In this blog, Sobia takes an in-depth look at the 13+ Harrow and Eton scholarship papers in English, Maths and Science, and offers some useful tips to keep in mind.
Generally, the harder the 13+ paper, the longer or more complex the passage provided for comprehension, and the shorter and fewer the questions! This means that 13+ scholarship papers for schools like Eton and Harrow will usually have one or more passages of text, or a poem that can be quite abstract and complex, or some combination thereof. The questions, though, can be worth from 10 to 60 marks each. This means you need to think carefully about how you allocate your time…
The Eton paper is 1hr and 30 mins long, with (usually) 60 marks for the comprehension section and 40 marks for the creative writing section, though marks have not always split this way and can vary. Remember, the comprehension section will entail you having to read the passages first. The Harrow paper is 1hr and 30 mins long, with 25 marks for each section. Make sure you look at the recommended allocation of time on each paper, and try to follow it closely!
The Eton paper will have more text to analyse and potentially shorter questions, so it is a good idea to have some kind of strategy here, and the following tips may help:
The 13+ Maths papers are challenging. Harrow has Maths papers I and II and Eton sets Maths papers A and B.
Harrow Maths I is a 1hr and 30mins paper with around 7 to 8 multi-part questions which are actually fairly predictable in nature. They revolve around algebra and simultaneous equations, calculating percentage increase/decrease in amounts and sometimes constructing an equation along the way to work this out. Multi-step word problems are common, with multi-step currency conversions and area/perimeter of shapes when one is moulded into another (e.g. square to semi-circle, etc.)
Harrow Maths II is a 1hr and 30mins paper of far more challenging problems, where students are encouraged to finish one whole problem rather than attempt parts of different problems, in the allotted time. The subject of these problems is similar to Maths I (algebra, working out dimensions of interchanging shapes) but more complex and in depth. The simultaneous equations may involve fractions and negative numbers, and there may be the odd curveball (2 dogs eat 3 bags of food in 4 days; how long does it take 3 dogs to eat 4 bags of food – answer: it definitely isn’t as simple as it looks!).
Eton Maths A is also 1hr and 30mins and has fairly similar types of question; it’s just that they are a bit longer. Means, simultaneous equations, complex algebra, repeated division and string numbers are common. In Maths B, which is also 1hr 30mins, there are some very complex multi-step problems especially involving geometry again, and algebra using fractions. Again, use your time wisely, and don’t spend too long on one question especially in Maths I/Maths A, which you are expected to finish in the allocated time; although you are also expected to finish Maths II/B, not every student does.
For science papers, it is important that you know your basic definitions in Chemistry (atom, molecule, element, compound) and you will definitely find repeated themes across papers. E.g. solubility of salts at different temperatures, gas tests, pH of carbon dioxide popped up many times. Data analysis and reading graphs is very common, as is applying your existing knowledge to real life problems e.g. underwater pressure for a scuba diver. One crucial tip – read the question very carefully. There are little nuggets of information, almost clues, in the actual wording of the questions. Good Luck!
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Hi I need some help about my son 13 plus exam . Please call me my number I want to discuss. Thanks
Dear Suman
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