General Maths Word Problems 11 Plus: Practical Strategies
21 October 2026
Why word problems matter
Word problems are a key part of 11+ maths. They test your child's ability to understand real-life situations and choose the right maths skills to solve them.
Key insight: Encourage your child to read each question carefully and underline important information.
Common types of 11+ word problems
Children will see problems involving money, time, measures, fractions, and more. The wording can be tricky, so practice helps build confidence and accuracy.
Worked example
A shop sells 5 pencils for £2 each. How much do 4 pencils cost?
Step 1: Work out the cost of one pencil. £2 each means 1 pencil costs £2.
Step 2: Multiply the cost of one pencil by the number needed. 4 × £2 = £8.
The correct answer is £8.
Supporting your child at home
Encourage your child to explain their thinking out loud. Break each problem into smaller steps. Use real-life situations, like shopping or cooking, to practise word problems together.
Key insight: Remind your child to check their answer by asking if it makes sense in the context of the question.
