11+ 11Plus-Help
SchoolsTopicsStage 2 guideSign inGet started

Topics / Exam Skills

Handling unfamiliar questions

Every paper has a question that looks new. A child who stays calm, breaks it into parts and uses what they know can usually make progress or earn part marks.

What is tested

  • Breaking a new problem into steps
  • Using known methods
  • Partial marks for working

Worked example

You see a question type you have not met. What is a good first step?

  1. Read it twice and underline what is given.
  2. Ask which topic it is closest to.
  3. Try a simpler version or a small example.

Answer: Break it down and relate it to a known topic

Exam-day checklist

  • Read twice and underline key facts.
  • Try a simpler example with small numbers.
  • Draw a diagram.
  • Write your method: it can earn method marks.

Common mistakes

  • Giving up because it looks new.
  • Leaving the answer space blank.
  • Not showing working.

Try it yourself

1. Why try small numbers on a hard problem?

Show answer

It shows the pattern

Small numbers make the method visible.

2. Why show working even when unsure?

Show answer

It can earn method marks

Written Stage 2 papers, where a school sets them, may award marks for method as well as the answer. Multiple-choice papers mark the answer only.

Practise handling unfamiliar questions with school-style questions

Create a free account for topic-by-topic practice, timed mocks in your target school's format, and a weekly report on what to focus on next.

Create an accountSee school formats

More topic guides

Ratio and proportionPercentages, fractions and decimalsAlgebra: equations and sequencesProbabilityVerbal reasoning: codesVerbal reasoning: logic and orderingNon-verbal reasoning: sequences and matricesEnglish: inference and comprehensionArithmeticNumber and place valueFractionsDecimalsProportionNumber sequencesGeometry: angles and shapesMeasurementTimeMoneyAveragesData handlingMulti-step problemsWorded problems3D shapes: volume and surface areaCoordinates and translationsSpeed, distance and timeVenn and Carroll diagramsEnglish: grammarEnglish: spellingEnglish: punctuationEnglish: vocabularyEnglish: editing and proofreadingEnglish: comprehensionEnglish: comparing two textsEnglish: paragraph ordering and cohesionEnglish: register and purposeEnglish: deductionEnglish: sentence completionEnglish: contextEnglish: word relationshipsEnglish: literary understandingEnglish: creative writingShuffled sentencesClauses: main, subordinate and relativeVerbal reasoning: analogiesVerbal reasoning: classificationVerbal reasoning: letter and word sequencesVerbal reasoning: word relationshipsVerbal reasoning: hidden wordsVerbal reasoning: compound wordsVerbal reasoning: letter patternsMove a letterInsert a letterAnagrams and word laddersLetter and symbol sumsNon-verbal reasoning: transformationsNon-verbal reasoning: rotationsNon-verbal reasoning: reflectionsNon-verbal reasoning: symmetryNon-verbal reasoning: spatial reasoningNon-verbal reasoning: analogiesNon-verbal reasoning: paper foldingNon-verbal reasoning: cube netsNon-verbal reasoning: odd one outPlans and elevations (3D views)Shape assemblyTime management in the examEliminating incorrect optionsIdentifying distractorsChecking your workReading questions carefullySkipping and returning to questionsWorking under pressure

11Plus-Help - adaptive 11+ practice and school-specific mock exams for Greater London grammar schools.

Schools · Topics · Stage 2 guide · Privacy · Terms · Create an account

Practice materials are original and independently produced. They are not official school papers and do not guarantee admission. School arrangements can change; parents should check each school’s current admissions information.