11+ Vocabulary: Word Lists by Year Group & Level
A comprehensive 11+ vocabulary resource with word lists by difficulty level, strategies for building vocabulary in Year 4–6, and how to target gaps for GL and CEM verbal reasoning papers.
Why Vocabulary is the Foundation of 11+ Success
Vocabulary knowledge directly affects performance across all verbal sections of the 11+ — not just the obvious synonym and antonym questions. A child with a rich vocabulary can decode unfamiliar words through context, perform better on analogy questions, and approach comprehension passages with greater confidence.
11+ Vocabulary by Level
Year 4–5 Foundation Words
11PlusQuest covers 500+ words across all levels with definitions, example sentences, and quiz games.
Learn 11+ Vocabulary Through Games
11PlusQuest's adaptive vocabulary engine serves the right words at the right time — drilling each word until mastered, then moving on. 7 vocabulary game modes target different aspects of word knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words does my child need to know for the 11+?
There is no official word count, but research suggests that children sitting GL Assessment papers should be comfortable with 800–1,200 vocabulary words at varying difficulty levels. CEM exams, which blend verbal skills with comprehension, tend to reward a deeper, more natural vocabulary.
Is there an official 11+ vocabulary list?
No official list exists from GL Assessment or CEM. However, experienced 11+ tutors and authors of 11+ preparation books generally agree on a core set of vocabulary topics — emotions, character traits, nature, movement, reasoning — that appear frequently.
What's the best way to build 11+ vocabulary?
Wide reading is the most effective long-term strategy. For targeted exam preparation, combining reading with active vocabulary games (like 11PlusQuest) and weekly vocabulary lists accelerates progress significantly.
Does vocabulary help with all parts of the 11+ exam?
Yes. Strong vocabulary underpins GL Types A (synonyms), B (antonyms), C (word meanings), D (homographs), E (analogies), G (homophones) and the entire CEM verbal section. It also improves performance in comprehension and creative writing papers.