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11+ topics explained
114topics from the 11+, each explained in plain words: the big idea, the key words, worked examples, the mistake most children make and a quick quiz to check it's gone in. Pick a subject below.
How to use these pages
Read a topic together in ten minutes: start with the big idea, talk through the examples, then try the quiz. Many topics have a short video, and every topic has a free printable worksheet to practise on paper.
Maths
Number, fractions, ratio, algebra, shape, measures and data.
Place value
Where a digit sits decides what it's worth: each place is ten times the place on its right.
ExplainedRounding and estimating
Rounding swaps a number for the nearest tidy number, so you can estimate quickly.
ExplainedNegative numbers
Negative numbers are numbers below zero, like temperatures colder than freezing.
ExplainedFactors, multiples and primes
Factors divide into a number exactly; multiples are in its times table; a prime has exactly two factors.
ExplainedSquare and cube numbers
A square number is a number times itself; a cube number is a number times itself, three times.
ExplainedOrder of operations (BODMAS)
Brackets, then Orders (powers), then × and ÷, then + and −, so everyone gets the same answer.
ExplainedWhat a fraction is
A fraction is part of a whole: the bottom number counts the equal parts, the top counts the parts you have.
ExplainedEquivalent fractions and simplifying
Equivalent fractions look different but are the same amount: multiply or divide the top and bottom by the same number.
ExplainedAdding and subtracting fractions
Make the pieces the same size first (a common denominator), then add or take away the tops.
ExplainedHow fractions, decimals and percentages link
Fractions, decimals and percentages are three ways of writing the same amount.
ExplainedPercentages: what per cent means
Per cent means out of 100: 30% is 30 in every 100.
ExplainedRatio
A ratio compares amounts: 3 : 2 means 3 of one for every 2 of the other.
ExplainedProportion and the unitary method
Find the amount for one, then multiply up to however many you need.
ExplainedAlgebra: what letters stand for
A letter stands for a number we don't know yet, or one that can change.
ExplainedExpressions and substitution
Substitution means swapping each letter for its number, then working out the answer.
ExplainedEquations: the balance idea
An equation is a balance: do the same to both sides and it stays level.
ExplainedSequences
A sequence follows a rule: find the jump between terms and you've cracked it.
ExplainedFunction machines
A function machine does steps to a number; to go backwards, undo each step in reverse order.
ExplainedProbability
Probability is a number from 0 to 1 that says how likely something is.
ExplainedProbability of two events
For two events, list every pair in a grid, then count the ones you want.
ExplainedThe mean
The mean is what each would get if the total were shared out equally.
ExplainedMedian, mode and range
Median = the middle in order. Mode = the most common. Range = biggest − smallest.
ExplainedReading charts and graphs
A chart turns numbers into a picture: always read the scale or the key first.
ExplainedAngles
An angle measures a turn, in degrees. A full turn is 360°.
ExplainedProperties of 2D shapes
Flat shapes are named by their sides and angles: how many, which are equal, which are parallel.
Explained3D shapes and nets
A net is a 3D shape unfolded flat: fold it up and the faces meet edge to edge.
ExplainedSymmetry, reflection and rotation
A reflection flips a shape over a mirror line; a rotation turns it round a point.
ExplainedCoordinates
A coordinate (x, y) means: go along x, then up y.
ExplainedPerimeter
Perimeter is the total distance all the way round the outside of a shape.
ExplainedArea
Area is how much flat space a shape covers, counted in squares.
ExplainedVolume
Volume is how much space a 3D shape takes up, counted in cubes.
ExplainedUnits of measure
To a smaller unit, multiply. To a bigger unit, divide.
ExplainedTime
Time works in 60s, not 100s: count on in hops to the next hour.
ExplainedMoney problems
Keep to one unit (pounds or pence), and count up to find change.
ExplainedSpeed, distance and time
Speed is how far you go each hour: distance = speed × time.
Explained
English
Grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.
Nouns
A noun names a person, place, thing or idea.
