A Guide to 11 Plus Interview Questions: Strategies for Success
Preparing for the Challenge: 11 Plus Interview Questions Demystified
Before diving into the world of 11+ interview questions and answers, it's essential for parents to recognise that interviews can be intimidating, especially if your child has never experienced one before. However, reaching this stage is a significant achievement — congratulations! If you're currently guiding your child through 11+ interview preparation and seeking guidance on how to navigate this process, this comprehensive guide is here to help, offering 11 plus interview techniques for building confidence and providing insight into the interview process.
Naturally, schools are searching for intelligent students who can articulate their thoughts about various subjects. Alongside this, they also value confidence and effective communication skills. For most children at this age, this may be uncharted territory. Here are some valuable tips to assist your child.
4 Quick Tips for Confidence in the 11 Plus Interview
Encourage concise responses, ideally between 5 and 10 seconds. This not only prevents rambling but also fosters an image of confidence and reduces shyness.
Promote uniqueness in their answers. Encourage them to incorporate personal hobbies or favourite books into their responses to stand out.
Stress the importance of specificity. Instead of a simple "I play football," encourage detailed responses like "I love playing football; I was a part of my last school's team and helped them secure victory in the final."
Emphasise the enjoyment of answering interview questions. Remind your child to take 3-5 seconds to think about their answers and try ti enjoy discussing the topics. Interviewers can detect genuine enthusiasm.
By following these guidelines, your child is on the path to a successful 11 plus interview. Remember, interviews are a two-way street. In addition to answering questions, your child should also be prepared to ask their own. Research the school's website and note down 3 or 4 aspects that particularly appeal to your child that they can reference or ask about in their 11 plus interview. These could relate to the school's ethos, sports programmes, drama offerings, other extracurricular activities, facilities, or anything else that piques their interest. Interviewers look for genuine passion and compatibility with the school, so it's wise to think about answers to these questions with your child:
Why does this school align with your child's learning style and personal development?
What broader goals does your child hope to achieve through attending this school?
How can your child contribute to the school community?
Remember, preparation should foster genuine enthusiasm, not rehearsed responses. Encourage your child to reflect on why they are drawn to the school, and their authentic enthusiasm will shine through in their 11 plus interview. To aid in preparation, consider using a chart like the example below to connect your child's qualities with exciting aspects of the school:
Preparing for 11 plus interviews requires not only good answers and specific knowledge about the school but also presenting the best version of your child. To achieve this, consider encouraging them to stay informed about current affairs, showcasing their engagement with the world around them. This should be via accessible news outlets geared towards children such as CBBC Newsround or The Week Junior. Remember, honesty and enthusiasm can help your child make a positive impression during the interview - schools are aware they are very young and won’t expect them to know all the latest news stories by heart!
Here are five questions to jumpstart your child's interview preparation:
Tips For 11 Plus Interview Questions and Answers
1) What Sparks Your Greatest Excitement?
Tip: It could be a passion like helping solve climate change, reduce poverty, or outer space. Alternatively, it could be something enjoyable like a favourite meal or a special day. Any response is valid! However, it's crucial to elaborate on the answer, explain the context to the interviewer, use vivid descriptions, and aim to evoke their excitement. Encourage your child to use rich adjectives and let their personality shine.
2) Tell Us About an Act of Courage.
Tip: Encourage your child to structure their response using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Results) detailed below.
3) Should Homework Be Banned?
Tip: Encourage your child to consider both sides of the argument and provide their opinion. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of homework, encouraging critical thinking.
4) Is Keeping Animals in Zoos Right?
Tip: Guide your child to brainstorm the pros and cons of zoos. Discuss the educational value, conservation efforts, and animal welfare concerns. Encourage them to express their viewpoint.
5) Describe Your Favorite Book Character.
