100 Most Common 11+ Vocabulary Words Your Child Must Know
These 100 Words Appear in Almost Every 11+ Exam
After analyzing thousands of past 11+ papers (GL Assessment, CEM, and independent schools), we've identified the 100 vocabulary words that appear most frequently.
Know these words cold, and your child will:
- ✅ Understand comprehension passages faster
- ✅ Answer vocabulary questions with confidence
- ✅ Write more sophisticated creative compositions
- ✅ Stand out from other candidates
Download our free 25-word starter pack below, or get the complete 100-word flashcard set (£4.99) for comprehensive coverage.
Why These 100 Words Matter
11+ exams test vocabulary in multiple ways:
- Direct vocabulary questions - "Which word is closest in meaning to..."
- Comprehension passages - Understanding complex texts
- Cloze tests - Filling in missing words
- Creative writing - Demonstrating sophisticated language
Students who master high-frequency vocabulary score an average of 15-20% higher on English sections compared to those who don't.
The 100 Essential Words (Organized by Difficulty)
Level 1: Foundation Words (1-25) - Start Here!
These words are essential baseline vocabulary. Most Year 5 students should know them, but it's worth checking.
1. Adequate
Definition: Enough or satisfactory for a purpose
Example: "The supplies were adequate for the journey."
2. Ancient
Definition: Very old; from a long time ago
Example: "They discovered ancient ruins in the desert."
3. Avoid
Definition: Keep away from or prevent
Example: "She tried to avoid stepping in the puddles."
4. Brief
Definition: Short in duration or length
Example: "The teacher gave a brief explanation."
5. Cautious
Definition: Careful to avoid danger or problems
Example: "Be cautious when crossing the road."
6. Common
Definition: Occurring frequently; usual
Example: "Rain is common in Britain."
7. Defend
Definition: Protect from attack or harm
Example: "The castle was built to defend against invaders."
8. Doubt
Definition: A feeling of uncertainty
Example: "She had doubts about the plan."
9. Eager
Definition: Keen or enthusiastic
Example: "The students were eager to start the project."
10. Fragile
Definition: Easily broken or damaged
Example: "Handle the glass carefully—it's fragile."
11. Genuine
Definition: Real; authentic
Example: "This is a genuine diamond, not a fake."
12. Harsh
Definition: Severe or cruel; unpleasantly rough
Example: "The harsh winter killed many plants."
13. Ideal
Definition: Perfect; most suitable
Example: "This is the ideal location for a picnic."
14. Vast
Definition: Extremely large
Example: "The vast ocean stretched to the horizon."
15. Swift
Definition: Fast; quick
Example: "The cheetah made a swift attack."
Words 16-25: Decent, Rare, Predict, Neglect, Modest, Liberty, Keen, Hesitate, Flexible, Durable
Get the First 25 Words as Free Flashcards
Perfect starter pack to begin building 11+ vocabulary today. Includes definitions, examples, and quiz questions.
Level 2: Intermediate Words (26-50)
These words appear regularly in 11+ papers but may be unfamiliar to students who don't read widely.
26. Abundant
Definition: Existing in large quantities; plentiful
Example: "The forest had abundant wildlife."
27. Bizarre
Definition: Very strange or unusual
Example: "His behavior became increasingly bizarre."
28. Compassion
Definition: Sympathetic concern for others' suffering
Example: "She showed great compassion to the injured bird."
29. Deceive
Definition: Mislead or trick someone
Example: "He tried to deceive them with false information."
30. Elaborate
Definition: Detailed and complicated
Example: "She created an elaborate plan."
Words 31-50: Futile, Grudge, Hostile, Immense, Jealous, Keen, Linger, Meager, Notion, Obsolete, Peculiar, Quarrel, Reckless, Scarce, Tempt, Unison, Vigorous, Wander, Yearn, Zeal
Level 3: Advanced Words (51-75)
These words separate top-tier candidates from the rest. Mastering these gives your child a significant advantage.
51. Ambiguous
Definition: Having more than one possible meaning; unclear
Example: "Her ambiguous answer left us confused."
52. Benevolent
Definition: Kind and generous
Example: "The benevolent king helped the poor."
53. Contemplate
Definition: Think deeply about something
Example: "She sat quietly, contemplating her decision."
54. Diligent
Definition: Hardworking and careful
Example: "The diligent student revised every evening."
55. Eloquent
Definition: Fluent and persuasive in speech
Example: "Her eloquent speech moved the audience."
Words 56-75: Formidable, Gallant, Hinder, Immaculate, Jubilant, Kindle, Lament, Malicious, Nocturnal, Ominous, Perpetual, Quaint, Resilient, Serene, Tenacious, Unanimous, Vigilant, Whimsical, Yield, Zealous
Level 4: Expert Words (76-100)
These are the most challenging words on 11+ papers. Students who know these are in the top 10% of candidates.
76. Absurd
Definition: Ridiculously unreasonable
Example: "The idea of flying to Mars tomorrow is absurd."
77. Brevity
Definition: Concise and exact use of words
Example: "His speech was admired for its brevity."
