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Our #WordOfTheWeek is brief – lasting only a short time, or using only a few words. This week's challenge is to write a short story in no more than 5 sentences — keep it brief! Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: brief. Class: adjective. Definition: lasting only a short time, or using only a few words. Synonyms: short, concise, fleeting. Antonyms: long, lengthy, detailed. In use: Aisha gave a brief wave goodbye before disappearing through the doors, her mind already racing ahead to what might lay in wait for her. Challenge: Write a short story in no more than 5 sentences — keep it brief!
September 21, 2026 at 8:01 AM
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Helping your child prepare for the ISEB Pre-Test can be challenging so we've put together a few tips for you in our blog tinyurl.com/iseb-prep #ISEBPrep #ElevenPlus #ISEBTuition #ElevenPlusPrep
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August 28, 2025 at 8:35 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is coax – to gently persuade someone to do something. This week's challenge is to write a paragraph where one character tries to coax another into doing something they are nervous about! Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: coax. Class: verb. Definition: to gently persuade someone to do something. Synonyms: persuade, encourage, cajole. Antonyms: discourage, dissuade, deter. In use: Lena spent ten minutes trying to coax her little brother down from the tree, promising him his favourite biscuits if he came down carefully. Challenge: Write a paragraph where one character tries to coax another into doing something they are nervous about.
August 17, 2026 at 8:02 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is bountiful – large in quantity; generously provided. This week's challenge is to write a sentence using the word bountiful. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: bountiful. Class: adjective. Definition: large in quantity; generously provided. Synonyms: abundant, plentiful, generous. Antonyms: scarce, meagre, sparse. In use: The farmers' market was bountiful that autumn, with stalls overflowing with apples, pumpkins and freshly baked loaves that filled the air with warmth. Challenge: Write a sentence using the word bountiful.
August 10, 2026 at 8:01 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is sow – to plant seeds by scattering them on or in the ground. This week's challenge is to write a short story about a character who sows something unexpected — it doesn't have to be seeds! Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: sow. Class: verb. Definition: to plant seeds by scattering them on or in the ground. Synonyms: plant, scatter, seed. Antonyms: harvest, reap, uproot. In use: Every spring, Grandpa Joe would sow rows of sunflower seeds along the garden fence, and by summer they towered above even the tallest visitor. Challenge: Write a short story about a character who sows something unexpected - it doesn't have to be seeds!
August 3, 2026 at 8:01 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is frequently – happening or occurring many times, often at short intervals. This week's challenge is to find 3 more synonyms for frequently — how many can you think of? Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com. #11Plus #ElevenPlus #ISEB #ISEBPrep #11PlusPrep
Word of the week: frequently. Class: adverb. Definition: happening or occurring many times, often at short intervals. Synonyms: often, regularly. Antonyms: rarely, seldom. In use: Noah so frequently visited the library that the librarian already had his favourite books set aside before he even walked through the door. Challenge: Can you find 3 more synonyms for frequently?
July 29, 2026 at 12:41 PM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is according – used to indicate that something is stated, reported, or ordered by someone or something else. This week's challenge is to write a sentence using the word according correctly. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: according. Class: preposition. Definition: used to indicate that something is stated, reported, or ordered by someone or something else. Synonyms: as stated by, as per, in line with. Antonyms: contrary to, against, regardless of. In use: According to the weather forecast, it would be sunny all week, so Priya packed her bag for a picnic in the park. Challenge: Write a sentence using the word according correctly.
July 13, 2026 at 7:58 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is abundant– existing or occurring in large amounts. This week's challenge is to write a sentence containing the word abundant. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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Word of the week: abundant. Class: adjective. Definition: existing or occurring in large amounts. Synonyms: bountiful, copious. Antonyms: sacrifice, insufficient. In use: Leo’s garden was abundant with flowers in the spring. Challenge: Write a sentence containing the word abundant.
June 29, 2026 at 10:41 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is bargain which can be used as a verb and a noun.
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An image of a boy buying a video game. Word of the Week: bargain. Class: verb. Definition: to ask for something that benefits you, such as a better price or better working conditions. Synonyms: negotiate, haggle. Antonyms: counter, oppose. In use: Alfie bargained with the market stall holder to pay £5 for the video game priced up at £7. Challenge: Can you think of a time where you have bargained for something. An image of a girl purchasing a jacket. Word of the Week: bargain. Class: noun. Definition: something that is good value for money on sale at a lower price than normal. Synonyms: good deal, cheap. Antonyms: expensive, rip off. In use: Nelly thought the jacket was a bargain with 75% off the original price.
