11 Plus exam format – multiple choice or written?

11+ Exam Overview

The 11+ exam, taken by Year 6 pupils (age 10-11), determines entry to selective grammar and independent schools across the UK. This entrance exam assesses skills in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Around 85,000 students sit it each year according to GL Assessment data.

Regional variations shape the exam format, with some areas using GL Assessment papers and others CEM tests. GL often features multiple choice questions or standard formats, while CEM uses adaptive styles. Pass marks typically fall in the top 25% by percentile rank.

Pupils face timed exam papers, such as 50-minute sections with 60 questions on topics like comprehension, numerical reasoning, and spatial reasoning. Practice with mock exams helps familiarise children with question types, from cloze tests to pattern recognition. Parents should check region-specific details for London 11+, Birmingham 11+, or Manchester 11+.

Preparation involves practice tests from books like Bond papers or CGP resources. Tutors offer guidance on time management and common mistakes. Understanding the test structure builds confidence for secondary school transfer.

Age and Purpose

Children take the 11+ exam in September or October of Year 6 (age 10-11) to secure places at over 160 UK grammar schools. Exams usually occur from 1st to 30th September, with registration deadlines in June or July. Eligibility targets Year 6 pupils from primary schools.

The main purpose is grammar school selection, identifying top performers for selective entry. About 16% of secondary pupils attend grammar schools, per Gov.uk 2023 data. Independent schools also use these results for admissions.

Example schools include Wilson's School in London and Latymer Grammar in north London. These institutions seek strong candidates in verbal reasoning, maths problems, and non-verbal tasks. Families prepare from Year 5 with sample questions and exam tips.

• Check local authority for exact exam dates and venues.
• Register early to avoid missing deadlines.
• Review mark schemes and answer sheets for pencil-and-paper or online formats.

Core Subjects Tested

11+ exams test four core areas: English (comprehension/grammar), Maths (problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning (vocabulary/logic), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (patterns/spatial). Each subject carries equal weighting of 25% in most exams. Total duration spans 2-2.5 hours across 4-5 papers.

The GL Assessment format applies to many grammar schools with fixed multiple choice questions. In contrast, the CEM format uses adaptive testing in areas like Birmingham and Manchester. Students face a mix of multiple choice or written answers depending on the region.

Practice with mock exams helps familiarise children with the test structure. Parents should check selective schools' preferences for GL or CEM exam papers. Time management proves key in this timed exam for Year 6 pupils.

Exam boards design papers to assess readiness for secondary school transfer. Bubbling answers on sheets suits multiple choice questions, while pencil and paper written responses test deeper understanding. Tutor guidance aids in tackling region-specific formats like London 11+ or Birmingham 11+.

English Format

English papers (45-60 minutes, 60-80 questions) test comprehension (20-30%), vocabulary/spelling (30%), grammar/punctuation (30%), and creative writing (10-20%). Comprehension involves 2-3 passages with 15-20 questions. Students analyse texts and infer meanings.

In GL format, most sections use multiple choice. CEM papers require written answers for grammar and cloze tests. A sample question: Choose correct spelling: seperate/separate.

Spellings cover 20 words, grammar includes punctuation tasks. Essay writing lasts 10-15 minutes for short stories. Allocate about 45 seconds per question to stay on pace.

Practice 11+ preparation with Bond papers or CGP books. Common mistakes include rushing comprehension. Exam tips: read questions first, proofread essays for grammar errors.

Maths Format

Maths papers (50 minutes, 60 questions) cover arithmetic (40%), problem-solving (40%), and data/shapes (20%) up to Key Stage 2 curriculum. Topics include fractions/decimals (15 questions) and percentages/ratio (10). Geometry and word problems follow closely.

GL papers feature multiple choice questions. CEM uses written answers for showing workings. Examples: 3/4 of 48 =? or Train A 60mph, Train B 40mph, gap closes in? minutes.

Mental arithmetic includes 10 quick questions. Focus on numerical reasoning through word problems. Time management helps avoid traps in multi-step calculations.

Use practice tests to build speed for the maths paper. Exam day rules stress clear workings for partial marks. Tutors recommend daily drills on shapes and data handling.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes, 80 questions) tests vocabulary, logic, and word patterns through 21 question types including synonyms, code-breaking, and analogies. It forms 25% of total marks. Students spot patterns in words and sentences.

Key types include: Synonyms: DOG = puppy Antonyms: HOT =? Letter codes: If CAT=312, DOG=? Word matrices Hidden words

GL format offers multiple choice A-E options. Practice: Opposite of GENEROUS = miserly/stingy. Build skills with practice books for code breaking.

