8+ English Comprehension by RSL: Practice Papers with Detailed Answers & Explanations for 8 Plus, KS1 & KS2 English Exams Loose Leaf – 11 Dec. 2015

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.

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.

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.

In common with all of the RSL products I have bought over the past 1-2 years, this is of great quality, written by someone who obviously has a great passion for what they teach.

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!

These are really good papers and show the actual level that it is expected at schools that do 8+ exams. Really thorough explanations (answers), so it’s easy to do it with your child without a tutor. I would strongly recommend either for 8+ or home schooling or as an extra help for kids at home.I’ve also purchased 11+ and 13+ papers for my older son.

On first appearances I've not seen anything like this. I think it's good. Especially the answers with the explanation as to why the answer is what it is.I'll provide a further update once we do them with our lad. At the moment we are using books by another tutoring company.I think RSL material will help on tuition fees as it's like having a tutor.Don't be put off by the 'vine' reviews.

Bought this together with RSL 11+ for my son who is due to sit 11+ this year. Always used to struggle with comprehension, but the exercises in this 8+ together with the answers provided have helped him enormously. The detailed feedback is brilliant - would highly recommend anyone sitting the 11+ and feel their children are struggling with comprehension.