11 Plus Vocabulary Boost: The Essential Guide Every Parent Needs

A strong vocabulary is essential for success in the 11 Plus Exam, particularly in the English and Verbal Reasoning sections. Many questions test a child’s ability to understand complex words, their meanings, and their usage in different contexts. Building a rich and varied vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to improve reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and creative writing, all key components of the 11+ exam.

This guide will cover must-know words, strategies to expand vocabulary, and how Mock Exam Centre’s interactive study tools can help your child master difficult words and apply them effectively in the exam.

Why Vocabulary Matters for the 11+ Exam

The 11+ exam includes synonyms, antonyms, cloze tests, comprehension passages, and sentence completion exercises, all requiring a strong vocabulary. Students who can confidently identify words and their meanings will:

• Score higher in Verbal Reasoning and English comprehension.
• Improve their creative writing skills with advanced word choice.
• Understand complex exam questions quickly and accurately.
• Feel more confident when encountering unfamiliar words.

For free vocabulary-building exercises, access here a collection of vocabulary activities, which offers engaging and interactive practice materials.

Must-Know Words for the 11+ Exam

Below is a selection of high-frequency words that commonly appear in 11+ exams. These words span multiple categories, including adjectives, verbs, and advanced connectors.

Common Synonyms and Antonyms

• Abundant – plentiful, ample (Opposite: scarce, limited)
• Reluctant – hesitant, unwilling (Opposite: eager, willing)
• Meticulous – thorough, precise (Opposite: careless, sloppy)
• Vigorous – energetic, strong (Opposite: weak, feeble)

Powerful Verbs for Creative Writing

• Scrutinise – examine closely
• Fabricate – invent, create
• Exaggerate – overstate, embellish
• Quell – suppress, subdue

Advanced Connectors for Sentence Building

• Moreover – adds additional information
  • Example: “The 11 Plus exam tests your maths and English skills. Moreover, it also checks how well you can solve problems and think logically.”
• Consequently – shows cause and effect
  • Example: “Ben practised mock exams every weekend. Consequently, he felt more confident and did very well in the real 11 Plus exam.
• Nevertheless – presents contrast
  • Example: “Sophie found the comprehension questions very difficult. Nevertheless, she kept practising and improved a lot before the 11+ exam.”
• Whereas – compares two opposing ideas
  • Example: “The English paper tests your reading and writing skills, whereas the maths paper focuses on numbers and problem-solving.”

How to Improve Your Child’s Vocabulary for 11 Plus Exams

1. Read Widely and Regularly

Reading books from different genres exposes children to new words in context. Some excellent books for 11+ preparation include:

• The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis
• A Series of Unfortunate Events – Lemony Snicket
• The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett

Encourage children to highlight unfamiliar words and look up their meanings.

2. Use Flashcards and Word Games

3. Practice Synonyms and Antonyms

Many 11+ Verbal Reasoning questions require students to recognize word relationships. Use word association exercises to build quick recall.

4. Take Vocabulary-Based 11 Plus Mock Exams

Regular practice under timed conditions is crucial for success. At Mock Exam Centre, we provide:

• Realistic 11+ vocabulary tests to assess word knowledge.
• Instant feedback with detailed explanations.
• Performance tracking to highlight weak areas.

Try a Free Vocabulary Mock Test

Common 11 Plus Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Memorising words without context. Instead, encourage your child to use new words in sentences. They should understand how and when these words should be used.
2. Ignoring word origins. Understanding prefixes and suffixes helps in guessing meanings of unfamiliar words.
3. Only practising multiple-choice questions. Include writing exercises to strengthen vocabulary application.

A balanced approach, with reading, practice tests, and active learning, is the best strategy for vocabulary mastery.

Building a strong vocabulary is essential for 11+ success. Using a structured approach, including reading, practice, flashcards, and mock exams, will ensure your child is well-prepared.

With Mock Exam Centre’s vocabulary-focused resources, your child can boost their confidence and ace the 11+ exam. We know exactly how to address every skill that need to be developed for the exams.