International School Entrance Exam Preparation Guide | 国际学校入学备考规划指南

📚 International School Entrance Exam Preparation Guide | 国际学校入学备考规划指南

Entering an international school is a major step for students and families alike. A well-structured preparation plan can transform ambition into achievement, helping students master required English, mathematics, and reasoning skills while building confidence for the admission process.

进入一所国际学校对学生和家庭来说都是一个重要的转折点。一份结构清晰的备考规划能够将目标变为现实，帮助学生在掌握必需的英语、数学和推理能力的同时，为入学流程建立充分的信心。

1. Understanding International School Entrance Exams | 了解国际学校入学考试

Most international schools in China and across Asia use a combination of standardised assessments and school-specific papers. The most common tools include the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), and Cambridge English Placement Test (CEPT). These evaluate verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning, plus language proficiency and mathematics.

中国及亚洲地区的大多数国际学校采用标准化测评与校内自命题相结合的方式。最常见的工具包括认知能力测试（CAT4）、学业成长评估（MAP）和剑桥英语分级测试（CEPT），用以评估词语、非词语、数量和空间推理，以及语言水平和数学能力。

Some schools, especially those following a British curriculum, may also administer written English essays and science reasoning sections. It is crucial to confirm the exact test format with the target school well in advance.

部分学校，尤其是开设英式课程的学校，可能还会加设英语写作和科学推理部分。务必提前向目标学校确认准确的考试形式。

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2. Assessing Your Child’s Current Level | 评估孩子的现有水平

Before building a study plan, identify academic and cognitive baselines through diagnostic tests or full-length mock exams. Pay special attention to gaps in academic vocabulary, mental arithmetic, and logical reasoning strategies. An honest baseline prevents misdirected effort later on.

在制定学习计划之前，通过诊断测试或全真模拟考试找准学业和认知的起点。特别要关注学术词汇、心算能力和逻辑推理策略方面的薄弱环节。实事求是的基线水平能避免后期用错劲。

Record performance in each area with clear benchmarks, such as ‘able to solve two-step word problems in English but struggles with non-verbal classification’. This precision makes the subsequent plan actionable.

用明确的基准记录每个领域的表现，例如“能够解答英文两步应用题，但在非语言分类题上存在困难”。这样精准的记录能让后续计划更具操作性。

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3. Setting a Realistic Preparation Timeline | 制定切实可行的备考时间表

For most entrance exams, an effective preparation period spans 3-6 months, depending on the student’s starting point. Divide this into three phases: foundation building (learning key concepts and vocabulary), skill consolidation (targeted practice and error analysis), and mock simulation (full-length tests under time constraints). Allocate at least one month for simulations.

对于大多数入学考试来说，有效的备考周期为3到6个月，具体取决于学生的起点。可将时间划分为三个阶段：基础构建（学习核心概念和词汇）、技能巩固（针对性练习与错题分析）和模拟冲刺（限时全真模拟）。模拟阶段至少安排一个月。

Weekly schedules should balance English, mathematics, and reasoning to avoid burnout. For example, a Year 6 applicant could spend Mondays on vocabulary and reading, Wednesdays on maths problem solving, and Fridays on CAT4 spatial puzzles. Short, focused sessions outperform marathon study days.

每周的学习计划应均衡安排英语、数学和推理，避免疲劳。例如一名六年级申请者可以周一进行词汇和阅读训练，周三主攻数学应用题，周五练习CAT4空间推理。短时专注的学习比长时间拉锯战效果更好。

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4. Mastering English Language Skills | 攻克英语语言技能

English is often the biggest hurdle for non-native speakers. The exams assess reading comprehension, vocabulary range, grammar accuracy, and writing fluency. Start by building a strong academic word bank with tools like the Academic Word List (AWL) combined with graded readers that align with the student’s interests.

对非英语母语者而言，英语往往是最大的障碍。考试会考查阅读理解、词汇广度、语法准确度和写作流畅度。首先要利用“学术词汇表”（AWL）等工具，结合与学生兴趣匹配的分级读物，建立扎实的学术词库。

For writing, practice crafting well-structured paragraphs using the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) model. Sample prompts include describing a favourite pastime or arguing for or against school uniforms. Always time the writing: 200-250 words in 30 minutes is a typical target for upper primary applicants.

在写作方面，练习用PEEL模型（观点-证据-解释-衔接）构建条理清晰的段落。常见题目包括描述最喜爱的消遣或针对校服发表正反观点。务必计时写作：高年级小学申请者的典型目标为30分钟内完成200至250词。

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5. Building Strong Mathematical Foundations | 构建扎实的数学基础

Mathematical reasoning in entrance exams goes beyond computation; it tests problem solving in English. Key topics include number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, geometry, and basic algebra. The biggest challenge is often language: understanding terms like ‘product’, ‘sum of’, or ‘what is the remainder when 235 is divided by 7?’.

