks. Invaluable for any student struggling or wanting to improve their comprehension skills.

I bought this to help my son with comprehension passages which he suddenly began to struggle with. He found the passages a joy to read and particularly liked the way in which the answers were provided after every passage. I personally found that the answers encouraged the child to consider the text really carefully. I would recommend this for any child either attempting the eight plus, or who as in my son's passed the eight plus and needs to get back on the saddle!

I was expecting more detailed, guide type of a book but this is mainly questions and answers. This would be good for children who are already ready for the exam and just polishing up their skills. For early stages of the preparation, as we are only in Year 4 now, we need a comprehensive work book. I recommend the YouTube videos though. They are very good, I wish there was more of them.