Reading List To Help With Preparation For The 11+ English Exams
Having a 11+ reading list is a key step towards improving your child’s prospects in the 11+ English exams. Below is a suggested 11+ reading list for students applying to the leading independent schools. The books in the 11+ reading list are entertaining, good quality and a few times extracts from these books have even appeared in past 11+ comprehension papers.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- The 39 Steps by John Buchan
- Warhorse by Michael Morpurgo
- Just William by Richmael Crompton
- Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
- Monkey Island, Paula Fox
- Who’ll Catch the Nightmares, Linda Kempton
- My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Annabel Pitcher
The benefits of selecting an 11+ reading list for your child are numerous.
Firstly, broadening your child’s vocabulary base through diverse reading is a key way for improving performance in the 11+ comprehension papers and in 11+ creative writing. Secondly, reading is a great source of inspiration for the creative writing section of the exam.
Thirdly, it is important to encourage children to read from a young age; this improves their fluency, their knowledge of the English language and also helps them cement an interest in reading which will stand them in good stead for years to come. In many ways, as long as the books are of high quality, it does not matter on what subjects the books are on. Indeed the most important aspect to encourage children to read at this age is to find a book that interests them and which stimulates their interests.
Finally, there is a very high possibility that if your child is invited for an 11+ interview at his/her chosen school, one of the most common questions asked is “What book are you currently reading” or “what books have you read recently?” A clear response with good reasons as to why you liked or disliked the book will serve you well at the interview stage.
For further information on the 11+ or for details on how we can help your child’s 11+ English studies, please contact us.