11+ subject guide
11+ English
What 11+ English papers test, from comprehension to spelling, punctuation and vocabulary, with tips for practising at home and three free English questions to try now.
Try 3 free English questions
A synonym, a spelling and a homophone question from our English Sprint word lists. Tap an answer to check it.
Q1Synonyms
Which word means the SAME as NERVOUS?
Q2Spelling
Which spelling is correct?
Q3Homophones
Choose the right word for the gap.
The vet checked the puppy's _____ on the scales.
0 of 3 answered
What 11+ English covers
11+ English checks how well your child reads, understands and uses language. Most papers start with a reading passage (fiction, non-fiction or poetry) followed by comprehension questions, then test spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. Some schools also set a piece of writing.
The mix varies by test and school. GL-style English papers usually have a comprehension section and separate spelling, punctuation and sentence-completion questions. CEM-style tests blend English with verbal reasoning, so there are more vocabulary questions such as synonyms, antonyms and cloze (fill the gap). Independent schools often set their own papers with longer written answers and a creative writing task.
Common 11+ English question types
Reading comprehension
Questions on a passage: finding facts, making inferences and explaining the writer's choices.
Vocabulary in context
Choosing the meaning of a word or phrase as it is used in the passage.
Synonyms and antonyms
Picking the word that means the same, or the opposite, as a given word.
Cloze (fill the gap)
Choosing the word, or the missing letters, that best complete a sentence or passage.
Spelling
Spotting which line of a passage contains a spelling mistake, or choosing the correct spelling.
Punctuation
Finding the line with a missing or wrong punctuation mark, such as an apostrophe or speech marks.
Grammar and sentence completion
Choosing the word that makes a sentence correct, e.g. the right tense, pronoun or conjunction.
Word classes and techniques
Recognising nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs, and devices such as similes and personification.
Written composition
A story, description or persuasive piece, set by some schools as a separate writing task.
Reading skills
- Finding key facts
- Identifying the main idea
- Inference and deduction
- Character motivation
- The writer's purpose and viewpoint
- Context clues for new words
Grammar and punctuation
- Parts of speech
- Simple, compound and complex sentences
- Clauses and phrases
- Commas, apostrophes and speech marks
- Colons and semicolons
- Verb tenses and agreement
Vocabulary and spelling
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Word roots and families
- Homophones (there, their, they're)
- Common spelling rules
- Words with more than one meaning
Writing
- Planning a beginning, middle and end
- Varied sentence openings
- Show, don't tell
- Paragraphs and dialogue
- Descriptive and figurative language
- Checking and proofreading
How to practise English at home
Read every day, and widely
Mix fiction, non-fiction, poetry and newspapers written for children. Wide reading is the single best way to build vocabulary and comprehension.
Talk about what they read
Ask "why" and "how do you know" questions about characters and events, so your child gets used to finding evidence in the text.
Keep a word book
Note new words with their meaning and a sentence, then try to use them in conversation and writing.
Practise spelling patterns, not lists
Group words by rule (such as -tion/-sion, or doubling consonants) and revisit the ones your child gets wrong.
Proofread together
Look for missing capital letters, apostrophes and speech marks in your child's own writing. It builds the habit the test rewards.
Try timed comprehension
Once your child is confident, practise a passage and questions against the clock to build pace.
On the day of the exam
Read the questions first
A quick look at the questions tells your child what to look out for while reading the passage.
Go back to the text
Answers should come from the passage, not from what your child thinks might happen.
Check the marks
In written-answer papers, a question worth more marks usually needs more points or evidence.
Leave time to check
Save a few minutes at the end to re-read answers for spelling and punctuation.
More 11+ English practice
- 11+ comprehension guide Question types and tips for the reading passage, with a short passage to try.
- Printable worksheets Worksheets to print and practise on paper at home.
- 11+ paper packs Full timed practice papers with instant marking and a report for parents.
- 11+ mock exams Exam-style mocks to practise under real timing.
- Standardised score calculator Turn a raw practice score into an estimated standardised score.
- Which test does your school use? Find the 11+ test used by grammar schools in your area.
- Sample reports See the report parents get after a paper, a mock or a story.
English paper packs
- Academy11 English Paper Pack 1
Academy11 English Paper Pack 1 contains a full set of practice papers covering the core English skills tested at 11+ level
- Academy11 English Paper Pack 2 (EASY)
A friendly introduction to 11+ English, designed to ease young learners into exam-style questions at a comfortable pace.
See a sample practice paper report
Every paper, mock and story comes with a report. Have a look at real ones, made for a fictional child.
See the sample reportsGuides for parents
- Mastering English Comprehension for the 11+: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents and StudentsUnlock the secrets to mastering English comprehension for the 11+ exam with our comprehensive guide. Learn effective strategies, practical tips, and find resources to support your child's success in grammar school entrance exams.10 min read
- The Complete Guide to the 11+ Exam: What Every Parent Needs to KnowNavigating the 11+ exam can be daunting for parents. This comprehensive guide offers insights into preparation, stress management, and resources like Academy11 to help your child succeed in gaining entry to a grammar school.10 min read
- Top Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the 11+ Exam: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and ChildrenDiscover the top mistakes to avoid when preparing for the 11+ exam. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and strategies for parents and children, helping to navigate the journey towards grammar school admission successfully.10 min read
11+ English: questions parents ask
What is in the 11+ English exam?
Most 11+ English papers include a reading comprehension passage with questions, plus questions on spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. Some schools, especially independent schools, also set a piece of creative or persuasive writing.
Is 11+ English multiple choice?
Many grammar school tests use multiple-choice English with a separate answer sheet, but independent schools and some grammar schools ask for written answers. Check which test your target schools use so your child practises the right format.
How can I improve my child's 11+ vocabulary?
Regular, varied reading is the foundation. Talk about new words when you meet them, keep a word book with meanings and example sentences, and practise synonyms, antonyms and words in context little and often.
Do all 11+ exams include creative writing?
No. Many grammar school tests do not include a writing task, while many independent schools and some grammar schools do. Your school or local admissions information will say whether a writing paper is set.
How is 11+ English different from the Year 6 SATs?
Both are based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, but the 11+ is usually sat earlier, at the start of Year 6, and is designed to rank children for a limited number of places. Its passages and vocabulary are often more demanding.
Start free with a sample English paper
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