April 20, 2026 at 8:04 AM
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#WordOfTheWeek is back with the word approve – to have a positive opinion of something, or to accept or agree to something.. Can you think of two more synonyms and antonyms for approve?
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An image of people sat at a table having a meeting and the following text: Word of the Week: approve. Class: verb. Definition: to have a positive opinion of something, or to accept or agree to something. Synonyms: like, appreciate, consent, ratify. Antonyms: disapprove, dislike, deny,refuse. In use: The school committee approved the proposal to install solar panels. Challenge: Can you think of two more synonyms and two more antonyms for approve.
April 13, 2026 at 9:09 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is idiom – a phrase or saying whose words do not have a literal meaning. E.g. Let the cat out of the bag. Can you think of five idioms?
For more #11PlusResources go to www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a cat climbing out of a bag. Word of the Week: idiom. Class: noun. Definition: a phrase or saying whose words do not have a literal meaning. Synonyms: non-literal, turn of phrase. Antonyms: literal, statement. In use: George explained the meaning of the phrase 'let the cat out of the bag' to his French exchange guest, Henri. Examples: Under the weather. Cost an arm and a leg. A blessing in disguise. Challenge: Can you think of five idioms you have heard and understand the meaning of.
March 30, 2026 at 8:50 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is juxtaposition - placing two or more things side by side to contrast and create an interesting effect. This week’s challenge is to write a sentence containing a juxtaposition.
For more #11PlusResources go to www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a teenage boy sat on a park bench. With the following text. Word of the Week: juxtaposition. Class: noun. Definition: placing two or more things side by side to contrast and create an interesting effect. Synonyms: comparison, proximity. Antonyms: distance, separation. In use: Jess used the juxtaposition of noise and quiet to emphasise the park as a place of calm in the busy city. Example: Oscar sat deep in thought in the tranquillity of the park while the traffic raced down the nearby roads. Challenge: Write a sentence containing a juxtaposition.
March 23, 2026 at 9:04 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is lenient - not severe or strict, not punishing bad behaviour in a strong way. This week’s challenge is to write a paragraph about a time when someone was lenient with you.
For more #11PlusResources go to www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a teacher sat at a desk with a pupil on either side of him. With the following text. Word of the Week: lenient. Class: adjective. Definition: not severe or strict, not punishing bad behaviour in a strong way. Synonyms: compassionate, tolerant. Antonyms: merciless, intolerant. In use: The teacher was lenient with the pupils caught using their mobile phones in the classroom. Challenge: Write a paragraph about a time when someone was lenient with you.
March 16, 2026 at 9:59 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is interrupt - to stop something from happening for a short time, often in relation to stopping someone from speaking. Can you come up with three more antonyms and three more synonyms for interrupt.
More #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a young boy next to an older sister who is working at a desk. Word of the Week: interrupt Class: verb Definition: to stop something from happening for a short time, often in relation to stopping someone from speaking. Synonyms: disturb, break off. Antonyms: continue, allow. In use: Ava did not like it when her brother interrupted her doing her homework. Challenge: Can you come up with three more synonyms and three more antonyms for interrupt.
March 9, 2026 at 9:55 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is faithful - trusted, or loyal to a person, organisation or idea. Your challenge is to come up with three more antonyms and three more synonyms for faithful.
Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of two friends sat at a table with cups of tea. Word of the Week: faithful Class: adjective Definition: trusted, or loyal to a person, organisation or idea. Synonyms: honest, dependable. Antonyms: dishonest, unfaithful. In use: Anya was a faithful friend who would always turn up when needed, whatever the problem. Challenge: Can you come up with three more synonyms and three more antonyms for faithful.
March 2, 2026 at 10:58 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is grotesque. Something unnatural and unpleasant in a bizarre or frightening way. The challenge this week is to write a paragraph about something grotesque.
Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of gargoyles on the side of an old building and the following text: Word of the Week: grotesque Class: adjective Definition: unnatural and unpleasant in a bizarre or frightening way. Synonyms: absurd, eerie, ridiculous. Antonyms: ordinary, normal. In use: The medieval building was covered with grotesque gargoyle figures. Challenge: Write a paragraph about something grotesque.
February 23, 2026 at 9:39 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is ridiculous – silly or unreasonable and deserving to be laughed at. This week’s challenge is to write a paragraph describing something ridiculous. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a cat in a multi coloured knitted hoodie. The following wording is included. Word of the week: ridiculous. Class: adjective. Definition: silly or unreasonable and deserving to be laughed at. Synonyms: absurd, bizarre, crazy. Antonyms: believable, serious, sensible. In use: Phoebe’s cat looked ridiculous in the jumper she had knitted for it. Challenge: Write a paragraph describing something ridiculous.
