Sheet 9 of 10 · Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning codes and techniques
Alphabet tricks, letter codes and how to tackle each question type. 14 rules, each with a worked example.
Alphabet tools
Alphabet positions
A = 1, B = 2 … Z = 26
- M = 13 is the middle: A–M is the first half, N–Z the second
Tip: EJOTY: E = 5, J = 10, O = 15, T = 20, Y = 25
Mirror alphabet
Position + mirror position equals 27
- A ↔ Z, B ↔ Y, C ↔ X … M ↔ N
ExampleG = 7, and 27 − 7 = 20 = T, so G ↔ TLetter shift codes
Count the shift for each letter; after Z, carry on from A
- The shift can change letter by letter (+1, +2, +3…): check every one
ExampleCAT (+2) → ECV · YES (+3) → BHVLetter series
Write the gaps between the letters underneath
- Gaps not steady? Try two series taking turns (every other letter)
ExampleC, F, I, L, ? (+3 each time) → O
Word and letter questions
Hidden words
Look across the gap between two neighbouring words
ExampleThe gold oven was hot → DOVE (golD OVEn)Missing letters
One letter ends the first word and starts the second
ExampleLEA [?] ATE → F (LEAF, FATE)Move a letter
Move one letter from the first word to the second; both must stay real words
ExampleSPLIT, PEA → move L: SPIT, PEALCompound words
Join one word from each group to make a new word, in that order
Example(sun, pig, cold) (ink, flower, nap) → SUNFLOWERClosest and opposite meaning
Try each option in the same sentence; it must be the same word class
ExampleClosest to BRAVE: bold · Opposite of ANCIENT: modern
Number and logic questions
Number series
Find the gaps; if they change, look at the gaps between the gaps
Example2, 5, 10, 17, ? (+3, +5, +7, +9) → 26Tip: Also check for × patterns, square numbers and two series taking turns.
Letter analogies
Work out what turns the first pair into the second; do the same again
ExampleAC is to BD as FH is to GI (each letter +1)Word codes
Line up the word with its code and match letter by letter
ExampleMATE = 3194, so M = 3, A = 1, T = 9, E = 4 and TEAM = 9413Complete the sum
Work out the complete side first (BODMAS), then find the number that balances it
Example6 × 4 = 30 − ? → 24 = 30 − 6, so ? = 6Logic problems
Draw a quick table or line and tick off each clue in turn
ExampleAmy is taller than Ben; Ben is taller than Cal → Amy is the tallest
Want the full explanation?
The study guide goes through each rule step by step, with more examples.