ExplainedVerbs and tenses
A verb is a doing or being word, and its tense shows when it happens.
ExplainedAdjectives
An adjective describes a noun, telling you more about it.
ExplainedAdverbs
An adverb tells you more about a verb: how, when, where or how often.
ExplainedPronouns
A pronoun stands in for a noun, so we don't keep repeating it.
ExplainedPrepositions
A preposition links a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence, often showing where or when.
ExplainedConjunctions
A conjunction joins words, phrases or clauses together.
ExplainedDeterminers
A determiner comes before a noun and tells you which one, whose or how many.
ExplainedSimple, compound and complex sentences
Simple has one main clause, compound joins two main clauses, and complex adds a subordinate clause.
ExplainedMain and subordinate clauses
A main clause makes sense on its own; a subordinate clause needs a main clause to lean on.
ExplainedRelative clauses
A relative clause adds information about a noun, starting with who, which, that, whose, where or when.
ExplainedFronted adverbials
A fronted adverbial starts a sentence, tells you when, where or how, and is followed by a comma.
ExplainedCapital letters and full stops
A sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark.
ExplainedCommas
Commas separate parts of a sentence so the meaning is clear.
ExplainedApostrophes
An apostrophe shows missing letters, or that something belongs to someone.
ExplainedInverted commas (speech marks)
Inverted commas go around the exact words someone says, with their punctuation inside.
ExplainedQuestion marks and exclamation marks
A question mark ends a question; an exclamation mark ends a sentence full of strong feeling.
ExplainedColons, semi-colons and dashes
A colon introduces, a semi-colon links two closely related sentences, and a dash adds a dramatic extra.
ExplainedActive and passive voice
In the active voice the subject does the action; in the passive voice the action is done to the subject.
ExplainedStandard English
Standard English is the grammar expected in exams and formal writing, like "we were" and "I did it".
ExplainedPrefixes
A prefix is a group of letters added to the start of a word to change its meaning.
ExplainedSuffixes
A suffix is added to the end of a word, often changing its job, and sometimes the root's spelling.
ExplainedRoot words and word families
A root word is the core of a word: know it, and you can unlock a whole family of words.
ExplainedHomophones
Homophones sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
ExplainedPlurals
Most nouns add -s to make a plural, but some follow other rules, and a few change completely.
ExplainedTricky spelling rules
A few spelling rules help you spell thousands of words, as long as you watch for the exceptions.
ExplainedSynonyms and antonyms
Synonyms are words with similar meanings; antonyms are words with opposite meanings.
ExplainedWords with more than one meaning
Some words are spelt the same but have different meanings, so the sentence tells you which one.
ExplainedWorking out unknown words from context
The words and sentences around an unknown word give you clues to its meaning.
ExplainedFormal and informal language
Formal language is for serious or official writing; informal language is for chatting with people you know.
Explained
Comprehension
Finding information, inference and the author's choices.
Retrieval: finding information
Retrieval means finding what the text actually says, then giving it back accurately.
ExplainedInference: reading between the lines
Inference means using clues in the text to work out what the writer suggests.
ExplainedUsing evidence: point, evidence, explain
Make a point, back it with evidence, then explain how it proves it.
ExplainedWord meaning in context
Use the words around a tricky word to work out what it means here.
ExplainedFigurative language
Figurative language compares things, or makes them seem human, to paint a picture in your mind.
ExplainedThe author's purpose and effect
Every text has a purpose, and every choice is made to have an effect on you.
ExplainedFact and opinion
A fact can be checked and proved. An opinion is what someone thinks, and others could disagree.
ExplainedSummarising and main ideas
A summary keeps the main ideas, in your own words, and drops the small details.
ExplainedCharacter and feelings
We learn about characters from what they say, do and think, and how others react.
ExplainedMultiple-choice comprehension
Find the evidence in the text first, then cross out the options it doesn't support.
Explained
Creative writing
Planning, openings, description, dialogue and endings.
