How to answer 1, 2, 3 and 4-mark 11+ comprehension questions
The short answer
Let the marks tell you how much to write. A 1-mark question needs one precise answer; a 2-mark question usually needs a point plus evidence, or two points; a 3-mark question needs a full Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE) answer; and a 4-mark question usually needs two developed points with evidence. Always answer the exact question asked, and check how your child's own test is marked, because mark schemes differ.
What do the marks tell you?
In written comprehension papers, the number of marks is the best clue to how much the examiner wants. Use this as a starting point:
| Marks | What a full answer usually needs | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | One precise piece of information, a word meaning or a short quotation | A word, phrase or one sentence |
| 2 | A point plus a short quotation or reason, or two separate points | One or two sentences |
| 3 | Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE), or three short points | Two to four sentences |
| 4 or more | Two developed points, each with evidence and explanation | A short paragraph |
Mark schemes vary between tests, and some 11+ English papers are entirely multiple choice. Check the familiarisation materials for your child's test first.
How do you answer a 1-mark question?
Be short and exact. If the question says find and copy, copy the exact words, spelled correctly, and no more than you need. If it says give one word, give one word. Extra, wrong information can cost the mark.
Passage: Mira pulled her scarf tighter as the wind howled off the sea.
Question: What did Mira pull tighter? (1 mark)
Answer: Her scarf.
How do you answer a 2-mark question?
Most 2-mark questions want a point and a reason. If the question says give two, make two clearly separate points, ideally on separate lines.
Question: How can you tell the weather was cold and stormy? (2 marks)
Answer: Mira pulled her scarf tighter, which shows it was cold. The wind “howled”, which shows it was strong and stormy.
What is PEE, and how do you use it for 3 marks?
PEE stands for Point, Evidence, Explain. Some schools call it PEA (Point, Evidence, Analysis) or PEEL (adding a Link back to the question). They all mean the same thing:
- Point: answer the question in your own words.
- Evidence: a short quotation from the text, in quotation marks.
- Explain: say how the quotation proves your point, focusing on particular words.
Question: How does the writer show that Mira was uneasy? (3 marks)
Answer: Mira seems uneasy and on edge (point). The writer says she “pulled her scarf tighter” (evidence). Pulling something tighter suggests she wants to protect herself, as if she feels exposed, and the “howled” wind makes the scene feel threatening (explain).
How do you answer a 4-mark question?
Make two separate PEE points, each with its own evidence. Two well-explained points are usually better than four undeveloped ones. Start each point on a new line so the marker can see them.
How do you write a good explanation?
- Zoom in on a single word: “The word ‘howled’ makes the wind sound like a wild animal.”
- Say what it suggests about a character's feelings or the atmosphere.
- Use phrases like “this suggests”, “this shows” and “this makes the reader feel”.
- Don't just repeat the quotation in different words.
What about multiple-choice questions?
Go back to the passage for every question. Rule out answers that are clearly wrong, then compare the last two against the exact lines. Watch for answers that are true in real life but not stated or suggested in the passage.
Want to practise on real classic texts? Each of our book reading guides has free questions with model answers, from 1 to 3 marks.
Questions and answers
What does PEE stand for in 11+ English?
Point, Evidence, Explain. You make a point that answers the question, back it up with a short quotation, then explain how the quotation supports your point.
How long should a 3-mark answer be?
Usually two to four sentences: one for the point, one with the quotation, and one or two explaining it. Quality matters more than length.
Should my child write in full sentences?
For written-answer papers, full sentences are a good habit unless the question asks for a single word or a copied phrase. They make answers clearer and easier to mark.
Do all 11+ English papers have written answers?
No. Some are multiple choice. Check the familiarisation or practice materials published for your child's specific test.
Sources
Admissions dates and test details change. Always check the current information from your local authority and the schools you are applying to.
Practise with a classic story
More guides
- 11+ inference questions: how to read between the lines
- Vocabulary in context: working out unfamiliar words in 11+ comprehension
- Similes, metaphors and personification for 11+ English
- 10 common 11+ comprehension mistakes, and how to fix them
- 11+ English glossary: literary and grammar terms explained
- How to prepare for 11+ English comprehension at home