11+ English Practice & Syllabus
Last updated: October 2026
The 11+ English paper tests reading comprehension alongside vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Comprehension passages may be fiction, non-fiction or poetry, with questions on meaning, inference, word choice and the writer's technique.
Beyond comprehension, questions cover synonyms and antonyms, spelling patterns, sentence grammar and punctuation, and some areas include a short writing task. Wide reading and regular timed practice build the vocabulary and speed the paper requires. The sample questions below show the style to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 11+ English paper test?
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and in some areas a short writing task. Comprehension passages can be fiction, non-fiction or poetry.
How can comprehension skills be improved for the 11+?
Wide reading across different text types, building vocabulary, and timed practice with inference and word-choice questions all help improve comprehension speed and accuracy.