Understand the rule first
Underline the key words in the question, locate the relevant sentence, and answer only from what the text states. Precision matters in names, times, quantities and causes.
Retrieval & precise detail 11+ practice
Retrieve exact information and distinguish it from nearby plausible details.
Text: ‘The gate opened at dawn, but the first cart arrived at seven.’ When did the gate open?
- The question asks about the gate, not the cart.
- Locate the clause containing gate opened.
- The explicit time is dawn.
A common misconception
Choosing a detail that fits the general topic but answers a different question.
Reusable method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.Question 1 of 8 Englishcore‘The 10:15 train arrived nine minutes late.’ At what time did it arrive?
- A10:06
- B10:24
- C10:15
- D10:25
Need a hint?
Add the delay to the scheduled time.
Show worked answer
Answer B: 10:24
Nine minutes after 10:15 is 10:24.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 2 of 8 Englishcore‘Mara packed a compass, a flask and a blue rope, but left the map beside the door.’ What did she leave?
- Athe compass
- Bthe flask
- Cthe map
- Dthe rope
Need a hint?
Use the clause after but.
Show worked answer
Answer C: the map
The text explicitly says that Mara left the map.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 3 of 8 Englishcore‘The river rose 6 cm on Monday, 10 cm on Tuesday and 14 cm on Wednesday, its highest reading.’ When was the highest reading?
- AMonday
- BTuesday
- Cevery day
- DWednesday
Need a hint?
Find the greatest stated measurement.
Show worked answer
Answer D: Wednesday
The highest measurement, 14 cm, was recorded on Wednesday.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 4 of 8 Englishexam-styleA timetable says: gate opens 08:10, briefing 08:25, race starts 08:45. How long is there between briefing and race?
- A20 minutes
- B15 minutes
- C25 minutes
- D35 minutes
Need a hint?
Use the two times named in the question.
Show worked answer
Answer A: 20 minutes
08:25 to 08:45 is 20 minutes.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 5 of 8 Englishexam-style‘The owl survey recorded 12 voles, 7 beetles and 9 mice.’ Which prey was recorded most often?
- Amice
- Bvoles
- Cbeetles
- Dowls
Need a hint?
Compare the three recorded quantities.
Show worked answer
Answer B: voles
Twelve voles is the greatest count.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 6 of 8 Englishexam-style‘On Thursdays the library closes at 4:30, two hours earlier than usual.’ When does it close on Thursday?
- A2:30
- B4:30
- C6:30
- DThursday morning
Need a hint?
Use the stated Thursday time, not the usual time.
Show worked answer
Answer B: 4:30
The sentence explicitly states that Thursday closing is 4:30.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 7 of 8 Englishexam-style‘The silver key was in the desk; the red key remained in the left drawer.’ Where was the red key?
- Ain the desk
- Bbeside the drawer
- Cin the left drawer
- Din a pocket
Need a hint?
Match the correct colour to its location.
Show worked answer
Answer C: in the left drawer
The text states that the red key remained in the left drawer.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.
Question 8 of 8 Englishexam-styleRainfall was 12 mm on Wednesday, 7 mm on Thursday and 18 mm on Friday. Which day was wettest?
- AWednesday
- BThursday
- Call three
- DFriday
Need a hint?
Find the greatest measurement.
Show worked answer
Answer D: Friday
Friday had the highest rainfall at 18 mm.
Quick method: Return to the relevant sentence and point to the proof.