Many families begin 11+ preparation with long vocabulary lists. It feels sensible: more words should mean better preparation. But asking a child to memorise hundreds of definitions is rarely the most effective way to improve 11+ vocabulary.
Children usually find rote memorisation frustrating. More importantly, words learned this way rarely stick in their long-term memory, making it difficult to recall them quickly during a timed comprehension or verbal reasoning exam.
Build vocabulary the smart way
Try a better approach to 11+ vocabulary with adaptive daily practice.
Try 10 free words todayThe problem with static word lists
The main issue with a static word list is that it treats every word equally. A child might spend just as much time reviewing a word they already know securely as they do struggling with a completely unfamiliar one. This wastes valuable study time.
Furthermore, once a word on a list is "learned," it is often filed away. By the time the actual 11+ exam arrives months later, the word has faded from memory because it was never revisited.
Using spaced repetition instead
Spaced repetition is a proven learning technique that solves the problem of forgetting. Instead of reviewing a list all at once, children are shown words at carefully timed intervals.
- New or tricky words come back quickly to ensure the meaning is understood and retained.
- Secure words take a longer break before reappearing, proving they are locked into long-term memory.
- Time is saved because practice is highly targeted, focusing only on the exact words the child needs to review that day.
Building a daily habit
Improving 11+ vocabulary does not need to take hours at a time. Short bursts of focused practice are usually easier to sustain than long, tiring sessions.
A simple, independent routine of 10 words a day helps children build a richer vocabulary steadily over time, without relying on last-minute cramming.