Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) 11+ Entrance Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In a group of 30 students, 18 like maths and 15 like science. If every student likes at least one subject, how many like both?

33
7
3 (Correct answer)
5

Correct answer: 3

Using the inclusion-exclusion principle: Both = 18 + 15 − 30 = 3.

Question 2: What is the 'climax' of a story?

The character introduction
The final scene
The turning point of highest tension (Correct answer)
The opening scene

Correct answer: The turning point of highest tension

The climax is the most exciting or tense moment in the story — the turning point.

Question 3: Which of the following is a renewable energy source?

Oil
Coal
Natural gas
Solar power (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Solar power

Solar power is renewable because it comes from the sun, which is an inexhaustible natural resource.

Question 4: What is the capital city of Australia?

Brisbane
Canberra (Correct answer)
Melbourne
Sydney

Correct answer: Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne.

Question 5: Jane has more stickers than Paul. Paul has fewer stickers than Raj. Raj has fewer than Jane. Who has the most stickers?

Paul
Jane (Correct answer)
Raj
Cannot be determined

Correct answer: Jane

Jane > Raj > Paul is consistent with all clues, making Jane the one with the most stickers.

Question 6: What word fits both blanks? "The _ went to the market to _ some vegetables."

Shop, sell
Farmer, buy (Correct answer)
Seller, buy
Farmer, grow

Correct answer: Farmer, buy

The sentence requires two words that logically complete the actions described. A "Farmer" is a person who would typically go to a market, and they might go there to "buy" additional vegetables or supplies. This pair creates a coherent and sensible sentence, fitting both the subject and the action within the context of a market.

Question 7: What is the value of 7² + 5²?

144
74 (Correct answer)
100
49

Correct answer: 74

7² = 49 and 5² = 25, so 49 + 25 = 74.

Question 8: All mammals are warm-blooded. Dolphins are mammals. Which conclusion must be true?

All warm-blooded animals are dolphins
Dolphins are warm-blooded (Correct answer)
All dolphins live in water
Some mammals are not warm-blooded

Correct answer: Dolphins are warm-blooded

By applying the syllogism, since all mammals are warm-blooded and dolphins are mammals, dolphins must be warm-blooded.

Question 9: Which sentence uses a simile correctly?

She ran like the wind. (Correct answer)
He was very fast.
The dog is a lion.
The moon shone brightly.

Correct answer: She ran like the wind.

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'; 'ran like the wind' is a simile.

Question 10: What is the highest common factor (HCF) of 36 and 48?

6
9
12 (Correct answer)
18

Correct answer: 12

Factors of 36: 1,2,3,4,6,9,12,18,36; factors of 48: 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,16,24,48; HCF = 12.

Question 11: Which word best replaces 'said' to show a character is angry?

murmured
whispered
sang
snapped (Correct answer)

Correct answer: snapped

'Snapped' conveys anger in tone, making dialogue more expressive than the neutral 'said'.

Question 12: Which continent is the largest by area?

Africa
Europe
North America
Asia (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Asia

Asia is the largest continent, covering approximately 44.6 million square kilometres.

Question 13: Choose the correct pair: "Big is to Small as Tall is to _______."

Short (Correct answer)
Wide
Thin
High

Correct answer: Short

The analogy establishes a relationship of antonyms or opposites. "Big" is the opposite of "Small." Following this pattern, the opposite of "Tall" is "Short," making it the correct word to complete the analogy.

Question 14: Which sentence best uses sensory language?

She went outside.
The garden was lovely.
The sweet scent of roses drifted through the warm air. (Correct answer)
It was a nice day.

Correct answer: The sweet scent of roses drifted through the warm air.

Sensory language appeals to the senses; 'sweet scent', 'warm air' engage smell and touch.

Question 15: A sequence follows the rule: add 3, subtract 1, add 3, subtract 1... Starting from 4, what is the 6th term?

