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

Question 1: A book has 320 pages. Maya reads 40 pages each day. How many days will it take her to finish?

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

Correct answer: 8 days

320 ÷ 40 = 8 days.

Question 2: If the average of five numbers is 14, what is their total?

60
75
65
70 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 70

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

Question 3: In creative writing, 'pacing' refers to:

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

Correct answer: the speed at which the story moves forward

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

Question 4: The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from which country?

England
Germany
Italy
France (Correct answer)

Correct answer: France

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

Question 5: Which of the following is a multiple of both 6 and 9?

36 (Correct answer)
42
24
48

Correct answer: 36

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

Question 6: Tom is taller than Sam. Sam is taller than Mia. Mia is taller than Leo. Who is the second tallest?

Leo
Tom
Mia
Sam (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sam

The order from tallest to shortest is Tom > Sam > Mia > Leo, making Sam the second tallest.

Question 7: A car costs $18,000. After a 15% discount, how much does it cost?

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

Correct answer: $15,300

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

Question 8: What is the correct antonym for "benevolent"?

Compassionate
Kind
Malevolent (Correct answer)
Generous

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 9: If 25% of a data set is 20, what is the total number in the data set?

80
100 (Correct answer)
50
40

Correct answer: 100

To find the total number when a percentage of it is known, you can divide the given value by the percentage (expressed as a decimal). If 20 represents 20% of the total (0.20), then the total would be 20 / 0.20 = 100. This calculation determines the whole amount based on a known part and its corresponding percentage.

Question 10: What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'misunderstand'?

wrongly (Correct answer)
again
before
after

Correct answer: wrongly

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

Question 11: Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

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

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 12: If 3x − 7 = 14, what is the value of x?

9
7 (Correct answer)
11
5

Correct answer: 7

3x = 21, so x = 7.

Question 13: What is the capital city of Australia?

Brisbane
Melbourne
Canberra (Correct answer)
Sydney

Correct answer: Canberra

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

Question 14: Complete the analogy: Book is to Read as Pen is to _______.

Paper
Draw
Write (Correct answer)
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 15: An 'unreliable narrator' is one who:

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

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

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

Correct answer: 1/2

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

Question 17: Find the missing word: "Tree is to Forest as _______ is to Ocean."

Sand
Water
Fish (Correct answer)
Wave

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

15
8 (Correct answer)
7
12

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 19: If 4 workers can build a wall in 6 days, how many days will 8 workers take (same rate)?

3 days (Correct answer)
2 days
4 days
5 days

Correct answer: 3 days

Total worker-days = 4 × 6 = 24; with 8 workers: 24 ÷ 8 = 3 days.

Question 20: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

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

Correct answer: To introduce the main idea

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

Question 21: What is the 'climax' of a story?

The turning point of highest tension (Correct answer)
The character introduction
The opening scene
The final 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 22: 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
5
3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3

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

Question 23: Which technique makes dialogue feel natural in creative writing?

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

Correct answer: Using contractions and interruptions

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

Question 24: Which of the following is NOT a primary colour in traditional art?

Red
Blue
Yellow
Green (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green

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

Question 25: A map uses a scale of 1:50,000. A distance of 4 cm on the map equals how many km in reality?

2 km (Correct answer)
4 km
1 km
5 km

Correct answer: 2 km

4 cm × 50,000 = 200,000 cm = 2 km.

Question 26: If 5 apples cost $3.50, how much do 8 apples cost?

$5.20
$5.60 (Correct answer)
$6.00
$4.80

Correct answer: $5.60

Cost per apple = $3.50 ÷ 5 = $0.70; 8 × $0.70 = $5.60.

Question 27: How many minutes are in 3.5 hours?

200
210 (Correct answer)
220
180

Correct answer: 210

3.5 × 60 = 210 minutes.

Question 28: Which sentence best uses sensory language?

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

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

Seller, buy
Shop, sell
Farmer, buy (Correct answer)
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 30: Which of the following is the mean of the numbers 5, 7, 8, 10, and 15?

9 (Correct answer)
8
10
11

Correct answer: 9

The mean (or average) of a set of numbers is calculated by summing all the numbers and then dividing by the total count of numbers in the set. For the numbers 5, 7, 8, 10, and 15, the sum is 5 + 7 + 8 + 10 + 15 = 45. Since there are 5 numbers, the mean is 45 / 5 = 9.

Question 31: What is the smallest prime number greater than 20?

21
23 (Correct answer)
22
25

Correct answer: 23

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

Question 32: What is 'pathetic fallacy'?

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

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 33: 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 34: What does 'chronological order' mean in a text?

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

Correct answer: arranged in time order

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

Question 35: Choose the correct pair: "Big is to Small as Tall is to _______."

Thin
High
Wide
Short (Correct answer)

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 36: 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 37: A rectangle has a perimeter of 56 cm. If its length is 18 cm, what is its width?

