Every question here is written by Prism in the style of the tests. None is copied from a real paper, and a fresh one is drawn each time a child practises.
From foundation to exam standard
Two questions at each level. Tap an option to check it.
Foundation where a child in Year 3 or 4 starts
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What number is arrow D pointing to on this number line?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 0.9
How to work it out
The numbered marks go up in 0.5s with 5 spaces between them, so each space is 0.1.
Arrow D is at 0.9.
Why the other options are wrong
A (0.1): This is where arrow A points; the question asks about arrow D.
B (4.5): This counts each space as 1; there are 5 spaces between the numbered marks, so each is 0.1.
C (0.8): This is one small space short.
E (1): This is one small space too far.
Question 2Aim for about 60 seconds
How many square tiles make the border round the lawn in this picture?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 22
How to work it out
Along the top and bottom: 7 + 7.
Down the sides: 2 + 2.
Plus 4 corners: 14 + 4 + 4 = 22.
Why the other options are wrong
A (14): This is the area of the lawn, not the border.
B (26): This counts each corner tile twice.
D (18): This leaves out the four corner tiles.
E (36): This counts the lawn squares as well as the tiles.
Standard the 11 Plus standard, Year 5
Question 3Aim for about 60 seconds
These patterns are made of matchsticks. How many matchsticks are needed for pattern 25?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 76
How to work it out
Pattern 1 uses 4 and each new pattern adds 3 more, because a new shape shares one stick with the one before.
So pattern 25 uses 4 + 24 × 3 = 76.
Why the other options are wrong
A (73): This is the number for pattern 24, one pattern too few.
C (75): This adds 3 for every shape but forgets the 1 extra stick that closes the first one.
D (100): This gives every shape its own 4 sticks; neighbouring shapes share a stick.
E (79): This is the number for pattern 26, one pattern too far.
Question 4Aim for about 60 seconds
These patterns are made of matchsticks. How many matchsticks are needed for pattern 21?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 106
How to work it out
Pattern 1 uses 6 and each new pattern adds 5 more, because a new shape shares one stick with the one before.
So pattern 21 uses 6 + 20 × 5 = 106.
Why the other options are wrong
A (126): This gives every shape its own 6 sticks; neighbouring shapes share a stick.
B (105): This adds 5 for every shape but forgets the 1 extra stick that closes the first one.
C (101): This is the number for pattern 20, one pattern too few.
D (111): This is the number for pattern 22, one pattern too far.
Exam standard what the papers ask in Year 6
Question 5Aim for about 60 seconds
What does the arrow on this scale point to?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 2°C
How to work it out
The numbered marks go up in 5s with 5 spaces between them, so each small space is 5 ÷ 5 = 1.
The arrow is 2 spaces past 0: 2°C.
Why the other options are wrong
A (3°C): This is one small space too far along.
B (1°C): This is one small space too short.
C (5°C): This is the numbered mark after the arrow.
D (0°C): This is the numbered mark before the arrow; the arrow is 2 spaces further on.
Question 6Aim for about 60 seconds
These patterns are made of matchsticks. How many matchsticks are needed for pattern 20?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 101
How to work it out
Pattern 1 uses 6 and each new pattern adds 5 more, because a new shape shares one stick with the one before.
So pattern 20 uses 6 + 19 × 5 = 101.
Why the other options are wrong
B (100): This adds 5 for every shape but forgets the 1 extra stick that closes the first one.
C (96): This is the number for pattern 19, one pattern too few.
D (120): This gives every shape its own 6 sticks; neighbouring shapes share a stick.
E (106): This is the number for pattern 21, one pattern too far.
Practise straight away at your child’s school year in maths and English, with verbal and non-verbal reasoning for the 11 Plus, and every answer explained. A free check, whenever you like, shows what to practise next and builds a weekly plan, for their year or for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.