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In this lesson, you will explore creative vocabulary questions — a distinctive feature of CEM 11+ exams. These questions go beyond simple definitions to test how well you understand words in different contexts and how flexibly you can think about language.
CEM exams are known for using unexpected and varied question formats. Creative vocabulary questions may ask you to:
These questions reward students who read widely and understand words deeply, not just those who have memorised lists.
Some words in English have more than one meaning. CEM exams love testing this.
Example:
Which word fits BOTH sentences?
Answer: bat (a cricket bat / a flying mammal)
| Word | Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 |
|---|---|---|
| bank | a place for money | the side of a river |
| bat | sports equipment | a flying animal |
| bark | the sound a dog makes | the outer layer of a tree |
| crane | a tall machine | a type of bird |
| left | the opposite of right | the past tense of leave |
| match | a sports contest | a stick for making fire |
| ring | jewellery for a finger | the sound a bell makes |
| wave | a movement of the hand | a wave in the sea |
| light | not heavy | brightness / a lamp |
| fair | just and reasonable | a funfair / light-haired |
| spring | a season | a coiled piece of metal |
| figure | a number | a shape / a person |
| ruler | a person who rules | a measuring stick |
| pupil | a student | the black part of an eye |
| trunk | an elephant's nose | a large box / tree trunk |
Many English words can function as different types of words depending on how they are used.
Example:
| Word | As a Verb | As a Noun |
|---|---|---|
| play | to play a game | a play at the theatre |
| watch | to watch television | a watch on your wrist |
| train | to train for a race | a train at the station |
| book | to book a ticket | a book to read |
| park | to park a car | a park with swings |
| change | to change clothes | loose change (coins) |
| point | to point at something | the point of a pencil |
| break | to break something | a break between lessons |
A compound word is made by joining two smaller words together. CEM may ask you to find a word that completes a compound word.
Example:
Which word completes both compounds?
foot(______)paper
The answer is note: footnote and notepaper.
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