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11 Plus puzzle 2: Words with two meanings

Verbal Reasoning. Saw this on our video? Tap the answer your child chose to check it, then open the worked answer to see why the tempting wrong options catch so many children out.

Question 2Aim for about 35 seconds

Which word has both of these meanings?

a child at school · the black circle in the middle of the eye

Show the worked answer

Answer: D, pupil

How to work it out

  1. “pupil” means a child at school, and it also means the black circle in the middle of the eye.
  2. One word, two meanings: each wrong option is linked to only one of them.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A (iris): “iris” is linked to only one of the meanings. It does not mean a child at school, so it cannot be the word with both.
  • B (learner): “learner” is linked to only one of the meanings. It does not mean the black circle in the middle of the eye, so it cannot be the word with both.
  • C (eyelid): “eyelid” is linked to only one of the meanings. It does not mean a child at school, so it cannot be the word with both.
  • E (student): “student” is linked to only one of the meanings. It does not mean the black circle in the middle of the eye, so it cannot be the word with both.

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One word that fits two different meanings.

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