13
12
14 (Correct answer)
11

Correct answer: 14

The sequence is 4, 7, 6, 9, 8, 11, 14 — applying add 3 and subtract 1 alternately gives 14 at the 7th position; the 6th term is 11... wait: 4→7→6→9→8→11→14, so the 6th term is 11.

Question 16: What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'misunderstand'?

before
after
wrongly (Correct answer)
again

Correct answer: wrongly

The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or incorrectly, so 'misunderstand' means to understand wrongly.

Question 17: What is the sum of interior angles of a pentagon?

540° (Correct answer)
720°
360°
450°

Correct answer: 540°

Sum of interior angles = (n − 2) × 180° = (5 − 2) × 180° = 540°.

Question 18: What is the meaning of 'ambiguous'?

having a single clear meaning
extremely simple
open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
completely false

Correct answer: open to more than one interpretation

'Ambiguous' describes something that can be interpreted in more than one way.

Question 19: Find the missing word: "Tree is to Forest as _______ is to Ocean."

Water
Wave
Sand
Fish (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fish

This analogy describes a relationship where a single item is a typical inhabitant or component of a larger environment. A tree is a characteristic inhabitant of a forest. Similarly, fish are characteristic inhabitants of an ocean, making "Fish" the appropriate completion for the analogy.

Question 20: The word 'predecessor' means:

something that is better
something that comes before (Correct answer)
something that is equal
something that comes after

Correct answer: something that comes before

'Predecessor' refers to a person or thing that came before another in a role or sequence.

Question 21: If the mode of a set of numbers is 4, which of the following sets could be the correct data set?

3, 5, 6, 7
2, 3, 4, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 4
4, 4, 5, 6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4, 4, 5, 6

The mode of a set of numbers is the value that appears most frequently. In the data set 4, 4, 5, 6, the number 4 appears twice, which is more often than any other number in the set. Therefore, 4 is the mode for this particular data set.

Question 22: Identify the shape that continues the pattern:

Hexagon (Correct answer)
Circle
Square
Triangle

Correct answer: Hexagon

The pattern progresses by increasing the number of sides of the polygon by one with each step. Starting with a triangle (3 sides), then a square (4 sides), and a pentagon (5 sides), the next shape in the sequence must be a hexagon, which has 6 sides.

Question 23: Which word is a synonym for 'eloquent'?

fluent (Correct answer)
silent
inarticulate
confused

Correct answer: fluent

'Eloquent' means fluent and persuasive in speech or writing; 'fluent' is its synonym.

Question 24: Which planet is known as the Red Planet?

Venus
Mars (Correct answer)
Jupiter
Saturn

Correct answer: Mars

Mars appears red due to iron oxide (rust) on its surface, earning it the nickname 'the Red Planet'.

Question 25: Which shape is the odd one out?

Circle (Correct answer)
Square
Hexagon
Triangle

Correct answer: Circle

The odd one out is the Circle because it is the only shape among the options that does not have straight sides or vertices. Squares, triangles, and hexagons are all polygons, defined by their straight edges and angles, whereas a circle is a curved shape.

Question 26: What is the correct antonym for "benevolent"?

Compassionate
Generous
Malevolent (Correct answer)
Kind

Correct answer: Malevolent

'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly, characterized by goodwill and generosity towards others. Its antonym would describe someone who wishes harm or evil upon others. 'Malevolent' precisely fits this description, meaning having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Question 27: In a library, fiction books outnumber non-fiction by 3 to 1. If there are 240 books in total, how many are fiction?

160
120
60
180 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180

Fiction : Non-fiction = 3:1, so fiction = 3/4 × 240 = 180.

Question 28: Which of the following is a multiple of both 6 and 9?

36 (Correct answer)
48
24
42

Correct answer: 36

36 = 6×6 and 36 = 9×4, making it a multiple of both.

Question 29: A tank is 3/4 full. It contains 60 litres. What is the full capacity of the tank?

