11 plus word problems practice
21 October 2026
Understanding 11 plus word problems
Word problems are a key part of the 11+ maths exam. They test not just arithmetic, but also how well your child can turn a story into a calculation plan.
Why word problems matter
Solving word problems helps children apply maths to real-life situations. It encourages careful reading, logical thinking, and step-by-step reasoning.
Common challenges
Many children find it tricky to decide what the question is really asking. The hardest part is often choosing the right operations and putting the steps in the correct order.
Worked example
A question: Mia has 4 bags of apples. Each bag contains 7 apples. She gives 5 apples to her friend. How many apples does Mia have left?
Step 1: Find the total apples. 4 × 7 = 28.
Step 2: Subtract the apples given away. 28 - 5 = 23.
The correct answer is 23.
Practical strategies
Encourage your child to underline key information, write down each step, and check their answer makes sense. Practising a range of word problems builds confidence and accuracy.
Key insight: Practising word problems strengthens both maths skills and problem-solving ability, which are essential for success in the 11+ exam.
