Eleven Plus Examination Methods

There was a vogue at one time of promoting what is called the `Open Book’ or `Prepared Questions’.

The `Open Book’ is when pupils are allowed to take a book into the examination – and are then encouraged to refer to the book. The general idea is that children do not need to learn lots of facts – but they do need to know where to find answers.

Some teachers will be good at helping children assimilate facts. What the teachers then hope is that their Eleven Plus children will go on to understand the relationship between the facts.

Suppose Eleven Plus children were allowed to take a `How to do Verbal Reasoning’ book, into the examination. The prospective Eleven Plus candidates would then have to find the relevant page, understand the notes and then use the book for reference.

It is very likely, however, that the better Eleven Plus candidates will need to rely less on outside books and notes than some less able candidates.