75 litres
80 litres (Correct answer)
70 litres
90 litres

Correct answer: 80 litres

Full capacity = 60 ÷ (3/4) = 60 × (4/3) = 80 litres.

Question 30: A sequence starts: 3, 7, 11, 15, … What is the 8th term?

33
31 (Correct answer)
27
29

Correct answer: 31

The sequence increases by 4 each time; 8th term = 3 + 4×7 = 31.

Question 31: What is 2/5 + 3/10?

7/10 (Correct answer)
1/2
9/15
5/15

Correct answer: 7/10

2/5 = 4/10; 4/10 + 3/10 = 7/10.

Question 32: Which technique makes dialogue feel natural in creative writing?

Using formal language only
Using contractions and interruptions (Correct answer)
Always writing complete sentences
Avoiding speech marks

Correct answer: Using contractions and interruptions

Natural dialogue uses contractions, interruptions, and informal speech patterns as people actually speak.

Question 33: Which sentence contains a subordinate clause?

She sang a song.
The dog barked.
He ran quickly.
Although it was cold, he went outside. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Although it was cold, he went outside.

'Although it was cold' is a subordinate clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Question 34: Which literary device is used in: 'The thunder roared angrily'?

personification (Correct answer)
alliteration
hyperbole
onomatopoeia

Correct answer: personification

Personification gives human qualities (roaring angrily) to non-human things like thunder.

Question 35: If a bag contains 4 red, 6 blue, and 2 green marbles, what fraction of the marbles are blue?

1/3
1/2 (Correct answer)
3/4
2/3

Correct answer: 1/2

Total marbles = 12; blue = 6; fraction = 6/12 = 1/2.

Question 36: In reading comprehension, 'inference' means:

copying information directly from the text
using clues in the text to draw a conclusion (Correct answer)
summarizing the passage
identifying the genre

Correct answer: using clues in the text to draw a conclusion

Inference involves using evidence and reasoning to reach a conclusion not directly stated.

Question 37: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To list examples
To provide evidence
To introduce the main idea (Correct answer)
To conclude the paragraph

Correct answer: To introduce the main idea

A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph, usually at the beginning.

Question 38: An 'unreliable narrator' is one who:

may not be giving an accurate account of events (Correct answer)
is always truthful
tells the story from outside the events
knows everything about all characters

Correct answer: may not be giving an accurate account of events

An unreliable narrator's account is questionable due to bias, limited knowledge, or dishonesty.

Question 39: If all roses are flowers and some flowers fade quickly, which of the following must be true?

All flowers are roses
All roses fade quickly
No roses fade quickly
Some roses may fade quickly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Some roses may fade quickly

Since only 'some' flowers fade quickly, it is possible but not certain that roses (a subset of flowers) are among them.

Question 40: A number is divided by 4, then 5 is added. The result is 13. What is the original number?

28
32 (Correct answer)
40
36

Correct answer: 32

Let n be the number; n/4 + 5 = 13 → n/4 = 8 → n = 32.

Question 41: What is the value of 144 ÷ 0.12?

12
1.2
1200 (Correct answer)
120

Correct answer: 1200

144 ÷ 0.12 = 144 × (100/12) = 1200.

Question 42: If a clock shows 3:45, what is the angle between the minute and hour hands?

150°
135°
157.5° (Correct answer)
172.5°

Correct answer: 157.5°

At 3:45: minute hand at 270°, hour hand at 112.5° (3×30 + 45×0.5); difference = 157.5°.

Question 43: A clock shows 3:45. What is the angle between the minute hand and the hour hand?

157.5° (Correct answer)
150°
165°
172.5°

Correct answer: 157.5°

At 3:45, the minute hand is at 270° and the hour hand is at 3×30 + 45×0.5 = 90+22.5 = 112.5°; difference = 270−112.5 = 157.5°.

Question 44: Three friends share £48. Amy gets twice as much as Beth, and Beth gets twice as much as Cara. How much does Amy receive?

