11 plus maths word problems practice
26 October 2026
Building confidence with word problems
Word problems are a key part of 11 plus maths. They test not only calculation skills, but also how well your child can understand and solve real-life situations using maths. Regular practice helps children learn to spot what is being asked, decide which operations to use, and work through each step with care.
Why word problems matter
In the 11 plus exam, word problems often bring together several maths topics at once. A question may involve time, money, measures or several steps. Being able to break down the story, pick out the important information, and plan the order of calculations is essential for success.
How to approach a word problem
Encourage your child to read the problem slowly. Underline or highlight key numbers and words. Ask them to say, in their own words, what the question is really asking. Next, help them decide which calculations are needed and in which order. It may help to jot down each step as a short sentence or number sentence.
Worked example
Tom has 5 boxes with 4 pencils each. How many pencils does he have in total?
First, identify the numbers and what they mean: 5 boxes, 4 pencils in each.
Next, decide what to do. We need to find the total number of pencils, so we multiply the number of boxes by the number of pencils in each box.
Write the calculation: 5 × 4 = 20.
The correct answer is 20 pencils.
Tips for supporting your child
Let your child explain their thinking out loud. If they get stuck, ask what information they have and what the question wants. Remind them to check their answer makes sense in the context of the problem. Practising a variety of word problems, including those with units or more than one step, helps build confidence.
Key insight: Word problems are about understanding the story as well as the maths. Breaking each problem into small, clear steps helps children tackle even the trickiest questions with confidence.
