Common mistakes in the SEAG Transfer Test can cost pupils valuable marks, even when they know the subject well. This exam is one of the most important milestones for many children in Northern Ireland, but it can also be one of the most daunting. Every year, I see bright, capable pupils lose marks unnecessarily, not because they lack ability, but because of errors that could have been avoided with the proper preparation and strategies.
In this article, I’ll share the key pitfalls I see repeatedly, along with suggestions on how you and your child can avoid them. These small changes can make a big difference to confidence and performance on the day.
Common Mistakes in the SEAG Transfer Test: Not Reading the Question Carefully
It may sound obvious, but many children lose marks simply because they do not fully read the question. In the rush of exam conditions, it’s easy for pupils to skim the words and assume what is being asked, rather than slowing down and checking. The SEAG exam is deliberately worded to test attention to detail as much as knowledge.
For example, a maths question asking for the “difference” is sometimes answered as if it asked for the “total.” The child knows the maths but still loses the mark because they misread.
This is why I train pupils to highlight or underline key words in the question. I encourage them to pause briefly before answering and silently repeat the question in their own words. These small habits build accuracy and ensure children answer exactly what is being asked. Parents can help at home by encouraging their child to read instructions slowly, even when completing homework.
Untidy or Unorganised Working Out
One of the most common mistakes in the SEAG Transfer Test is untidy working out in maths. When calculations are rushed and jumbled, small errors creep in, and it becomes almost impossible to check work at the end.
This is where spare paper is invaluable. I encourage children to number their working out so that it matches the question they are attempting. This way, if they return to the question later, they can follow their thought process clearly. It also allows them to spot mistakes and correct them without confusion.
I often explain to pupils that working out is like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs — a clear path they can retrace. The more organised it is, the more chance they have of catching errors. Over time, this develops into a good exam habit and prevents marks being thrown away unnecessarily.
Spending Too Long on One Question
Spending too long on one question is another common mistake in the SEAG Transfer Test. With 56 questions to answer in an hour, children cannot afford to get stuck for too long. Yet many pupils spend five minutes or more trying to crack one tricky problem, which costs them valuable time for others.
I always remind children that every question is worth the same mark. A long problem-solving task carries no more weight than a simple spelling or a quick calculation. The smart strategy is to move on, attempt everything they can, and come back if there’s time at the end.
In lessons, I practise this by setting timed challenges. Pupils learn to recognise when it’s time to stop and continue, rather than clinging to one question. Parents can help at home by using a timer during practice papers, reminding children that speed and accuracy together are what counts.
Weak Comprehension Strategies
Many pupils find comprehension difficult, not because they cannot read, but because they do not know how to read for the test. Without clear strategies, children end up re-reading passages aimlessly, wasting time and missing key details.
I teach pupils to be “Reading Detectives” by using three main approaches. First, skimming, which is reading quickly to get the general idea before going into detail. Second, scanning to search for names, numbers, or keywords linked to the question. Finally, annotation which involves underlining or circling important words in both the passage and the question.
Another vital habit is “look back and check.” Almost every answer is in the passage, so guessing is rarely needed. For inference questions, I show children how to combine clues with reasoning. If a character “slammed the door,” we discuss what that might reveal about their emotions. Over time, children gain a toolkit of strategies, making comprehension less intimidating and far more manageable.
Weak Foundations in Maths Basics
The SEAG specification covers a wide range of maths, from number work to problem-solving. But when pupils struggle, it is often because their foundations are weak. Fractions, decimals, percentages, and conversions are all topics where shaky basics cause bigger problems.
If a child is unsure of multiplication tables, dividing or finding fractions of amounts becomes slow and stressful. If place value is wobbly, decimals and percentages feel impossible. This is why I focus heavily on core skills first. Once these are secure, pupils can tackle advanced questions with confidence.
Parents can support this at home through regular table practice, quick-fire questions, or by weaving maths into daily life. Asking children to calculate change in a shop or double a recipe helps them practise skills in a meaningful way.
Struggling with Exam Stamina
The SEAG exam lasts over an hour, which is a long time for a 10- or 11-year-old to concentrate. Some children begin strongly but lose focus halfway through, leading to careless mistakes in the later sections.
Stamina, like fitness, can be built gradually. I encourage children to start with short, focused bursts of work. For example, 15 minutes of comprehension or a set of 10 maths problems. Over time, we extend this until they are comfortable working for longer periods.
At home, parents can help by encouraging quiet reading sessions, puzzles, or even games that require concentration. Regular sleep and a good routine also make a huge difference. A well-rested child will always perform better than one who is tired.
Life-long Skills
As both a tutor and a parent, I know how significant these exams feel. My eldest child is just starting playschool, so I am only at the beginning of my own journey as a parent in education. That experience makes me even more aware of the nerves and hopes families feel.
Helping children prepare for SEAG is not just about exam performance. It is about giving them tools that will last well beyond Primary 7: how to manage time, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to learn from mistakes. These lessons build resilience and confidence, qualities that will serve them in school and in life.
Small but Powerful Habits
By avoiding these common mistakes in the SEAG Transfer Test, your child can enter the exam with confidence. Encourage your child to read questions carefully, keep their working out clear, manage time wisely, use comprehension strategies, secure their maths basics, and build stamina gradually.
These small but powerful habits make all the difference. With the right preparation, children can walk into the exam hall with confidence, knowing they are ready to give their best. And for parents, that peace of mind is invaluable.