13 Plus Exam Preparation

13 Plus Exam Preparation

Here is a fairly detailed list of the topics & components typically covered in 13+ (Common Entrance / grammar / senior school entrance) exams in the UK. The exact format and subjects vary by school, but this is based largely on the ISEB CE (Independent Schools Examinations Board) syllabus and common practice. If you tell me which school or region you’re interested in, I can give a more specific list.

I assume by “all four subjects” you mean: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning (as in many grammar-style tests). However, note that at 13+ many schools use CE which has more subjects (Science, languages, humanities, etc.). I’ll focus first on the core ones plus note the extras.

Core Subjects & Their Topics for 13+

English (Reading & Writing)

Based on ISEB CE English syllabus. Hachette Learning+3ISEB+3Owl Tutors+3

Components:

Skills / Topics tested:

  • Reading comprehension: literal understanding, inference, summarising, interpretation. ISEB+2Owl Tutors+2
  • Analysis of language: how grammar, syntax, punctuation, literary/trope devices affect meaning (e.g. metaphor, simile, imagery, alliteration etc.) Owl Tutors+2ISEB+2
  • Vocabulary in context, meaning of words, shades of meaning. Owl Tutors+1
  • Writing styles/formats: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, argumentative, letter, report, essay etc. Owl Tutors+2Hachette Learning+2
  • Grammar, punctuation, spelling accuracy, register and tone. Owl Tutors+2Hachette Learning+2
Study

Mathematics

From ISEB CE Maths syllabus. uniontuitionlondon.com+3ISEB+3Owl Tutors+3

Components / Structure:

Topics:

Here are the main topic areas and finer points:

  1. Number
  2. Algebra
  3. Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change
  4. Geometry & Measures
  5. Statistics & Probability

Verbal Reasoning

VERBAL REASONING is not always compulsory in CE 13+, unlike some 11+ grammar exams. But when used (pre-tests, or by some schools), topics typically include:

  • Synonyms, antonyms.
  • Analogies.
  • Word codes, letter series.
  • Following instructions, word puzzles.
  • Cloze tests (fill in missing words).

Sources: general practice / preparatory guides. Sherpa Online+1

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Similarly optional, but topics often include:

  • Pattern recognition / shape series.
  • Matrices of shapes.
  • Matching, odd one out.
  • Rotations, reflections, transformations in visual form.
  • Mirror images.

Again, mostly used in pre-tests or specific school entrance tests.

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