How to Pass 11 plus English Comprehension Questions

What is 11+ comprehension?

‘Comprehension’ simply means ‘understanding’. The aim of completing the 11+ English comprehension successfully is to demonstrate a good understanding of the passage given.

Children need to be able to develop a range of skills. The first and most important one is to be able to read the text independently, summarising its content in their heads. Part of this is picturing what is happening in their heads and being able to visualise the characters and setting. In addition to this, knowing (or being able to work out) the meanings of words used is important, and interpreting these words to answer questions, are key skills. An understanding of time management also means that all questions can be successfully answered in the time allotted.

What are the key question styles in 11+ comprehension?

These fall into several fairly distinct categories; sometimes there is more than one skill involved in each question.

Information retrieval is a simpler style of question generally found in multiple-choice comprehensions or at the start of longer answer question papers.

Close reading, and the construction of a paragraph about a character or setting, is often paired with inference.

Summarising skills are found in questions which ask the child to use their own words rather than quotations.

At the end of the paper there is often a prediction question which asks the child to imagine what happens next.

Multiple choice papers also often contain vocabulary questions, which ask the child to identify the type of word used, or to find a synonym. Your child will need to be proficient in each of these areas ready for the exam.

What level of reading ability is required for the 11+ comprehension?

The comprehension exam will require children to be able to notice details, read between the lines for underlying messages and find evidence to support their ideas. In addition, children need to be able to read questions carefully and then interpret what is asked of them. Answers must be written clearly and in full

sentences, using the text and not their own ideas (unless specifically asked for these), and when required, must find relevant quotes to support their answers.

What is the mark scheme for the 11+ comprehension?

Students must pay attention to the mark scheme, located next to each question. These give clues as to how many points should be made and or evidence required to back up the points made. For example – if it is a three-mark question, the test will probably need three separate points to be written. A six-mark question that asks for ‘evidence from the text’ will require three points to be made and three quotes to support these points. Students must be able to check their answers thoroughly against the mark scheme and demonstrate their understanding of each question asked.

Finding evidence from the text in the 11+ comprehension

The following phrases in questions all ask the student to quote from the text:

Back up your points using evidence from the text

Support your answer

How do you know this?

What clues from the passage suggest that…

Using the passage…

Quotations should be three to four words maximum, and chosen carefully to maximise marks. It is generally a good idea to include quotations with language techniques embedded within (similes, alliteration etc.)

‘Own Words’ questions in the 11+ comprehension

These questions require your child to summarise ideas or information from the 11+ comprehension text without quoting. Questions which require this skill are extremely easy to identify as the phrasing will explicitly instruct your child to ‘use your own words’ in the question.

Your child should aim to show their understanding of phrases or vocabulary and focus their efforts on explaining each of these in a clear, well-developed manner without using any of the words in the passage. While the focus in these questions should be on clarity and accuracy, it is important to note that a well-developed vocabulary alongside sound spelling, punctuation and grammar will come in very useful to answer well.

What is a successful approach to 11+ comprehension?

Read the text quite quickly BUT carefully and ensure you get a good feel for the story (don’t just skim read). Use a pencil/highlighter to underline any important information. Start at the FIRST question and underline key words or the lines of the passage they ask you to look in, noting the mark scheme. (Reading all the questions through first before writing can delay things).

The first couple of questions are often found near the beginning of the comprehension text and usually carry an element of ‘retrieval’ (where the answer is found written in the text).

Some answers to questions are not found in the text; this means your inference skills are being tested. You must read around the text and let the context of the passage help you to answer logically from what you do know. For example: in the passage it might tell you that ‘the man put on his scarf and gloves and a white blanket was on the ground’. Then the question asks you, What season do you think it is? You will need to use the evidence you read, make a link and answer ‘Winter’.

With multiple choice questions, there will often be one or two answers which cannot be correct, so rule it/them out immediately. There will also often be two answers which could both be right so make sure you really focus on which one is

the correct answer. There will normally be a strong hint or clue in the question or passage to help you.

Developing good reading skills and having a wide vocabulary are invaluable. Reading as much as possible will really help you.

What are common problems leading to inaccurate answers/reduced marks in the 11+ comprehension?

Not reading the whole passage before answering the questions and thinking it is a memory test and not referring to the text for each new question is a common issue. Equally, misinterpreting or misreading the question and failing to check mark schemes and not making enough points can cause problems. Children sometimes make the mistake of writing a waffly/long winded answer that does not make a point, and some spend too long on early questions, thereby not getting to the end of the question paper.

How can parents help to develop 11+ comprehension skills?

Encourage your child to read widely and include some challenging books. Ask them to note down any vocabulary that is unfamiliar to look this up together. Talk about the books they are reading: ask what they would do in situations encountered, what they think a character is thinking/feeling, what might happen next?

Build vocabulary whenever you can: be interested in words together, have fun looking up unfamiliar words in a dictionary, and orally use them as often as you can. Share the reading experience: read to your child at least twice a week as well as listening to your child read.

Enjoy doing word puzzles or word games together, and model adult reading around the house so children know it holds value and is important.