English Report Comments for Cambridge Stages 4-6

English covers reading (phonics and word structure in the early stages, fluency, vocabulary, understanding and interpreting fiction, poetry, playscripts and non-fiction, and how writers use language and structure), writing for different purposes and audiences with spelling, grammar and punctuation, and speaking and listening, including group discussion and performance.

Below are 13 sample sentences for Stages 4-6: two strengths and one next step for each of the 4 comment levels (Extending / Secure / Developing / Beginning), plus a tip for families. They are a small selection from the 440 English sentences in the full pack. Copy one, then add a detail only you know about the student.

Jump to: Extending · Secure · Developing · Beginning · Writing tips

Student name Pronouns

Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Extending E

Strengths

When editing, [Name] independently rewrites parts of a draft to make them more effective, not only to correct mistakes.
[Name] reflects thoughtfully on talk, explaining what made a discussion or presentation effective and how it could improve.

Next step

Inventing an image that compares one thing with another across a descriptive piece, then explaining its effect to a partner, would give [Name] a fresh writing challenge.

Secure S

Strengths

Reading playscripts and poems, [Name] recognises the features of each form, such as stage directions or verses.
[Name] chooses words carefully to suit the purpose of a piece of writing, such as precise words for instructions and descriptive words for a story.

Next step

Writing formal and informal versions of the same message, such as a letter and a quick note, will help [Name] choose language to suit the reader.

Developing D

Strengths

When prompted, [Name] can find a simile in a poem or story and is learning what figurative language adds to a text.
[Name] is developing the habit of rereading part of a text to check understanding when something is unclear.

Next step

Writing a persuasive paragraph with a checklist of features, such as a strong opening and clear reasons, will help [Name] plan persuasive writing.

Beginning B

Strengths

When writing to explain or persuade, [Name] is starting to give a reason for each point, with sentence starters to help.
With adult support, [Name] is starting to speak in front of a small group, such as reading a sentence aloud or showing work.

Next step

Taking on a small speaking part in a group reading of a play will help [Name] practise speaking clearly.

Support at home

Word games you already have, or spoken games such as thinking of another word with a similar meaning, help your child learn more words.

How to write English comments for Stages 4-6

Make reading comments specific: finding evidence for an inference, telling fact from opinion or summarising the main idea of a paragraph. Explain a term like inference in brackets the first time you use it.
For writing, name the text type and the feature: paragraphs in a persuasive letter, speech punctuation in a story or connectives in an explanation. A next step such as using an editing checklist is clear.
Mention presenting to the class or a group discussion role if you saw it, and suggest one step, such as speaking from short notes rather than reading a full script.

Watch out: Avoid reducing the comment to spelling and handwriting. Pair any accuracy target with a reading, writing or speaking strength, such as explaining a character's feelings with evidence from the text.

The four levels describe how independently and securely the student shows what has been taught, never a grade or a test result. Extending suits accurate, independent work applied to unfamiliar tasks, with reasons explained; Secure suits accurate work in familiar tasks with occasional support; Developing suits learning shown sometimes, or with a model, word bank or worked example; Beginning names what is starting to show and the support that helps. Show the level through the work rather than writing the level word.

What English covers

Strands and skills covered for English:

Reading: word structure and phonics (Stages 1-3), fluency, vocabulary, understanding and interpreting fiction, poetry, playscripts and non-fiction, and how writers use language and structure
Reading: appreciation and reflection, giving and justifying personal responses to texts from different times and cultures
Writing: planning, drafting, editing and presenting texts for different purposes and audiences, with spelling, grammar and punctuation, structure and language choices
Speaking and listening: making yourself understood, listening and responding, group work and discussion, performance, and reflecting on talk

More Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary comments

How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment or Cambridge International Education. "Cambridge" is used only to describe the curricula these comments are written for.