入学考试中的数学推理不仅考查计算，更检验学生用英语解决问题的能力。核心知识点包括数字运算、分数、小数、百分数、比和比例、几何以及基础代数。最大的挑战往往在于语言：需要理解“product”（积）、“sum of”（总和）或“235除以7的余数是多少”这类表述。

Create a bilingual mathematics glossary and drill word problems daily. For instance, a typical question: ‘If 3x + 2 = 14, find the value of x.’ The solution step can be modelled as:

制作一份双语数学术语表，并每天操练应用题。例如，一道典型题目：若 3x + 2 = 14，求 x 的值。解答步骤可演示为：

3x + 2 = 14 → 3x = 12 → x = 4

Encourage students to write solution steps entirely in English, which reinforces both maths and language skills simultaneously.

鼓励学生用英文完整写出解题步骤，这样可以同步巩固数学与语言能力。

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6. Tackling Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning (CAT4) | 攻克非语言推理与空间推理 (CAT4)

CAT4 batteries are widely used across British international schools. The non-verbal reasoning section asks students to identify patterns in abstract shapes, while spatial reasoning involves mentally manipulating 2D and 3D figures. These skills are rarely taught in standard curricula but can be improved with regular exposure.

CAT4测试在英式国际学校中广泛使用。非语言推理部分要求学生识别抽象图形中的规律，空间推理则涉及对二维和三维图形进行心理操作。这些能力在常规课程中很少教授，但可通过持续接触得到提升。

For non-verbal reasoning, practise classifying shapes by colour, size, orientation, and number of elements. A question might show a sequence of triangles rotating clockwise; the student must select the next frame. Use questions such as ‘Figure out the shape that completes the analogy: □ → ■, ○ → ?’ The answer is ●.

对于非语言推理，练习按颜色、大小、方向和元素数量对图形进行分类。题目可能展示一系列顺时针旋转的三角形，学生需要选出下一帧的图形。可使用诸如“找出完成类比的图形：□ → ■，○ → ?”的题目，答案为 ●。

Spatial puzzles can include nets of cubes and hidden shapes. Build paper models and use online apps that allow students to rotate solids. Even 10 minutes of daily spatial drills can significantly raise a CAT4 score.

空间推理题目可能包括立方体展开图和隐藏图形。可以动手制作纸模，或借助可旋转立体的在线应用。哪怕每天只需10分钟的空间专项训练，也能明显提升CAT4成绩。

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7. Science and Logical Thinking for Entrance Exams | 入学考试中的科学与逻辑思维

Some schools, particularly selective ones, include a science reasoning component. Questions often ask students to interpret data from tables or graphs, describe simple experiments, or draw conclusions from scientific texts. A solid grasp of the scientific method is invaluable.

部分学校，尤其是选拔性较强的学校，会包含科学推理部分。题目通常要求学生解释表格或图表中的数据、描述简单的实验，或从科学文章中得出结论。牢固掌握科学方法是十分宝贵的。

Practise with short passages about topics like ‘the effect of sunlight on plant growth’ and answer questions such as ‘What was the independent variable in the experiment?’ Encourage students to use phrases like ‘The evidence suggests…’ and ‘Therefore, we can infer…’ This mirrors academic writing they will encounter later in school.

可以通过有关“光照对植物生长的影响”等主题的短篇文章进行练习，回答诸如“实验中的自变量是什么？”这类问题。鼓励学生使用“证据表明……”和“因此，我们可以推断……”等表述。这正好与他们入学后将遇到的学术写作相呼应。

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8. Mock Exams and Past Paper Practice | 模拟考试与真题训练

Simulating the real exam environment is the most effective way to convert knowledge into performance. Schedule at least four full-length mock exams under timed conditions, using official practice materials or papers from reputable sources. After each mock, analyse mistakes by category: careless errors, knowledge gaps, or misinterpretation of the English phrasing.

模拟真实考试环境是将知识转化为考场表现的最有效方式。至少安排四次限时全真模拟考试，使用官方练习材料或来自可靠来源的试卷。每次模拟后，按类别分析错误：粗心失误、知识漏洞，还是对英文表述的误解。

Keep an error journal. For each mistake, write a concise reflection: ‘I misread the question – it asked for the perimeter, not the area.’ This simple habit builds metacognition and prevents repeated blunders. Gradually tighten time limits as the exam date approaches.