Show, don't tell
Don't name the feeling: show it through actions, body language and senses.
ExplainedStrong story openings
A strong opening hooks the reader with action, speech, a question or a mystery.
ExplainedBuilding a character
Build a character with a few telling details: what they do, say and want.
ExplainedDescribing a setting with the senses
Bring a setting to life with all five senses, not just what you see.
ExplainedSimiles and metaphors in your writing
A good simile or metaphor is fresh, fits the picture and suits the mood.
ExplainedVarying sentence lengths and starters
Mix short and long sentences and vary how they start to control the pace.
ExplainedDialogue that moves the story on
Good dialogue reveals character or moves the plot on, and each new speaker gets a new line.
ExplainedPlanning a story
Plan five stages, opening, build-up, problem, resolution, ending, so your story has a shape.
ExplainedUsing paragraphs
Start a new paragraph when the Time, Place, Topic or Person changes: TiPToP.
ExplainedSatisfying endings
A satisfying ending solves the problem, shows how the character has changed, and often links back to the start.
Explained
Verbal reasoning
Codes, series, hidden words, analogies and word puzzles.
Letter codes
Every letter makes the same move along the alphabet. Find the move, then copy it.
ExplainedNumber codes and word codes
Each letter always has the same number. Match the most unusual word first.
ExplainedLetter series
Find the jump from one letter to the next, then make the same jump again.
ExplainedNumber series
Look at the gaps between the numbers. The gaps tell you the rule.
ExplainedHidden words
The hidden word starts at the end of one word and runs into the start of the next.
ExplainedMissing letters
The letter must end the first word and start the second, in both pairs.
ExplainedMove a letter
Move one letter from the first word to the second. Both must still be real words.
ExplainedCompound words
Take one word from each group. Together, in order, they make one real word.
ExplainedWord analogies
Find the link between the first pair, then use the same link again.
ExplainedLetter analogies
See how each letter moved in the first pair, then move the new letters the same way.
ExplainedClosest meaning (synonyms)
Find one word from each group with the closest meaning: a synonym.
ExplainedOpposite meaning (antonyms)
Find one word from each group that means the opposite: an antonym.
ExplainedOdd ones out
Three words share a link. The other two share a different link.
ExplainedDouble meanings
Find one word that fits both pairs, with a different meaning for each.
ExplainedLetter sums and logic problems
Swap letters for numbers, work it out, then swap back to a letter. In logic puzzles, line the facts up in order.
Explained
Non-verbal reasoning
Shape series, matrices, rotation, reflection, nets and codes.
What non-verbal reasoning tests
NVR is spotting what changes and what stays the same, with a checklist so you miss nothing.
ExplainedNVR series
Find what changes from each picture to the next, then make that change once more.
ExplainedNVR analogies
Work out exactly what changed in the first pair, then do the same to the third picture.
ExplainedNVR odd one out
Find the rule that all but one share. The odd one breaks it.
ExplainedNVR similarities
Find what every picture in the group shares, then pick the option that shares it too.
ExplainedNVR matrices
Find the rule across the full rows (and down the columns), then use it to fill the gap.
ExplainedRotation
Turning spins the whole picture around its centre. Everything moves together, and nothing flips.
ExplainedReflection
A reflection flips a shape across a mirror line. Every point lands the same distance away on the other side.
ExplainedNVR codes
Each letter stands for one feature. Compare two pictures that share a letter to see what it means.
ExplainedHidden shapes
The shape is in the big picture at exactly the same size and the same way round. Extra lines disguise it.
ExplainedCube nets
Faces in a line with one face between them end up opposite. Faces that touch on the net touch on the cube.
ExplainedCube views
You see three faces at most. Faces that never appear together must be opposite.
ExplainedPaper folding and hole punching
Every fold doubles the holes, and each new hole is a mirror image across the fold line.
ExplainedHow to eliminate wrong answers
Check one feature at a time and cross out every option that breaks it, until one is left.
Explained