11+ Study Tips & Strategies
Master proven study techniques, time management strategies, and exam preparation methods to maximize your 11+ success and build lifelong learning skills.
Proven Study Techniques
Active Recall
Test yourself regularly instead of just re-reading notes
How to do it:
- Close your book and write down what you remember
- Use flashcards for key facts and formulas
- Explain concepts out loud to yourself
- Practice past questions without looking at answers first
Benefit: Improves long-term memory retention by 50%
Spaced Repetition
Review information at increasing intervals
How to do it:
- Review new material after 1 day, then 3 days, then 1 week
- Use apps like Anki for automated spacing
- Keep a review calendar to track what to study when
- Focus more time on difficult topics
Benefit: Reduces forgetting and strengthens memory pathways
Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused 25-minute blocks with short breaks
How to do it:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus completely
- Take a 5-minute break after each session
- After 4 sessions, take a longer 15-30 minute break
- Use breaks for physical movement or relaxation
Benefit: Maintains concentration and prevents burnout
Feynman Method
Explain concepts in simple terms to test understanding
How to do it:
- Teach the concept to someone else or pretend to teach
- Use simple language and avoid jargon
- Identify gaps in your understanding
- Go back to source material to fill knowledge gaps
Benefit: Reveals true understanding and improves clarity
Master Time Management
Daily Planning
- Plan your study sessions the night before
- Set specific goals for each study session
- Include buffer time for unexpected delays
- Review and adjust your plan weekly
Prioritization
- Focus on weak subjects first when energy is high
- Use the 80/20 rule - 80% on core topics, 20% on advanced
- Tackle difficult tasks during your peak energy hours
- Review completed work to identify priority areas
Time Blocking
- Assign specific time slots to different subjects
- Include breaks and transition time between subjects
- Protect your study time from distractions
- Be realistic about how much you can accomplish
Flexibility
- Allow time for unexpected learning opportunities
- Adjust your schedule based on progress and mood
- Have backup activities for low-energy days
- Don't be too rigid - adaptation is key
Exam Day Success Strategies
Before the Exam
Weeks and days leading up
Exam Day Morning
Day of the exam
During the Exam
In the exam room
After the Exam
Post-exam reflection
Stay Motivated Throughout
Set SMART Goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound objectives
Example: Instead of 'improve math', try 'complete 2 algebra practice papers this week'
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge progress and effort, not just final results
Example: Reward yourself after completing a difficult practice test or mastering a concept
Find Your Why
Connect studying to your bigger goals and dreams
Example: Think about how 11+ success connects to your future aspirations and interests
Use Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with encouraging, realistic statements
Example: Change 'I'm bad at math' to 'I'm getting better at math with practice'
Track Progress Visually
Use charts, graphs, or apps to see your improvement over time
Example: Keep a study log showing topics mastered and test scores improving
Study with Purpose
Understand why each topic matters and how it connects
Example: Learn how math concepts apply to real-world situations you care about
Create the Perfect Study Environment
Your environment greatly affects your ability to focus and learn
Physical Space
- Choose a quiet, well-lit area dedicated to studying
- Keep your study space clean and organized
- Have all materials within easy reach
- Use an ergonomic chair and proper desk height
- Minimize visual distractions and clutter
Digital Environment
- Use website blockers during study time
- Put phone in another room or on airplane mode
- Use apps designed for focus and productivity
- Have a separate user account for studying only
- Use digital tools purposefully, not for distraction
Atmosphere
- Some prefer instrumental music, others complete silence
- Maintain comfortable temperature (slightly cool is often best)
- Use natural light when possible, supplement with good artificial lighting
- Consider aromatherapy with focus-enhancing scents like peppermint
- Establish rituals that signal it's time to study
Social Environment
- Communicate your study schedule to family members
- Find study partners for accountability and support
- Join study groups for difficult subjects
- Limit social media during study periods
- Surround yourself with motivated, positive peers
Health & Wellbeing
Physical Health
- Get 8-9 hours of quality sleep each night
- Exercise regularly to improve brain function
- Eat brain-healthy foods like fish, nuts, and berries
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Take regular breaks to rest your eyes
- Maintain good posture while studying
Mental Health
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Use stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing
- Talk about worries with parents or teachers
- Maintain hobbies and interests outside of studying
- Accept that some days will be more productive than others
- Seek help when feeling overwhelmed
Work-Life Balance
- Schedule regular fun activities and social time
- Don't study every waking hour
- Maintain family relationships and friendships
- Pursue creative outlets and physical activities
- Take complete rest days occasionally
- Remember that 11+ is just one part of your journey
Quick Study Hacks
Simple tips you can implement immediately
Use different colored pens for different types of information
Create mind maps to visualize connections between concepts
Read questions twice before answering to avoid silly mistakes
Practice mental math daily to improve speed and accuracy
Use mnemonics to remember lists and sequences
Teach concepts to pets, toys, or imaginary students
Create your own practice questions from textbook content
Use timer apps to practice working under pressure
Review mistakes immediately to learn from them
Keep a 'victory journal' of progress and achievements
Sample Weekly Study Schedule
A balanced approach to 11+ preparation
| Day | Morning (30 mins) | After School (30 mins) | Evening (20 mins) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mathematics | English Reading | Review & Plan |
| Tuesday | Verbal Reasoning | Mathematics Practice | English Writing |
| Wednesday | English Grammar | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Free Reading |
| Thursday | Mathematics | Verbal Reasoning | Review Mistakes |
| Friday | Practice Test Section | English Vocabulary | Relax & Reflect |
| Saturday | Full Practice Test (60 mins) | Review Test Results | Fun Activity |
| Sunday | Light Review | Plan Next Week | Complete Rest |