Short 11 Plus Maths Word Problem Drills for Parents: Spiegel
1 November 2026
Daily mirror word problem drills
Short, focused practice with mirror questions can help your child become more confident with 11 plus maths word problems. Try using one question a day as part of your home learning routine.
How to set up a quick drill
Choose a simple mirror-based word problem. Ask your child to draw a quick sketch if possible. Encourage them to talk through what the problem is asking before they begin to calculate.
Key insight: Focus on the reflection
Mirror problems often rely on understanding symmetry. Remind your child to look for lines of symmetry and to check if quantities or positions are mirrored exactly or reversed.
Worked example
A shape is 4 cm from a mirror. If the mirror is vertical, how far is the reflected shape from the original?
Step 1: Work out the distance from the shape to the mirror: 4 cm.
Step 2: The reflected shape appears the same distance on the other side of the mirror: 4 cm.
Step 3: Add both distances together to find the total distance between the shape and its reflection: 4 cm + 4 cm = 8 cm.
The correct answer is 8 cm.
Tips for daily practice
Keep questions short and varied. Mix in different shapes and positions. Discuss the answer together and ask your child to explain their reasoning each time.
