11+ Comprehension Techniques for Parents (That Also Improve Writing)

What high-scoring 11+ English answers have in common.

Most parents ask the same question: "Is my child actually improving, or just doing more papers?" The fastest way to answer that is to focus on underlying skills, not just raw marks. Whether your child is preparing for GL-style papers or school-specific exams, the pattern is usually the same.

• Evidence selection: they can point to the exact phrase that supports an answer.
• Inference reasoning: they explain what is implied and why the text suggests it.
• Vocabulary in context: they infer word meaning from nearby clues rather than guessing.
• Control under time: they keep answer quality when the clock is running.

These four skills also transfer into writing. Children who can identify precise evidence usually produce stronger story details, clearer explanations, and better word choices in creative or descriptive tasks.

The 10-minute evidence-first routine (no tutor required).

Use this after any short comprehension task. It is quick enough for school nights and specific enough that your child knows what to do next, not just that they were "right" or "wrong".

1. 1 minute: read the question and underline the command word.
2. 2 minutes: scan the passage and mark the best supporting line.
3. 3 minutes: draft the answer in your child's own words.
4. 2 minutes: compare answer and evidence. Does one clearly support the other?
5. 2 minutes: edit one phrase to make wording more precise.

Keep your feedback language simple: "Show me the line", "Now explain it in your own words", and "What one phrase can we improve?" This coaching style protects confidence and builds accuracy at the same time.

Inference questions: move from guessing to proof.

Inference is where many children drop marks. They often pick an answer that feels right but cannot justify it from the text. The goal is not to sound clever. The goal is to connect claim and evidence clearly.

Use three prompts when reviewing any inference question:

1. What is the writer suggesting here without saying it directly?
2. Which exact words made you think that?
3. Can you state your answer in one clear sentence?

Worked example: weak answer to stronger answer

Question: What does the description suggest about the character's mood?

Weak answer: "She is sad."

Stronger answer: "She seems anxious because she keeps checking the window and speaking in short sentences."

Why this is stronger:

• It names a precise mood, not a generic feeling.
• It references two clues from the text.
• It links evidence to conclusion in one sentence.

This same skill improves writing coaching. When children explain why one sentence is stronger than another, they start editing their own drafts with more purpose.

Timing drills that build pace without panic.

Parents often swing between no timing and full paper marathons. Neither is ideal. Short, focused drills usually work better because children can practise pace while keeping answer quality.

• Drill 1 (8 mins): one short passage and five questions, then a 2-minute evidence check.
• Drill 2 (10 mins): answer only inference questions from one passage.
• Drill 3 (12 mins): mixed questions with a strict "move on and return" rule after 90 seconds.

If your child gets stuck, coach process first: "Mark the best line, write a short answer, then improve one phrase." This avoids panic loops and teaches recovery under exam pressure.

A 4-week comprehension and writing coaching loop.

The biggest parent concern is consistency. This simple cycle helps families keep progress moving even in busy weeks.

1. Week 1: Evidence focus. Practise finding and citing precise lines in every answer.
2. Week 2: Inference focus. Use prompt questions and one worked example each session.
3. Week 3: Vocabulary focus. Build a small list of useful words from passages and reuse them in writing.
4. Week 4: Mixed focus. Run one timed set, then review errors by skill category.

This is the same structure many parents use with 11 Plus Writing Coach reports: one clear success, one clear priority, and one clear next step. Children respond better when expectations are specific and manageable.

FAQ: 11+ comprehension support at home.