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How to manage your time during the 11plus exam.

Writer: Learning TogetherLearning Together


Girl preparing for 11plus exam
Girl preparing for 11plus exam

Numerous children struggle with time management during the 11plus exam. This can lead to anxiety for both parents and children, as they worry about not finishing the exam on time.


To address timing issues, one of the initial steps is to assist children in managing their pace effectively during the entire exam. Various factors can lead to timing problems, such as the fear of answering a question incorrectly or reading at a slow pace. Additionally, insufficient practice under exam conditions can cause stress and tension, exacerbating the timing problem.


Practicing in conditions that closely resemble the actual exam can be extremely beneficial. Therefore, it is crucial for you, as the parent, to be familiar with the specific format of the 11plus exam your child will take.

Is it a multiple-choice test? Is it in a standard format? Is it divided into different timed sections? How many questions does it contain?


Understanding these details will simplify the process, allowing both parent and child to navigate the exam paper at an appropriate pace. Many children approach the test without realising it will partly assess their determination, so familiarising them with exam conditions in advance is advisable.


Practicing under exam conditions allows the child to gain the most benefit, as it provides a sense of the pace they need to maintain. Some children may become preoccupied with questions they believe they answered incorrectly. It's crucial to proceed to the next question and let go of the one just completed. Continuing to think about the previous question effectively wastes time on both questions.


After conducting a practice test under exam conditions and assessing the results, you might have identified areas where your child lacks knowledge. Concentrating on these gaps and enhancing their understanding will alleviate anxiety and aid in managing time effectively. Dedicate ample time to reviewing mistakes and revising the topics your child struggles with.


Motivate your child to work swiftly, yet not so fast that they make careless mistakes. Continue to reassure them to boost their confidence. Confidence is crucial for the 11plus exam; a self-assured child will perform better. Nervous or anxious children tend to underperform, so ensuring your child is happy and confident during the 11plus exam will enhance their performance.


Always remember that 11plus exam boards may change their question types unexpectedly, so it's wise to practice different types of questions.

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