An increasing number of London’s leading independent schools accept students at the start of year three by running a competitive selection test. Year 2 students take this entrance test, also known as the 7 Plus Exam. The exams run from November to January.
While the assessment portion evaluates children’s reasoning, mathematics, and English abilities, the 7 Plus interview questions only evaluate a child’s communication skills.
The 7 Plus Exam is the first proper test for most children, so they should prepare mentally and physically.
Some schools run a listening test to assess students’ concentration and understanding of spoken English. Most schools run written assessments and interviews.
Access to sample interview questions is a way to prepare your child for testing. Use these seven examples for your child’s interview.
How to Use 7 Plus Interview Questions?
When your child takes the 7 Plus exam, they will be tested on English and math skills. Some schools are now including reasoning papers.
Your child will be asked to come in for an interview if they are selected. Interviews take place either before or on the day of the exam.
Most schools look for well-rounded students. They want students that have made the 7 Plus exam a high priority.
Schools also look for kids with good social skills, good behaviour, as well as reading fluency.
Should You Hire a Tutor?
The answer to whether you should hire a tutor depends on your child’s social and academic level. A free assessment to determine the child’s current level is one service to expect. Interview prep for your child is another (interview prep is included in the 7 Plus and 11 Plus programmes for the 2022/23 cohort).
Remember, it doesn’t matter what school your child wants to attend. 7 Plus exams are required for:
- independent primary school
- or private primary school
Your ultimate goal is for your child to excel academically.
What Skills Are Required?
When preparing for the 7 Plus exam, you need to prepare your child for the interview, also.
The 7 Plus exam interview questions will spot students that have been trained to answer questions. It’s important that their answers are natural and truthful.
Instead, help them to exhibit confidence by speaking the truth and using complete sentences. One way to go about doing it is by incorporating possible interview questions into exam prep exercises.
Reading, Writing, & Comprehension
In the 7 plus exam, writing and comprehension are two of the most important topics. Storytelling is how children present their ideas. It also shows whether their ideas are logical and relevant to the question.
To improve your child’s story writing, you can ask them to write ten lines a day. Each day challenge them to rewrite sentences to make them stronger writers and communicators. Use this opportunity to suggest topics that may be asked during the 7 Plus interview.
Also on the test is comprehension which tests how well your child understands the passage they’ve read. For the interview, it’s vital that your child can provide answers related to the questions being asked. Reading passages aloud is a great learning tool and increases comprehension and confidence.
Look at the national average and encourage your child to read at a level higher. Doing so helps them develop a vocabulary with a broad range and improves their sensory experiences.
Seven Sample 7 Plus Interview Questions
In 7 Plus private school interview questions, most are based on fact recollection. Some of the questions are more difficult and complex.
Let’s look at some examples.
1. Getting to Know You
Getting to know you, questions are like icebreakers. Examples include:
- Tell me about your favourite toy.
- Who is your superhero?
- Do you have a pet?
The answer can’t be one word. The question is an opportunity to tell a story.
2. Describe an Experience
In this question, your child will get asked to describe something that has happened in their life.
- Describe your first day at nursery school.
- Talk about your first time riding a bicycle.
- Share a time when you were excited to see a friend.
These examples will go a long way in helping your child with recalling experiences. Get them to rehearse retelling a story.
3. Reading Comprehension
Prior to the 7 Plus exam, your child might be asked to read a short passage. Afterward, the examiner will ask them key questions, such as:
- Who was the main character?
- Where did the story take place?
- What did you learn from the story?
Don’t get caught off-guard. Prepare your child for all possibilities.
4. Ask Me a Question
The purpose of this 7 Plus interview question is to allow the student to ask the interviewer a question. Examples include:
- Where did you go to school?
- Do you like teaching?
- Why is this a good primary school?
Don’t be surprised if the teacher formulates a response to see if the child understood the answers.
5. What Does School Mean to You?
This question is designed to determine your child’s interest in school. Sample questions include:
- What’s your favourite subject?
- What do you like most about school?
- Do you have friends at school?
The answers can determine if their school is a good fit.
6. Would You Rather
These questions test reasoning skills. The tester will give your child two options and then ask them to explain their choice.
- …ride a train or fly on a plane?
- …play football or tennis?
- …read a book or watch a movie?
“Would you rather” questions can tell a lot about the child’s personality.
7. About the World
Even at an early age, children are forming opinions about the world. Your child may get asked:
- Tell me about a recent world event.
- What country would you like to visit?
- Is there a language you would like to learn?
Children have many influences. You would be surprised how they answer these questions.
Don’t Overthink the Interview
The 7 Plus interview is a process to help students relax before the exam. It also helps the school determine if your child is a good fit. You can’t manipulate the process, and trying to do so can place undue pressure on your child.
At Ant Learning, we want to prepare your child for academic success. To learn more about our interview prep service, click here.
