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Original poster

11+ CEM and GL study books - worth getting both?

8 replies

Stressingismyhobby · 02/06/2020 00:40

My DD is doing the Bexley and Kent 11+ this year. We've got the CGP CEM study books and some of the 10 minute test books. Do we need the GL study books too? Are they hugely different? Or will we be ok just getting the GL 10 min test books?

Thanks!

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haveyouseenmyhorcrux · 02/06/2020 07:41

The Kent Test is set by GL, so I would definitely prioritise their books for that. It's worth getting a range, though, as it helps children to think laterally and prepare for a range of questions (the Kent Test always puts in a new type of question each year). Some of the Letts books are good too. Over the summer, I would definitely recommend doing some of the 'practice papers' as well as the practice books - they're closer to the real thing, better for practising timings, and crucially they help kids to practise the weird answer sheet format.

I don't know anything about the Bexley test, but you'll find plenty of info on the elevenplusexams website.

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Stressingismyhobby · 02/06/2020 12:05

Thank you. Think I'm a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of books available! Which practice books would you recommend?

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iamthankful · 03/06/2020 00:23

Yes you do. Particularly for Verbal Reasoning, as the VR for CEM & GL are completely different.

SwayingInTime · 03/06/2020 00:31

We did CEM and GL last year, the verbal reasoning needs to be GL and you can find out how many of the question types are included in the GL test your DC is doing I think. CEM VR includes English/ SPAG style questions too so you do need both. GL VR includes codes and some very specific question styles which must be learnt.

I hate to say it but for us GL VR was all about technique, I taught the methods to DD in a couple of afternoons and then got her to play to her strengths, ie. don’t even read that sort of question because it takes you too long for the same number of points as all the others, how to discount two options from a multiple choice immediately etc.

haveyouseenmyhorcrux · 03/06/2020 07:07

It can definitely be overwhelming! If money's not a barrier, I would just get a selection of books - the ones that call themselves age 10-11 practice book for GL, or similar. Get probably a mix of CGP, Bond and Letts for each subject (prob mainly the first two), and then mix them up a bit. Start just focusing on the content, then introduce timing over the summer. And get some of the 'practice papers' too. Oh, and definitely go on the Kent Test KCC website (the official one with the link to where you register) - they have a familiarisation booklet and a link to some free practice resources. And don't forget to register before 1st July!

Original poster
Stressingismyhobby · 03/06/2020 10:12

Thank you. @SwayingInTime how do I find out how many of the question types will be in the GL test?

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feelsoshitnow · 03/06/2020 12:35

Hi sorry to jump on this post (happy to make my own thread if needed), but does anyone know about Bucks 11+ and what the best resources would be for them.

When my eldest did it, it was just verbal reasoning, and was quite easy to prepare for, but I understand that now it is a miss or verbal reasoning and non verbal reasoning.

I have bought vocabulary flashcards and several maths, english, verbal and non-verbal reasoning books, but have no idea if the examiner has changed (I heard it was changing but can't find where I saw this).

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