The Ultimate Guide to 11+ English Comprehension: Tips and Strategies

Comprehension is a cornerstone of the 11+ English exam, testing not just reading ability but also analytical and inferential skills. At English Tutorial, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help your child excel in this crucial area.Understanding Different Question Types11+ comprehension tests typically include several types of questions:

1. Literal questions: These ask for information directly stated in the text.

2. Inferential questions: These require reading between the lines.

3. Vocabulary questions: These test understanding of word meanings in context.

4. Summary questions: These ask for the main ideas of a passage.

5. Author's purpose questions: These explore why the author wrote the text.

   
   

Tip: Practice identifying these question types with your child using past papers or sample tests.Time Management TechniquesEffective time management can make a significant difference in exam performance. Here are some strategies:

• Read the questions before the passage to know what to look for

• Allocate time for each section based on mark allocation

• If stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time allows

  
  

Remember, it's better to attempt all questions than to leave some unanswered due to time constraints.Strategies for Tackling Unfamiliar TextsEncountering unfamiliar texts is common in 11+ exams. To handle these effectively:

• Skim read the passage first to get a general idea

• Pay attention to the title, subheadings, and any images

• Use context clues to understand unfamiliar words

• Look for topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs

  
  

Encourage your child to stay calm when faced with challenging texts – confidence often comes with practice.Common Traps and How to Avoid ThemBe aware of these common pitfalls:

• Not reading the question carefully

• Providing too much information in answers

• Misinterpreting figurative language

• Letting personal opinions influence answers

  
  

Remind your child to always base their answers on the information provided in the text.Practice ExercisesRegular practice is key to improving comprehension skills. Try these exercises:

1. Timed reading: Have your child read a passage and summarise it within a set time.

2. Question creation: After reading a text, ask your child to create their own comprehension questions.

3. Vocabulary in context: Identify unfamiliar words in a passage and guess their meanings before looking them up.

   
   

At English Tutorial, we provide tailored practice materials and expert guidance to help your child master comprehension skills. With these strategies and consistent practice, your child can approach the 11+ English comprehension tasks with confidence and skill.