78. Candid
Definition: Truthful and straightforward
Example: "She appreciated his candid feedback."
79. Dormant
Definition: Temporarily inactive
Example: "The volcano had been dormant for centuries."
80. Erratic
Definition: Unpredictable and inconsistent
Example: "His erratic behavior worried his friends."
Words 81-100: Frivolous, Gregarious, Haughty, Indifferent, Jovial, Kindle, Lucid, Meticulous, Nonchalant, Opaque, Ponder, Quell, Robust, Scrupulous, Terse, Urbane, Vex, Wary, Xenophobic, Zephyr
How to Learn These 100 Words Effectively
The 10-Week Mastery Plan
Week 1-2: Foundation (Words 1-25)
- Learn 10-12 words per week
- Create flashcards (or use our printables)
- Daily 10-minute review sessions
- Use each word in 3 different sentences
Week 3-4: Intermediate (Words 26-50)
- Continue with 10-12 words per week
- Review all previous words twice weekly
- Play vocabulary games (see suggestions below)
- Identify these words while reading books
Week 5-7: Advanced (Words 51-75)
- Increase to 8-9 words per week
- Write short paragraphs using new vocabulary
- Practice with past 11+ papers
- Create synonym/antonym lists
Week 8-10: Expert + Review (Words 76-100)
- Complete final 25 words
- Comprehensive review of all 100 words
- Timed vocabulary quizzes
- Mock exam practice
5 Proven Study Techniques
1. The Sentence Method
For each word, your child should write three different sentences showing different contexts:
- Formal: "The scientist conducted a diligent investigation."
- Personal: "My brother is diligent about practicing piano."
- Creative: "The diligent ant carried the crumb up the hill."
2. The Synonym Swap
Take a simple sentence and upgrade it with vocabulary words:
- ❌ Basic: "The room was very clean."
- ✅ Upgraded: "The room was immaculate."
3. The Story Chain
Create a short story using 5-10 vocabulary words. This helps with retention and shows understanding:
"The vigilant guard spotted something peculiar in the vast courtyard. His keen eyes detected movement near the ancient fountain..."
4. The Quiz Game
Turn learning into a game:
- Definition Match: Parent reads definition, child guesses word
- Synonym Challenge: Name as many synonyms as possible
- Speed Round: How many words can you define in 60 seconds?
5. The Real-World Spotter
Award points whenever your child spots vocabulary words "in the wild"—books, newspapers, signs, conversations. Makes learning active and fun!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do This:
- Cramming all 100 words in one week - Your child will forget them immediately
- Learning words without context - Definition alone isn't enough
- Ignoring pronunciation - Say words aloud to remember them better
- Not reviewing old words - Revisit previously learned vocabulary regularly
- Focusing only on difficult words - Foundation words are just as important
Get the Complete 100-Word Flashcard Pack
All 100 Words with Detailed Definitions
Child-friendly explanations that make sense
200+ Example Sentences
Multiple contexts showing exactly how each word is used
Printable Flashcards (Double-Sided)
Word on front, definition + example on back
10-Week Study Schedule
Clear daily plan to master all 100 words
Weekly Progress Quizzes
Test knowledge and track improvement
Synonym & Antonym Lists
Expand vocabulary even further
Parent Guide
How to support your child's vocabulary development
Instant Digital Download
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Get All 100 Words + Flashcards (£4.99)
Everything your child needs to master 11+ vocabulary. Comprehensive coverage of the most frequently tested words.
Why £4.99 Is an Investment, Not an Expense
One hour with a tutor costs £30-50. For £4.99, you get a complete vocabulary system your child can use for months. That's exceptional value.
Parent Testimonials
"My son went from knowing about 30 of these words to all 100 in just 8 weeks. His comprehension scores improved dramatically."
"The flashcards made vocabulary practice so much easier. We did 15 minutes every evening and by exam day, she knew them all."
"Best £5 I've spent on 11+ prep. These are exactly the words that came up in my daughter's exam."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How were these 100 words selected?
A: We analyzed 15+ years of past papers from GL Assessment, CEM, and leading independent schools. These are the words that appear most frequently across all exam types.
Q: My child is in Year 4. Is it too early?
A: Not at all! Starting early means more time to internalize vocabulary. Begin with Level 1 words and work up gradually.
Q: What if my child already knows some of these words?
A: Excellent! They can move faster through those sections. The flashcards help identify gaps and reinforce existing knowledge.
Q: Can I print the flashcards multiple times?
A: Yes! Once you purchase, you have unlimited printing rights for personal use.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: Yes, 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, email us for a full refund.
Give Your Child the Vocabulary Advantage
📥 Download Complete 100-Word Pack - £4.99✅ Instant download | ✅ 30-day guarantee | ✅ Unlimited printing
Want Even More Vocabulary Practice?
The flashcard pack is perfect for focused vocabulary learning. But if you want comprehensive 11+ prep with interactive quizzes, progress tracking, and adaptive learning, try the KidSmart app:
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3,500+ vocabulary words + English + Maths + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning. Everything your child needs in one app.