A structured 11+ comprehension paper based on a clear, informative non‑fiction passage. It develops essential reading skills such as sequencing, true/false judgement, retrieval, vocabulary in context, inference, language and writer’s choices, structural analysis, comparison, fact vs opinion, and extended reasoning.
Suitable for Year 5–6 pupils preparing for the 11+ or looking to build confidence with non‑fiction texts.

About the Text
This factual passage traces the journey from Alexander Fleming’s accidental laboratory observation in 1928 to the later large‑scale production of penicillin during the Second World War. Pupils explore how different scientists contributed at different stages, how early experiments were carried out, and why penicillin became one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of the twentieth century.
Its clear explanations and chronological structure make it ideal for practising inference, understanding writer’s choices, and analysing how information is organised.

Question Types Included
Sequencing & True/False
Retrieval
Vocabulary in Context
Inference
Language & Writer’s Choices
Purpose, Structure & Comparison
Fact/Opinion & Evaluation
Challenge Questions (Extended Reasoning & Analysis)