Odd Word Out

In this lesson, you will learn how to tackle odd word out questions, which appear frequently in CEM 11+ exams. These questions test your ability to classify words and spot the one that does not belong.

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What Is an Odd Word Out Question?

You are given a list of words — usually four or five — and you must find the one word that does not fit with the others. The remaining words all share something in common.

Example:

apple banana carrot grape plum

• Apple, banana, grape, and plum are all fruits.
• Carrot is a vegetable.
• Odd word out: carrot

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Why This Appears in CEM Exams

CEM exams test your ability to think flexibly and categorise information. Odd word out questions require you to:

• Recognise categories (types of animal, colours, emotions, etc.)
• Understand word meanings deeply
• Think beyond the obvious — CEM often uses subtle connections

The format of CEM questions can vary year to year, so be prepared for different presentation styles.

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Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Read All the Words

Do not jump to an answer immediately. Read every word carefully.