Worked example
27 October 2026
Word problems can sometimes feel tricky for children, especially when they involve more than one step. By breaking the question down and focusing on what is actually being asked, your child can approach these problems with more confidence.
Example question
A box contains 20 apples. 12 are red, and the rest are green. How many green apples are there?
First, read the problem carefully.
Next, underline the question: How many green apples are there?
Now, choose the operation. We know the total number of apples and how many are red. We subtract the red apples from the total.
20 - 12 = 8
Check the answer: 8 green apples.
The correct answer is 8.
After working through this example, your child will start to spot what information is important in word problems. They will be ready to practise similar questions and build their skills for the 11+ assessment.
