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Academy11+

11+ Verbal Reasoning

11+ Verbal Reasoning practice papers

Verbal reasoning tests how your child thinks with words and letters: cracking codes, finding links between words, spotting hidden words and completing letter or number sequences. It rewards a wide vocabulary and a methodical approach.

Create a free account Our guide to 11+ Verbal Reasoning

What to practise in Verbal Reasoning

Word and letter puzzles: codes, analogies, hidden words and sequences.

Main topics

  • Letter and number codes
  • Analogies
  • Synonyms and antonyms
  • Hidden and compound words
  • Letter sequences
  • Word logic and missing letters

Tips for practising at home

  • Learn one question type at a time, then mix them once each one feels familiar.
  • Know the alphabet by position (A=1 … Z=26) to speed up codes and sequences.
  • Ask your child to explain the rule out loud: it shows whether they found it or guessed.

Which 11+ tests include it

Verbal reasoning is tested in many GL Assessment areas and in the ISEB Common Pre-Test, but not everywhere: Sutton's SET, CSSE and FSCE don't include it. Check your area's test.

Step by step

The Verbal Reasoning packs, in order

Start at step 1 and move on when your child is comfortable: short papers first, then longer and harder ones, then full-length papers timed like the real test. Premium opens every pack. How practice papers work

  1. Step 1: Starter

    Three short papers of 10 questions, about 10 minutes each. A gentle, free first look at the subject.

  2. Step 2: Quick Challenge

    Still 10 questions a paper, but harder ones: a quick test of how your child copes when it gets tricky.

  3. Step 3: Build-up

    Longer papers of 25 questions at a steady level, to build focus and pace over a longer sitting.

  4. Step 4: Stretch

    25 harder questions a paper, for children who are ready to push towards the top of the range.

  5. Step 5: Full papers

    Full-length papers of around 50 questions, timed like the real test, from easier packs to harder ones.

Other subjects

All subjects and bundlesEvery practice paper

How the practice papers work

  • Timed like the real test

    Each paper has its own time limit and a timer on screen, so your child practises working at exam pace.

  • Marked straight away

    Answers are marked as soon as the paper is handed in, so your child gets a score straight away.

  • Progress you can follow

    Every score goes into your parent dashboard and progress reports, so you can see what is improving.

  • On screen or on paper

    You can also print a paper at home and upload the answer sheet to be marked: the free sample papers, packs you own, or any pack paper with Premium.

Ways to get the papers

  • Free account

    A free sample paper in each subject, plus the starting assessment and progress reports. No card needed.

    Create a free account →

  • Premium

    Every paper in every bundle and pack, with retakes, for every child on your account: £9.99 a month.

    See what Premium includes →

  • A bundle for your exam board

    Buy an exam-season bundle for your child's exam board, open until their exam date, or a single pack where one is on sale. Prices are on each one, with 10% off for two or more children.

    Browse paper packs →