The importance of vocabulary
Is your child taking the 11 plus exam for entry to a grammar or independent school? It's highly likely they'll be tested on their vocabulary knowledge. Vocabulary is usually assessed through English tests, verbal reasoning, or a mix of both.
Vocabulary in 11+ English
Most 11 plus exams include an English test. This normally involves a reading comprehension task and in some cases, creative writing.
In reading comprehension questions, children will be tested on their ability to make inferences, deduce based on given evidence, rephrase, and summarise a passage. In creative writing tasks, children will be assessed on the extent of their vocabulary and its purpose within the text, as well as the accuracy of their spelling.
Vocabulary in 11+ verbal reasoning
If your child’s 11 plus exam includes a verbal reasoning paper, you can be sure they will be tested on their vocabulary knowledge. Typical questions include selecting synonyms, antonyms or homonyms from a given list, spotting the odd one out from a selection of words, or identifying the connection between groups of words. Strong vocabulary knowledge is key to success in these questions.
11 plus vocabulary list
Our 11 plus vocabulary list includes 300 words that we recommend your child should know before their exam. These include words used by past GL Assessment 11+ papers, and more challenging words from the Year 6 curriculum.
300 words your child should know for the 11+
See the full list of 300 words we recommend for 11+ success below. Want to support your child’s learning even further? Download the printable version! Just fill in a short form and we’ll send you the complete vocabulary resource.
Words grouped by helpful themes (like emotions, actions, and settings)
Clear definitions your child can understand
Example sentences to show each word in context
Handy tips throughout to help your child remember and use new vocabulary
Amused
Empathetic
Expressive
Exultant
Resolute
Anxious
Desolate
Dismayed
Irritable
Sullen
Astute
Diligent
Generous
Taciturn
Tenacious
Champion
Courage
Guardian
Persevere
Selfless
Discern
Ingenious
Resourceful
Scholar
Visionary
Bustling
Haphazardly
Metropolis
Opulent
Overcrowding
Canopy
Majestic
Serene
Thrive
Verdant
Briny
Drift
Foamy
Surge
Tempestuous
Breeze
Chilly
Drizzle
Scorching
Tempest
Ascend
Creep
Dip
Glint
Glow
Bolt
Dart
Lunge
Scurry
Zoom
Glide
Linger
Stroll
Trudge
Wander
Endure
Propel
Robust
Strain
Tense
Stagger
Stumble
Tentative
Unsteadiness
Waver
Shrug
Nod
Wince
Fidget
Clench
Factual
Gentle
Menacing
Sharp
Warm
Murmur
Mutter
Proclaim
Ramble
Snarl
Acknowledge
Align
Dissent
Oppose
Support
Appeal
Convince
Emphasise
Exaggerate
Persuade
Discourage
Dismiss
Challenge
Contradict
Criticise
Endurance
Expedition
Harsh
Inhabit
Navigate
Defeat
Precision
Resilient
Rivalry
Strive
Conceal
Elusive
Obscure
Revelation
Unravel
Breakthrough
Observation
Pioneer
Revolutionary
Theory
Inquisitive
Logical
Observant
Practical
Tireless
Artificial
Device
Groundbreaking
Innovate
Sustainable
Adaptation
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Erosion
Substance
Fatigue
Recover
Rejuvenate
Vital
Wellness
Ancestral
Custom
Folklore
Festivity
Heritage
Close-knit
Diverse
Isolated
Multicultural
Urbanisation
Belonging
Collectively
Embrace
Inclusive
Roots
Civilisation
Dynasty
Era
Monarchy
Revolution
Commemorate
Factor
Outcome
Repercussion
Trigger
Alliance
Diplomatic
Negotiate
Treaty
Truce
Campaign
Equality
Protest
Reform
Transformative
Compost
Conservation
Eco-friendly
Preserve
Renewable
Articulate
Bias
Counterargument
Evidence
Justify
Collapse
Devastation
Escalate
Perish
Wreckage
Headline
Misinformation
Source
Transparent
Verify
Authoritative
Charismatic
Decisive
Delegate
Steadfast
Commanding
Driven
Influential
Mentor
Sway
Awareness
Defiance
Dissent
Disobedient
Empower
Impartial
Integrity
Just
Lawful
Righteous
Conceal
Deceit
Disloyal
Manipulation
Traitor
Dread
Hesitantly
Intimidate
Timid
Petrified
Assured
Bold
Confide
Poise
Triumphantly
Apprehensive
Jittery
Restlessness
Tremble
Uneasy
Fearless
Determined
Perseverance
Persist
Relentless
Comfort
Compassion
Considerate
Impactful
Thoughtful
Abstract
Balance
Depict
Symmetry
Texture
Echo
Harmony
Melody
Resonate
Rhythm
Foreshadow
Imagery
Opposition
Plot
Tone
Dramatic
Improvisation
Monologue
Portrayal
Underlying
Contrast
Imaginative
Inventive
Resulting
Whimsical
Affluent
Asset
Boom
Flourish
Prosperity
Absent-minded
Apprentice
Occupation
Skilful
Workforce
Affordable
Consumer
Investment
Supply
Transaction
Consistent
Finding
Insight
Pattern
Trend
Beneficial
Decline
Irreversible
Reliable
Rewarding
Emphasise
Forecast
Reflect
Reinforce
Ultimately
5 tips for expanding your child’s 11 plus vocabulary
1. Read often and widely
Plenty of studies have shown that children who read many books (and a range of genres) learn new words faster and have much wider vocabularies than children who seldom read. This is because written language uses many more words than we use in spoken language.
Looking to inspire your child with new reading material? Atom's recommended reading list includes a wide variety of books from different genres for children aged 7–11.
2. Play word games
Games such as Scrabble, Boggle, word searches and crosswords can be really useful to help your child discover new words and consolidate their meanings. Playing word games together can make the process of vocabulary learning fun for your child, helping them stay engaged and motivated while aiding retention.
3. Look for word roots
Many English words have the same Greek or Latin roots which provide an indication of their meaning. If your child comes across a word they don’t understand, ask them to break the word down into parts and think about where they might have heard something similar before. Here are some common root words used in everyday language:
Aud: referring to hearing, e.g. audio, audible, audience
Bio: referring to life, e.g. biography, biology, biodegradable
Chrono: relating to time, e.g. chronological, synchronise
Geo: referring to the earth, e.g. geography, geology
Sens: relating to feeling, e.g. sensitive, resent
Sub: referring to something under or inferior, e.g. submissive, subterranean
4. Story writing
Story writing is a great exercise for your child to try out their newly learnt words in a relevant context. Encourage your child to write stories in different genres, trying out their vocabulary for different stylistic effects.
Creative writing is also assessed in many 11 plus exams. Find out which grammar schools include creative writing papers and get free resources to support your child's writing in our 11 plus creative writing guide.
5. Visualise new words
If your child is a visual learner, they may find it easier to recall difficult words if they can associate them with an image. Encourage your child to draw a visual interpretation of a word they find difficult – for instance, the word ‘economical’ may be associated with a picture of money, while ‘bewildered’ could be symbolised by a person looking confused.
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