The most common mistakes on the SEAG Transfer Test are often not about ability, but rather avoidable habits. As the test approaches, I see bright, capable children lose marks not because they don’t know the material, but because of errors made under pressure. The good news is that with the right strategies, these mistakes can be reduced, helping children feel confident and prepared.
Not Reading the Question Carefully
One of the most frequent SEAG Transfer Test common mistakes is misreading the question. Children sometimes skim too quickly and answer what they think is being asked rather than what is actually required. A maths question may ask for the difference, but a rushed pupil might calculate the total instead.
Encouraging children to underline key words, slow down slightly, and double-check their responses makes a real difference. At home, parents can reinforce this habit by asking their child to explain the question before answering.
Untidy or Unorganised Working Out
Another common mistake in the SEAG Transfer Test is messy working out. When solutions are jumbled, children are more likely to carry small errors through several steps. Using spare paper properly helps. I advise pupils to number their work clearly in line with each question. This keeps answers organised and makes checking easier at the end.
Parents can support this by encouraging neatness in homework and reminding children that clear working is part of a strong exam technique.
Spending Too Long on One Question
Time management is another area where many pupils struggle. A key SEAG Transfer Test common mistake is spending too much time stuck on a single tricky question. With 56 questions to complete in an hour, pacing is essential.
I remind children that every question carries the same mark. It is better to move on and attempt others, returning later if time allows. Practising small timed tasks at home can help children learn how to pace themselves more effectively.
Weak Comprehension Strategies
Comprehension often proves difficult, not because children cannot read, but because they lack strategies. Without a plan, they can spend too long rereading or miss details.
I teach three core techniques: skimming for the overall meaning, scanning for keywords and details, and annotating by underlining key words in both the passage and question. Another important method is “look back and check” — most answers can be found in the text itself.
For inference questions, I encourage children to combine clues from the text with logical reasoning. For instance, if a character “slammed the door,” pupils should infer feelings of anger or frustration. Parents can practise this by reading passages together and asking “How do you know?” questions.
Weak Foundations in Maths
Fractions, decimals, percentages, and conversions all feature heavily in the SEAG Transfer Test. A common mistake is attempting these without secure foundations in multiplication tables and basic division.
Before tackling harder problems, children need to feel confident in the basics. Regular practice of number facts, written methods, and mental strategies makes advanced topics far easier. Parents can weave practice into daily life — for example, asking children to work out change in shops or double amounts in recipes.
Struggling with Exam Stamina
Another common mistake in the SEAG Transfer Test is underestimating the stamina required. Sitting in silence for over an hour can be tough, especially for ten- and eleven-year-olds. Some lose concentration midway and make careless errors.
Stamina can be built gradually. Start with short, focused bursts, then increase the length of tasks over time. Reading longer passages, timed puzzles, and even quiet family study times help build focus. A good night’s sleep and healthy routines also play a huge part in keeping energy levels high.
Silly Mistakes and Accuracy
It is frustrating when children lose marks on questions they could easily answer. Copying numbers incorrectly, missing units, or forgetting to check signs are classic examples.
I remind children that accuracy matters as much as speed. Building in a habit of reviewing answers, underlining operations, and working neatly can save valuable marks. Parents can encourage this by setting aside time at the end of practice papers to check work carefully.
Balancing Revision and Wellbeing
In the weeks leading up to the test, it is tempting to focus only on revision. However, overloading children can be counterproductive. Too much pressure leads to stress, which can cause more mistakes.
A better approach is short, focused sessions several times a week, with plenty of breaks, family time, and rest. Sports, hobbies, and outdoor play all help reduce stress and build resilience. Parents should focus on encouragement and effort rather than perfection. Confidence is what carries children through the exam.
There’s Still Time
The SEAG Transfer Test common mistakes are often small but costly. The good news is they can be avoided with the right strategies: reading questions carefully, keeping working out neat, pacing effectively, using strong comprehension techniques, building solid maths foundations, developing stamina, and checking for accuracy.
With just weeks to go, now is the time to refine these habits. Small improvements, made consistently, make a big difference on exam day. More importantly, the skills learned — attention to detail, resilience, focus, and confidence — will last far beyond the SEAG Transfer Test.