Grade 2 Reading practice

Step 1: Consonant blends

In a blend, two consonants keep their own sounds but slide together: fr in frog.

Tip: Say the first two sounds slowly: f-r-og.

Step 2: Syllables in longer words

Every syllable has one vowel sound. Clap each beat to count them.

Tip: Say the word slowly and clap: el-e-phant has 3.

Step 3: Synonyms

Synonyms are words that mean almost the same thing, like big and large.

Example: Which word means almost the same as quick

Tip: Try swapping the word into a sentence. If the sentence means the same thing, it is a synonym.

Step 4: Opposites

Antonyms are words with opposite meanings, like hot and cold.

Example: What is the opposite of hot

Tip: Ask yourself: what is the exact opposite of this word?

Step 5: Prefixes un- and re-

A prefix goes at the start of a word. un- means not, and re- means again.

Example: What does "unkind" mean?

Tip: Cover the prefix, read the base word, then add the meaning of the prefix.

Step 6: Words with two meanings

Some words have more than one meaning. The sentence tells you which one.

Example: What does "wave" mean here? A big wave crashed on the beach.

Tip: Read the whole sentence and look for clues.

Step 7: How does the character feel?

Characters show feelings through what they do and say.

Example: How does Omar feel? The thunder boomed. Omar pulled the blanket over his head and held his teddy tight.

Tip: Look for clues like tears, smiles, shouting or hiding.

Step 8: Main idea

The main idea is what the whole paragraph is mostly about.

Example: What is the main idea? Dogs make great pets. They play fetch, go on walks and cuddle on the couch. They are loyal to their families.

Tip: Ask: which answer covers every sentence?

Step 9: Stories and facts

Stories tell about characters. Articles teach facts. Both have important details.

Tip: Words like who, what, where and why tell you what kind of detail to look for.