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Improving Vocabulary 01

Words are powerful! This KS2 English quiz helps you grow your vocabulary and learn how to choose the right words to make your writing more interesting and expressive.

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Fascinating Fact:

Authors like Roald Dahl made up new words just for fun, such as “snozzcumber.”

In KS2 English, pupils learn how to improve vocabulary by exploring synonyms, antonyms, and new word meanings. Expanding your word choices helps make writing livelier and more creative.

Key Terms

Synonym: A word that means the same or nearly the same as another word.
Antonym: A word that means the opposite of another word.
Vocabulary: The collection of words a person knows and uses.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How can I improve my vocabulary in KS2 English?

You can improve your vocabulary by reading widely, keeping a word journal, using a dictionary, and trying to use new words in your writing and conversations.

Why is vocabulary important in writing?

Good vocabulary helps you describe ideas clearly, express emotions, and make your writing more engaging for the reader.

What are some fun ways to learn new words?

Play word games like Scrabble, make up silly words like Roald Dahl, read new books, or challenge friends to use uncommon words in a sentence.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The boys walked home because they were eager to try out their new game.

crept

raced

shuffled

wandered

The boys raced home because they were eager to try out their new game. 'Raced' is an improvement for the less vivid 'walked'.

2 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The children were tired after climbing the mountain.

bored

weary

irritated

worried

The children were weary after climbing the mountain.

3 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
Tom was happy to be offered such an important role in the school play.

overjoyed

delighted

glad

All of the above

'Happy' is one of the most overused words in English - try to build up a collection of words which are more specific. For example, do 'glad' and 'delighted' mean exactly the same level of happiness?

4 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The family left the rubbish from their picnic.

spilled

quit

stopped

abandoned

The family abandoned the rubbish from their picnic.

5 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The sun's hot rays shone all afternoon.

glistened

lit

glowed

blazed

The sun's hot rays blazed all afternoon. 'Hot rays' requires a strong word, like 'blazed'. 'Glowed' could be used if the sun was described as having 'gentle rays'.

6 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
Lizzie said that she had a secret to tell us.

announced

told

smiled

questioned

Lizzie announced that she had a secret to tell us.

7 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The class liked those hot, sunny days when they were allowed to play cricket all afternoon.

enjoyed

admired

agreed

gained

The class enjoyed those hot, sunny days when they were allowed to play cricket all afternoon. To make the verb stronger, you could also use 'cherished' or 'treasured' or 'prized' (although it's important to sound reasonable, too!).

8 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The dog's loud barking just made the baby cry even more loudly.

snivel

simper

howl

snuffle

The dog's loud barking just made the baby howl even more loudly.

9 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The clown's tricks made the children roll around, laughing, while the adults couldn't help but laugh.

smiling, roar

giggling, chuckle

crying, shriek

happy, smirk

The clown's tricks made the children roll around, giggling, while the adults couldn't help but chuckle.

10 .

Without changing the meaning of the sentence, choose the best replacement for the word in italics.
The girls were sad when their cat went missing.

humiliated

dreadful

downhearted

furious

The girls were downhearted when their cat went missing. The other words are excellent vocabulary choices, but they do not have the same meaning as 'sad' in this sentence.

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Synonyms and antonyms

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)