准备一个错题本。针对每个错误写下简要反思：“我误读了题目——它问的是周长，不是面积。”这个简单的习惯能够培养元认知，避免重复犯错。随着考试日期临近，逐步缩短答题时限。

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9. Interview Preparation and Soft Skills | 面试准备与软技能

Many international schools include a student interview, either one-on-one or in a group. Interviewers look for genuine curiosity, the ability to express ideas in English, and interpersonal skills. Common topics include hobbies, favourite books, reasons for wanting to join the school, and how the student handles challenges.

许多国际学校设有学生面试环节，可能是一对一面谈或小组活动。面试官希望看到真正的好奇心、用英语表达想法的能力，以及人际交往技巧。常见主题包括爱好、最喜欢的书籍、申请该校的原因以及如何应对挑战。

Conduct mock interviews twice a week, recording them for review. Focus not only on content but also on eye contact, posture, and the clarity of voice. Teach bridging phrases such as ‘That’s an interesting question. Firstly, I think…’ to buy thinking time naturally.

每周进行两次模拟面试并录像回看。不仅要关注回答内容，还要注意眼神交流、身体姿态和语音清晰度。可以教学生使用“这个问题很有趣。首先，我认为……”之类的过渡语句，自然地为自己争取思考时间。

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10. Managing Test Anxiety and Building Confidence | 管理考试焦虑与建立自信

Even well-prepared students can suffer from nerves. Normalise stress by discussing it openly and practising relaxation techniques such as box breathing (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). Remind your child that some anxiety is a sign of a body ready to perform, not a sign of failure.

即便是充分准备的学生也可能感到紧张。可以通过开诚布公的讨论以及练习放松技巧（如4-4-4-4盒式呼吸法）来让焦虑正常化。提醒您的孩子，适度焦虑标志着身体已准备好发挥，而非失败的信号。

Build a pre-exam routine that includes a healthy breakfast, a short walk, and positive affirmations. Have the student visualise walking into the exam room calmly and solving problems confidently several times in the days leading up to the test. Visualisation is a proven performance enhancer.

建立一套考前惯例，包括健康的早餐、短暂的散步和积极的自我肯定。让学生在考前数日多次想象自己从容地走入考场并自信解题的情景。可视化已被证实是一种有效的表现提升技巧。

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11. Parental Support and Creating a Study-Friendly Environment | 家长支持与营造良好学习环境

Parents act as facilitators, not drill sergeants. Provide a quiet, well-lit study space free from digital distractions. Establish a consistent daily routine that includes breaks, physical activity, and enough sleep. Display a whiteboard with the week’s goals and celebrate small wins, such as improved spelling scores or finishing a mock paper on time.

家长扮演的是协助者，而非军训教官。提供一个安静、光线充足且无数字化干扰的学习空间。建立一致的每日作息表，包含休息、体育活动和充足的睡眠。在小白板上写下每周目标，并庆祝每一次小进步，比如词汇听写分数提升或按时完成模拟卷。

Be a language partner. Engage in English conversations at dinner, ask open-ended questions about the day’s learning, and read the same book to discuss it together. This low-pressure immersion accelerates language acquisition far beyond textbook drills alone.

做孩子的语言伙伴。在饭桌上用英语交谈，就当天的学习提出开放性问题，还可以共读一本书并讨论。这种低压力的沉浸式实践比单靠课本练习更能加速语言习得。

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12. Choosing the Right Preparation Resources and Support | 选择正确的备考资源与支持

With so many courses and books on the market, focus on quality over quantity. Recommended resources include CAT4 practice test packs from GL Assessment, MAP skills workbooks, and Cambridge English readers. When selecting a tutor or programme, look for those with proven experience in international school entrance and a strong command of academic English.

市面上课程和书籍繁多，应重质不重量。推荐资源包括GL Assessment出版的CAT4练习测试包、MAP技能练习册和剑桥英语分级读物。选择导师或培训项目时，要寻找那些在国际学校入学方面经验丰富、学术英语功底扎实的专业人士。

Online platforms like TutorHao offer bespoke preparation pathways that combine diagnostic assessments, targeted skill-building modules, and regular 1-on-1 tutorials tailored to specific school requirements. Such integrated support ensures no area is overlooked, from mathematical reasoning to interview poise.

像TutorHao这样的在线平台提供定制化备考路径，将诊断评估、针对性技能模块和定期一对一辅导相结合，并可根据特定学校要求进行调整。这类一体化支持确保从数学推理到面试风度的每个环节都不会被忽略。

Published by TutorHao | Entrance Exam Preparation Series | aleveler.com

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