What topics are in 11 Plus English?

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension forms 40-50% of 11+ English papers, testing ability to analyse fiction, non-fiction, and draw inferences from unseen passages. Across GL, CEM, and independent school exams, it follows a similar structure with one or two passages followed by varied questions. GL Assessment data shows 35% of marks from comprehension.

Passages average 400-600 words for fiction and 500-700 words for non-fiction. Key sub-skills include understanding main ideas, identifying supporting details, and spotting author's purpose. Question types often mix multiple-choice, short answers, and explanations.

Practice with Bond 11+ papers builds speed and accuracy for 11 Plus preparation. Focus on time management during mock tests to handle these under exam pressure. Students should read actively, underlining key phrases.

Experts recommend daily reading of age-appropriate books to sharpen comprehension skills. This aligns with the 11+ syllabus, preparing for grammar school entrance or independent school exams.

Fiction Passages

Fiction passages in 11+ exams typically feature 450-word extracts from novels like Charlotte's Web or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. These test engagement with story elements such as characters and plot. Questions probe deeper understanding beyond surface details.

Common question types include:

• Character motivation: Why does Peter feel anxious? (Answer: He fears getting lost in the woods.)
• Plot prediction: What happens next? (Answer: The door creaks open, revealing a secret room.)
• Setting impact on mood: How does the stormy night affect the scene? (Answer: It builds tension and fear.)
• Theme identification: What is the main theme? (Answer: Friendship overcomes challenges.)
• Vocabulary in context: What does 'ominous' mean here? (Answer: Threatening.)

Sample passage: In the dim attic, young Sara clutched her doll, heart pounding as shadows danced on the walls. Thunder rumbled outside. She whispered, "Don't be scared," but her voice trembled.

Practice questions: 1. Why is Sara in the attic? (Hiding from a storm.) 2. Predict the next event. (She finds a hidden box.) 3. How does the setting affect mood? (Creates fear.) 4. Identify the theme. (Bravery in solitude.) 5. Define 'trembled'. (Shook with fear.) Bond 11+ papers offer similar exercises for 11 Plus topics.

Non-Fiction Texts

Non-fiction texts (biographies, articles, reports) comprise 60% of GL Assessment comprehension papers, averaging 550 words. They mimic real-world sources like newspapers. Questions assess critical reading of facts and arguments.

Key question categories include:

• Author's purpose: Does the writer persuade or inform? (Inform, by presenting data.)
• Fact/opinion identification: Which is a fact? (The event occurred in 2020.)
• Cause-effect relationships: What caused the change? (Heavy rain led to flooding.)
• Summary skills: Summarise in 20 words. (River levels rose due to storms, displacing villagers.)

Sample BBC News-style extract: Heavy rains battered the coastal town, causing rivers to overflow. Experts warn of climate impacts. Residents evacuated safely, but roads remain closed.

Eight multiple-choice questions: 1. Author's purpose? a) Persuade b) Inform (b) 2. Fact? a) Worst ever b) Rain fell (b) 3. Cause of flooding? a) Winds b) Rain (b) 4. Effect? a) Roads closed b) Sunny weather (a) 5. Opinion? a) Experts warn b) Rain fell (a) 6. Summary? Matches 20-word limit. 7. Main idea? Weather impact. 8. Detail? Evacuations. This mirrors CEM Select exam format for English topics.

Inference and Inference Questions

Inference questions separate top scorers, requiring students to read between the lines for implied meanings. They demand reading accuracy and logical thinking. Common in all 11+ exam formats, they boost scores when mastered.

Six types with examples:

1. 1Feelings/emotions: How does Goldilocks feel? (Relieved after escaping.)
2. 2Character relationships: How do the bears know each other? (Family unit.)
3. 3Writer's attitude: What is the tone towards intruders? (Angry.)
4. 4Implied comparisons: Por ridge like what? (Too hot like fire.)
5. 5Predictions: What next for Goldilocks? (Runs home.)
6. 6Tone analysis: Overall mood? (Cautionary.)

Goldilocks passage: Once upon a time, a girl entered a cottage. She tasted three bowls of porridge: one too hot, one too cold, one just right. She sat in chairs, broke one, then slept in beds until bears returned, growling.

Ten inference questions: 1. Goldilocks' hunger? (Implied by eating.) 2. Bears' relation? (Family.) 3. Her chair choice? (Comfort.) 4. Bears' reaction? (Surprised, angry.) 5. Why 'just right'? (Perfect fit.) 6. Fear level? (High when waking.) 7. Writer's view on trespassing? (Negative.) 8. Comparison to animals? (Curious like fox.) 9. Predict end? (She flees.) 10. Tone? (Warning tale.) Scoring rubric: 1 mark per correct inference, 2 for explanation. See CGP 11+ practice tests for more on comprehension passages.

