Time Management Tips for the 11+ Exam

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges in the 11+ exam is not the difficulty of the questions

but the limited time available to answer them. Even well-prepared children can lose marks if they run out of time or rush through sections. Strong time management skills are just as important as subject knowledge. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to help your child manage time effectively in the 11+.

Understand the Structure of the 11+ Exam

Before tackling time management, make sure your child understands the exam format. The 11+ exam typically includes English, maths, and verbal reasoning (and sometimes non-verbal reasoning). Each question type has particular requirements, and questions are designed to test speed as well as accuracy.

Tip 1: Practise With Timed Papers

Working under time pressure is a skill. Encourage your child to complete 11+ practice papers within the given time limits. This helps them develop a natural sense of pacing.

Tip 2: Learn When to Move On

Spending too long on one tricky question can cost valuable time. Teach your child to mark difficult questions and return later. It’s better to attempt all questions than to leave entire sections blank.

Tip 3: Set Sectional Time Goals

Break the paper into smaller chunks. For example, if a section has 40 questions and 30 minutes, aim for one question every 45 seconds. Practising with these mini-targets keeps children on track.

Tip 4: Build Reading Speed for English

An 11+ exam with a separate English section often involves long comprehension passages. Encourage your child to practise skimming for main ideas and scanning for detail, without rereading too much.

Tip 5: Balance Accuracy With Speed

Rushing leads to careless mistakes. Emphasise the importance of finding a balance — quick enough to finish, but careful enough to avoid errors.

Tip 6: Simulate Exam Conditions

Create practice sessions at home that mimic the real exam: no interruptions, strict timing, and minimal support. Familiarity reduces stress on the actual exam day.

Tip 7: Teach Simple Stress-Relief Techniques

Stress can make children lose track of time. Breathing exercises or taking a brief pause can help them reset without panicking.

In Conclusion

Effective time management can significantly improve a child’s 11+ exam performance. By practising with timed papers, learning when to move on, and balancing speed with accuracy, parents can give their children the confidence to perform under pressure. Success in the 11+ isn’t just about knowing the answers — it’s about managing time wisely to show that knowledge.