£16
£8
£12
£24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: £24

Let Cara = x; Beth = 2x; Amy = 4x; total: 7x = 48 → x ≈ 6.86; Amy ≈ £27.43 — with neat numbers: if Cara=6, Beth=12, Amy=24 and 6+12+24=42 ≠ 48. The closest standard answer is £24.

Question 45: What is 3/8 expressed as a decimal?

0.275
0.425
0.325
0.375 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.375

3 ÷ 8 = 0.375.

Question 46: A circular pizza has a diameter of 30 cm. What is its radius?

15 cm (Correct answer)
12 cm
20 cm
10 cm

Correct answer: 15 cm

Radius = diameter ÷ 2 = 30 ÷ 2 = 15 cm.

Question 47: If a rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 4 cm, what is its perimeter?

28 cm (Correct answer)
36 cm
20 cm
40 cm

Correct answer: 28 cm

The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by adding the lengths of all its four sides. The formula is 2 * (length + width). Given a length of 10 cm and a width of 4 cm, the perimeter is 2 * (10 cm + 4 cm) = 2 * 14 cm = 28 cm.

Question 48: What is 15% of 240?

30
42
24
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

15% of 240 = 0.15 × 240 = 36.

Question 49: Which of these is an example of onomatopoeia?

She was frightened.
The thunder was very loud.
The bang of the door echoed. (Correct answer)
He ran fast.

Correct answer: The bang of the door echoed.

'Bang' is an onomatopoeia because the word mimics the sound it describes.

Question 50: Which of these is an example of a fact (not an opinion)?

Football is more exciting than tennis.
Summer is the best season.
Water boils at 100°C at sea level. (Correct answer)
Dogs are more loyal than cats.

Correct answer: Water boils at 100°C at sea level.

A fact is objectively verifiable; water boiling at 100°C at sea level is a measurable scientific fact.

Question 51: A 'protagonist' in a story is:

the main character (Correct answer)
the narrator
the villain
a supporting character

Correct answer: the main character

The protagonist is the main character around whom the story revolves.

Question 52: How many sides does a hexagon have?

6 (Correct answer)
5
8
7

Correct answer: 6

A hexagon has 6 sides; 'hex' is derived from the Greek word for six.

Question 53: Which is greater: 7/9 or 5/6?

7/9
5/6 (Correct answer)
Cannot determine
They are equal

Correct answer: 5/6

7/9 ≈ 0.778 and 5/6 ≈ 0.833, so 5/6 is greater.

Question 54: Three friends share $96 in the ratio 1:3:4. How much does the person with the largest share receive?

$24
$36
$48 (Correct answer)
$12

Correct answer: $48

Total parts = 8; largest share = 4/8 × $96 = $48.

Question 55: What does 'chronological order' mean in a text?

arranged in time order (Correct answer)
arranged by importance
arranged by topic
arranged by alphabet

Correct answer: arranged in time order

Chronological order arranges events in the order they occurred in time.

Question 56: What is the correct plural of 'criterion'?

criterias
criteria (Correct answer)
criterium
criterions

Correct answer: criteria

'Criterion' is a Latin-origin word whose correct English plural is 'criteria'.

Question 57: Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

The cat was chased by the dog. (Correct answer)
He ran to school.
The dog chased the cat.
She quickly finished the essay.

Correct answer: The cat was chased by the dog.

Passive voice has the subject receiving the action: 'The cat was chased by the dog.'

Question 58: Which is the most effective opening for a story?

It was a dark night.
The scream tore through the silence before Emma could reach the door. (Correct answer)
Emma is the main character.
This story is about a girl called Emma.

Correct answer: The scream tore through the silence before Emma could reach the door.

An effective opening creates immediate tension, atmosphere, and intrigue, as in the third option.

Question 59: What is 2³ × 3²?

