In the 11+ English exam, children are asked to do more than just read a passage; they are asked to become literary detectives. They need to hunt for clues, analyse evidence, and draw conclusions that are not always obvious on the surface.
Many children read passively. They understand the plot – who did what, and where it happened. But top marks in comprehension are awarded for active reading – understanding how an author uses language to create a specific mood, build tension, or reveal a character’s true feelings.
This is often the biggest hurdle between a good score and a great one. So, how can you help your child make that leap?
At elevenplus.com, we teach children to put on their detective hats and deconstruct the text. This guide will provide you with a powerful framework to help your child analyse any passage, understand the author’s craft, and articulate their insights with clarity and confidence.
In this definitive guide, you will learn:
- The difference between passive and active reading.
- The powerful P.E.E. method for structuring a perfect analytical answer.
- A worked example showing the “detective method” in action.
- Practical questions you can ask your child to develop their analytical eye.
The Detective’s Toolkit: The P.E.E. Framework
A detective doesn’t just accuse a suspect; they present a case with clear points backed by hard evidence. For 11+ comprehension, the best way to build a convincing case is by using the P.E.E. method.
- Point: Make a clear, concise point that directly answers the question.
- Evidence: Find a short, relevant quote from the text to act as your evidence.
- Explain: Explain how your evidence proves your point, focusing on the effect of specific words or phrases.
This final “Explain” step is where the real detective work happens. It’s where your child shows the examiner that they haven’t just found a clue, but they understand what it means.
A Case Study: Putting the P.E.E. Method into Practice
Let’s investigate a short passage with a typical 11+ inference question.
Text:
The newcomer hesitated at the classroom door, his knuckles white as he gripped the handle. He scanned the sea of unfamiliar faces, his gaze darting from one corner to the other before quickly fixing on his own shoes.
Question: Based on this passage, how is the newcomer feeling?
A simple answer would be: “The newcomer is feeling nervous.” This is correct, but it’s a missed opportunity to show deeper analysis.
Now, let’s see how a detective would answer using P.E.E.
P – Point:
The newcomer is feeling extremely nervous and intimidated by the new environment.
E – Evidence:
The author describes his knuckles as “white as he gripped the handle” and says his gaze was “darting” around the room before he looked at his shoes.
E – Explain:
The physical detail of “white” knuckles shows he is gripping the handle with immense force, which is a physical sign of tension and anxiety. The verb “darting” suggests his eyes are moving quickly and nervously, unable to settle, showing he feels overwhelmed. By finally looking down at his shoes, he is avoiding eye contact with the other students, which reveals his feelings of intimidation and a desire not to be seen.
This P.E.E. answer is far more powerful. It presents a clear conclusion and uses precise evidence from the text to prove how we know the character is nervous.
How to Train Your Detective at Home
You can build these analytical skills during your regular reading time together. The key is to ask the right kind of questions. Move beyond “What happened next?” and start asking “Why?”.
- Focus on Word Choice: “Why do you think the author chose the word
shuffledinstead ofwalked? What does that tell us about the character?” - Analyse the Setting: “The author describes the forest as ‘gloomy’ and ‘silent’. What kind of mood does that create? What do you think might happen here?”
- Investigate Character Actions: “The character slammed the book shut. What does that action tell us about how they’re feeling, even if the author doesn’t say it?”
From Reader to Detective
Teaching your child to deconstruct a text is one of the most valuable skills you can give them for the 11+ and beyond. It transforms them from a passive reader into an active, critical thinker who can engage with a text on a much deeper level. By encouraging them to look for clues and use the P.E.E. framework to present their findings, you are giving them the tools to unlock any passage with confidence.
Ready to tackle some more cases?
➡️ Our 11+ English Comprehension packs are filled with a wide range of texts and questions designed to challenge and develop your child’s analytical and inferential skills.