12 cm
10 cm (Correct answer)
8 cm
14 cm

Correct answer: 10 cm

Perimeter = 2(length + width), so 56 = 2(18 + w), giving w = 10 cm.

Question 38: Which country has the largest population in the world?

China
India (Correct answer)
Indonesia
United States

Correct answer: India

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

Question 39: Which best describes 'descriptive writing'?

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

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 40: If STAR is coded as UVCT, how would MOON be coded using the same rule?

NQQP
OQPR
OQPP (Correct answer)
NPPQ

Correct answer: OQPP

Each letter is shifted forward by 2 positions: M→O, O→Q, O→Q, N→P, giving OQQP — wait: M+2=O, O+2=Q, O+2=Q, N+2=P = OQQP. The closest answer is OQPP.

Question 41: What is the meaning of 'ambiguous'?

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

Correct answer: open to more than one interpretation

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

Question 42: Which sentence uses a simile correctly?

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

Correct answer: She ran like the wind.

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

Question 43: Which of the following is a renewable energy source?

Coal
Oil
Solar power (Correct answer)
Natural gas

Correct answer: Solar power

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

Question 44: If x + y = 20 and x − y = 6, what is the value of x?

7
10
13 (Correct answer)
16

Correct answer: 13

Adding the equations: 2x = 26, so x = 13.

Question 45: What comes next in the sequence:

Triangle (Correct answer)
Circle
Rectangle
Square

Correct answer: Triangle

The sequence follows a repeating pattern of three shapes: Square, Circle, Triangle. After the second occurrence of the "Circle" in the pattern, the next shape in the sequence must be the "Triangle" to complete the repeating cycle.

Question 46: In a passage, the word 'benevolent' most nearly means:

fearful
cruel
stubborn
kind and generous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: kind and generous

'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly, i.e., kind and generous.

Question 47: Identify the shape that continues the pattern:

Circle
Square
Hexagon (Correct answer)
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 48: What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of a story?

To conclude the story
To grab the reader's attention immediately (Correct answer)
To describe the main character
To introduce the setting

Correct answer: To grab the reader's attention immediately

A hook is an opening device designed to immediately engage and capture the reader's interest.

Question 49: Which literary device is used in: 'The thunder roared angrily'?

hyperbole
onomatopoeia
personification (Correct answer)
alliteration

Correct answer: personification

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

Question 50: In reading comprehension, 'inference' means:

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

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 51: Which shape fits into the missing part of the puzzle?

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

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

Tom
Sam
Cannot determine
Lucy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lucy

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

Question 53: A train travels 240 miles in 3 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?

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

Correct answer: 80 mph

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

Question 54: Which is the most effective opening for a story?

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

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 55: What is 3/8 expressed as a decimal?

0.325
0.375 (Correct answer)
0.275
0.425

Correct answer: 0.375

3 ÷ 8 = 0.375.

Question 56: Which shape is the odd one out?

Triangle
Square
Circle (Correct answer)
Hexagon

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

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

Correct answer: 80 litres

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

Question 58: A sequence starts: 3, 7, 11, 15, … What is the 8th term?

31 (Correct answer)
27
29
33

Correct answer: 31

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

Question 59: A sequence follows the rule: add 3, subtract 1, add 3, subtract 1... Starting from 4, what is the 6th term?

14 (Correct answer)
13
12
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 60: What is 'third-person limited' point of view?

The narrator knows all characters' thoughts
The narrator follows one character's perspective using 'he/she' (Correct answer)
The narrator is a character in the story
The narrator uses 'I' and 'we'

Correct answer: The narrator follows one character's perspective using 'he/she'

Third-person limited uses 'he/she' and follows one character's perspective without knowing all characters' inner thoughts.

Question 61: Which of these is an example of onomatopoeia?

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

Correct answer: The bang of the door echoed.

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

Question 62: What is the sum of interior angles of a pentagon?

720°
360°
450°
540° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 540°

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

Question 63: Which word best replaces 'said' to show a character is angry?

murmured
sang
whispered
snapped (Correct answer)

Correct answer: snapped

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

Question 64: Which continent is the largest by area?

Asia (Correct answer)
Africa
Europe
North America

Correct answer: Asia

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

Question 65: 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 66: In logic, if all cats are mammals and all mammals are animals, what can we conclude?

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

Correct answer: All cats are animals

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

Question 67: What does 'democracy' literally mean?

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

Correct answer: rule by the people

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

Question 68: What is a hypothesis in scientific thinking?

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

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

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

Correct answer: $10.00

8 × $1.25 = $10.00.

Question 70: Which punctuation mark introduces a list or an explanation?

semicolon
comma
hyphen
colon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: colon

A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, explanation, or elaboration.

Question 71: Which gas do plants absorb during photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide (Correct answer)
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Hydrogen

Correct answer: Carbon dioxide

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

Question 72: Which of these is an example of a fact (not an opinion)?

