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Time management in the exam

Time pressure is a common reason children do not show their full ability in the 11+ - they run out of time rather than being unable to do the questions. A simple pacing plan reduces that risk.

What is tested

  • Working out time per question
  • First pass, then return
  • Using the last minutes well

Worked example

A paper has 50 questions in 50 minutes. How long per question, and what is a good plan?

  1. 50 minutes ÷ 50 questions = about 1 minute each.
  2. Do a first pass, spending at most 1 to 1.5 minutes on each.
  3. Mark hard ones and return with spare minutes.

Answer: About 1 minute each; do a first pass and return

Exam-day checklist

  • Work out the time per question before you start.
  • Check the halfway point against your progress.
  • Move on after 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Never leave a multiple-choice blank.

Common mistakes

  • Spending 5 minutes on one hard question.
  • Not checking the clock.
  • Leaving easy questions at the end.

Try it yourself

1. A paper has 40 questions in 30 minutes. How long per question?

Show answer

45 seconds

30 × 60 = 1,800 seconds; 1,800 ÷ 40 = 45.

2. You are stuck on question 7. What should you do?

Show answer

Mark it, move on and return later

Time spent stuck costs marks elsewhere.

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More topic guides

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