Dealing with Unfamiliar Formats

One of the defining features of CEM exams is that they deliberately include unfamiliar question formats. Unlike GL exams, which use a consistent and predictable structure, CEM is designed to test how well you cope when you encounter something you have not seen before. This lesson prepares you for that challenge.

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Why CEM Uses Unfamiliar Formats

CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) was developed by Durham University. Their philosophy is that an 11+ exam should test natural ability and thinking skills, not just how much tutoring a student has received. To achieve this, CEM regularly introduces new question types that cannot easily be prepared for by rote learning.

This means:

• You may see question types in the real exam that you have never practised before
• The format of the paper may change from year to year
• Being adaptable and confident is more important than memorising specific question types

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How CEM Differs from GL

Feature	GL	CEM
Question format	Consistent year to year	Changes regularly
Subject separation	Separate papers per subject	Subjects interleaved within papers
Question types	Predictable	Includes unfamiliar formats
Time pressure	Moderate	High
Preparation approach	Practise specific question types	Build broad skills and adaptability

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Strategies for Unfamiliar Questions

When you encounter a question type you have not seen before, use the REACT method:

R — Read carefully

Read the instructions twice. CEM often provides worked examples or instructions at the start of a new section. These are your biggest clue about what to do. Do not skip them.

E — Examine the example

If a worked example is given, study it carefully. Work through it yourself to make sure you understand the method. The example is there to teach you the format — use it.

A — Apply the method

Once you understand what the question is asking, apply the method from the example to the first real question. Take your time on the first one to get it right — the rest will be faster once you understand the format.

C — Check your answer

Does your answer make sense? For maths questions, is it a reasonable number? For English questions, does the sentence sound right when you read it aloud in your head?

T — Trust yourself

If you have followed the instructions and your answer makes sense, move on with confidence. Do not second-guess yourself.

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Common Unfamiliar Formats in CEM

While CEM changes its formats, some less common question types have appeared in past exams:

English

• Shuffled sentences — words given in the wrong order; you must rearrange them
• Matching synonyms across columns — connect words with similar meanings
• Sentence completion from a word bank — choose from a list of provided words
• Two-part comprehension — answer a question about one passage, then a linked question about a second passage

Verbal Reasoning