Vocabulary and Word Knowledge

Vocabulary comprises 15-20% of 11+ marks across all boards, testing both isolated words and contextual understanding. Students should aim for daily word learning targets like 10 words per day to build a strong foundation. Root word strategies help decode unfamiliar terms quickly during the exam.

Exam formats include CEM cloze procedures and GL multiple choice questions. These often require synonym and antonym recognition alongside context clue techniques. Practice reveals patterns in synonym/antonym pairs common across papers.

Focus on vocabulary building through flashcards and reading. Letts Success books offer targeted exercises for 11 Plus English preparation. Regular review ensures retention for the 11+ syllabus.

Combine strategies like word webs with past papers for best results. This approach strengthens comprehension skills and boosts confidence in grammar school entrance tests.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonym/antonym questions appear in most GL papers, testing core word families. These assess precise word knowledge vital for 11 Plus topics. Practice with high-frequency pairs builds speed and accuracy.

Use these strategies for success: analyse roots like bene for good, eliminate wrong options via context, and create word webs linking families. Letts Success books provide drills for 11+ exam formats.

Practice test: 1. Find synonym for happy: a) glad b) ecstatic c) sad. (a) 2. Antonym for big: a) small b) huge. (a) Common traps include near-synonyms like happy/glad versus happy/ecstatic. Review with mock tests from Bond papers.

Word Meanings in Context

Context questions test multiple word meanings, with words like run having various definitions across papers. These appear in CEM and GL assessments, demanding inference from sentences. Master context clues to tackle them efficiently.

Four key context clue types include:

• Definition: The boulder was enormous, meaning very large.
• Synonym: The huge rock, or gigantic stone, blocked the path.
• Antonym: The tiny pebble was not large like the boulder.
• Example/general sense: She sprinted a mile, showing her speed.

Practice with these sentences: 1. The bank was steep. a) money place b) river side c) food store. (b) Explanation: river context. 2. He had to bear the pain. a) animal b) endure c) fruit. (b) Homophone traps like their/there often mislead.

More examples: 3. Light as a feather. a) heavy b) not heavy c) dark. (b) 4. The match was exciting. a) fire starter b) game c) pair. (b) Key Stage 2 SATs-style questions sharpen reading comprehension. Use CGP guides for extra drills on SPaG test elements.

Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and punctuation (SPaG) tests contribute 25% of marks in CEM and independent school exams. These sections align with National Curriculum Year 6 objectives, covering 12 punctuation marks and 8 sentence types. Marking schemes often award 1 mark per correct identification, as outlined in DfE grammar appendices.

Pupils face questions on word classes, tenses, and clause construction in 11 Plus English papers. Practice helps build confidence for GL Assessment and grammar school entrance tests. Focus on common errors like apostrophe misuse to improve scores.

11 Plus preparation involves daily SPaG exercises from Bond papers or CGP guides. Teachers recommend analysing past papers for exam techniques. This develops proofreading skills essential for the 11+ syllabus.

Experts suggest combining sentence structure drills with punctuation rules for best results. Parental support through homeschooling tips aids transition to secondary school English. Regular mock tests track progress in these key 11 Plus topics.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure questions test 7 clause types and 4 sentence functions across 11+ papers. Pupils classify simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences. Understanding these builds strong grammar rules for CEM exams.

Common question types include identifying clause type, adding conjunctions, changing active to passive voice, spotting fragments or run-ons, combining sentences, and using fronted adverbials. DfE glossary terms clarify concepts like subordinating conjunctions. Practice these for independent school exams.

1. 1Identify the clause type: She laughed because it was funny. (Complex)
2. 2Add a conjunction: The sun shone. We went to the park. (The sun shone, so we went to the park.)
3. 3Change to passive: The chef cooked the meal. (The meal was cooked by the chef.)
4. 4Spot the fragment: Running quickly. (Fragment - needs main clause.)
5. 5Combine: Birds fly. They build nests. (Birds fly and build nests.)
6. 6Fronted adverbial: She whispered softly. (Softly, she whispered.)
7. 7What is the function? Shut the door! (Command)
8. 8Identify: After dinner, we played games. (Fronted adverbial)
9. 9Fix run-on: I like tea it is hot. (I like tea, for it is hot.)
10. 10Passive to active: The book was read by her. (She read the book.)
11. 11Complex sentence: Use because. (The team won because they practised.)
12. 12Compound: Join with but. (It rained. We went out.)
13. 13Spot error: Walking home early. (Fragment)
14. 14Combine with while: He slept. I read. (While he slept, I read.)
15. 15Function: Is it raining? (Question)

Regular drills from Letts workbooks sharpen these skills. Time management in practice papers prevents errors under exam pressure.

