Every question here is written by Prism in the style of the tests. None is copied from a real paper, and a fresh one is drawn each time a child practises.
From foundation to exam standard
Two questions at each level. Tap an option to check it.
Foundation where a child in Year 3 or 4 starts
Question 1Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “lure” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, to tempt someone to a place or action
How to work it out
“Lure” (verb) means to tempt someone to a place or action.
For example: The smell of baking lured us into the kitchen.
Why the other options are wrong
A (to work out from clues): That is what “infer” means, an unrelated word. “lure” means to tempt someone to a place or action.
B (to have a strong wish to achieve something): That is what “aspire” means, an unrelated word. “lure” means to tempt someone to a place or action.
D (to take hold of suddenly): That is what “grab” means, an unrelated word. “lure” means to tempt someone to a place or action.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “dapper” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, neat and smart in appearance
How to work it out
“Dapper” (adjective) means neat and smart in appearance.
For example: The dapper gentleman wore a spotted bow tie.
Why the other options are wrong
A (wanting very much to do something): That is what “eager” means, an unrelated word. “dapper” means neat and smart in appearance.
C (rich and luxurious): That is what “opulent” means, an unrelated word. “dapper” means neat and smart in appearance.
D (not strict in punishing people): That is what “lenient” means, an unrelated word. “dapper” means neat and smart in appearance.
Standard the 11 Plus standard, Year 5
Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “stifle” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, to hold back; or make it hard to breathe
How to work it out
“Stifle” (verb) means to hold back; or make it hard to breathe.
For example: She stifled a yawn during the speech.
Why the other options are wrong
A (to scold angrily): That is what “berate” means, an unrelated word. “stifle” means to hold back; or make it hard to breathe.
B (to support or strengthen): That is what “bolster” means, an unrelated word. “stifle” means to hold back; or make it hard to breathe.
D (to dry up and shrivel): That is what “wither” means, an unrelated word. “stifle” means to hold back; or make it hard to breathe.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “saunter” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, to walk in a slow, relaxed way
How to work it out
“Saunter” (verb) means to walk in a slow, relaxed way.
For example: He sauntered along the promenade.
Why the other options are wrong
A (to jump on suddenly): That is what “pounce” means, an unrelated word. “saunter” means to walk in a slow, relaxed way.
B (to fear something that is going to happen): That is what “dread” means, an unrelated word. “saunter” means to walk in a slow, relaxed way.
D (to make up a false story; or to build): That is what “fabricate” means, an unrelated word. “saunter” means to walk in a slow, relaxed way.
Exam standard what the papers ask in Year 6
Question 5Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “pristine” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, perfectly clean or new
How to work it out
“Pristine” (adjective) means perfectly clean or new.
For example: The snow lay pristine on the lawn.
Why the other options are wrong
A (only on the surface; not deep): That is what “superficial” means, an unrelated word. “pristine” means perfectly clean or new.
C (obvious and shocking): That is what “flagrant” means, an unrelated word. “pristine” means perfectly clean or new.
D (busy and energetic): That is what “active” means, an unrelated word. “pristine” means perfectly clean or new.
Question 6Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “reluctant” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, unwilling
How to work it out
“Reluctant” means unwilling.
Why the other options are wrong
A (very tall): “Very tall” has nothing to do with “reluctant”, which means unwilling.
C (excited): “Excited” is close to the opposite of “reluctant”, which means unwilling.
D (shining brightly): “Shining brightly” has nothing to do with “reluctant”, which means unwilling.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.