21 Best Books for 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Preparing for the 11 Plus can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to verbal reasoning.
With the right resources, though, you can turn this challenge into a manageable task.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best books for 11 Plus verbal reasoning preparation.
Which Are the Best Verbal Reasoning Preparation Books?
Comprehensive Books
Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning Handbook
The Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning Handbook is a comprehensive guide for passing the 11+ verbal reasoning exam, suitable for GL and CEM boards. It includes clear explanations, worked examples, and tips and techniques across every verbal reasoning component: sorting words, selecting words, anagrams, and coded sequences.
Featuring a two-colour design, feature panels, a motivating practice chart, and access to online resources, this handbook supports students aged 8 to 11 in mastering verbal reasoning skills.
Schofield and Sims 11+ Verbal Reasoning Study and Practice Book
The Schofield and Sims 11+ Verbal Reasoning Study and Practice Book is an indispensable tool for 11+ success. It offers child-friendly explanations and step-by-step techniques for tackling the syllabus. With clear work examples and ample exam-style practice questions, it’s perfect for early-stage preparation.
The book guides children through each question type methodically and provides practice pages for reinforcement. A comprehensive hour-long practice test at the end ensures thorough understanding. Full answers are included for easy reference.
Peter Williams Practise & Pass 11+ (Verbal Reasoning Bundle)
The Practise & Pass 11+ (Verbal Reasoning Bundle) by Peter Williams is tailored to current entrance exams, ensuring children practice questions identical to those in the final test. This bundle includes three books: Discover, Develop, and Practice Test Papers, focusing on Verbal Reasoning.
Discover Verbal Reasoning introduces sample questions and expert coaching for mastering the basics. Develop Verbal Reasoning provides more advanced practice, with coaching on tackling questions effectively. Practice Test Papers feature four full-length, timed tests to simulate exam conditions.
With hundreds of authentic practice questions in multiple-choice format, this series equips children with the skills and confidence to excel in the 11+ or Common Entrance exams.
Intensive Practice Books
Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers with Answer (Books 1 and 2)
Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers with Answer offers topic-based practice questions essential for 11+, Common Entrance, or KS2 SAT exams. This new edition features clear, detailed answer explanations in a pull-out section, making it ideal for parents and children to use together.
Covering all 11+ verbal reasoning topics in a realistic exam style, it includes a progress chart, signposts to Bond Handbooks for further information, and online activities and advice for comprehensive support.
GL Assessment Verbal Reasoning Practice Paper (Packs 1-3)
The GL Assessment Verbal Reasoning Practice Paper (Pack 1-3) helps students develop skills in processing verbal information, recognising word similarities and differences, applying logical thinking, and identifying patterns. Each of the three books includes three question papers, answer sheets, and parental guidance.
The packs provide extensive practice to prepare for the 11+ exams, ensuring familiarity with test formats and challenges. Parents praise the packs for their authenticity and comprehensive preparation.
CGP 11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests – Ages 10-11 (with Online Edition)
CGP 11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Book & Assessment Tests offer a comprehensive range of verbal reasoning questions ideal for 11+ and selective entrance exams. The book starts with focused topic sections to build understanding, followed by six realistic assessment tests to enhance speed and accuracy.
Detailed answers aid comprehension and downloadable multiple-choice answer sheets are available. It is perfect for the GL Assessment and the Kent Test.
Schofield & Sims 11+ Verbal Reasoning Progress Papers 1-3
The 11+ Verbal Reasoning Progress Papers 1-3 by Schofield & Sims offer comprehensive practice for children aged 9 to 12 preparing for the 11+ and similar school selection tests. These papers cover over 40 question types, fostering logic, critical thinking, vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving skills.
Children can approach the papers systematically or focus on specific topics for targeted practice. They provide flexible and rigorous preparation with six assessment papers in each book, including a progress chart and a separate answer booklet.
First Past The Post® Eleven Plus Exams GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers (Multiple Choice) Book 1-2
The Eleven Plus Exams GL Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers (Multiple Choice) offer essential practice for 11 plus and Common Entrance exams. With four 50-minute papers, full answers, and explanations included, it enhances reasoning skills and vocabulary knowledge.
This book serves as a benchmark for performance readiness and familiarises children with exam layouts. It comprises multiple-choice papers with 80 questions each, covering various verbal reasoning question styles commonly found in exams.
Bite-Size Practice Books
Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests
Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests for ages 10-11 offer concise practice for all 11+ question types, supporting success in SATs, common entrance, and the 11+. This edition includes clear, fully explained answers in a pull-out section, making it ideal for parents and children to work through together.
It provides comprehensive coverage in manageable chunks, detailed answers for better understanding, and fun puzzles to keep children engaged and improve test performance.