Avoid common mistakes like misreading codes. Exam tips: skip tough ones, return later. This section suits eleven plus prep for grammar schools and independent schools.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes, 80 questions) assesses pattern recognition and spatial reasoning through 12 question types like shape sequences and 3D rotation. It tests visual IQ independent of language skills. No prior knowledge needed beyond patterns.

Key types include: Shape sequences: next in series 3D cubes: face rotation Pattern completion Analogies Matrices

Example: Circle, square, triangle → circle. GL format provides 5 options A-E. Practice mock exams to spot rotations quickly.

Focus on non-verbal reasoning drills for pass marks. Time each question at 30-40 seconds. This helps Year 5 and 6 pupils in entrance exam success.

Multiple Choice vs Written Comparison

11+ exams use two formats: GL Assessment's multiple choice and CEM's written answers. Multiple choice questions test speed but carry a guessing risk with no partial credit. Written answers demand showing workings under time pressure, rewarding clear steps in maths papers and English papers.

Parents preparing Year 6 children for grammar schools need to match practice to the exam format of target areas. Multiple choice suits quick decisions in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Written answers build deeper skills for numerical reasoning and comprehension.

Understanding these differences aids 11+ preparation. Practice tests reveal strengths in time management for each style. Selective schools like those in London or the North West specify their preferred format.

Multiple Choice Characteristics

GL Assessment multiple choice: 5 options (A-E), 45 seconds/question, pencil bubbling on answer sheets. Students select the single best answer in MCQs for maths, English, and reasoning. Random option order prevents patterns.

No partial credit applies, so accuracy matters over speed alone. Error risk rises from misreading or bubbling mistakes on answer sheets. Practice tip: eliminate two wrong answers first to boost odds in verbal reasoning or spatial reasoning.

Sutton, Kingston, and Barnet grammars use this standard format. Timed exam papers with 50-60 questions mimic the 50-minute sections. Common in London 11+ for pattern recognition and vocabulary.

Written Answer Characteristics

CEM written format requires full working shown, no options provided, scored via mark schemes (2-4 marks/question). Students write short answers in maths problems and comprehension. Specific needs include calculations in maths and full sentences in English.

Timing averages 1 minute per question across numerical reasoning and creative writing. Scoring gives method marks for steps, plus accuracy. Example: "Explain why 3/8 < 5/12" earns points for cross-multiplication shown.

Birmingham, Trafford, and Manchester 11+ use this style. Practice with timed workings avoids common mistakes like skipping steps. Builds skills for word problems, grammar, and cloze tests.

Tutor guidance helps master written responses. Mock exams with mark schemes teach self-scoring. Prepares for region-specific entrance exams in the North West.

Regional Format Variations

England has 36 regions with 11+ exams. London uses GL multiple choice while Birmingham uses CEM written adaptive tests. These differences affect how children prepare for the eleven plus exam format.

Parents must check region specific rules for their area. Some areas rely on multiple choice questions with bubbling answers on sheets. Others demand written responses like short answers or maths problems.

Understanding the exam board helps with targeted 11+ preparation. GL Assessment often features MCQs in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. CEM tests include adaptive formats that adjust difficulty based on performance.

Practice with region specific practice tests builds confidence. Review mark schemes to grasp score calculation and pass marks. This approach suits grammar schools and selective independents.

Use this table to compare test structures. For London 11+, focus on pencil and paper MCQs in 50-minute timed exams. Birmingham parents should practise numerical reasoning with word problems under adaptive conditions.

Sample Question Styles

11+ questions test speed and accuracy: Verbal (DOG:BONE:: CAT:?), Maths (24×37=?), Non-Verbal (shape rotation), English (synonyms/cloze). These sample questions reflect common formats from Bond and CGP papers used in 11 plus exam preparation. They highlight the mix of multiple choice questions and occasional written answers across subjects.

Practice with these helps build familiarity with question types in GL Assessment and CEM exams. Students face timed exam conditions, often 50 minutes for 60 questions. Focus on time management to avoid common mistakes like misreading options.

Verbal reasoning tests vocabulary and logic, while maths paper demands quick calculations. Non-verbal reasoning challenges pattern recognition, and English paper checks comprehension. Use practice tests from Bond papers to simulate real eleven plus pressure.

Exam boards vary by region, like London 11+ or Birmingham 11+. Some use pencil and paper with bubbling answers, others online exam formats. Review mark schemes to understand score calculation and pass marks.

Verbal Reasoning Examples

Verbal reasoning in the 11+ exam format often uses multiple choice for synonyms and analogies. Questions test vocabulary and word relationships under time limits. Practice spotting the best match quickly.

