8 Common 11 Plus Exam Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As parents, we all want our children to feel confident and avoid common 11 Plus Exam mistakes. However, even the most well-prepared students can face unexpected challenges not only on test day but during the preparation phase as well. The good news? Many of these can be avoided with the right strategies!

By understanding these common 11 Plus Exam mistakes and learning how to overcome them, your child can stay calm, manage time effectively, and maximise their performance on exam day. Here is a list of these mistakes with insights on how to avoid them.

11 Plus Exam Mistakes

1. Poor Time Management

The Mistake: Many students struggle with pacing, leading to rushed answers or unfinished sections. This is the most common of the 11 Plus Exam mistakes and Mock Exam Centre focuses on preparing students to better manage their time.

How to avoid it:

• Divide time strategically based on the number of questions.
• Use timed mock exams to build pacing skills.
• Teach the ‘skip and return’ method. Move on from tough questions and return later.

Tip: Try a free 11+ mock exam to help your child improve time management skills!

2. Misreading the Question

The Mistake: It’s completely normal for students to get stuck on difficult questions, but misreading or misunderstanding what’s being asked can lead to incorrect answers, even if they know the material.

How to Avoid It:

• Underline keywords to focus on important details.
• Practice active reading, summarising the question before answering.
• Encourage a steady approach rather than rushing through.

3. Weak Vocabulary and Comprehension Skills

The Mistake: The English and Verbal Reasoning sections rely heavily on strong vocabulary and comprehension skills. Many students struggle because they haven’t been exposed to challenging words in context.

How to Avoid It:

• Encourage daily reading of complex texts.
• Use flashcards and vocabulary lists to reinforce learning.
• Practise synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension exercises.

Tip: A strong vocabulary makes a big difference. See game exercises that can help you.

4. Not Practicing Under Exam Conditions

The Mistake: Many students prepare by answering questions at their own pace but fail to practice under exam-like conditions, leading to anxiety and poor time management on test day.

How to Avoid It:

• Conduct timed mock exams in a quiet setting.
• Simulate real test conditions to build resilience.
• Use official past papers to get familiar with question styles.

5. Neglecting Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning Practice

The Mistake: Some students focus too much on Math and English, neglecting Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which require different skills.

How to Avoid It:

• Incorporate reasoning questions into daily practice.
• Use puzzle games and pattern recognition exercises.
• Try interactive apps and online resources for reasoning skills.

6. Running Out of Time on Harder Questions

The Mistake: It’s natural for students to want to get every answer right, but spending too much time on difficult questions can leave them without enough time to complete easier ones they could have answered correctly.

How to Avoid It:

• Answer all easier questions first, then return to difficult ones.
• Use educated guesses instead of leaving blanks.
• Teach them that skipping is a smart strategy, not a failure!

Tip: Mock exams help students master time management. Sign up today!

7. Overconfidence & Lack of Review

The Mistake: Some students rush through the test due to overconfidence, making careless mistakes. Others finish early but don’t check their answers.

How to Avoid It:

• Encourage double-checking before submitting answers.
• Train them to spot common mistakes in past papers.
• Emphasise that re-reading the question can prevent simple errors.

8. Exam Day Stress and Anxiety

The Mistake: Even well-prepared students can underperform due to stress and anxiety.

How to Avoid It:

• Simulate exam-day routines beforehand.
• Ensure a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast for focus and confidence.

Final Tips to Avoid 11 Plus Exam Mistakes and Succeed

• Start preparation early ideally from Year 4 or Year 5.
• Help your hild take regular mock exams. Try a free 11+ mock exam.
• Use a structured study plan, designed by experts on 11+ preparation.
• Focus on developing strong reading, reasoning, and vocabulary skills.
• Remember to practice time management during the preparation phase.
• Stay calm and confident on test day!

Avoiding these common 11 Plus Exam mistakes will greatly improve your child’s performance. This is the best way to invest in their confidence. With the right preparation, smart strategies, and mock exam practice, they’ll be ready to excel!