Why vocabulary helps 11+ writing only when it is used with control.
Examiners usually reward precision, relevance, and sentence control. They do not reward complicated words used incorrectly. A child who writes "the rain hammered the roof" is often more effective than a child who forces an unusual word that sounds unnatural.
Parents can reduce pressure by reframing the goal: your child does not need "fancy words". Your child needs accurate words that create clearer images and stronger verbs.
An 11+ vocabulary list grouped by writing purpose.
Teach words by function, not alphabet. Children remember and apply vocabulary better when each word solves a writing problem.
Movement and pace
hurried, sprinted, stumbled, drifted, edged, charged, darted, crept, lurched, paced
Speech and voice
muttered, whispered, snapped, replied, insisted, protested, murmured, announced, warned, argued
Light and darkness
dim, shadowy, glaring, flickering, pale, murky, dazzling, overcast, silvered, hazy
Weather and atmosphere
drizzle, downpour, gust, humid, bitter, sweltering, blustery, misty, thunderous, still
Feelings and reactions
uneasy, relieved, startled, determined, frustrated, wary, hopeful, tense, unsettled, confident
Sound and texture detail
cracked, rustled, clattered, echoed, muffled, scraped, coarse, slick, brittle, damp
Start with one group per week. Revisit older groups in short warmups so vocabulary transfers into long-term memory.
How parents can turn a basic sentence into a stronger sentence.
Use a three-step sentence upgrade during review. This keeps coaching simple and prevents long correction sessions.
- Find a weak verb or vague adjective.
- Replace it with one word from the relevant group.
- Read the sentence aloud to check flow and meaning.
Quick upgrade examples
Basic:I went to the gate quickly.
Stronger:I hurried to the gate, checking over my shoulder as I moved.
Basic:It was dark and scary in the hall.
Stronger:The corridor was dim, and each footstep echoed longer than it should.
A weekly vocabulary plan parents can sustain.
Keep vocabulary practice short and linked to writing output. A practical weekly rhythm:
- Day 1 (10 mins): introduce 8 to 10 words from one group with quick meanings.
- Day 2 (15 mins): use at least five of those words in short sentence drills.
- Day 3 (20 to 30 mins): write a full prompt response and apply at least six words naturally.
- Review (10 mins): highlight successful use and choose one word-use target for next week.
Parent review checklist
- Were words used accurately in context?
- Did vocabulary improve clarity, not just complexity?
- Which repeated basic verbs need replacing next week?
- What one vocabulary target should lead next session?
Common vocabulary mistakes and easy fixes.
- Mistake: memorising long lists. Fix: teach words in functional groups and apply immediately.
- Mistake: forcing advanced words. Fix: choose accuracy over complexity.
- Mistake: no connection to writing tasks. Fix: require word application in each weekly draft.
- Mistake: correcting everything at once. Fix: focus on one vocabulary target per week.
FAQ: 11+ vocabulary list and preparation.
How many new words should my child learn each week?
For most children, 8 to 12 words with real sentence use is more effective than larger memorised lists.
Should I use vocabulary flashcards?
Flashcards can help recall, but they should be paired with writing application in full sentences and short paragraphs.
What if my child uses words incorrectly?
Correct one or two examples, model the right usage, and practise again in a short rewrite. Keep correction focused.
Is there a single best 11+ vocabulary list?
No single list fits every child. Build a core list, then expand based on recurring gaps in your child's own writing.
Build vocabulary progress without turning writing into a memory test
If you want structured, child-friendly feedback that shows which word choices improve writing and what to practise next, 11 Plus Writing Coach can help.