1. 1Which word is closest to GENEROUS? A) Mean B) Kind C) Stingy D) Selfish (Answer: B)
2. 2DOG:BONE:: CAT:? A) Milk B) Fur C) Meow D) Paw (Answer: A)
3. 3Choose the synonym for CAUTIOUS: A) Brave B) Careful C) Reckless D) Bold (Answer: B)
4. 4Complete the analogy: BOOK:SHELF:: CLOTHES:? A) Drawer B) Wardrobe C) Hanger D) Iron (Answer: B)

These from CGP books mimic single choice styles in GL Assessment. Tutor guidance can refine techniques for selective schools.

Maths Examples

The maths paper blends multiple choice and short written responses in eleven plus tests. Focus on numerical reasoning, word problems, and mental arithmetic. Speed is key in fixed format exams.

1. 17/8 of 96 =? A) 72 B) 84 C) 96 D) 108 (Answer: 84)
2. 224 × 37 =? A) 888 B) 678 C) 864 D) 912 (Answer: 888)
3. 3What is 15% of 200? A) 20 B) 30 C) 35 D) 40 (Answer: 30)
4. 4If 5 apples cost £2.50, how much for 12? A) £5.00 B) £6.00 C) £7.50 D) £6.50 (Answer: £6.00)

Sourced from Bond papers, these prepare for Year 6 entrance exam challenges. Check answer sheets for bubbling answers practice.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Examples

Non-verbal reasoning relies on spatial reasoning and pattern recognition via shapes and sequences. Most are MCQs in CEM exam style. Visualise rotations and next terms fast.

1. 1Identify the next in sequence: square, triangle, circle, square,? A) Triangle B) Circle C) Square D) Hexagon (Answer: A)
2. 2Which shape completes the rotation? [Describe: clockwise 90° turn of L-shape] A) Option1 B) Option2 C) Option3 D) Option4 (Answer: B)
3. 3Find the odd one: three cubes with dots, one different pattern. A) Dots1 B) Dots2 C) Dots3 D) Dots4 (Answer: C)
4. 4Code breaking: shapes mapped to letters, decode word. A) CAT B) DOG C) RAT D) BAT (Answer: B)

Mock exams from practice books build skills for grammar schools. Avoid rushing shape sequences.

English Examples

English paper includes comprehension, cloze test, and grammar via multiple response or short answers. Tests spelling, punctuation, and inference. Read passages carefully in 50 minutes.

1. 1Comprehension: "The boy ran quickly." Synonym for quickly? A) Slowly B) Fast C) Lazily D) Quietly (Answer: B)
2. 2Cloze: The cat sat on the ____. A) Dog B) Mat C) Tree D) Car (Answer: B)
3. 3Grammar: Choose correct punctuation: He said, "Hello". A), B). C)! D)? (Answer: A)
4. 4Vocabulary: Antonym for HAPPY? A) Joyful B) Sad C) Excited D) Glad (Answer: B)

These question types from 11+ preparation books suit independent schools. Practice creative writing for any long answers.

Preparation Strategies

Top strategies for 11 plus exam success include six months of daily practice at two hours per day, completing over 20 full mock exams, thorough error analysis, and timed conditions using Bond and CGP books.

These methods build familiarity with the exam format, whether multiple choice questions or written answers across GL Assessment and CEM exam styles. Parents and tutors often see strong results from this structured approach in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths papers, and English papers.

Focus on region-specific needs, such as London 11+ or Birmingham 11+, by mixing practice tests that match the test structure. This prepares Year 6 pupils for timed exams, including 50-minute papers with 60 questions, bubbling answers, or short written responses.

Experts recommend combining self-study with tutor guidance to tackle common question types like comprehension, cloze tests, word problems, and spatial reasoning. Consistent practice helps master score calculation nuances and pass mark expectations for selective grammar and independent schools.

8-Step Preparation Plan

1. 1Start with a diagnostic test from a CGP 11+ book to identify strengths and weaknesses in multiple choice or written sections.
2. 2Dedicate three months to topic practice using Bond 10-Min Tests for maths problems, vocabulary, grammar, and pattern recognition.
3. 3Follow with two months of mixed papers to blend verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning under timed conditions.
4. 4Spend the final month on full mocks with ExamNinja papers, simulating the exact exam structure and duration.
5. 5Maintain an error log to track mistakes in areas like synonyms, antonyms, shapes sequences, or punctuation.
6. 6Practise time management aiming for 80% completion, focusing on bubbling answers quickly for MCQs or planning written responses.
7. 7Use mental arithmetic flashcards daily for speed in numerical reasoning and word problems.
8. 8Run exam day simulations weekly, following rules like pencil and paper use, to build confidence for secondary school transfer.

This plan adapts to both fixed format and adaptive tests, covering single choice, multiple response, and creative writing tasks.

For eleven plus exams, rotate through practice books to mirror real mark schemes and answer sheets. Year 5 starters gain an edge by building skills early.