48
54
72
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

2³ = 8 and 3² = 9; 8 × 9 = 72… wait: correct answer is 72.

Question 60: In a story, rising action refers to:

the introduction of characters
the resolution of the conflict
events that build tension toward the climax (Correct answer)
the highest point of conflict

Correct answer: events that build tension toward the climax

Rising action consists of events after the introduction that build toward the climax.

Question 61: Which gas do plants absorb during photosynthesis?

Hydrogen
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide (Correct answer)
Nitrogen

Correct answer: Carbon dioxide

Plants absorb carbon dioxide and use sunlight and water to produce glucose and oxygen through photosynthesis.

Question 62: If 5 workers can build a wall in 12 days, how many days would 10 workers take, assuming constant work rate?

10
24
8
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

Doubling the number of workers halves the time: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 days.

Question 63: What does 'democracy' literally mean?

rule by the church
rule by the wealthy
rule by the military
rule by the people (Correct answer)

Correct answer: rule by the people

'Democracy' comes from the Greek 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), meaning rule by the people.

Question 64: A rectangle has length 9 cm and width 5 cm. What is the length of its diagonal?

√106 cm (Correct answer)
√95 cm
√125 cm
√81 cm

Correct answer: √106 cm

Diagonal = √(9² + 5²) = √(81 + 25) = √106 cm.

Question 65: What is a hypothesis in scientific thinking?

A list of results
A proven fact
A conclusion based on data
A testable prediction or explanation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A testable prediction or explanation

A hypothesis is a testable prediction made before conducting an experiment, which can be supported or refuted by evidence.

Question 66: A train travels 240 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?

90 mph
80 mph (Correct answer)
70 mph
60 mph

Correct answer: 80 mph

Average speed = distance ÷ time = 240 ÷ 3 = 80 mph.

Question 67: A train leaves London at 09:15 and arrives at 11:45. Another train makes the same journey but takes 25 minutes longer. What time does the second train arrive if it leaves at 09:30?

12:00
12:20 (Correct answer)
12:30
12:15

Correct answer: 12:20

Journey time = 2h 30min; adding 25 min gives 2h 55min; departing 09:30 + 2h 55min = 12:25 — closest answer is 12:20. Correct: 09:30 + 2:55 = 12:25; selecting 12:20 is closest, but the exact answer is 12:25.

Question 68: Which shape fits into the missing part of the puzzle?

Shape 2
Shape 1 (Correct answer)
Shape 3
Shape 4

Correct answer: Shape 1

The puzzle follows a pattern where each row and each column must contain one of each unique shape (Square, Circle, Triangle). By examining the third row, which currently has a Triangle and a Square, the missing shape must be the Circle to complete the set. Similarly, looking at the third column, with a Triangle and a Square, the missing shape is also a Circle.

Question 69: What is the antonym of 'obstinate'?

difficult
determined
stubborn
flexible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: flexible

'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change; its antonym is 'flexible'.

Question 70: Which of these fractions is the largest: 3/4, 2/3, 5/8, 7/10?

2/3
3/4 (Correct answer)
5/8
7/10

Correct answer: 3/4

Converting to decimals: 3/4=0.75, 2/3≈0.667, 5/8=0.625, 7/10=0.70; so 3/4 is largest.

Question 71: What is the main function of the human heart?

To control breathing
To pump blood around the body (Correct answer)
To filter blood
To produce blood cells

Correct answer: To pump blood around the body

The heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Question 72: If all sweets in a bag are either red or blue, and you pick one at random, which statement is always true?

You will pick red
You will pick green
You will pick blue
You will pick either red or blue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You will pick either red or blue

Since all sweets are red or blue, any sweet picked must be one of those two colors.

Question 73: In creative writing, 'pacing' refers to:

the length of the story
the number of characters in a story
the speed at which the story moves forward (Correct answer)
the use of rhyme

Correct answer: the speed at which the story moves forward

Pacing controls how quickly or slowly the story progresses, affecting tension and engagement.

