11 Plus comprehension: Tips For English papers

Getting ready for the 11 Plus English comprehension papers can feel a bit scary for kids and parents too. But don't worry, we've got some great tips to help make it easier!

Even though some of the questions might seem tricky at first, comprehension is something your child has been learning about in school already. The 11 Plus exams will just take it to the next level with harder questions. 

But you can absolutely help your child get prepared at home. With a little practice and the right techniques, they'll feel a lot more confident tackling those comprehension passages and questions.

Our tips will show you simple ways to guide your child through understanding what they read. You'll learn methods for breaking down the passages, spotting important details, and answering comprehension questions like a pro.

Reading comprehension is such an important skill. By using these tips, you'll be giving your child a hugely valuable tool - not just for the 11 Plus, but for all their future learning too. 

What are the types of comprehension in the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus English comprehension section tests different reading skills through four main types of questions:

1. Direct comprehension/information retrieval: These are the most straightforward questions where your child needs to find and write down facts or details directly stated in the passage.

2. Reading for meaning: Here, your child shows they understand the overall meaning or main ideas in the passage. They may need to summarize key points in their own words.

3. Analytical comprehension: These questions check if your child can analyze things like the writer's perspective, the writing style, or the purpose behind the text.

4. Inference comprehension: For these, your child needs to read between the lines and make inferences from clues in the passage about things not directly stated.

The key is making sure your child understands what each question type is asking for. Then with some tips and examples for each type, they'll feel ready to tackle any comprehension tasks with confidence.

What are the Common comprehension difficulties 

Here are 10 common comprehension difficulties that children may face for the 11 Plus exams:

1. Struggling to understand vocabulary

If there are many unfamiliar or advanced words in the passage, it can be hard for children to fully comprehend what they are reading. Building up their vocabulary is important.

2. Missing important details

Comprehension requires carefully reading every part of the text. Children sometimes overlook or miss key details that are crucial for answering questions correctly.

3. Inability to figure out implied meanings

Making inferences by "reading between the lines" is a higher-level skill. Children may have trouble using clues in the text to figure out implied meanings.

4. Failing to understand the main idea

While they may pick up on small details, some children struggle to identify the overall main point or message of a passage.

5. Confusion over different question types

The variety of question types can be tricky - from recall to analysis to interpretation. Children need practice with each style.

6. Misunderstanding the question

If a child doesn't fully grasp what the comprehension question is asking, they can answer incorrectly.

7. Being thrown by an unknown word

Coming across an unfamiliar vocabulary word can derail their understanding of that part of the passage.

8. Treating it as a memory test

Some mistakenly try to memorize lines verbatim instead of focusing on comprehending the meaning.

9. Spending too long on one question

Time management is key - children can get stuck and lose time better spent on other questions.

10. Leaving questions unanswered

Skipping over questions they're unsure about means missing out on those points.

How to Solve these Common comprehension difficulties 

Here are some simple solutions to help your child with common comprehension difficulties for the 11 Plus:

For vocabulary:

1. Make flashcards or play word games to learn new words

2. Look up words they don't know and keep a personal dictionary

3. Read more challenging books together to introduce new vocabulary

For missing details:

1. Teach strategies like questioning, visualizing, and taking notes while reading

2. Have them re-read and summarize the key details after each paragraph

3. Ask who, what, where, when questions to make sure they catch everything

For Inability to figure out implied meanings:

1. Model how to read between the lines and make predictions out loud

2. Discuss characters' thoughts, feelings and motives that aren't directly stated

3. Point out examples of figurative language and what it could suggest

For understanding the main idea:

1. Show how to identify the topic sentence and supporting details

2. Have them write a one-sentence summary for each paragraph

3. Create diagrams to capture the central point

For different question types:

1. Review examples of each type - recall, analysis, interpretation

2. Underline key words to understand exactly what is being asked

3. Encourage re-reading the questions slowly and carefully

For time management:

1. Do timed practice readings, setting a goal for questions answered

2. Teach skipping hard questions and highlighting important information

3. Gradually increase passage lengths to build stamina

READ ALSO: How To Pass GCSE English language exams

Remember, comprehension questions won't be the only thing your child faces on the 11 Plus English test. These exams also cover grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, and more. Comprehension is just one part of showing their full English skills.

That's why at Edukoya, our online English classes prepare your child for the complete 11 Plus English exam. We'll cover all the key areas - not just comprehension strategies, but also grammar rules, vocab building, spelling practice, and more.

But the best way to get truly ready? Practice tests! Edukoya's realistic 11 Plus mock exams let your child experience the full, timed exam in a stress-free environment. They'll get comfortable managing their time, avoiding careless mistakes, and applying everything they've learned about comprehension and all the other English topics.

You can claim your free trial class right away!