How to Improve Vocabulary for 11+ (Compound Words)?

Introduction

Hello again! If you’re looking to strengthen your child’s vocabulary for the 11+ exam, don’t underestimate the role of compound words—terms formed by combining two or more words into a new one (e.g., “football,” “post office,” “mother-in-law”). These can appear in English or Verbal Reasoning questions, testing your child’s understanding of spelling, meaning, and how words merge to form new concepts.

Why Does It Matter?

Grasping compound words helps your child:

1. Expand Vocabulary Quickly: Each new compound can spark related words (e.g., “sunlight,” “sunrise,” “sunset”).

2. Improve Spelling: Recognising where and how words join enhances accuracy.

3. Boost Reading Comprehension: Understanding compound structures makes it easier to decode longer or more complex words.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Closed Compound Words

   • Joined into one term (e.g., “notebook,” “breakfast,” “rainbow”).

2. Hyphenated Compound Words

   • Linked by a hyphen (e.g., “mother-in-law,” “long-term,” “well-known”).

3. Open Compound Words

   • Form a single concept but appear as separate words (e.g., “ice cream,” “real estate,” “post office”).

4. Standard Form Awareness

   • Be aware that some forms can vary (e.g., “haircut” vs. “hair cut”), and different exam boards might use standardised versions.

Actionable Tips or Steps

1. Group by Theme

   • Organise compound words by categories (e.g., animal names: “jellyfish,” “catfish,” “starfish”) to help with memorisation.

2. Spot Compounds in Daily Life

   • Encourage your child to identify compound words on signs, labels, or in magazines.

3. Fill-in-the-Blanks Exercises

   • Provide half a compound word (e.g., “__light”) and have your child complete it (“sunlight,” “flashlight”), then define each.

4. Use Fun Quizzes

   • Online quizzes or board games keep practice light-hearted and build spelling confidence.

Top Tip to Improve Learning

Encourage your child to invent their own ‘silly’ compound words (e.g., “moon-cake-fish”) just for fun, then discuss what each part means. Even though these words may not be real, the process reinforces the concept of how two separate words can come together, enhancing both creativity and retention.

How Edifypod Learning Supports You

At Edifypod Learning, we make compound words engaging:

• Interactive Compound Word Lists
  Organised by type and difficulty, ensuring systematic coverage.

• Timed Games
  Matching or fill-in quizzes help your child build both speed and accuracy.

• Usage Examples
  Sample sentences show how compound words fit into everyday language.

• Progress Tracking
  Receive detailed insights into common errors, such as mixing up “ice cream” (open) vs. “ice-cream” (less standard).

You can refer to our free Worksheets for compound words for practice

Personalised Support for Your Child’s 11+ Journey

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Next Steps

As you enhance your child’s Verbal Reasoning skills, you might also be asking:

1. Should I hire a tutor, or can I rely on online resources only?

2. Are There Any Recommended Reading Lists for Boosting English Comprehension Skills Quickly?

3. How many practice papers should my child attempt per week?

4. How to Improve Vocabulary for 11+ (Synonyms and Antonyms)?

5. 11+ Exam Maths: What you need to know?

If any of these questions resonate with you, rest assured—you’re not alone. Continue reading our other blogs for practical advice on early preparation, scheduling, and nurturing a love for learning.

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