Breaking Down 13+ Exam Questions: Here's What You Need to Know 

Are you and your child feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming 13+ exams and the sheer volume of information to cover? 

Don't worry; you're not alone. Many parents and students want to understand what's involved in these tough exams. Knowing the types of questions and preparing yourself for how to handle them can greatly improve your child’s chances of success.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 13+ exam questions. 

We’ll cover the various subjects, explain the structure and format, and provide key details to help you and your child prepare effectively.

What are the key subjects covered in 13+ exams?

At the 13+ level, students will take English, Maths, and Science exams. In addition to these core subjects, most students will be tested in French, Geography, History, and Religious Studies.

There are also optional exams available in subjects like Latin, Classical Greek, German, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. 

Some of these subjects have exams set at different levels, ranging from Level 1 to Level 3, based on the student's ability or the time spent studying the subject.

The appropriate level for each student is usually decided through discussions between their current junior school and the senior school to which they are applying. To find out which levels your child will be taking in their exams, please contact their current school for detailed information.

English 

Your child will take two papers for the 13+ English exam. Each paper includes both a reading and a writing section, with exams available at two levels. Most students take Level 2, the standard paper.

 To help your child prepare for the 13+ English exam, encourage them to read with an adult. After finishing each page, discuss the book. Ask them what they think about the characters, explore any new vocabulary, predict what might happen next, and identify effective writing techniques the author uses. 

While independent reading is valuable, these discussions enhance comprehension and critical thinking, making it an even more effective preparation method.

Maths 

To get ready for the 13+ Maths exam, your child should have a solid understanding of several key areas and be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently:

Additional tips for the Maths exam include carefully reading each question and avoiding rushing to the answer. Encourage your child to underline keywords in the questions and attempt every question. 

It is crucial to always show their working, as this can earn extra marks. Lastly, remind them to thoroughly check their work before submitting the exam.

Science 

For the 13+ Science exam, students will either take one combined exam covering Chemistry, Biology, and Physics (Level 1) or three separate exams for each subject (Level 2, which is the most common).

• Combined exam for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics

• Separate exams for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics (most pupils take this level)

Geography 

All students take the same Geography paper for the 13+ exam, which includes three sections:

• Global Location: Answer questions based on a given map.

• Ordnance Survey Mapwork: Answer questions about an Ordnance Survey map extract.

• Thematic Studies: Answer one question from each of the five themes.

History 

All students sit the same History paper, divided into two sections:

- Section 1 - Evidence Questions: Choose one of three time periods and answer a question based on provided sources and personal knowledge.

  - Medieval Realms: Britain 1066-1485

  - The Making of the United Kingdom: 1485-1750

  - Britain and Empire: 1750-1914

- Section 2 - Essay Questions: Choose one broad essay title and use knowledge from any studied time period to answer.

Theology, Philosophy & Religion (TPR) 

For the 13+ TPR exam, students will sit one paper divided into three sections: theology, philosophy, and religion. Students must answer one question from any two of the three sections. Each section offers four questions, each with three parts requiring longer answers.

Latin 

The Latin exam is divided into three sections. The first section requires the translation and comprehension of Latin passages. The second section involves answering questions related to Greek mythology, while the third section focuses on questions about Roman life.

- Level 1 For pupils with limited Latin study.

- Level 2 Most common level.

- Level 3 Hardest level.

Classical Greek

The 13+ Classical Greek paper offers two levels of proficiency:

- Level 1: Geared towards beginners in Greek language studies.

- Level 2: Designed for those with more advanced knowledge, including a focus on Greek grammar.

French

The 13+ French exam consists of four sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Candidates are evaluated in each area based on their proficiency level, with most candidates taking Level 2. 

While there is no specific vocabulary list for the exam, candidates may find the French Vocabulary for Key Stage 3 and Common Entrance book helpful for preparation.

German

The 13+ German exam assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. It is advisable to enhance vocabulary retention by using a comprehensive CGP revision book and engaging in conversations with a native German speaker.

Spanish

The Spanish exam for students aged 13 and above is structured similarly to the exams for French and German. It consists of sections that assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 

The majority of students typically opt for Level 2 when taking this exam.

How to effectively prepare your child for the 13+ exam

To effectively prepare for the 13+ exam, it's important to follow the following guidelines:

It's recommended to start preparing for the exam 12-18 months in advance. Regular tuition during this timeframe can have a significant impact on improving grades. It is also beneficial to blend independent study with guided sessions involving a parent, guardian, teacher, or tutor. 

This combination allows students to take ownership of their learning while also receiving support from knowledgeable individuals. Additionally, incorporating practice papers into study sessions starting from the Christmas break of Year 8 can be quite effective. 

As the exam approaches, it's important to focus on revising previously learned topics rather than introducing new ones during the Easter break. 

Lastly, regular self-assessment and identification of knowledge gaps using online tools, checklists, or assessments from tutors or teachers is crucial for a well-rounded preparation.

For a more detailed post about preparing for the 13+ exams, read How to Get Ready for 13+ Exams: A Complete Guide for Parents.

Common Entrance Past and Sample Papers

There are various ways to access Common Entrance past and sample papers, with ISEB and Galore Park being some of the most convenient sources.

Many schools that have their own versions of the Common Entrance exams provide sample or past papers on their Admissions webpages. Be sure to check these resources to aid your child's preparation.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the 13+ exams are a demanding yet essential part of your child's academic path. By gaining a clear understanding of the key subjects and exam formats, you can significantly boost your child's preparation and performance.

Related articles:

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