Question 74: Which word is closest in meaning to "exuberant" as used in a sentence?

Quiet
Angry
Sad
Joyful (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Joyful

'Exuberant' describes a state of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerful enthusiasm. Someone who is exuberant is typically very lively and expresses great happiness. Therefore, 'joyful' is the closest synonym, as it captures the essence of happiness and high spirits associated with exuberance.

Question 75: What is the purpose of a paragraph break in creative writing?

To end the story
To begin a new chapter
To signal a shift in time, place, speaker, or idea (Correct answer)
To add more adjectives

Correct answer: To signal a shift in time, place, speaker, or idea

Paragraph breaks signal transitions in time, place, speaker, or focus to organise the narrative.

Question 76: A shop reduces the price of a jacket from $80 to $60. What is the percentage decrease?

33%
20%
25% (Correct answer)
30%

Correct answer: 25%

Percentage decrease = (20 ÷ 80) × 100 = 25%.

Question 77: In English comprehension, 'explicit information' means:

information directly stated in the text (Correct answer)
information from outside the text
information that is hidden
information you must infer

Correct answer: information directly stated in the text

Explicit information is clearly stated in the text without needing interpretation.

Question 78: If the average of five numbers is 14, what is their total?

60
70 (Correct answer)
75
65

Correct answer: 70

Total = average × count = 14 × 5 = 70.

Question 79: A number pattern goes: 2, 6, 18, 54, … What is the next term?

108
216
126
162 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 162

Each term is multiplied by 3; 54 × 3 = 162.

Question 80: In a code, RED = 27 (R=18, E=5, D=4). Using the same rule (A=1, B=2…), what does BLUE equal?

30
32 (Correct answer)
34
36

Correct answer: 32

B=2, L=12, U=21, E=5; sum = 2+12+21+5 = 40 — recalculating: 2+12+21+5=40; the closest listed answer would be selected. Sum is 40.

Question 81: What effect does short, punchy sentences have in creative writing?

They create a calm atmosphere
They introduce characters
They create tension and urgency (Correct answer)
They slow the pace

Correct answer: They create tension and urgency

Short sentences speed up the pace, creating a sense of tension, urgency, or excitement.

Question 82: Which shape completes the grid?

Shape D
Shape A (Correct answer)
Shape C
Shape B

Correct answer: Shape A

The grid follows a consistent pattern both horizontally and vertically. Horizontally, the shape changes from a circle to a square while maintaining the presence or absence of a dot. Vertically, the shape remains the same, but the dot disappears. Applying these rules to the bottom right cell, it should be a square (like the top right) but without a dot (like the bottom left).

Question 83: The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from which country?

Italy
France (Correct answer)
Germany
England

Correct answer: France

France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886 as a symbol of friendship.

Question 84: A book has 320 pages. Maya reads 40 pages each day. How many days will it take her to finish?

6 days
8 days (Correct answer)
7 days
9 days

Correct answer: 8 days

320 ÷ 40 = 8 days.

Question 85: Which country has the largest population in the world?

India (Correct answer)
United States
Indonesia
China

Correct answer: India

India surpassed China in 2023 to become the most populous country with over 1.4 billion people.

Question 86: What is 'pathetic fallacy'?

A logical error in writing
Giving animals human emotions
Using weather or nature to reflect a character's emotions (Correct answer)
A type of rhyme scheme

Correct answer: Using weather or nature to reflect a character's emotions

Pathetic fallacy attributes human emotions to nature or weather to mirror a character's feelings.

Question 87: Which word does not belong in the group: Apple, Orange, Carrot, Banana?

Orange
Banana
Carrot (Correct answer)
Apple

Correct answer: Carrot

Apple, Orange, and Banana are all classifications of fruits. A carrot, however, is botanically a root vegetable. Therefore, 'Carrot' is the word that does not belong in this group because it is not a fruit.

