How to explain read clocks and write times: to five minutes in time to your child. Example question
31 October 2026
Understanding how to read clocks and write times to five minutes is a key skill for children preparing for the 11+ exam. This example question will show your child exactly how to break down the steps when looking at an analogue clock.
Example question
What time is shown on the clock? The hour hand is just past 3, and the minute hand is on the 4.
Step 1: Look at the hour hand. It is just past 3. The hour is 3.
Step 2: Look at the minute hand. It is pointing to the 4.
Step 3: Each number on the clock is worth 5 minutes. So, 4 × 5 = 20 minutes.
Step 4: Put the hour and minutes together. The time is 3:20.
The correct answer is 3:20.
Key insight: After working through this example, your child will be able to spot the hour and minute hands and write the correct time to five minutes. They can now practise similar questions to build confidence with telling the time.
