Here is my take on some of the daily habits you should follow while preparing for 11 PLUS . Keep in mind that you can inculcate these habits based on your preferences and requirements in order to achieve the best result in the 11 PLUS exam.

1. Practice 2 reading comprehension’s (RC’s) Daily

Verbal Ability, Math and Reading Comprehension forms a major part of the 11 PLUS exam. Also, developing good verbal and reading skills is critical not just for acing the 11 PLUS exam but also while doing your further studies.

So you should make it a point to solve at least two RCs daily so much so that solving RC’s become a muscle memory by the time you finally sit for 11 PLUS. While solving the RC’s, try to understand that they are not a jumble of random words, but a flow of thought illustrated in the paper. All you need to do is try and understand that flow. The trick is comprehension and not speed, so understanding what is being conveyed is more important.

Many aspirants start reading the passage but due to lack of concentration and unfamiliar domain their mind wanders, and they are unable to retain what they have read and have to re-read it. So, what you need to master by solving two RC’s daily is reading without losing concentration and keeping up with the thought process of the writer.

2. Practice at least 20 Problems of Math and 5 puzzles Daily

Math is one of the 3 sections in 11 PLUS, with a total of about half the questions. Obviously, it is very important to prepare for it thoroughly. So, you should practice at least 20 problems of math (preferably the areas of your concern) every day to build a strong foundation in these topics.

Many problems of math require a lot of calculations as they deal with data, diagrams, puzzles, etc. In such a situation, you should make sure to read the question carefully and notice the units used. Also, use approximations whenever possible. On the other hand, Logical Reasoning usually deals with puzzles that can only be cracked using common sense coupled with lots of practice. So, make sure to practice at least 20 math questions and 5 Logical Reasoning problems(puzzles) daily so that you can be prepared for the variety of questions asked.

3. Practise basic numerical ability for 1 hour Daily

Numerical Ability is perhaps one of the most important part in 11 PLUS Maths section because if done properly, it also helps in the data based question and also saves time.

Numerical Ability applies to 5 major topics in 11 PLUS namely, Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry & Advanced Maths. This practice should give you speed of calculations also. In case this is not happening, you need to search for a trick that maybe you are unaware of. Make sure you are always working on faster ways to solve the Numerical Ability questions and evolving your approach. Also remembering the tables, basic squares and square roots will come handy for the math section.

4. Read a book daily

It is very important to read a book daily while preparing for the 11 PLUS exam. Reading the book improves your focus in the long run which is absolutely essential in 11 PLUS for the Reading Comprehension and vocabulory. Also, the vocabulary and grammar used in a book are quite good which is helpful in the verbal section of the 11 PLUS exam. And that’s not all! Reading a book is also helpful for the Cloze Passages and word meaning based questions. This habit proves better even after you pass the 11 PLUS exam and during your secondary school education.

So make it a habit to read a book daily, including the preface section. Then make notes of all the important facts so that you can recall them later when required. Some of the classic series of the books will be more appropriate to read at this stage.

5. Revise all the important formulae daily

While doing the initial 11 PLUS preparation, learn all the relevant formulas and also make a cheat sheet for them. Eventually, this will mean that all the formulas you learn for 11 PLUS are available in the same place. Then revise all the important formulae on this cheat sheet daily so that you can eventually by-heart them.

Then, whenever you solve the questions for 11 PLUS practice, don’t look at this cheat sheet. You should have learned it by heart with all the revising and if you are still unable to recall it then learn all the formulas again and do the questions again the next day. In general, it is best if you put up the formula cheat sheet in front of you wherever you sit for studying and also carry it with you whenever you travel.

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