This document provides instructions and essay prompts for the Common Entrance Examination English paper. It informs students that they have 5 minutes of reading and planning time followed by 40 minutes for writing. Students are asked to write an essay using one of six provided titles. The titles include short phrases and questions about subjects, books, and a provided picture. Students will be graded out of a total of 35 marks, including 10 marks for spelling, syntax, and punctuation.

1. COMMON ENTRANCE EXAMINATION AT 11+
ENGLISH
PAPER 2
Practice Paper 2009–2010
Please read this information before the examination starts.
• You have 5 minutesʼ reading and planning time.
• After that you may start writing when you are ready to do so. You have 40 minutes for
writing.
• Use your best handwriting and take care with spelling and punctuation.
© Independent Schools Examinations Board
2819102

2. Write an essay using ONE of the following titles. Each one is worth 25 marks.
1. The Hot Afternoon
2. ʻI shall always remember that tea.ʼ
3. Write an account or a story using one of the following titles:
(a) My father was furious.
(b) The Swimming Lesson
(c) Caravanning
4. Many children list drama or sport or art as their favourite subjects at school. This may
be because those subjects are creative, or have more freedom, or are not always the
basis for examinations. What thinking goes on behind your selection of a favourite
subject?
5. The books you enjoy are as personal as the food you choose to eat. What are the
ingredients of a great book, in your opinion? You can discuss one or several books to
illustrate your answer.
6. Write about the picture opposite in any way you choose.
(Total marks: 35, including a mark out of 10 for spelling/syntax/punctuation)
S.A. 2819102 2

3. S.A. 2819102 3
The picture is Cavalry to the Champ de Mars, by Robert Doisneau, c Nouvelles Images SA éditeurs et R Doisneau
photographe – Rapho 1988/45700 Lombreine, France.