Cirque du Freak Chapter 6 – VIPERS Comprehension Reading Questions (KS3)

This structured KS3 reading resource is based on Chapter 6 of Cirque du Freak and uses VIPERS question stems to build comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills.

Page 1 includes the full text extract from Chapter 6 with a clear layout, making it easy for pupils to annotate as they read.
Page 2 contains the full task instructions and five categories of questions (Retrieval, Vocabulary, Inference, Explain, Summarise), each offering a range of difficulty levels. A chilli challenge allows pupils to self-differentiate by choosing both a comfortable question and a more challenging one. The sheet also includes a prediction question to develop forward-thinking and justification skills.

CDF Chapter 6

This worksheet can be used for:

KS3 English lessons
Homework
Reading intervention
Guided reading
Independent cover work
Assessing comprehension using VIPERS strategies

The questions cover:

Retrieval of key events
Word meaning (e.g., urge, bummed out, magical, context clues)
Inference about characters’ feelings (e.g., Alan, Darren, Tommy)
Explanation of tension and techniques used by the writer
Summarising key moments
Predicting next events based on evidence

The resource provides substantial support for emerging or reluctant readers while still offering challenge for more confident pupils.