11+ subject guide
11+ Verbal Reasoning
The 11+ Verbal Reasoning question types explained, with how to solve each one, how to practise at home, and three free questions to try right now.
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What 11+ Verbal Reasoning covers
Verbal Reasoning (VR) tests how well children think and solve problems with words, letters and numbers. Questions ask them to crack letter codes, continue sequences, find hidden words, choose words that mean the same or the opposite, and complete analogies.
In GL-style tests, Verbal Reasoning is usually a separate paper made up of familiar question types, each with its own instructions and example. CEM-style tests mix verbal reasoning with English, so there is more vocabulary, cloze and comprehension. Because the question types follow set patterns, learning how each one works, then building speed, makes a real difference.
Verbal Reasoning question types
Letter Codes
Work out how a word is coded by moving letters along the alphabet, then code (or decode) another word.
Letter Sequences
Spot how letters (or letter pairs) move along the alphabet and find the next one in the series.
Number Sequences
Find the rule in a series of numbers and work out the next one.
Missing Letters
Find the one letter that ends the first word and starts the second word in every pair.
Compound Words
Pick one word from each group to make a longer word, e.g. car + pet = carpet.
Missing Numbers
Work out how the middle number is made from the two outside numbers, then complete the last group.
Hidden Words
Find the four-letter word hidden across the end of one word and the start of the next.
Missing Three Letters
Find the three-letter word that has been taken out of the word in capitals.
Closest Meaning
Pick one word from each group so that the two words are closest in meaning.
Opposite Meaning
Pick one word from each group so that the two words are most opposite in meaning.
Odd Two Out
Find the two words that do not belong with the other three.
Word Analogies
Complete the analogy: find the word that goes with the third word in the same way as the second goes with the first.
Letter Sums
Each letter stands for a number. Work out the sum and give the answer as a letter.
Analogies: relationships to look for
- Same meaning: happy → joyful
- Opposite: hot → cold
- What it does: pen → write
- Category: rose → flower
- Degree: warm → hot
- Part to whole: wheel → car
Codes: rules to try
- Letter positions: A = 1, B = 2, C = 3
- Mirror alphabet: A = Z, B = Y, C = X
- Moving each letter along by the same amount
- Moving letters by a changing amount
- Mixed rules that combine two patterns
Spotting patterns
- Write the alphabet out at the top of the page
- Count the jumps between letters
- Check position, sound and meaning
- Look for two patterns working together
- Test the rule on every example
- Watch for words like "not" and "except"
Working out the answer
- Read the example before starting a new type
- Cross out options that clearly don't fit
- Work backwards from the options when stuck
- Test each remaining option against the rule
- Make an educated guess rather than leave a blank
- Mark hard questions and come back to them
How to practise Verbal Reasoning at home
Learn one question type at a time
Work through each type slowly with its example until your child can explain the method, then mix types together.
Know the alphabet by position
Being able to say quickly that M is the 13th letter, or what comes four letters after R, speeds up codes and sequences.
Build vocabulary every day
Many VR questions depend on word knowledge. Reading widely and talking about synonyms and opposites helps across the paper.
Play word games
Crosswords, word searches, anagrams and games like Boggle practise the same skills in a fun way.
Explain the rule out loud
Ask your child to say why an answer is right. It shows whether they found the rule or guessed.
Add timed practice
Once each type is secure, practise mixed sets against the clock to build speed.
On the day of the exam
Read the example
Each question type has its own instructions. A quick read of the example avoids losing marks to a misunderstanding.
Check every part
Make sure the rule works for all the given examples, not just the first one.
Stay flexible
If the first idea doesn't work, try another angle. Some questions combine two patterns.
Keep moving
Don't let one hard question eat into time for easier ones later in the paper.
More 11+ Verbal Reasoning practice
- Free Verbal Reasoning questions Ten fresh questions at a time, marked instantly with explanations. No sign-up.
- Printable worksheets Worksheets to print and practise on paper at home.
- 11+ paper packs Full timed practice papers with instant marking and a report for parents.
- 11+ mock exams Exam-style mocks to practise under real timing.
- Standardised score calculator Turn a raw practice score into an estimated standardised score.
- Which test does your school use? Find the 11+ test used by grammar schools in your area.
- Sample reports See the report parents get after a paper, a mock or a story.
Verbal Reasoning paper packs
- Academy11 Verbal Reasoning Papers
Timed Verbal Reasoning practice papers in the style of the GL 11+ exam. Included with Premium.
See a sample practice paper report
Every paper, mock and story comes with a report. Have a look at real ones, made for a fictional child.
See the sample reportsGuides for parents
- How to Improve Your Child's Verbal Reasoning Score in 8 WeeksAn 8-week targeted plan can transform your child's verbal reasoning performance before the 11+ exam. This expert guide gives you a week-by-week strategy, proven practice techniques, and the specific skills that make the biggest difference to scores.12 min read
- The Complete Guide to the 11+ Exam: What Every Parent Needs to KnowNavigating the 11+ exam can be daunting for parents. This comprehensive guide offers insights into preparation, stress management, and resources like Academy11 to help your child succeed in gaining entry to a grammar school.10 min read
- Top Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the 11+ Exam: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and ChildrenDiscover the top mistakes to avoid when preparing for the 11+ exam. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and strategies for parents and children, helping to navigate the journey towards grammar school admission successfully.10 min read
11+ Verbal Reasoning: questions parents ask
What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
Verbal Reasoning tests how well children solve problems using words, letters and numbers. Typical questions involve letter codes, sequences, hidden words, missing letters, compound words, words with the same or opposite meaning, and analogies.
Is verbal reasoning taught at school?
Not usually as a subject. Children use the skills behind it, such as vocabulary, spelling and number work, but most will not have met the specific question types before, so learning how each type works is an important part of 11+ preparation.
How can I help my child improve at verbal reasoning?
Teach one question type at a time with a worked example, then practise little and often. Build vocabulary through reading and word games, make sure your child knows the alphabet positions well, and add timed mixed practice as the exam gets closer.
Do GL and CEM tests both include verbal reasoning?
Yes, but differently. GL-style tests usually have a separate verbal reasoning paper with familiar question types. CEM-style tests combine verbal reasoning with English skills such as comprehension, cloze and vocabulary. Check which test your area uses.
Are these free verbal reasoning questions like the real exam?
They use the same question types found in 11+ verbal reasoning papers, and every one comes with a worked explanation. They are practice questions, not past papers, and the real test's layout and timing will depend on your area.
Start free with a sample Verbal Reasoning paper
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