11+ comprehension isn't really about reading speed. It's about reading with intent — knowing what each paragraph is doing while you read it. That single mental shift is worth more than any tip on skimming or scanning.
Step 1: One-line summary per paragraph
As your child reads, ask them to summarise each paragraph in their head in one sentence. "This paragraph describes the weather." "This one introduces the brother." That habit alone lifts comprehension scores significantly.
Step 2: Spot the emotional turn
Most 11+ passages contain a key moment where the mood, character feeling, or perspective shifts. Train your child to underline (or mentally mark) that turn. Practice now on a comprehension passage to try this.
Step 3: Answer in the order they ask
Examiners write questions roughly in passage order. If your child can't answer Q5, they can usually find the relevant lines just after Q4's answer.
Step 4: Quote evidence in your head
For every answer, identify the line in the passage that proves it. If you can't, the answer is probably a guess.