Essential vocabulary for your child’s 11+ entrance exam success
As a parent preparing their Year 5 child for the 11+ entrance exam, you may find that your child struggles with the definitions of some words, or finds it challenging to use a wide range of vocabulary. This is a common stumbling block that may hinder your child in the 11+ entrance exam, who may be asked to find synonyms or antonyms of some words within the comprehension and verbal reasoning sections.
To help with this, our tutors have created a list of key words below that they suggest children should be familiar with at this stage. Encourage your child to learn the definitions of these words and document them. By creating a vocabulary book now, children can recap any unfamiliar words throughout the year, rather than cramming during the summer holidays.
Read our vocab list below and some top tips from our KSOL tutors, all aimed to helping your child master their word skills!
Vocabulary List:
Miscellaneous: Consisting of a mixture of various things that are not necessarily connected or related. This term is often used to describe a collection of different items that don’t fit into a single category.
Derelict: In a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect. This term is often used to describe buildings or properties that have been abandoned and are falling apart.
Perplexed: Completely baffled or puzzled; confused. This term describes a state of mind where one is unable to understand or grasp something clearly.
Aggravate: To make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious. It can also mean to annoy or exasperate someone, especially persistently.
Captivating: Holding your attention by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant or attractive.
Elaborate: Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning. This term can be used to describe something that is done with great care and complexity.
Impede: To delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; to hinder or slow down the progress of something.
Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. This term is often used to describe situations that are chaotic or unstable.
Flamboyant: Tending to attract attention because of confidence, and stylishness. This term can also describe something that is bright, colourful, and very noticeable.
Transpires: To occur or happen; to become known or apparent. This term is often used to describe events or facts that become known or come to light, especially surprising or previously unknown ones.
Tips for Vocabulary Building:
ncourage Reading: The more your child reads, the more words they’ll be exposed to. Encourage them to read a variety of materials, including books, newspapers, and magazines. Please ensure that the material is age appropriate.
Create a Vocabulary Book: Create a document of new words to help children remember definitions and understand their usage within an applied context.
Practise in Context: Encourage your child to use new words in sentences and in their writing.
Word Games: Engage in word games like Scrabble or crossword puzzles that can make learning new words fun.
Review Regularly: Revisiting the words regularly can help to better retention.
Strengthening vocabulary is a process that can take time and effort, and children pick up different words in many different situations. As a parent, your encouragement can make a big difference in not only your child’s 11+ journey, but in their general academic life! If you would like any more tips or advice from our tutors, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0121 733 6558.