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What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?

Updated 2026-11-04

Verbal reasoning tests how well a child can think with words, letters and simple logic. It is not usually taught in primary school, which is why a little familiarity with the question types makes such a difference.

What verbal reasoning measures

Verbal reasoning questions ask children to spot patterns and relationships in language. They draw on vocabulary, spelling, alphabet knowledge and the ability to follow rules carefully.

Unlike a spelling test or a comprehension paper, verbal reasoning is less about what a child has been taught and more about how they solve problems. That said, a wide vocabulary and confident knowledge of the alphabet help enormously, and both can be built over time.

Not every area includes verbal reasoning in its test, and the mix of question types varies, so check with your council or school what your child will sit.

Word meaning questions

These test vocabulary directly. Synonyms ask for words with similar meanings; antonyms ask for opposites. Some questions ask children to find the odd word out in a group, or to complete a word analogy.

Synonym example: which word is closest in meaning to brave? (timid, bold, loud, quick). Answer: bold.
Antonym example: which word is most opposite in meaning to ancient? (old, modern, large, tidy). Answer: modern.
Analogy example: hot is to cold as up is to … (high, down, sky, over). Answer: down.

Watch out for words with more than one meaning. If an answer does not seem to fit, try another meaning of the word in the question.

Hidden words and missing letters

Hidden word questions conceal a word across the end of one word and the start of the next. Children need to read slowly and look across the gap between words.

Hidden word example: find the four-letter word hidden across two neighbouring words in “The bus topped the hill”. Answer: stop (bu-s top-ped).
Missing letters example: add the same three letters to complete the word: P _ _ _ IL (a writing tool). Answer: ENC, making PENCIL.

Spelling matters in these questions, so regular reading and a little spelling practice pay off here.

Letter series and codes

Letter series questions follow a pattern through the alphabet. Code questions turn words into letters or numbers using a rule the child has to work out.

Letter series example: B, D, F, H, ? Each step skips one letter, so the answer is J.
Code example: if CAT is written as DBU, how is DOG written? Each letter moves on one place, so the answer is EPH.

Writing the alphabet across the top of the page, perhaps with numbers 1 to 26 underneath, is a simple habit that makes these questions much quicker and more accurate. Children should also know that the alphabet wraps round, so one place after Z is A.

Logic and number questions

Some verbal reasoning questions are short logic puzzles. Children read a few statements and decide what must be true. Others involve number series or simple sums written in words or letters.

Logic example: Amy is taller than Ben. Ben is taller than Cal. Who is the shortest? Answer: Cal.
Number series example: 3, 6, 12, 24, ? Each number doubles, so the answer is 48.

For logic questions, drawing a quick line or table to put people in order helps. The key skill is sticking to what the statements say, not what seems likely in real life.

Common slips to watch for

Most verbal reasoning mistakes come from rushing rather than from not knowing. A few habits prevent a lot of lost marks.

Reading the instructions for each new section, because similar-looking questions can ask for different things.
Counting letters carefully in code and series questions, using the written alphabet rather than counting in your head.
Checking that a chosen word is spelled correctly and is a real word.
Watching the direction of a code: some questions give the code and ask for the word, others the other way round.
Not spending too long on one puzzle. A question that will not give way can be marked and revisited at the end.

Compound words, where two short words join to make a longer one, such as foot and ball making football, are another common type worth a quick look.

How to practise at home

Start untimed. Let your child try a handful of each question type, then talk about how they found the answer. Understanding the method matters more than speed at first.

Read widely and talk about interesting words you meet together.
Play word games such as crosswords, anagrams and word searches.
Practise the alphabet forwards and backwards, and the position of each letter.
Keep a small notebook of new words with simple definitions.
Once the types feel familiar, introduce short timed sets, then full papers.

Mistakes are useful. When your child gets something wrong, ask them to explain their thinking before showing the answer. Often they will spot the slip themselves. NITU’s revision handbooks include lessons on each question type if you would like a structured path.

Questions parents ask

Is verbal reasoning taught at school?

Not usually as a separate subject. Children use many of the same skills in English, but the specific question types are often new, so some practice at home helps.

Can verbal reasoning be improved with practice?

Yes. Familiarity with the question types and a growing vocabulary both make a real difference, especially when practice is regular and mistakes are discussed.

Does every 11+ test include verbal reasoning?

No. Some areas test English and maths only, and others combine several subjects. Check with your council or school which subjects your child will sit.

Want to see what a paper set out like your child's test looks like? Every pack and handbook has a free sample. Find your test area or try the free flash cards.