✦A small step for today
Explain the word, choose the closest meaning, then test it in the sentence.
Start with a clear pair
Try rapid and quick, then generous and stingy. Put each word into a familiar situation. Ask whether you are looking for a similar meaning or an opposite: children can know the words but answer the wrong instruction.
Use the sentence to judge closeness
A cunning character is clever in a sly or deceptive way. Clever may be the closest of several options, but it does not always carry that negative suggestion. Compare ‘a clever solution’ with ‘a cunning trick’ and talk about the difference.
Beware of familiar but unrelated options
For adjacent, next to is relevant; colourful is not, even if the objects are colourful. For sociable, friendly may be close, while noisy describes a different feature. Ask your child to explain why the other choices are weaker.
Add exam-style practice gradually
Use original home questions to build understanding, then check familiarisation guidance from your child’s admissions authority. Local tests differ in question formats and timings. This guide teaches word relationships, not the format of every 11+ test.
Try this together
Write sociable, friendly, solitary and blue on separate slips. Sort them into similar meaning, contrasting meaning and unrelated. Explain any imperfect match.
See an example answer
Friendly is close to sociable; solitary contrasts with enjoying others’ company; blue is unrelated here. Someone can be friendly without always wanting company.
Words in action
futile
Meaning
Unable to achieve the intended purpose.
Example
“It was futile to fill the bucket because it had a large hole.”
sociable
Meaning
Enjoying meeting and spending time with other people.
Example
“The sociable girl invited the new pupil to join the game.”
Audio uses your device’s English speech voice. Voice availability and pronunciation vary by device.
A quick check
Further reading
Independent background resources; our activities and examples are original. These organisations do not endorse 11plusVocab.
