Tips for the 11 Plus Exam

Introduction

• 11 Plus: A compulsory test for children in September of Year 6.
• Name: Children are usually 10, turning 11 that school year.
• Type of Test: Varies by area.

Generic Tips

1. Motivation:
   • Have rewards for passing (e.g., a gift, money).
   • Look forward to breaks and snacks after study sessions.
2. Practice Notebooks:
   • Use a notebook to do practice papers, write the date, and details of the past paper (e.g., "Maths 2016 GL Paper 1").
3. Time Management:
   • Be aware that the clock is always ticking.
   • Skip and return to difficult questions if running out of time.
4. Specifications:
   • Find and print the specifications (list of topics).
   • Highlight topics after studying them.
   • Focus on difficult areas by searching year-appropriate worksheets.

Specific Section Tips

Verbal Reasoning / English (GL Exam)

• Prefixes and Suffixes:
  • Learn common prefixes and suffixes.
  • Understand word origins to deduce meanings (e.g., 'auto-' means one, 'cratic' means power).

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Mental List of Patterns:
  • Identify patterns like changes in shape, color, angle, direction, position.
  • Use past papers to create a list of changing patterns and memorize.

Maths

• Practice:
  • Focus on areas of difficulty by practicing specific types of questions (e.g., ratios, fractions, percentages).
  • Cover all topics through past papers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Revising GL vs. CEM:

   • Focused mainly on CEM; GL not revised much.

2. Test Packing:

   • Schools usually provide pencils and erasers.
   • If traveling to another school, pack pencils and an eraser.

3. Impact of Tuition:

   • Tuition might help achieve a higher mark but isn’t essential.

4. Vocabulary List:

   • Focus on prefixes and suffixes; a list might be provided if found.

5. Favorite Topic:

   • Maths, due to its logical processes.

6. Study Regrets:

   • Cramming in August; could have started earlier.

7. Avoiding Distractions:

   • Limited technology use; focused on study sessions.

8. Start of Preparation:

   • Began in August, the summer before Year 6.

9. Study Routine:

   • Woke up around 9-10 AM.
   • Practiced in chunks before and after lunch until 4-5 PM.

10. Impact on SATs:

    • Some overlap in vocabulary and math skills.
    • Specific 11 Plus skills (verbal/non-verbal reasoning) were less applicable.

11. Most Challenging Section:

    • Non-verbal reasoning was initially difficult but improved with practice.

Recommended Books and Resources

• Bond Books:
  • Great for understanding and practicing different topics. Includes explanations.
• CGP 11 Plus Papers:
  • Contains full tests to be timed.
• Extra Math Books:
  • Specific Key Stage 2 math books for additional practice.
• Bond and CGP:
  • Key recommendation for essential textbooks.

Conclusion

• Resources and links will be provided in the description.
• Practice and preparation are keys to passing the exam.