11+ Word Problems & Multi-Step Reasoning
The hardest marks in the 11+ maths paper usually come from multi-step word problems that combine several skills — money, fractions, time or measures — into one question. Success here is less about a new skill and more about a reliable method: read carefully, decide the steps, work through them in order, and check.
Children who rush straight to calculating often answer the wrong question. Teaching a habit of underlining the numbers and the actual question first makes a big difference to accuracy.
What the 11+ tests in word problems & multi-step reasoning
- check_circleChoosing the correct operation(s) from a description
- check_circleCarrying out two or more steps in the right order
- check_circleMoney problems and giving change
- check_circleCombining topics (e.g. fractions inside a money problem)
- check_circleInterpreting the answer in context (rounding sensibly)
- check_circleChecking an answer is reasonable
Worked example
A book costs £6.50. Priya buys 3 books and pays with a £20 note. How much change does she get?
- Work out the cost of 3 books: 3 × £6.50 = £19.50.
- Subtract from the amount paid: £20.00 − £19.50.
- Interpret the answer as money.
checkAnswer: 50p change
Common mistakes to avoid
- errorStopping after the first step (giving the total cost, not the change).
- errorLosing track of pounds and pence when subtracting money.
- errorNot checking the answer makes sense in the real situation.
Top tips
- lightbulbUnderline the numbers and the final question before doing any working.
- lightbulbWrite each step on a new line so nothing is skipped.
- lightbulbFinish by asking 'does this answer make sense?' — 50p change from £20 for three £6.50 books does.
Practise word problems & multi-step reasoning free
ElevenEdge gives your child adaptive word problems & multi-step reasoning questions at just the right level, with a worked solution on every one. No card needed to start.
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