© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 51 16.In paragraph 5, why doesn’t the narrator want to wait in the library? a. He hates reading b. He’s allergic to dust mites c. The library’s haunted d. Unlike the kitchen, the library doesn’t contain snacks e. He wants to try to hear what his mother and the men are discussing 17.Why might the narrator’s mother be so concerned about her husband not arriving at work? a. She’s worried his white suit will get dirty b. The arrival of the police suggests something bad has happened to him c. He won’t get paid if he doesn’t turn up d. He’s got a really poor sense of direction – he’s always getting lost e. He might be up an oak tree 18.Which of the following best summarises the behaviour of the narrator’s mother? a. Hysterical b. Calm but concerned c. Celebratory d. Angry e. Flabbergasted
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 52 For the following questions, choose the best definition of the word underlined in each sentence, taken from the text: 19.“trying to put the various details in some coherent order.” (line 2) a. Understandable b. Alphabetical c. Obvious d. Readable e. Jumbled 20.“I was already outside, loitering around the driveway” (line 4 - 5) a. Lingering b. Skipping c. Jogging d. Running e. Hopping 21.“Perched triumphantly in its branches” (line 20) a. Tree-like b. Nervously c. Proudly d. Precariously e. High up
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 53 22.“I was mildly curious” (line 24) a. Boringly b. Slightly c. Strongly d. Increasingly e. Blandly 23.“by this stage I was far too preoccupied to give them much attention.” (line 25) a. Distracted b. Controlled c. Injured d. Lonely e. Unwell 24.“What I do remember is her presence” (line 36) a. Her stance and demeanour b. Her closeness c. Her large height d. Her threatening comments e. Her gifts
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 54 Section B Create the best analysis of the text, selecting from the options provided. • In each question, you should select one quotation to include from the selection titled ‘Quotations’ and one explanation to include from the selection titled ‘Explanations’. • Once you have decided on your answers, write their letter in the space provided. • You should spend up to 10 minutes on this section. • This section is worth 6 marks. Example: In the first paragraph, the narrator describes the way in which his father left the house that morning with the quotation: Answer (Choose from quotation A, B, or C C below) The writer’s use of this particular verb suggests: Answer (Choose from explanation A, B, or A C below) Quotations a) “loitering around the driveway” (line 4- 5) b) “in a white suit and hat” (line 5) c) “came striding out to where I was waiting.” (line 9) Explanations a) the father’s purposefulness and apparent confidence b) the father’s reluctance to leave c) the father’s love of his job
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 55 The best quotation to select here is “came striding out to where I was waiting”, as it describes how the narrator’s father left the house, therefore you should write ‘C’ in the space. The best explanation here would be that the verb suggests the father’s purposefulness and apparent confidence, therefore you should write ‘A’ in the space. Now complete the questions below in the same way: 1) In the first paragraph, the narrator describes the relationship between his mother and father with the quotation: Answer (Choose from quotation A, B, or C below) This writer’s use of this particular verb suggests: Answer (Choose from explanation A, B, or C below) [2 marks] Quotations a) “my mother appeared on the doorstep behind him” (line 7) b) “My father walked back a few steps” (line 8) c) “kissed her lightly on the cheek” (line 8-9) Explanations a) the narrator’s father cannot bear to say goodbye to his wife. b) the narrator’s father takes time to be affectionate to his wife. c) the narrator’s father is in such a hurry he pays little attention to his wife.
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 56 2) In the fifth paragraph, the narrator describes how he feels in his mother’s presence with the quotation: Answer (Choose from quotation A, B, or C below) The description used here suggests that: Answer (Choose from explanation A, B, or C below) [2 marks] Quotations a) “I heard footsteps, and my mother came in” (line 34) b) “the exact expression she was wearing” (line 35) c) “as though suddenly I were very young again” (line 37) Explanations a) the narrator feels threatened by his mother. b) the narrator is fascinated by his mother. c) the narrator feels uncertain and a bit frightened.