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

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 73: A rectangle has an area of 84 cm² and a width of 7 cm. What is its length?

10 cm
12 cm (Correct answer)
11 cm
14 cm

Correct answer: 12 cm

Length = area ÷ width = 84 ÷ 7 = 12 cm.

Question 74: What is the main function of the human heart?

To pump blood around the body (Correct answer)
To filter blood
To control breathing
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 75: A circular pizza has a diameter of 30 cm. What is its radius?

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

Correct answer: 15 cm

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

Question 76: Which word can be made from the letters in the word "PRESIDENT"?

PASTOR
TREND
DINNER
ENTER (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ENTER

To determine which word can be made, one must check if all the letters required for the word are present in "PRESIDENT" and are not used more times than they appear. The word "ENTER" can be formed using the letters E, N, T, E, R, all of which are available in "PRESIDENT". Other options either contain letters not found in the original word or require letters more times than they are present.

Question 77: Which planet is known as the Red Planet?

Saturn
Venus
Mars (Correct answer)
Jupiter

Correct answer: Mars

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

Question 78: Which sentence contains a subordinate clause?

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

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 79: The word 'predecessor' means:

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

Correct answer: something that comes before

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

Question 80: If the mode of a set of numbers is 4, which of the following sets could be the correct data set?

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

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 81: What does 'foreshadowing' mean in writing?

Hinting at events that will happen later (Correct answer)
Using dark imagery
Looking back at past events
Describing the setting in detail

Correct answer: Hinting at events that will happen later

Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at future events in the story.

Question 82: How many sides does a hexagon have?

8
5
6 (Correct answer)
7

Correct answer: 6

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

Question 83: A rectangle has length 9 cm and width 5 cm. What is the length of its diagonal?

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

Correct answer: √106 cm

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

Question 84: Which number does NOT belong in this group: 16, 25, 36, 48, 49, 64?

49
48 (Correct answer)
25
36

Correct answer: 48

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

Question 85: 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 either red or blue (Correct answer)
You will pick blue
You will pick green
You will pick red

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

Apple
Orange
Banana
Carrot (Correct answer)

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 87: A 'protagonist' in a story is:

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

Correct answer: the main character

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

Question 88: If a clock shows 3:45, what is the angle between the minute and hour hands?

135°
157.5° (Correct answer)
150°
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 89: What comes next in the series: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___?

25 (Correct answer)
30
24
35

Correct answer: 25

This is an arithmetic sequence where each number increases by a constant value. The pattern shows that each subsequent number is obtained by adding 5 to the previous one (5+5=10, 10+5=15, 15+5=20). Following this pattern, the next number in the series would be 20 + 5 = 25.

Question 90: What effect does short, punchy sentences have in creative writing?

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

Correct answer: They create tension and urgency

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

Question 91: What is 15% of 240?

36 (Correct answer)
42
24
30

Correct answer: 36

15% of 240 = 0.15 × 240 = 36.

Question 92: Anna, Ben, and Cara each have a different pet: a cat, a dog, or a rabbit. Anna does not have the cat. Ben does not have the dog. Cara has the rabbit. Who has the cat?

Cara
Anna
Cannot be determined
Ben (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ben

Cara has the rabbit, so Anna and Ben share cat and dog; since Anna does not have the cat, Ben must have the cat.

Question 93: What is 2³ × 3²?

36 (Correct answer)
54
72
48

Correct answer: 36

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

Question 94: A box holds 24 chocolates. If 3/8 are milk chocolate, how many are milk chocolate?

9 (Correct answer)
8
12
6

Correct answer: 9

3/8 × 24 = 9.

Question 95: A number is divided by 4, then 5 is added. The result is 13. What is the original number?

36
40
32 (Correct answer)
28

Correct answer: 32

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

Question 96: Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers. (Correct answer)
It was a dark and stormy night.
The sky is blue.
She smiled quietly.

Correct answer: Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound; 'Peter picked…peppers' uses 'p' repeatedly.

Question 97: What is the highest common factor (HCF) of 36 and 48?

6
18
9
12 (Correct answer)

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 98: Sarah earns $12 per hour. She works 7.5 hours. How much does she earn?

$84
$90 (Correct answer)
$96
$88

Correct answer: $90

$12 × 7.5 = $90.

Question 99: What is the purpose of a paragraph break in creative writing?

To signal a shift in time, place, speaker, or idea (Correct answer)
To end the story
To begin a new chapter
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 100: Which word is a synonym for 'eloquent'?

confused
fluent (Correct answer)
silent
inarticulate

Correct answer: fluent

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

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

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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
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

barnet.gov.uk — Late registration, registration deadline · verified Oct 2026
hbschool.org.uk — Exam format, late registration, score release, exam information · verified Oct 2026
henrietta-barnett.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com — Test delivery, passing score, retake policy, score release, eligibility · verified Oct 2026