Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is 5/6 of 48?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 40
How to work it out
Divide by the bottom number, then multiply by the top: 48 ÷ 6 = 8, and × 5 = 40.
CEM-style 11+
CEM-style papers mix verbal ability, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning in short, fast-paced timed sections.
At a glance
- Subjects
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Usually held
- September
- Set by
- CEM style papers
- Schools
- Various
The papers
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | Paper 1 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 11+ | Paper 2 | 50 | 45 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the CEM
The CEM-style 11+ covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Try some CEM style questions
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a grammar mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, Me and my brother
How to work it out
The people doing the action need “I”: “My brother and I built…”.
Why the other options are wrong
- B (built a den): This part is grammatically correct.
- C (in the woods): This part is grammatically correct.
- D (last weekend.): This part is grammatically correct.
- E (No mistake): There is a mistake: The people doing the action need “I”: “My brother and I built…”.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next number in this series.
18, 53, 22, 48, 26, 43, ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 30
How to work it out
- Two series take turns: 18, 22, 26 (add 4) and 53, 48, 43 (take away 5).
- The next number continues the first: 30.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
The lshape turns 90° anticlockwise each step and the shading alternates.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the CEM?
The CEM tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
When is the CEM?
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the CEM?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the CEM format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessment