Preparing for the 11+ exam can be a daunting task, but with the right help and guidance, your child should have greater confidence in tackling those tricky exam questions. From effective study techniques to time management, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help your child pass their exam. Whether they are aiming for a selective grammar school or an independent school, our exam tips will give them the competitive edge they need.
We understand the importance of the 11+ exam in shaping your child's educational journey, and that's why our advice is backed by years of experience and expertise. So, keep reading for valuable insights and exam tips!
The Eleven Plus, is a selective entrance examination taken by students in the United Kingdom, typically at the age of 10 or 11, to determine their eligibility for admission to grammar schools or independent secondary schools. This academic assessment is designed to evaluate a child's academic potential and readiness for more advanced educational opportunities.
The format and content of the 11+ exam can vary depending on the specific school or region, but it generally consists of several sections that assess a child's verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths skills. These sections are designed to test a wide range of cognitive skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning. Be aware that not every exam board still uses non-verbal and verbal reasoning tests, so always keep an eye on the school’s website for exam board updates.
The 11+ exam typically consists of several sections, each designed to assess a specific set of skills and abilities. Understanding the structure and content of these sections is crucial for effective preparation and success on the day.
Verbal Reasoning is one of the most common sections, which tests a child's ability to comprehend and manipulate language. This section may include tasks such as vocabulary knowledge, comprehension, spelling and logical reasoning. Developing strong reading skills is essential for success in this part of the exam.
The Non-Verbal Reasoning section, on the other hand, focuses on a child's ability to recognise patterns, solve problems, and apply logical reasoning without relying on language. This section may involve tasks such as spatial awareness, visual-spatial skills, sequences and abstract reasoning.
The mathematics section of the 11+ exam assesses a child's numerical and problem-solving abilities. This section may cover a wide range of Key Stage 2 mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Developing a strong foundation in maths from an early age is essential for achieving success in this part of the exam.
Time management is a critical aspect of success in the 11+ exam, as students are required to complete a significant amount of work within a limited time. Developing effective time management approaches can help students maximise their performance and ensure they have enough time to address all the questions.
One key strategy is to familiarise oneself with the exam format and time allocation for each section. By understanding the structure and time constraints of the exam, students can better plan their approach and allocate their time accordingly.
Another important strategy is to practise timed mock exams or practice tests at home or in a mock-exam centre. This not only helps students get used to the pace of the real exam, but also allows them to identify areas where they may need to improve their time management skills.
Additionally, students should learn to prioritise and manage their time efficiently during the exam. This may involve strategies such as quickly skimming through the questions, identifying the easiest or most straightforward ones, and tackling those first before moving onto more challenging questions.
Verbal reasoning is a crucial component of the 11+ exam. Here are some expert tips to help students improve their verbal reasoning abilities:
• Encourage extensive reading: Ideally, children should read a wide range of literature, from fiction to non-fiction, poetry and playscripts which can significantly improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall language skills. Encourage them to read regularly and discuss the content with them to expand their understanding.
• Practise vocabulary building: Regularly engaging in vocabulary-building exercises, such as learning new words, understanding their meanings and being able to use them in different contexts, can help students expand their vocab range and perform better in the verbal reasoning sections of the 11+ exam. Crosswords and spelling games can also help.
• Develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills: Verbal reasoning often involves tasks that require analytical and critical thinking. Encourage students to analyse passages, identify key ideas, and draw logical conclusions. This can be practised through exercises that involve reading comprehension, inference, and logical reasoning. Underlining keywords in the text and questions also helps students to find the information needed, accurately and quickly in timed tests. Some pupils prefer to read the questions first whilst others prefer to read the text. Test out both approaches and choose the one that gives a higher score within the test time. Make short, one-word, notes for each paragraph in the text to summarise what is happening where, which will help identify the relevant paragraphs when skimming through for the answers.