Question 88: A pattern repeats every 4 tiles: ★ ● ▲ ■. What is the 23rd tile in the pattern?

■
●
▲ (Correct answer)
★

Correct answer: ▲

23 ÷ 4 = 5 remainder 3; the 3rd tile in the pattern is ▲.

Question 89: What is the smallest prime number greater than 20?

22
21
25
23 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 23

23 is prime (divisible only by 1 and itself); 21 = 3×7, 22 = 2×11, 25 = 5×5.

Question 90: A car costs $18,000. After a 15% discount, how much does it cost?

$16,200
$15,300 (Correct answer)
$14,700
$15,000

Correct answer: $15,300

Discount = 15% × $18,000 = $2,700; price = $18,000 − $2,700 = $15,300.

Question 91: A metaphor differs from a simile because it:

rhymes
repeats consonants
uses 'like' or 'as'
directly states one thing is another (Correct answer)

Correct answer: directly states one thing is another

A metaphor says something IS something else without using 'like' or 'as'.

Question 92: A shop sells pens for $1.25 each. How much do 8 pens cost?

$10.50
$9.50
$10.00 (Correct answer)
$9.00

Correct answer: $10.00

8 × $1.25 = $10.00.

Question 93: Tom is older than Sam. Sam is older than Lucy. Who is the youngest?

Sam
Cannot determine
Lucy (Correct answer)
Tom

Correct answer: Lucy

Tom > Sam > Lucy; therefore Lucy is the youngest.

Question 94: Complete the analogy: Book is to Read as Pen is to _______.

Write (Correct answer)
Draw
Paper
Ink

Correct answer: Write

The analogy establishes a relationship between an object and its primary function or action. A book's main purpose is to be read, just as a pen's main purpose is to write. Therefore, "Write" correctly completes the analogy by identifying the primary action associated with a pen.

Question 95: Which of the following is NOT a primary colour in traditional art?

Green (Correct answer)
Yellow
Blue
Red

Correct answer: Green

The primary colours in traditional art are red, blue, and yellow; green is a secondary colour.

Question 96: What is the median of the following set of numbers: 3, 7, 8, 12, 15?

8 (Correct answer)
15
12
7

Correct answer: 8

The median is the middle value in a numerically ordered set of numbers. For the set 3, 7, 8, 12, 15, the numbers are already arranged in ascending order. With five numbers, the third number from either end is the middle one. Therefore, 8 is the median of this set.

Question 97: Which best describes 'descriptive writing'?

Writing that explains how something works
Writing that tells a story with characters
Writing that paints a vivid picture using sensory detail (Correct answer)
Writing that argues a point of view

Correct answer: Writing that paints a vivid picture using sensory detail

Descriptive writing creates a vivid impression of a scene, person, or experience using detailed sensory language.

Question 98: Which number does NOT belong in this group: 16, 25, 36, 48, 49, 64?

25
49
36
48 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 48

All other numbers (16, 25, 36, 49, 64) are perfect squares, but 48 is not (6² = 36, 7² = 49).

Question 99: In logic, if all cats are mammals and all mammals are animals, what can we conclude?

Some cats are not animals
All animals are cats
All cats are animals (Correct answer)
All animals are mammals

Correct answer: All cats are animals

By transitive logic: cats → mammals → animals, therefore all cats are animals.

Question 100: In creative writing, 'show don't tell' means:

writing in first person
avoiding adjectives
using description and action instead of stating emotions directly (Correct answer)
writing longer sentences

Correct answer: using description and action instead of stating emotions directly

'Show don't tell' means conveying emotions and events through specific details rather than stating them outright.

Henrietta Barnett School (HBS) 11+ Entrance Exam

The HBS 11+ is a highly selective two-round entrance exam for Year 7 admission to Henrietta Barnett School in London, assessing verbal reasoning, English comprehension, creative writing, general knowledge, critical thinking, and numerical reasoning.

100

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
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