Verbal reasoning looks intimidating the first time a child sees it — codes, sequences, words hidden inside sentences. But almost every question follows one of a handful of patterns. Learn the pattern, practise it, and scores climb fast. Elevenplus FC teaches all eight core 11 plus verbal reasoning question types.
The 8 verbal reasoning question types — with examples
1. Analogies
Find the word that completes the relationship.
Bird is to flock as fish is to …
sea · shoal · fin · water
Answer: shoal — a group of birds is a flock; a group of fish is a shoal.
2. Odd one out
Spot the words that don't belong with the rest.
Which two words do not belong?
rose · tulip · oak · daisy · pine
Answer: oak and pine — they are trees; the others are flowers.
3. Compound words
Take one word from each group to make a new word.
(pen · ruler · rubber) (guin · well · clip)
Answer: pen + guin = penguin
4. Letter codes
Work out the rule that turns one word into a code, then apply it.
If CAT is written as DBU, how is DOG written?
Answer: EPH — each letter moves one place forward in the alphabet.
5. Number codes
Match words to number codes and decode a new word.
If STOP is written as 1234, how is POTS written?
Answer: 4321
6. Number sequences
Find the next number in the series.
3 · 7 · 15 · 31 · ?
Answer: 63 — each number is doubled, then 1 is added.
7. Hidden words
Find a four-letter word hidden across the end of one word and the start of the next.
Mum said we could go at once.
Answer: goat (go + at)
8. Word association
Find the word that fits with both groups.
(lamp · torch) (easy · weightless)
bulb · bright · light · float
Answer: light
For step-by-step techniques and common traps for each type, read our guide to 11+ verbal reasoning question types.
How Elevenplus FC teaches verbal reasoning
- Learn mode for each type — the technique explained simply, with worked examples, before any testing.
- Test mode — fresh questions every session, so children learn the method rather than memorising answers.
- "Help me think" hints — a guiding question after a wrong answer, so the child finds the reasoning themselves.
- Mock exams — verbal reasoning sections inside timed 11+ mock papers, including a mixed-question format.
- Vocabulary underneath it all — many verbal reasoning questions are really vocabulary questions in disguise, which is why the app pairs them with 1,500 11+ vocabulary words.
Verbal reasoning tips for parents
- Teach one type at a time. Master analogies before moving to codes.
- Write the alphabet at the top of the page. When rough working is allowed, jotting A–Z down (with numbers under each letter) makes letter-code questions far quicker and more accurate.
- Spelling matters. Hidden-word and compound-word questions punish shaky spelling.
- Add timing late. Accuracy first; speed comes with familiarity.
- Review every mistake. Ask your child to explain the rule out loud — if they can teach it, they know it.
Frequently asked questions
What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
Verbal reasoning tests how well a child can think with words: spotting relationships between words, cracking letter and number codes, finding hidden words and completing sequences. It relies heavily on vocabulary and spelling as well as logic.
Which 11+ exams include verbal reasoning?
Many do, including GL Assessment areas (usually as a separate paper), the Kent Test's reasoning section, the ISEB Common Pre-Test and CEM-style tests, where verbal skills are mixed into the English paper. Check your target school's admissions page for its exact format.
Can you improve at verbal reasoning?
Yes — more than almost any other 11+ skill. Most question types follow a small number of patterns. Once a child has learned the technique for each type and practised it regularly, speed and accuracy improve quickly.
Does Elevenplus FC include non-verbal reasoning?
No. The app covers verbal reasoning and English. Non-verbal reasoning (shapes and patterns) needs a separate resource.