Vocabulary-Building Strategies

A strong vocabulary is one of the greatest advantages you can have in the SET. In Stage 1, a wide vocabulary helps you understand comprehension passages quickly and accurately, and it helps you choose the correct answer from the MCQ options. In Stage 2, ambitious and precise word choices in your extended writing will impress the examiner and lift your marks. This final lesson gives you practical strategies for building a powerful vocabulary in the weeks and months before the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test.

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Strategy 1: Read Widely and Actively

Reading is the single most effective way to build your vocabulary. But there is a difference between passive reading (just following the story) and active reading (paying attention to language).

How to Read Actively

1. Spot unfamiliar words. When you come across a word you do not know, do not skip it.
2. Use context clues. Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word to work out its meaning.
3. Check your guess. Look the word up in a dictionary to see if you were right.
4. Write it down. Add the word to your vocabulary notebook (see Strategy 2).

What to Read

Type of Text	Why It Helps
Classic children's literature (e.g. Dickens, Kipling, Nesbit)	Rich, varied vocabulary; complex sentence structures
Quality newspapers (e.g. articles from broadsheet papers)	Formal, academic vocabulary similar to exam texts
Non-fiction books about topics you enjoy	Subject-specific vocabulary that broadens your word bank
Poetry	Compressed, vivid language; introduces figurative vocabulary
11+ comprehension practice passages	Directly mirrors the kind of language you will face in the SET

Tip: Try to read for at least 20 minutes every day. Even a small amount of regular reading builds vocabulary steadily over time.

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Strategy 2: Keep a Vocabulary Notebook

A vocabulary notebook is a simple but powerful tool. Use it to record every new word you learn.

How to Set Up Your Vocabulary Notebook

For each word, record:

Column	What to Write
Word	The new word itself
Definition	What it means (in your own words)
Example sentence	A sentence showing how to use it
Synonyms	Words that mean something similar
Word family	Related words (e.g. courage, courageous, courageously)

Example Entry

Column	Entry
Word	Reluctant
Definition	Unwilling to do something; hesitant
Example sentence	She was reluctant to leave the warmth of the house.
Synonyms	hesitant, unwilling, unenthusiastic
Word family	reluctance (noun), reluctantly (adverb)

Tip: Review your vocabulary notebook regularly — at least twice a week. Words need to be revisited several times before they move from your short-term memory into your long-term memory.

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Strategy 3: Learn Synonyms in Groups

Learning words in groups of synonyms (words with similar meanings) is much more efficient than learning words one at a time. It also helps you choose the most precise word for any situation.

Example: Words Meaning "Happy"

Word	Shade of Meaning
Content	Quietly satisfied
Delighted	Very pleased
Elated	Extremely happy and excited
Ecstatic	Overwhelmingly joyful
Jubilant	Showing great happiness, especially after a success
Overjoyed	Extremely happy

Example: Words Meaning "Sad"

Word	Shade of Meaning
Melancholy	A deep, reflective sadness
Despondent	In low spirits from loss of hope
Forlorn	Pitifully sad and lonely
Wistful	Feeling a gentle sadness or longing
Distraught	Extremely upset and anxious
Grief-stricken	Overwhelmed by sorrow

Example: Words Meaning "Said"

In the SET Stage 2 writing, avoid overusing "said". Try these alternatives: