11 Plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Verbal Reasoning?
Verbal reasoning is language based problem solving. There are around fifty different types of questions which are commonly found in the eleven plus exams, requiring verbal skills in being able to identify the right answer from a selection given, making or finding words, construction of words within sentences and even mathematical calculations.
A sound vocabulary is essential for verbal reasoning as it will make it easier to find words with a similar meaning or their opposites, and it will also help with making new ones.
What is Non-Verbal Reasoning?
Non-verbal reasoning is the testing of a child’s ability to solve problems with a non-language based format, i.e. they will have familiarise themselves with pictures, patterns, shapes and symbols.
There are three main types of non-verbal questions in the 11plus exams, although the wording of each question may differ.
Type One: Similarities
Whether you have to seek the odd one out or one which belongs with a set, you will primarily have to identify any common features amongst the pictograms, patterns or symbols.
Type Two: Sequences
With these question types you will have a set of pictures or patterns etc. with which you have to find the pattern or link, which maybe confirming the repetition of a pattern or identifying the next symbol or completing a grid.
Type Three: Analogies
This is generally a two part question where firstly you have to find the link between a pair of objects and then apply that link to complete a second pair in the exact same way.
What is the best way to tackle verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning?
To ensure the best possible chance of success with verbal and non-verbal reasoning, you should remember to work systematically going from left to right, and eliminating the answers which you think are wrong. Don’t hesitate to use a pencil to make notes or cross out the options which are wrong. Drawing lines and arrows can help with matching meanings of words or finding the next in a sequence of symbols. Another thing to remember is to consider all the options because the answer may not be as simple as you think, and it also avoids being drawn into the sucker answer (the answer that on first appearance looks right but on closer inspection is clearly wrong)!
Which is better, standard or multiple choice format?
Standard format questions are generally seen as harder than multiple choice as there are no clues as to what the answer may be. Both can be used as preparation by firstly using multiple choice to familiarise oneself with the format and types of questions, and then switching to standard format in order to practice questions that are more challenging, as you then have to develop your thinking skills! In answering standard questions do not forget the units!
When should I start preparing my child for 11 plus exams?
It is never too late to prepare your child for the eleven plus tests as there are many resources available which explain with clarity how to tackle verbal and non-verbal reasoning and so helping you to understand much more quickly what is required in an exam. What is important in such a situation is not to place too much emphasis on passing
as this will only panic both you and your child, consequently making him/her nervous for the exam, and it has been shown that this is when the most marks are lost.
The optimum time to send your child is whilst he/she is still in year five since it makes it that much easier to pace his/her learning and build his/her confidence gradually so that they peak immediately before the exams.
Which 11 plus exams will my child have to take?
This depends entirely on the school for which your child will be taking the selection test. You can find out the relevant information by ringing the school or your LEA – the numbers for which can be found in LEA list.
Is a tutor essential for help with the tests?
If you feel that you have the patience and confidence to coach and prepare your child then there is no need to hire a tutor, especially as there are so many resources and practice papers available on the market.
If you feel, however, that it is impossible to know where to start, there are many tutors who specialise in the eleven plus process and so can train your child on how to answer all the different types of questions whilst arming them the knowledge needed to achieve the most from the selection process.
For more help on 11 plus tutors:
- How to find a good tutor?
- Find 11 plus tutors in your area.
How are the scores for the 11 plus exams calculated?
For more information on the 11 plus exams visit standardised scores.
Are certain 11 plus papers better for preparation?
The first thing that you need to find out is which board is setting the selection test for your area or school, and then you will need to know which format they are using, whether it is multiple choice or standard.
If the board is NFER, then IPS, AFN and The Tutors provide good preparation books, as do the NFER papers themselves. If the board is Bond, then they themselves do an extensive range of eleven plus books which can be used. Most publishers write their papers in both the formats available without actually changing their questions.
How should these books be used?
- The general rule is to use the books in order, as very often the level of difficulty rises as you progress through them.
- You will also find that there are time limitations written at the beginning of each paper, this is if you want to work at familiarising yourself with 11plus test conditions. However, you may find it more beneficial to ignore the timing at the beginning so that confidence in doing the papers increases.
- Encourage your child to do their best by not pushing them to do more practice tests then they are comfortable with, and that when they do start them they are relaxed.
- If, during a practice test, your child gets stuck on a question, let them mark it and come back to it later; then it will be easier to work out where they need the most help to become better at tackling the eleven plus exams.