Punctuation Rules

12 punctuation marks feature in 11 Plus English, with frequent tests on apostrophes and commas. Pupils learn rules for possession, plurals, comma splices, and inverted commas for speech. Bond SPaG tests provide targeted practice.

Spot errors in these 20 sentences, then correct using the guide: 1. The dogs bone was buried. 2. Lets go to the park. 3. Its a sunny day isnt it? 4. Apples, oranges and bananas. 5. She shouted get out! 6. The childrens toys broke. 7. I ate pizza it was tasty. 8. Dads car is red. 9. "Where are you" he asked. 10. Birds, flew south for winter. 11. Sarahs book fell down. 12. Were going home early. 13. He ran quickly, but tripped. 14. "Stop" yelled the teacher. 15. Peoples opinions varied. 16. Cant you see it? 17. Lists need commas pears apples. 18. The cats tail was fluffy. 19. "Im tired" said John. 20. Rain fell we stayed in.

Corrections guide: Use apostrophe for dog's bone, let's, it's; add commas in lists and before conjunctions; place inverted commas around speech with punctuation inside. Practice from Key Stage 2 SATs builds accuracy. Peer review and teacher feedback refine handwriting legibility and editing skills.

Spelling

Spelling tests 40-50 words per paper, focusing on Year 5/6 National Curriculum word lists. These appear in 11 Plus English papers from GL Assessment and CEM exams. Practice builds confidence for grammar school entrance.

Key spelling rules target common patterns in the 11+ syllabus. Students learn through repetition and tests. CGP spelling lists offer targeted preparation for these 11 Plus topics.

A 30-word dictation test helps assess progress. Use the Look/Say/Cover/Write/Check method daily. This approach strengthens memory for Year 6 statutory words.

Focus on rules like silent letters and suffixes during 11 Plus preparation. Regular practice with Bond papers ensures readiness. Parents can support with homeschooling tips.

1. -cious/-tious

The -cious/-tious rule helps spell words ending in these suffixes. Use -cious after 'c' sounds like sh, and -tious after 'sh' from 't'. This appears in 11+ spelling tests.

Examples: delicious, malicious, vicious, ambitious, conscious for -cious. For -tious: cautious, fictitious, nutritious, superstitious, contentious.

Practice these in sentences for 11 Plus English. CGP guides list more for vocabulary building.

2. -ant/-ance

-ant/-ance suffixes follow patterns based on root words. Choose -ant for people or things, -ance for states. Common in SPaG tests for 11+ exams.

Examples: important, confident, different, observant, assistant for -ant. For -ance: assistance, performance, ignorance, elegance, brilliance.

Drill these for spelling rules mastery. Use in creative writing practice.

3. Silent Letters

Silent letters like 'k' in knee or 'b' in doubt trick students. Recognise patterns in familiar words. Key for 11+ syllabus accuracy.

Examples: knee, knight, doubt, comb, wrist, lamb, thumb, island, honest, rhythm. Also subtle, debt, climb, plumb, salmon.

Test with dictation. Improves reading comprehension too.

4. -able/-ible

-able/-ible endings depend on root words. Use -able for complete words, -ible for incomplete ones. Frequent in independent school exams.

Examples: comfortable, enjoyable, reasonable, acceptable, adorable for -able. For -ible: possible, sensible, visible, edible, flexible.

Memorise pairs like adorable/adorible. CGP lists aid preparation.

5. Homophones

Homophones sound alike but differ in spelling and meaning. Master pairs for multiple-choice questions. Essential English topics in 11 Plus.

Examples: there/their/they're, to/too/two, here/hear, write/right, sea/see. More: pair/pear, witch/which, flour/flower, brake/break, principal/principle.

Use context clues in practice papers. Builds inference skills.

6. Prefixes (dis-/mis-)

Prefixes dis-/mis- mean opposite or wrongly. Add to base words easily. Tests word formation in 11 Plus preparation.

Examples for dis-: disagree, disappear, dishonest, disobey, dislike. For mis-: misunderstand, misbehave, mistake, misuse, misplace.

Apply in sentence structure exercises. Enhances vocabulary building.

7. Suffixes (-ment/-ness)

Suffixes -ment/-ness change verbs to nouns. -ment for action results, -ness for qualities. Common in Year 6 lists.

Examples for -ment: excitement, agreement, movement, treatment, government. For -ness: happiness, kindness, darkness, weakness, illness.

Practice dropping 'e' rules. Useful for persuasive writing.

8. Year 6 Statutory Words

Year 6 statutory words include complex spellings from National Curriculum. Memorise for dictation and cloze. Core to grammar school entrance.

Examples: accommodate, according, achieve, aggressive, apparent, bargain, category, cemetery, committee, conscience. More: definite, exaggerate, excellent, foreign, guarantee, harass, immediate, marvellous, necessary, opportunity.

