CEM vs GL 11+ Exams: Key Differences Every Parent Should Know

Preparing your child for the 11+ exam can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the array of acronyms and exam boards involved. Among the most widely used are the GL (Granada Learning) and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) assessments. While both exams test similar subjects like English, Mathematics, and Reasoning, there are distinct differences that will impact how you prepare.

This guide will help you understand these differences, ensuring your child is prepared for whichever exam they will face.

1. The Basic Structure: GL vs CEM 11+ Exams

• GL Exam: The GL assessment is a traditional multiple-choice exam covering four areas: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR). The format of the test is relatively predictable, with a large bank of questions reused each year. Therefore, students can prepare for GL exams by practicing from past papers and familiarizing themselves with the question types.
  
• CEM Exam: The CEM exam, developed by Durham University, is designed to be “uncoachable,” meaning it aims to minimize the advantage of intensive tutoring. The questions are more varied and may focus on the ability to apply knowledge to new situations, making the exam more challenging. CEM exams also tend to be more adaptive, adjusting the difficulty based on student performance during the test.

2. Subject Focus: Verbal vs. Numerical Emphasis

• Verbal Skills: One of the biggest differences between GL and CEM exams in 11+ Exams is their focus on verbal reasoning. The CEM exam has a much stronger emphasis on Verbal Reasoning, including tasks like synonyms, antonyms, and cloze passages. This makes a robust vocabulary and strong reading comprehension skills essential for success in the 11 Plus Exams.
  
• GL, on the other hand, tests English more broadly, covering reading comprehension, spelling, and grammar. GL also includes a wider variety of verbal reasoning question types, such as letter sequences, code-breaking, and logical word puzzles.
  
• Maths: Both exams test Maths, but the approach differs slightly. The CEM assessment has a stronger focus on numerical reasoning and data handling, with word problems that require students to analyze and manipulate data from charts and tables. GL typically tests a wider range of KS2 and KS3 math topics, including algebra and geometry, and focuses more on straightforward mathematical problems.
  
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Both exams include Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) tasks, such as shape identification, rotations, and spatial reasoning. However, CEM includes additional challenges, such as cube nets and spatial recognition tasks, while GL may focus more on odd one out and patterns.

3. Timing and Pacing: Pressure vs. Precision

• CEM Exam: Timing is a major feature of the CEM exam. Students are often under tight time constraints, with some sections providing just 6-12 minutes to complete. This makes it a very time-pressured test, and many students may not finish all the questions. The key here is effective time management: encourage your child to skip difficult questions and come back to them if time allows.
  
• GL Exam: Although still a timed test, GL assessments tend to offer slightly more time per question. Most students can complete all sections within the given time frame. However, practice with timed tests is still important, especially for high-stakes areas like verbal reasoning.

4. Answer Formats: Multiple-Choice vs. Open-Ended Responses

• CEM Exam: In the CEM assessment, the answer format can be a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended responses, where students must write answers in answer boxes. This variation adds an additional level of complexity, requiring students to be comfortable with both formats.
  
• GL Exam: Typically, GL assessments are almost entirely multiple-choice. While this simplifies the answering process, it also requires students to be quick and accurate in choosing the correct answer from a list of options.

5. Preparation Strategies: Adapting to the Test Style

• CEM Preparation: Because of its emphasis on verbal reasoning and adaptive difficulty, the CEM exam requires a more holistic approach. Focusing on improving vocabulary, practicing reading comprehension, and honing mental agility in handling verbal puzzles are all key strategies. Regular practice with mock tests will help students become familiar with the unique pacing and format.
  
• GL Preparation: For the GL exam, the preparation is more straightforward. Regular practice with past papers will give students a clear idea of the types of questions to expect. Since the GL exam is more predictable, students can effectively prepare by working through sample questions, improving their mathematical skills, and practicing verbal reasoning through diverse problem-solving tasks.

6. Geographic Differences: Which Areas Use Which Exam?

Certain areas in the UK use either GL or CEM assessments, and understanding this is crucial for targeting the right prep resources:

• GL Exam Areas: Used in regions like Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, and Northern Ireland.
  
• CEM Exam Areas: Used in places like Bexley, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and Wolverhampton.
  
• Mixed Areas: Some areas, such as Devon, Essex, and Greater London, use a combination of GL and CEM, so it’s essential to know which test is being used at your chosen grammar school.

Conclusion: Which Exam is Right for Your Child?

Both the CEM and GL exams test similar subjects, but with different emphases and structures. The CEM exam prioritizes verbal reasoning and requires quick thinking under time pressure, while the GL exam offers a broader range of subjects with more predictable patterns.

Understanding these differences in 11+ Exams will help you tailor your child’s study plan. Whether your child excels in verbal reasoning or prefers a broader exam approach, knowing which test to prepare for is half the battle. For expert support and personalized 11+ exam preparation, consider GX Tuition to help your child achieve their best results.

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