Compound Words
Compound Words is an 11+ verbal reasoning question type where a single word is missing from between two given words, for example TEA ( ) POT, and pupils must find the one word that completes the first word and starts the second, making two genuine compound words. It is a common multiple-choice format on GL Assessment and CEM-style papers, testing vocabulary range rather than reading speed.
Before you start
No specific prerequisites - this is a good place to start.
Method
- Read the two given words and picture a joining word that could plug into the gap between them.
- Test each option twice: once added onto the end of the first word, and once added onto the front of the second word.
- Reject any option that only makes a real word one way round; both directions must work.
- Say the two new words in your head - a real compound word should sound natural and familiar.
- If two options both seem to work, check spelling carefully, since only one option is a genuine word both ways.
- Move on quickly once you are confident; do not dwell on a single question for more than about 20 seconds.
Worked example
BASE ( ) PARK. Choose the missing word from: A) Room B) Point C) Field D) Ball E) Game.
- Try each option after BASE: baseroom, basepoint, basefield, baseball, basegame. Only BASEBALL is a real word.
- Check the same option before PARK: ballpark is also a real word, a familiar informal term for a stadium or fair estimate.
- No other option makes a genuine word both after BASE and before PARK.
- Final answer: D) Ball, since BASEBALL and BALLPARK are both real words.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Each part gives two words with a gap between them. Choose the one word from the options that completes the first word and begins the second, making two real compound words. a) WOOD ( ) MARK - A) Land B) Work C) Pile D) Cutter E) Peck. b) TUG ( ) HOUSE - A) Boat B) Ship C) War D) Barge E) Note. c) SAW ( ) POND - A) Dust B) Mill C) Blade D) Tooth E) Horse.
Each part gives two words with a gap between them. Choose the one word from the options that completes the first word and begins the second. a) SURF ( ) ROOM - A) Board B) Wave C) Bath D) Class E) Store. b) JELLY ( ) POND - A) Bean B) Fish C) Roll D) Baby E) Mould. c) PAN ( ) WALK - A) Cake B) Handle C) Fry D) Dora E) Try. d) WISH ( ) YARD - A) Bone B) Well C) Full D) Bird E) Grave.
Each part gives two words with a gap between them. Choose the one word from the options that completes the first word and begins the second. i) LIVE ( ) PILE - A) Stock B) Wire C) Long D) Hood E) Style. j) FRIEND ( ) WRECK - A) Ship B) Like C) Group D) Zone E) Boat.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the compound words worksheet pack - 9 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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