11+ Comprehension Tips: How to Help Your Child Succeed in English Exams

11+ Comprehension Tips: How to Help Your Child Succeed in English Exams

As a mum of two and an experienced educator with over 20 years in the classroom, I know firsthand how overwhelming the 11+ journey can feel for both children and parents. The comprehension section often causes the most anxiety – and I completely understand why. It’s not just about reading; it’s about understanding, analysing, and articulating thoughts under pressure.

But here’s what I want you to know: with the right approach and consistent practice, every child can develop strong comprehension skills. At Academic Success, we’ve helped hundreds of children aged 7-11 build the confidence and techniques they need to tackle even the trickiest comprehension questions.

Let me share the strategies that work – the ones I use with my own children and the techniques that have helped our students secure places at top grammar and independent schools across the UK.

Understanding What 11+ Comprehension Really Tests

Before diving into tips, it’s crucial to understand what examiners are actually looking for. The 11+ comprehension isn’t just testing whether your child can read – it’s assessing their ability to:

• Extract explicit information from texts
• Make inferences and read between the lines
• Understand language choices and their effects
• Analyse character motivations and themes
• Express ideas clearly and concisely

This understanding helps us prepare more effectively and reduces that overwhelming feeling many families experience.

1. Build Reading Stamina Gradually

Many children struggle with comprehension simply because they’re not used to sustained reading. In our screen-dominated world, this is more common than you might think.

What you can do:

• Start with 10-15 minutes of daily reading and gradually increase
• Mix fiction and non-fiction to mirror exam variety
• Read together initially, then encourage independent reading
• Choose engaging books slightly below their comfort level to build confidence

Remember, we’re building stamina, not creating pressure. Make reading time enjoyable, and you’ll see natural improvement in focus and comprehension.

For age-appropriate book recommendations, check out the National Literacy Trust’s reading lists which offer excellent suggestions for different reading levels.

2. Teach the Art of ‘Reading Like a Detective’

This is one of my favourite techniques to share with families. Encourage your child to become a reading detective, looking for clues in the text.

Detective skills include:

• Highlighting or underlining key information
• Making notes in margins (where allowed)
• Asking questions while reading: “Why did the character do that?”
• Looking for patterns in language and behaviour

This active reading approach transforms passive reading into engaged comprehension, making children natural problem-solvers when tackling tricky questions.

3. Master the Different Question Types

Not all comprehension questions are created equal. Understanding the different types helps children approach each with the right strategy.

Retrieval questions (find it in the text):

• Look for key words from the question in the passage
• Copy accurately, don’t paraphrase unless asked
• Check spelling and punctuation

Inference questions (read between the lines):

• Use evidence from the text to support answers
• Think about what’s suggested but not directly stated
• Consider character feelings, motivations, and relationships

Language analysis questions (writer’s techniques):

• Focus on specific word choices and their effects
• Consider why the author chose particular words or phrases
• Think about the impact on the reader

4. Develop Time Management Skills

Time pressure is often the biggest challenge in 11+ comprehension. Teaching children to manage their time effectively can transform their performance.

Time management strategies:

• Spend 2-3 minutes reading the passage first
• Allocate time based on marks (roughly 1 minute per mark)
• Start with questions they find easier to build confidence
• Leave time for checking answers

Practice this timing regularly at home so it becomes second nature during the actual exam.

5. Practice the PEEL Method for Longer Answers

For extended response questions, teach your child the PEEL structure:

• Point: Make your main point clearly
• Evidence: Include a quote or example from the text
• Explain: Explain how your evidence supports your point
• Link: Connect back to the question

This structure helps children organise their thoughts and ensures they’re providing the depth examiners are looking for.

6. Expand Vocabulary Naturally

A rich vocabulary is essential for comprehension success, but drilling word lists can be counterproductive and boring.

Natural vocabulary building:

• Discuss interesting words encountered during reading
• Keep a family vocabulary journal
• Play word games during car journeys
• Encourage your child to use new words in conversation

The key is making vocabulary expansion feel like discovery rather than work.

For vocabulary building games and activities, Oxford Owl offers excellent free resources that make learning new words engaging and fun.

7. Encourage Questioning and Discussion

Some of the best comprehension practice happens during everyday conversations about books, films, and even TV programmes.

Discussion prompts:

• “What do you think the character was feeling when…?”
• “Why do you think the author chose to…?”
• “What would you have done differently?”
• “How did that scene make you feel, and why?”

These conversations develop critical thinking skills that transfer directly to exam situations.

8. Practice Skimming and Scanning Techniques

These are essential skills for managing longer passages under time pressure.

Skimming: Reading quickly to get the general idea

• Read first and last paragraphs carefully
• Read first sentences of middle paragraphs
• Look for key topic words

Scanning: Looking for specific information

• Use finger or pencil to guide eyes
• Look for capital letters, numbers, or key words
• Don’t read every word when scanning

9. Address Exam Anxiety Proactively

Anxiety can significantly impact comprehension performance, even for well-prepared children.

Anxiety management techniques:

• Practice relaxation breathing before reading
• Encourage positive self-talk: “I can do this”
• Familiarise children with exam conditions through practice
• Focus on effort and improvement, not just results

Remember, confidence is built through preparation and positive experiences, not pressure.

10. Use Past Papers Strategically

Past papers are invaluable, but they need to be used thoughtfully.

Strategic approach:

• Start with easier papers to build confidence
• Work through answers together initially
• Gradually increase independence
• Focus on understanding mistakes, not just marking

Don’t overwhelm your child with too many papers – quality practice is more valuable than quantity.

You can find official past papers and practice materials from:

• GL Assessment for CAT4 and GL 11+ papers
• CEM Centre for CEM 11+ materials
• Your target school’s website often has sample papers available

11. Create a Supportive Home Environment

Your attitude and approach as a parent significantly impact your child’s success and enjoyment of learning.

Creating the right environment:

• Stay calm and positive during practice sessions
• Celebrate small improvements and effort
• Take breaks when frustration builds
• Remember that every child’s journey is different

The Bigger Picture: Building Lifelong Skills

While we’re focusing on 11+ success, remember that these comprehension skills extend far beyond any single exam. You’re helping your child become a critical thinker, a confident communicator, and a lifelong learner.

At Academic Success, we’ve seen countless children transform from anxious readers to confident, capable students. The key is consistent, supportive practice combined with the right techniques.

Additional Resources for 11+ Success

Here are some additional resources that many of our families find helpful:

• BBC Bitesize KS2 English – Free comprehensive English resources
• Reading Eggs – Interactive reading programme for building skills
• Comprehension Ninja – Structured comprehension practice
• The 11+ Website – Forum and resources for 11+ families
• Grammar Schools in England – Official government information

Your Next Steps

Start with just one or two of these strategies and build gradually. Remember, sustainable progress comes from consistent effort, not overwhelming practice sessions.

If you’re feeling stuck or would like personalised guidance for your child’s specific needs, remember that every child’s learning journey is unique. Sometimes, having an experienced educator work alongside your family can make all the difference in building confidence and achieving success.

Ready to get started? Contact Academic Success to discuss how we can support your child’s 11+ journey with personalised tuition that builds both skills and confidence.

The 11+ journey doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With the right approach, it can be an opportunity for your child to develop skills that will serve them throughout their academic career and beyond.

About the Author

 

Reena Damani is the founder of Academic Success, where she combines over 20 years of teaching experience with a parent’s understanding to help children aged 3-11 build strong foundations and reach their potential. Academic Success has helped hundreds of children secure places at leading grammar and independent schools across the UK.

Connect with Academic Success:

• 📧 Email us
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• 💬 Book a consultation

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