Use CGP spelling lists. Reference for thorough coverage.

30-Word Dictation Test

Practice this 30-word dictation test weekly: delicious, cautious, important, assistance, knee, knight, comfortable, possible, there, their, disagree, misunderstand, excitement, happiness, accommodate, according, achieve, apparent, committee, exaggerate, necessary, mischievous, observance, subtle, visible, misplace, ignorance, rhythm, government, brilliant.

Time yourself for 11+ exam conditions. Score and review errors.

Look/Say/Cover/Write/Check Method

The Look/Say/Cover/Write/Check method boosts retention. Look at the word, say it aloud, cover it, write from memory, then check.

Repeat three times per word. Ideal for spelling tests and homophones.

Combine with peer review for best results. Builds exam techniques.

Writing Skills

Writing tasks 25-30% of marks require planning, drafting, and editing within 25-35 minutes. Students must use PEE or PEEL paragraphing to structure ideas clearly, where P stands for point, E for evidence, and L for link. Many exams follow a 5-sentence paragraph rule to keep responses balanced and focused.

Marking criteria often split points equally: content 25%, SPaG 25%, structure 25%, and handwriting 25%. Strong content shows original ideas and varied vocabulary. Good SPaG means accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar rules.

Structure rewards clear openings, middles, and endings with logical flow. Handwriting legibility affects scores, so practise neat cursive or print. Examiners value edited work that improves on first drafts.

Prepare with 11 Plus preparation by timing practice on past papers from GL Assessment and CEM exams. Use planning writing editing cycles to build speed. Preview five composition types below for success criteria and examiner insights.

Composition Types

11+ writing tests 5 formats: narrative 40%, descriptive 25%, persuasive 20%, letters 10%, discussions. Each needs a 5-minute timed planning sheet to outline key points. GL Assessment mark schemes emphasise Band 5/6 descriptors for top scores, focusing on ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structure.

Practice model Level 5 answers to match examiner comments on creativity and coherence. Common advice includes avoiding repetition and ensuring task relevance. Build skills through 11+ books like CGP guides and Letts workbooks.

For each type, spend 5 minutes planning with bullet points to hit score targets. Review GL Assessment mark schemes for Band 5/6 traits like assonance and personification in narratives. Practice mock tests improves time management and handwriting legibility.

Poetry and Literary Devices

Poetry analysis appears in 30% of papers, testing 8 literary devices across 24-line poems. Students face questions on figurative language and structure in the 11 Plus English exam. This builds comprehension skills for grammar school entrance.

Examiners draw from anthologies like AQA KS3 poetry collections. Common poems include extracts from The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes. Practice spotting devices improves 11 Plus preparation.

Key literary devices appear in comprehension and SPaG tests. Students annotate poems to identify metaphors and alliteration. This aids inference skills and theme identification.

Exam techniques involve underlining key lines and noting effects. Time management helps tackle multiple choice or short answer formats. Regular practice with past papers boosts confidence.

Common Literary Devices Table

Use this table for vocabulary building in 11+ syllabus. Metaphor and simile dominate questions. Personification follows closely in poetry analysis.

The Highwayman Extract Analysis

Consider this extract from The Highwayman: The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees. The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. Noyes uses metaphor to paint a stormy night. This sets a tense atmosphere for the tale.

Personification appears in The road was a ribbon of moonlight. The road gains human-like flow. Students explain how it builds suspense in 11 Plus English.

Alliteration in ghostly galleon adds rhythm. Annotate by circling devices and noting effects. Practice links to GL Assessment or CEM exam styles.

For annotation techniques, draw arrows to explain impacts. Colour-code metaphors in blue, similes in green. This sharpens reading comprehension.

Practice Questions

1. 1Identify the simile in line 3 of the extract.
2. 2How does personification in trotting horse create urgency?
3. 3Spot alliteration and describe its sound effect.
4. 4What metaphor compares the moon to a ship? Explain the image.
5. 5Find assonance and link to mood.
6. 6Explain onomatopoeia if present, or suggest one for hooves.
7. 7How do devices build tension overall?
8. 8Compare metaphor and simile effects here.
9. 9Annotate line 1 for two devices.
10. 10Link a device to the poem's theme of romance and doom.

Answer these for exam techniques. Time yourself as in mock tests. Review with marking schemes from Bond papers.

Annotation Techniques and DAFOREST

Highlight literary devices with symbols: M for metaphor, P for personification. Note effects beside each. This suits 11+ exam time limits.

DAFOREST aids persuasive poetry links: Direct address, A for alliteration, D for device repetition, O for opinions, R for rhetorical questions, E for emotive language, S for superlatives, T for triples. Spot in poems urging emotion.

Practice on AQA KS3 anthologies for poetry analysis. Combine with prose comprehension. Builds skills for independent school exams.