Unexpected Order

In 11+ verbal reasoning exercises we often need to show some flexibility. There is a difference between placing types of boats and ships into alphabetical order and into order of size.

Sampan
Schooner
Shell
Sloop
Supertanker

Very able children will sometimes produce an unexpected order. The question may want a range from largest to smallest but the answer, inadvertently, could be reversed. If one mark is allocated for each correct answer then precious points could slip away.

Try to work out which type of questions may be misread. Work on techniques for helping your child to analyse the question.

Read the questions carefully.

Don’t assume facts (A large sloop may be bigger than a small schooner but one mast versus two masts may be the intent of the question.)

Pay special attention to detail. (Smallest first!)