Understanding the 11 Plus Test Format

The term ‘11 Plus’ can cause anxiety for many families. While most parents expect advanced Maths and English, the biggest surprise is often the inclusion of two other sections: Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These logic and pattern-based puzzles aren't typically taught in primary school, making the test format feel unfamiliar.

This guide breaks down all four potential subjects and explains why the exam differs by region, giving you a clear map to navigate the 11 Plus.

What Are the "Familiar" Subjects? A Look at the 11+ English and Maths Papers

English and Maths form the core of most 11 Plus exams, but the testing style differs from standard schoolwork. The focus is on precision, speed, and applying knowledge under pressure, rather than creative writing or long-form calculations.

The 11+ English paper typically tests specific skills across distinct sections:

• Comprehension: Reading a passage and answering questions, usually in a multiple-choice format.

• SPaG: A focus on Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar, often requiring children to spot errors in sentences.

• Vocabulary: Questions on word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and sometimes cloze passages, which involve choosing the best word to fill a gap in a text.

Similarly, the Maths paper is a test of mathematical reasoning that goes beyond school arithmetic. Questions are designed as puzzles that require children to apply their knowledge to solve problems, often with multiple steps. Speed and accuracy are crucial, as most papers use a multiple-choice layout.

What is Verbal Reasoning? Your Guide to the "Word Puzzles" Section

Reasoning papers are often the most confusing part of the 11 Plus. The first of these, Verbal Reasoning (VR), tests logic and problem-solving using words and letters—essentially a series of clever 'word puzzles.'

This section doesn't test knowledge learned by rote. Instead, it measures a child’s ability to see patterns and relationships in language. For example, a question might present (listen, silent, enlist) and ask the child to identify that they all use the same letters. Other common types involve cracking letter-based codes or finding the "odd word out" in a group.

Ultimately, Verbal Reasoning assesses how a child thinks with language, requiring a flexible mind and a good vocabulary, but the core skill is logic.

What is Non-Verbal Reasoning? Decoding the "Shape and Pattern" Puzzles

The visual counterpart to Verbal Reasoning is Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR), which uses 'shape and pattern puzzles' to assess problem-solving. With no words involved, it's a visual detective game where a child must spot the hidden rule or pattern in a series of diagrams.

Skills tested in NVR papers include identifying sequences, spotting reflections, or finding the 'odd one out' in a set of images. Because it doesn't rely on language, NVR is seen as a pure test of raw logic.

Image: A simple 2x2 grid. Top-left: a square. Top-right: a circle. Bottom-left: a triangle. Bottom-right: a question mark. Below are four options: a) star, b) pentagon, c) diamond, d) square. Option 'c' would be the correct answer.

The Most Important Question: Is Your Area GL or CEM?

Conflicting stories about the 11 Plus format exist because the exam isn't the same everywhere. Tests are typically set by one of two providers: GL Assessment or CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring). Identifying which board your target school uses is the most critical step in your preparation.

The difference between these boards changes the exam experience. GL Assessment tests are generally predictable, with separate papers for each subject. In contrast, CEM exams are designed to be less predictable, often mixing subjects together and placing a heavy emphasis on speed and time management.

| GL vs. CEM at a Glance | | | :--- | :--- | | GL Assessment | CEM | | Predictable format with separate subject papers. | Less predictable, often with mixed papers. | | Strong focus on accuracy and core knowledge. | Strong focus on speed and time management. | | Past and practice papers are widely available. | Fewer official practice materials available. |

Knowing the exam board clarifies whether to expect separate or mixed papers and whether the main challenge for your child will be accuracy or speed.

Multiple-Choice vs. Standard Format: How Your Child Will Actually Answer

Another key detail is the answer format. While some sections use a standard format (writing answers in a box), the vast majority of 11 Plus questions are multiple-choice, requiring students to select an option from a list (e.g., A-D).

For multiple-choice sections, children don’t write in the question booklet. They use a separate answer sheet, often a grid of boxes or ovals, and must shade in their chosen answer. This system allows for rapid, computerised marking.

This introduces a crucial skill: answer sheet accuracy. A child must carefully match the question number in their booklet to the correct line on the answer sheet. If they skip a question but forget to skip a line, every following answer can be shifted out of place. This mechanical skill must be practised.

Your First Actionable Step: How to Find Your Local 11 Plus Format

Understanding the 11 Plus format means knowing it isn't one-size-fits-all, but a combination of subjects set by either the GL or CEM exam board. Your single most important next step is to identify the specific format for your target grammar school.

Visit the admissions page on the school's or local authority’s website and search for terms like “11 Plus admissions,” “GL Assessment,” or “CEM.” This crucial information will transform your preparation from guesswork into a focused, effective plan.