The non-verbal reasoning section of the 11+ exam is designed to assess a child's ability to recognize patterns, solve problems and apply logical reasoning without relying on language. This section normally involves looking at a combination of shapes, patterns, symbols and occasionally letters. Here are some expert tips to help students excel in this topic:
• Encourage spatial awareness and visual-spatial skills: Developing a strong understanding of spatial relationships, shapes, and visual patterns can significantly benefit students in the non-verbal reasoning section. Develop activities that challenge their spatial awareness, such as puzzles, block-building exercises, and visual pattern recognition tasks.
• Practice problem-solving and logical reasoning: Non-verbal reasoning often involves problem-solving and logical reasoning tasks. Encourage students to participate in activities that challenge their problem-solving abilities, such as brain teasers, logic puzzles and spatial reasoning exercises.
• Use visual aids and practice tests: Providing students with visual aids, such as diagrams, shapes and practice tests, can help them become more familiar with the types of questions they may encounter in the non-verbal reasoning section. This can boost their confidence and improve their performance in the exam.
The mathematics section of the 11+ exam is designed to assess a child's numerical and problem-solving abilities. This section requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on building a strong foundation in Key Stage 2 maths. Here are some expert tips to help students excel in this section:
• Reinforce key mathematical concepts: Ensure that students have a solid understanding of basic maths concepts, such as arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Regularly reviewing and practising these skills is crucial before moving onto more complex maths topics. Arithmetic questions should be answered with confidence prior to working on more demanding areas.
• Develop critical thinking skills: The 11+ maths section often involves solving word problems based on real-world scenarios. This section is normally split into multiple-choice questions and free-response answers. Encourage students to practice problem-solving strategies, such as breaking down word problems, how to identify relevant information and developing step-by-step methods in answering a variety of questions.
• Use practice tests and resources: Experience in a variety of practice tests and resources, including mock papers and online materials, can help students become familiar with the format of the mathematics section. This can identify areas which needs more work and can help focus their preparation efforts.
Preparing for the 11+ exam requires access to high-quality study materials and resources. Here are some recommended starting points for resources that can help students and parents:
• Official exam preparation guides: Many schools and exam boards publish official preparation guides (also known as familiarisation booklets) that provide detailed information about the exam format, content and have a few sample questions. These guides can be invaluable resources for understanding the exam's requirements, test topics and help develop effective study plans.
• Practice test books and online resources: Accessing a wide range of practice tests, both in-person and online, can help students become familiar with the exam's structure, time limits and question types. These resources often include detailed explanations and feedback to help students identify areas for improvement.
• Tutoring services: Finding the help of an experienced 11+ exam tutor or coach can prove invaluable. Tutors can provide students with personalised guidance, individual study plans, targeted tuition unique to each tutee, whilst helping them to manage their revision and exam techniques which should all build confidence at the same time.
The 11+ exam can be a stressful experience for both students and their families. Effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety are crucial for ensuring that students can perform to the best of their abilities on exam day.
• Encourage relaxation techniques: Teach students various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help them manage their stress and anxiety before and during the exam.
• Promote a positive mindset: Encourage students to adopt a positive and confident mindset, focusing on their strengths and abilities rather than their fears or doubts. Positive dialogue can help students stay focused, confident and motivated.
• Prioritise self-care: Ensure that students maintain a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and doing sports or hobbies. This can help them manage stress and maintain their energy and focus during the exam.
In conclusion, the 11+ exam is a critical milestone in a child's educational journey, and with the right preparation and strategies, they can excel and unlock a world of academic opportunities.
Summary of tips for success in the 11+ exam:
• Understand the different sections of the exam and the skills they assess, such as verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths.
• Develop effective time management skills to ensure your child can complete all the sections within the given time.
• Focus on improving verbal reasoning skills through extensive reading, vocabulary building and critical thinking exercises.
• Improve non-verbal reasoning abilities by practising spatial awareness, problem-solving and logical reasoning tasks.
• Strengthen number work skills and develop approaches to problem-solving through targeted practice and reviewing mock exams.
• Use a variety of helpful, relevant resources which include study materials, official exam preparation guides, practice tests and tutoring sessions to optimise your child’s preparation.
• Implement strategies to manage stress and anxiety, such as relaxation techniques and building a positive mindset.
By following these expert tips and strategies, your child can master the 11+ exam and pave the way for a successful exam result!