CGP 11+ GL 10-Minute Tests: Verbal Reasoning
11+ GL 10-Minute Tests: Verbal Reasoning – Ages 10-11 Book 1 (with Online Edition) by CGP offers realistic 11+ Verbal Reasoning preparation in bite-sized chunks. Over thirty 10-minute tests covering various topics and skills, including step-by-step answers and fun puzzle pages for relaxed practice.
The book also includes a free online edition for convenient access on multiple devices.
Schofield & Sims 11+ Verbal Reasoning Rapid Tests Series
The 11+ Verbal Reasoning Rapid Tests Series by Schofield & Sims offers short, timed tests to enhance speed and fluency for 11+ and school selection exams. Written by an experienced tutor, these tests cover various topics, ensuring readiness for major providers’ tests like CEM and GL.
Each book includes 36 single-page tests on vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving. With target times of 10 to 15 minutes, they’re perfect for regular independent practice sessions spanning age groups from 6 to 12.
Targeted Practice Books by Question Types
CGP 11+ GL 10-Minute Tests: Vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning & English
11+ GL Vocabulary for Verbal Reasoning & English offers targeted practice for building crucial vocabulary skills needed for Verbal Reasoning and English tests in GL assessments.
With quick 10-minute tests focusing on synonyms, antonyms, definitions, and more, students can strengthen their skills efficiently. Fun word puzzle pages reinforce learning and detailed answers aid comprehension.
CGP 11+ GL 10-Minute Tests: Verbal Reasoning Sequences, Logic & Coding
11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Sequences, Logic & Coding is perfect for focused Verbal Reasoning practice. This book contains over thirty quick tests emphasising Logic, Sequences, and Coding skills essential for 11+.
CGP 11+ CEM 10-Minute Tests: Verbal Reasoning Cloze
11+ CEM Verbal Reasoning Cloze is tailored for CEM 11+ test preparation. This book offers over 30 quick tests focusing on developing essential cloze skills. Fun puzzle pages provide breaks from serious practice, while complete answers ensure students understand how to tackle each question effectively.
CGP 11+ CEM 10-Minute Tests: Comprehension
11+ CEM Comprehension is ideal for mastering Comprehension questions in the CEM 11+ test. This book includes over 30 quick tests targeting essential comprehension skills. For additional practice, students can explore Book 2 for more CEM 11+ Comprehension exercises.
First Past the Post® 11+ Essentials – Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary Puzzles
11+ Essentials – Verbal Reasoning: Vocabulary Puzzles Book offers engaging practice to enhance vocabulary for 11+ exams. Featuring 35 puzzles, including crosswords and word searches, it covers synonyms, antonyms, and homophones.
With sections organised by difficulty and a progress chart included it’s a fun and effective way to develop essential vocabulary skills.
First Past the Post® 11+ Essentials – Verbal Reasoning: Grammar & Spelling Book
With 400 questions in 18 tests, 11+ Essentials – Verbal Reasoning: Grammar & Spelling Book improves speed and covers vocabulary, spelling, and grammar for 11+ exams. It includes ten question styles, such as Perfect the Grammar and Synonyms & Antonyms, with a mixed test at the end. Suitable for independent school exams, it offers comprehensive practice for verbal reasoning.
Books with Tips and Strategies
Bond How To Do: CEM English/Verbal Reasoning
Bond How To Do: CEM English/Verbal Reasoning is a practical guide for children, packed with work examples and practice questions. It offers expert advice, step-by-step strategies, and techniques for success in 11+ and Common Entrance tests.
The book includes a full mock test paper, comprehensive answers, and explanations for each question type. It also features practical activities for parents to help improve their child’s understanding and progress.
CGP The 11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Study Book (with Parents’ Guide & Online Edition)
The 11+ GL Verbal Reasoning Study Book by CGP simplifies the 11+ Verbal Reasoning test for children aged 10-11. Presented in full colour, it offers easy-to-understand explanations, study notes, and step-by-step methods.
Regular round-up questions and a Benchmark Test track progress. The Parents’ Guide provides valuable advice.
Susan J. Daughtrey Verbal Reasoning Technique and Practice
Verbal Reasoning Technique and Practice by Susan J. Daughtrey is a comprehensive series designed to prepare children for 11+ and 12+ secondary school selection tests.
Developed by a professional educationalist, it familiarises parents and children with 35 types of questions likely to appear, teaches techniques for answering them effectively, and enhances test speed and accuracy through timed practice exercises and graded test papers.
GL Assessment 11+ Explained: Verbal Reasoning: Essential Skills and Strategies for Success
11+ Explained: Verbal Reasoning: Essential Skills and Strategies for Success by GL Assessment equips students with essential skills and strategies for tackling the 22 Verbal Reasoning question types. With step-by-step guidance, it also includes engaging ‘Verbal Fun’ activities to strengthen their skills further.
Final Thoughts
We hope the books listed above offer comprehensive practice, targeted exercises, and strategic insights to help your child succeed.
Remember, the key is consistent practice, understanding mistakes, and learning from them.
Happy studying!