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 57 3) In the fourth paragraph, the writer creates a sense of the narrator’s concern about the situation with the quotation: Answer (Choose from quotation A, B, or C below) The use of the description here suggests that: Answer (Choose from explanation A, B, or C below) [2 marks] Quotations a) “Eventually I climbed down the oak” (line 23) b) “I recognized one of the men to be Mr Simpson” (line 29-30) c) “I might have sensed then that something out of the ordinary was unfolding” (line 31-32) Explanations a) the narrator’s anxieties are developing slowly. b) the narrator is eager to find out more. c) the narrator is developing his skills of detection.
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 58 Section C Please complete the following writing task. You should plan your response carefully before you begin. You will be marked on the quality and structure of your writing, as well as the accuracy of your spelling, punctuation and grammar. You should aim to spend 15 - 20 minutes on this section. Doing your best to maintain the characterisation, style, and plot details so far, continue the story. You should include: • The moment where the narrator’s mother returns to find him in the library to talk to him • An explanation of what has happened to the narrator’s father • The narrator’s reaction and response Write your answer in the space below. [20 marks]
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© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 60 11+ ENGLISH PRACTICE PAPER ANSWERS Section A 1. A 11. B 21. C 2. D 12. E 22. B 3. D 13. D 23. A 4. E 14. B 24. A 5. A 15. D 6. D 16. E 7. D 17. B 8. A 18. B 9. B 19. A 10. A 20. A Section B 1. Quotation C Explanation B 2. Quotation C Explanation C 3. Quotation C Explanation A Section C 20 marks total: Up to 5 marks for SPaG, up to 15 marks for quality of content. SPaG: 5 marks: A handful of very minor errors with a secure use of paragraphs. Generally sophisticated and convincing use of language. 4 marks: A generally secure use of paragraphs. Some errors in the spelling of more complex words. A secure, but unimaginative, use of punctuation. A convincing use of language, fitting to the task. 3 marks: Paragraphs are used with less confidence – some errors are evident. Some errors in the spelling of less complex words. Expression is largely clear but unimaginative. Punctuation is simple but generally secure. 2 marks: Some use of paragraphs. Poor spelling and inaccurate use of punctuation. Some confused expression. 1 mark: A lack of paragraphs. Level of spelling hampers understanding. Grammatically inaccurate. 0 mark: Nothing written.
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 61 FAQs HOW DO I REGISTER? To apply, simply complete the online Registration Form (www.kgs.org.uk/admissions/registrationform) and pay the £135 fee. The deadline to apply for First Year (Year 7) entry 2024 is 9th October 2023 and for 10+ deferred entry for 2025 it is 24th November 2023. If you are applying for fee assistance and/or scholarships, you must submit these separate applications by 9th October 2023. “thank you for the support, compassion, open-mindedness, integrity and for genuinely caring about the wellbeing of the children” Parent feedback, 2023 HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS? All entrance examinations are broadly in line with the expected expertise gained from National Curriculum teaching at the appropriate Key Stage in English and Mathematics and we therefore we do not recommend tutoring in these subjects. DO YOU GIVE EXTRA TIME TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN)? If you require extra time and/or the use of a laptop in the entrance examinations, please indicate this on your registration form. A written recommendation from a Specialist Teacher or Educational Psychologist is required. This documentation must be received by Monday, 9th October 2023 (11+) or Friday, 24th November 2023 (10+). Our Head of Learning Support will review it and confirm any necessary examination concessions. It is important to note that exam concession requests are reviewed in line with the requirements of the ‘Joint Council for Qualifications’; they will only be awarded if the pupil would be granted the concessions in external formal exams.
© 2023 Kingston Grammar School 11+ Information Evening | 62 WHAT IF MY CHILD IS UNWELL ON THE DAY? If your child is unwell on the day of the examination, you must contact the Admissions Team prior to the scheduled start time of the exam. As long as you can supply a medical letter as proof of illness, we will then endeavour to make alternative arrangements. Please contact [email protected] for further information. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS CURRENTLY STUDYING OVERSEAS? You must contact the Admissions Team before 9th October to discuss alternative arrangements. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE HAVE A CLASH WITH ANOTHER SCHOOL’S EXAMS? If you have a clash with another school, you must email the Admissions Team at [email protected] by 9th October stating which school’s exam clashes with ours. We will then endeavour to give you an exam time that will enable your child to make both exams that day. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] See you in November!
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