21 Effective 11 Plus Review Techniques
So, you’ve learned all you need to know about the 11 Plus and now you’re ready to dive into studying for the exam. Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can be challenging, but using effective review techniques can make a big difference.
These techniques help students understand the exam format, practice key skills, and build confidence. With the right strategies, students can maximise their potential and perform well on exams.
Here, we’ll explore various review techniques tailored for the 11 Plus exam to help you confidently approach the test and achieve your best possible results.
What Review Techniques Work Best for 11 Plus Success?
No matter how hard the 11 Plus exam is, there are lots of techniques that can help you do your best.
Study Organisation and Planning
Effective organisation and planning are essential for successful preparation for the 11 Plus exam. By creating a structured study schedule and staying organised, students can maximise their study time and cover all necessary topics.
1. Create a Study Schedule
Plan out your study time wisely, breaking down each subject into manageable topics and allocating specific time slots for each. Include breaks to keep your mind fresh.
2. Stay Organised
Keep study materials, notes, and resources organised using folders, binders, or digital tools to help you easily access what you need.
Core Subject Study Techniques
Each subject and type of question in the 11 Plus requires different approaches for optimal performance. By practicing specific techniques tailored to each syllabus and question type, students can improve their efficiency and accuracy in answering exam questions.
3. Prioritise Reading
Improve reading comprehension skills by practicing with a variety of texts, summarising main ideas, identifying supporting details, and analysing authors’ purposes and tones. Reading also builds and widens your vocabulary, which is highly needed in English and verbal reasoning papers.
4. Do Mental Math
Develop your mental math skills by practicing calculations without using pen and paper. This will help you quickly solve math problems during the exam without relying heavily on written calculations.
5. Practice Critical Thinking
Verbal reasoning often requires critical thinking skills, including inference, deduction, and evaluation. Practice analysing arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing logical conclusions from information presented in passages.
6. Solve Visual Puzzles
Solve visual puzzles and pattern recognition exercises to develop your spatial or non-verbal reasoning skills. Look for patterns, symmetry, rotations, and transformations within the puzzles and practice identifying logical sequences or relationships.
Memory Enhancement Techniques
Memory enhancement techniques are designed to help you retain and recall information more effectively, boosting your confidence and performance on test day.
7. Spaced Repetition
Instead of cramming all your studying into one session, use spaced repetition to review information at intervals over time. This technique involves revisiting material at gradually increasing intervals. Use flashcards or specialised spaced repetition apps to implement this method effectively.
8. Active Recall
Active recall is a powerful learning strategy that involves actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Instead of simply re-reading notes or textbooks, challenge yourself to recall key concepts, facts, or formulas from memory. This could involve quizzing yourself or explaining concepts aloud.
9. Try Mind Mapping
Mind maps are visual diagrams that help you organize information. They’re great for summarizing key points from different topics and making connections between them. You can create mind maps on paper or use digital tools.
10. Use Mnemonics
Create mnemonic devices to help you remember important information. Mnemonics are memory aids that use patterns, associations, or rhymes to encode information more effectively.
11. Engage in Multisensory Learning
Engage multiple senses whilst studying to enhance your learning experience. For example, read aloud to reinforce reading comprehension, use tactile materials for hands-on learning, or watch educational videos to visualise complex concepts.
Active Learning Strategies
Active learning techniques engage students in learning, allowing for better retention and understanding of material.
12. Practice, Practice, Practice
Get used to exam question types by doing practice papers under timed conditions to work quickly and efficiently.
13. Teach Someone Else
Reinforce your understanding by teaching concepts to others, whether it’s a friend, sibling, or even with your toys!
14. Group Study Sessions
Collaborate with classmates or friends to quiz each other, discuss difficult topics, and share study tips whilst staying focused.
Practice Materials and Resources
Getting ready for the 11 Plus exam means having the right practice tools. Practice materials help you understand the test and get used to its questions. They’re like training before the big game!
15. Use Online Resources
Utilise interactive quizzes, games, and tutorials available online to keep studying engaging and fun. Learn from errors on practice questions by understanding why they occurred and improving your understanding of challenging topics.
16. Use Past Papers Wisely
Whilst practicing past papers is essential, reviewing your mistakes is also important. Identify the areas where you struggled and work on improving your understanding of those topics.
17. Take Mock Exams
Mimic the real exam environment by taking full-length mock exams under timed conditions to identify areas needing more practice. You can also effectively develop strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions by carefully reading and analysing questions and answer choices.
Wellness and Mental Preparation
Strong mental preparation and test-taking skills are essential for performing well on the 11 Plus exam. By cultivating confidence, managing stress, and honing specific test-taking strategies, students can approach the exam with a clear mind and achieve their best results.
18. Visualise Success
Boost confidence and motivation by imagining success in the exam, picturing yourself answering questions confidently.
19. Stay Active
Take regular breaks and engage in physical activities like walking or stretching to refresh your mind and avoid burnout.
20. Sleep Well
Ensure adequate rest before the exam to keep your brain sharp and ready to tackle challenges effectively.
21. Be Positive
Maintain a positive attitude throughout preparation to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall performance.
As you prepare for the 11 Plus exam, remember that consistent practice and dedication are key. Implementing the techniques outlined in this article can help you feel more confident and prepared on exam day.
Keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and believe in your abilities—you’ve got this!
