CEM-Style Mixed Mock 1
CEM-Style Mixed Mock 1 is modelled on tests set by CEM (the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, based at Durham University) for many grammar school consortia until it stopped providing this service in 2021; several areas that used CEM have since moved to other providers, most often GL Assessment. Unlike GL Assessment's papers, CEM's questions blended verbal reasoning skill directly into English comprehension and vocabulary questions rather than testing them as separate sections, alongside a notably wide vocabulary.
Method
- Expect vocabulary in CEM-style questions to include some genuinely unfamiliar words; do not panic if you do not know a word by sight, and instead use context, word roots and any similar words you do know to work out a sensible meaning.
- When a question asks you to choose the closest meaning from several options, rule out options that are the opposite or only loosely related before deciding between the remaining closer choices.
- Where a comprehension question also tests reasoning (for example, working out an implied fact rather than a stated one), treat it like an inference question: find the evidence in the text first, then state what it implies.
- Build vocabulary steadily in the weeks before the test by reading widely and noting down unfamiliar words with a short definition, since CEM-style papers reward broad reading more than any single revision technique.
- Do not expect every question type to be clearly labelled or grouped, since CEM-style papers can mix question formats without a fixed structure; read each question's instruction carefully every time rather than assuming it matches the one before it.
- Keep a steady pace and do not dwell on a single difficult vocabulary question; an unfamiliar word costing you one mark should not be allowed to cost you the pace needed for the rest of the section.
Worked example
'The explorer's account of the journey was so understated that readers might easily overlook the sheer scale of what she had endured.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'understated' as used in this sentence: (a) exaggerated (b) played down (c) confusing (d) lengthy? Explain your choice.
- Look at the context: the sentence contrasts 'understated' with readers possibly failing to notice 'the sheer scale of what she had endured', suggesting the account made the hardship sound less dramatic than it really was.
- Consider each option against this context: (a) exaggerated means made to sound bigger, which is the opposite of what the sentence describes.
- Consider (c) confusing and (d) lengthy: neither relates to making something sound smaller or less dramatic, so both can be ruled out.
- Consider (b) played down: this means deliberately made to seem less important or serious, which matches the sentence's contrast perfectly.
- Final answer: (b) played down, since 'understated' means the account made the hardship sound less dramatic than it actually was, which is why readers might overlook its true scale.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1'The politician's speech was notably candid about the mistakes made.' Which is closest in meaning to 'candid': (a) vague (b) honest (c) angry (d) lengthy?Show answer
Answer: (b) honest.
Q2'Despite the critics' scepticism, the new bridge has proved remarkably resilient.' What does 'resilient' suggest about the bridge?Show answer
Answer: That it is strong and able to withstand damage or stress well.
Q3'The committee's decision was met with widespread apathy rather than outrage.' What does 'apathy' mean in this sentence?Show answer
Answer: A lack of interest, concern or enthusiasm.
Q4'The scientist's findings, though preliminary, hinted at a significant breakthrough.' What does 'preliminary' tell you about the findings?Show answer
Answer: That they are early or initial, not yet final or fully confirmed.
Q5Which word is closest in meaning to 'meticulous': (a) careless (b) careful (c) quick (d) loud?Show answer
Answer: (b) careful (meticulous means extremely careful and precise).
Q6'The negotiations were fraught, with both sides refusing to compromise.' What does 'fraught' suggest about the negotiations?Show answer
Answer: That they were tense, difficult or full of problems.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
'Although the town had long been considered a backwater, the arrival of the new railway line transformed it almost overnight into a thriving hub of trade.' Explain what this sentence suggests about how the town changed, using evidence from the text, and explain the meaning of 'backwater' as it is used here.
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'The manager's assurances, though well intentioned, did little to quell the growing unease among staff.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'quell': (a) increase (b) calm (c) explain (d) ignore? Explain your answer using evidence from the sentence.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the cem-style mixed mock 1 worksheet pack - 22 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
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