February 16, 2026 at 9:44 AM
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This week’s #WordOfTheWeek is circumvent – to avoid something in a clever or dishonest way. This week’s challenge is to write a sentence containing the word circumvent. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a young boy in bed having a bedtime story read by his father. The following wording is included. Word of the week: circumvent. Class: verb. Definition: to avoid something in a clever or dishonest way. Synonyms: bypass, deceive, evade. Antonyms: confront, allow. In use: Jack tried to circumvent bedtime by asking for another story, then for a glass of water. Challenge: Write a sentence containing the word circumvent.
February 9, 2026 at 8:44 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is idol– someone who is admired and well respected, or a religious object to which worship is directed. This week's challenge is to write a paragraph about who your idol is and why. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a pop singer and the following text: Word of the week: idol. Class: noun. Definition: someone who is admired and well respected, or a religious object to which worship is directed. Synonyms: hero, role model, deity, god. Antonyms: nobody, devil. In use: Ava discussed with her Mum whether Taylor Swift or Madonna is the greatest pop idol. Challenge: Write a paragraph about who your idol is and why. It might be a sporting idol, a pop idol, or someone who is not famous.
February 2, 2026 at 9:51 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is interfere – to involve yourself in other people’s matters without being asked or needed. Your challenge is to write a short story about a boy who interferes in a situation of your choosing. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a camera crew filming lions in the wild and the following text: Clas: verb. Definition: to involve yourself in other people's matters without being asked or needed. Synonyms: intrude, meddle. Antonyms: assist, facilitate. In use: The television production team were careful not to interfere with the wildlife they were filming. Challenge: Write a short story about a boy who interferes in a situation of your choosing.
January 26, 2026 at 9:38 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is conceal - to prevent something from being seen or known about. Can you think of two more synonyms and antonyms for drought.
You can find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of a magician and the following text: Word of the week: conceal Class: verb Definition: to prevent something from being seen or known about. Synonyms: hide, disguise, cover up Antonyms: reveal, uncover In use: The magician’s flowing cape helped conceal the trapdoor mechanism beneath the stage, allowing objects to vanish. Challenge: Can you think of two more synonyms and antonyms for conceal.
January 12, 2026 at 10:28 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is quaver - to shake or tremble with fear, or to falter in speech. Can you think back to a time when your voice has quavered?
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An image of an actor with an award and the following text. Word of the Week: quaver Class: verb Definition: to shake or tremble with fear, or to falter in speech. Synonyms: tremble, shake, quiver Antonyms: calm, still, steady In use: The award winners voice quavered as he thanked his family during his acceptance speech. Challenge: Can you think back to a time when your voice has quavered.
January 5, 2026 at 3:43 PM
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It's Christmas week so our #WordOfTheWeek is elf. A character in folk tales often small with pointy ears. The challenge this week is to write a short story with an elf as the main character.
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An image of an elf with Father Christmas on a sleigh in the background. Word of the Week: elf Class: noun Definition: an imaginary character in folk tales often small with pointy ears. Synonyms: fairy, pixie, leprechaun Antonyms: giant In use: The elf reported to Father Christmas that all toys had been assembled, wrapped and packed onto the sleigh. Challenge: Write a short story with an elf as the main character.
December 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is seasonal - something which is available or happens at a particular time of the year. How many seasonal items can you think of?
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An image of a Christmas jumper with the following text: Word of the Week: Seasonal Class: adjective. Definition: something which is available or happens at a particular time of the year. Synonyms: periodic, recurring, repetitive. Antonyms: constant, frequent, regular. In use: Christmas jumpers are a seasonal clothing item worn in December to celebrate Christmas. Challenge: What other seasonal items can you think of?
December 15, 2025 at 10:10 AM
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Our #WordOfTheWeek is perplexed – confused or puzzled because something is difficult to understand. This week's challenge is to write a sentence about something that has perplexed you. Find more #11PlusResources at www.bofa11plus.com.
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An image of two people building a wardrobe with the following text: Word of the week: perplexed. Class: adjective. Definition: confused or puzzled because something is difficult to understand. Synonyms: bewildered, puzzled. Antonyms: certain, sure. In use: Lewis was perplexed by the instructions to build his new wardrobe. Challenge: Write a sentence about something that has perplexed you.
December 8, 2025 at 9:33 AM