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11+ vocabulary
Prepare for the 11+ with a free vocabulary test that lists the words you missed, plus an essential word list and online practice.
The 11+ rewards children who recognise precise words under time pressure — in comprehension, synonyms/antonyms, and verbal reasoning. Speed without accuracy still costs marks; accuracy without recognition costs time.
Rote lists help a little; knowing whether abate, candid or diligent fits a sentence helps a lot more when the clock is running and options look similar.
VocabPath’s free level check names the words your child missed, then points them at short practice on those gaps — so revision is specific, not a vague “do more vocab”.
GL Assessment, CEM-style papers and many independent-school English tests all lean on mid-frequency literary and academic vocabulary. That is a different set from everyday chat words, and it is where many bright Year 5 pupils plateau.
Verbal reasoning items often hinge on knowing both a word and its near-neighbour: antonyms, odd-one-out, and cloze all punish approximate knowledge. Hearing the word and seeing it in a short example sentence builds recognition faster than silent flashcards alone.
Families do best with short daily sessions — five to ten minutes — rather than weekend cramming. The free practice page supports that rhythm; the full VocabPath path adds spaced returns so last week’s words do not vanish before the mock.
Our published 11+ list is intentionally curated: essential words with clear UK-English meanings and examples, filterable by difficulty so Year 4 can start gentler and Year 5 can stretch. The list stays free on the page; a PDF download is a convenience option, not a gate on the content.
Retake the free vocabulary test after about two weeks. Seeing which named gaps closed is more motivating for children than a streak counter alone — and it tells parents where to focus next.
Explore the full 11+ word list, try free practice, or read how VocabPath works. Pricing is on /pricing.
Sample words
These samples are drawn from the live 11+ list — the same bank behind the free level check and practice widget. Neighbouring tracks use different words so each hub stays specific.
Begin with the free vocabulary test if you want a named gap list. Browse the word list if you prefer to scan meanings first. Use practice for a short warm-up before a mock or homework slot. When you want the same words returned on a schedule, start a VocabPath path from the report or from pricing.
Everything indexable on this track is meant to stand alone: you should leave with either a diagnosis, a usable list, or a practice session — not a dead end that only exists to push signup.
Yes. Difficulty filters let you start gentler and move up. Parents can sit with younger learners on the first sessions.
The word set targets vocabulary common across major 11+ English/VR styles rather than one board’s proprietary item bank.
The level check, word list and practice widget are free to try. Plus unlocks the full adaptive daily path and progress tracking.
Most families do best with short daily sessions. Retake the level check after about two weeks to see which gaps closed.
Also available: GCSE