The 11+ Exam: Types of Questions and How to Approach Them

The 11+ exam is an important test that determines whether students are admitted to a grammar or independent school. The exam tests students on a variety of subjects, including verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. In this post, we will discuss the types of questions on the 11+ exam and provide tips on how to approach them.

Types of Questions on the 11+ Exam

The 11+ exam consists of four sections: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sections and the types of questions they contain.

11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests

Questions Verbal reasoning questions test a student’s ability to understand and use language effectively. There are four types of verbal reasoning questions that appear on the 11+ exam:

Word meaning questions – These questions test a student’s vocabulary and understanding of word meanings. For example, “What is the antonym of ‘brave’?”

Letter series questions – These questions test a student’s ability to recognize patterns in letters. For example, “What letter comes next in this series: A, C, E, G, __?”Analogies – These questions test a student’s ability to make connections between words. For example, “Which of the following words is most similar to ‘happy’: sad, joyful, angry, or content?”

Code-breaking questions – These questions test a student’s ability to decode messages using letters and symbols. For example, “What letter does the symbol ‘$’ represent in this code: A $ B C D?”

Tips for Approaching Verbal Reasoning Questions

Understand the instructions – Make sure you read the instructions carefully before answering any questions. Some verbal reasoning questions may have multiple parts, so it’s important to understand what you’re being asked to do. Practice using past papers – The more you practice, the better you’ll get at answering verbal reasoning questions. Use past papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the exam.

Use elimination techniques – If you’re unsure of the answer to a verbal reasoning question, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Eliminate any answers that you know are incorrect, and then make an educated guess from the remaining options.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions

Non-verbal reasoning questions test a student’s ability to recognize patterns and relationships in visual information. There are four types of non-verbal reasoning questions that appear on the 11+ exam:

Pattern recognition questions – These questions test a student’s ability to recognize and complete patterns. For example, “Which shape completes this pattern: square, circle, triangle, ___?”

Mirror image questions

These questions test a student’s ability to recognize mirror images of shapes. For example, “Which of these shapes is the mirror image of the shape on the left?”

Folding and rotation questions

These questions test a student’s ability to recognize how a shape will look after it has been folded or rotated. For example, “Which of these shapes will this folded paper make?”

Sequence questions

These questions test a student’s ability to recognize a sequence of shapes and predict what comes next. For example, “What shape comes next in this sequence: square, triangle, circle, square, ___?”

Tips for Approaching Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions

Look for patterns

Non-verbal reasoning questions often involve patterns, so it’s important to look for them. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at recognizing patterns quickly.

Practice using past papers

Use past papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the exam.

Use visualization techniques

Try to visualize the shapes and patterns in your mind before selecting an answer. This can help you better understand the question and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

11+ Mathematics Practice Tests

Mathematics questions test a student’s ability to solve mathematical problems. There are several types of mathematics questions that appear on the 11+ exam:

Arithmetic questions

These questions test a student’s ability to perform basic arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Algebra questions

These questions test a student’s ability to solve equations and understand algebraic concepts.

Geometry questions

These questions test a student’s ability to understand geometric concepts, such as area, perimeter, and volume.

Data handling questions

These questions test a student’s ability to interpret and analyze data presented in graphs, charts, and tables.

Tips for Approaching Mathematics Questions

Show your work – It’s important to show your work when solving mathematics problems. This not only helps you keep track of your thought process, but it also makes it easier for the grader to understand how you arrived at your answer.

Check your work – Always double-check your answers to make sure they are correct. This can help you catch any mistakes you may have made and avoid losing points on the exam.

Practice using past papers – The more you practice solving mathematics problems, the better you’ll get at it. Use past papers to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may appear on the exam.

English Questions English questions test a student’s ability to understand and use the English language. There are several types of English questions that appear on the 11+ exam:

Comprehension questions – These questions test a student’s ability to read and understand a passage of text.

Spelling and grammar questions – These questions test a student’s ability to spell words correctly and use proper grammar.

Creative writing questions – These questions test a student’s ability to write creatively and express themselves through writing.

Tips for Approaching English Questions

Read the instructions carefully – Make sure you understand what you’re being asked to do before answering any English questions.

Use proper grammar and spelling – It’s important to use proper grammar and spelling when answering English questions. This not only helps you communicate your ideas clearly, but it also shows that you have a strong grasp of the English language.

Practice writing – The more you practice writing, the better you’ll get at it. Try to write regularly and seek feedback from your teachers or peers.

Conclusion The 11+ exam can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success. By understanding the types of questions on the exam and following the tips outlined in this post, you can feel more confident and prepared on exam day. Remember to practice regularly and stay focused, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

Free 11+ Mock Exam

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