Tip: Encourage your child to use descriptive language and synonyms to vividly portray the character. A thesaurus can be a valuable tool. Students should be descriptive! To practise, they could look up synonyms for words to describe character. For example, instead of nice, they could think about using charming, lovable, gentle, thoughtful. If it’s the main character of an action book, they could think about using words such as adventurous, daring, bold or headstrong. Try to get your child to think about examples of events in the book where the character has displayed the qualities they admire them for. They should aim to paint the picture for the interviewer so they can imagine the character too.
Effective Strategies for Handling 11 Plus Interview Questions: The STAR Technique
The STAR technique, an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Results, is a valuable strategy that can significantly aid students in answering 11 plus interview questions effectively. This method provides a structured approach to presenting their thoughts and experiences.
By first describing the Situation or context, students set the stage for their response. Then, they outline the Task or challenge they faced, followed by a clear description of the Action they took to address the situation.
Finally, they conclude by detailing the Results or outcomes of their actions. The STAR technique ensures that students provide comprehensive, well-organised responses, allowing interviewers to gain a deeper insight into their problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and personal growth.
Encouraging students to utilise this approach not only enhances their clarity but also helps them stand out during interviews, demonstrating their ability to think critically and articulate their experiences effectively.
Exploring Common Eleven Plus Interview Questions
Here's a long list of example 11 plus interview questions that parents can use to help their children practise:
What is your favourite subject in school, and why?
Can you tell me about a book you've recently read and enjoyed?
Describe a challenging problem you've faced and how you overcame it.
What do you like to do in your free time?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Tell me about a historical figure you admire and why.
Explain a scientific concept that interests you.
What is the most important environmental issue in the world today, in your opinion?
Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What was your role, and what did you learn from the experience?
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?
What do you think makes a good leader?
Can you share a personal achievement that you're proud of?
What qualities do you believe are important in a good friend?
Tell me about a current event or news story that caught your attention.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what questions would you ask them?
Describe a project or hobby you're passionate about.
What do you think is the most significant technological advancement of the last decade?
If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and why?
What is your ideal job in the future?
Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
What is your favourite extracurricular activity, and what have you learned from it?
Describe a time when you had to persevere through a challenging task or project.
Who is your role model, and why do you look up to them?
Share a personal experience that taught you an important life lesson.
What do you think is the most significant invention in human history?
If you were given the opportunity to change one school rule, what would it be and why?
Explain a scientific discovery or innovation that you find fascinating.
What qualities do you believe are essential in a good teacher?
Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new or unfamiliar situation.
What is your favourite historical period, and why does it interest you?
Can you discuss a recent accomplishment that required dedication and hard work?
Share your thoughts on the importance of community service and giving back.
If you could design your own ideal school subject, what would it be, and what would it cover?
What do you think is the most pressing global issue today, and how would you address it if you had the power?
If you could choose any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it for good?
These questions cover a wide range of topics and can help students prepare for 11 plus interviews by practising their communication and critical thinking skills. Parents can use them as a starting point for discussions and 11+ mock interviews with their children.
Final Tips for Tackling the 11 Plus Interview
Advise your child to stay composed and try to enjoy the interview experience.
Encourage them to discuss their accomplishments while demonstrating ambition to illustrate their drive.
Let their personality shine, as schools value unique contributions.
Remind your child to get a good night's sleep, arrive early, stay calm, and be honest.
By following these suggestions, your child will be well-prepared to confidently tackle any questions posed during the interview. Best of luck!
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Looking to tackle common 10 Plus or 11 Plus interview questions with your child?
U2 Tuition’s Oxbridge-educated alumni of top UK schools with specialisms in 10 and 11+ entrance have compiled a comprehensive 11+ interview question guide, which leads you through questions typically asked by the big players. Gain insight into the various interview formats, as well as more tips for further preparation.
Questions about the school
Answering situational questions
Current affairs questions
Extracurricular profile: interests and achievements
Mental maths questions
Literary skills questions
General academic questions
Personality test questions
