Your guide to the 11+
Words, patterns and a little detective work
Verbal reasoning asks children to use language and logic to work out an answer. It can look unfamiliar at first, even to a confident reader. Understanding the instruction is the first step.
What is verbal reasoning?
Verbal reasoning involves spotting relationships between words, letters and, in some question types, numbers. A child might choose a word with a similar meaning, complete a word relationship, follow a letter code or use clues to reach a conclusion.
What is the point of it?
Schools that use reasoning tests want to see how children apply what they know to a problem, including one they have not seen before. Verbal reasoning can show how a child recognises patterns, understands vocabulary and follows a logical rule. It is one part of an admissions assessment, not a complete picture of a child’s abilities.
What might be tested?
- Word meanings: similar and opposite meanings.
- Relationships between words and ideas.
- Letter patterns, codes and sequences.
- Building or finding words.
- Following clues and checking a conclusion.
How does a question work?
- Read the instruction: what exactly must you find?
- Look for the relationship or rule.
- Try that rule on the possible answers.
- Check that your answer fits the whole question.
Some tests use multiple-choice answer sheets. Follow the instructions for the particular test.
Have a go together
These original introductory questions show a few possible styles. They are not copied from an exam paper and do not predict a test score. Try them without a timer, then explain how you reached each answer.
Try it · 1
Find a similar meaning
Which word is closest in meaning to reluctant?
Give me a hint
Imagine someone who does not really want to join in.
Show answer and explanation
B · unwilling. A reluctant person is hesitant or unwilling to do something. Eager means almost the opposite.
Try it · 2
Spot the relationship
Bird is to nest as bee is to…
Give me a hint
Think about the relationship between a bird and its nest, rather than choosing any word connected with a bee.
Show answer and explanation
C · hive. The relationship is animal to its home. Honey and flower are connected with bees, but they do not fit that same relationship.
Try it · 3
Crack a letter code
In a code, each letter is replaced by the next letter of the alphabet. CAT becomes DBU. How is DOG written?
Give me a hint
Move each letter forward by one place: D → E. Now do the same for O and G.
Show answer and explanation
A · EPH. D becomes E, O becomes P and G becomes H. Apply the rule to every letter, then check all three.
Try it · 4
Use the clues
Mia is taller than Leo. Leo is taller than Sam. Who is the shortest?
Give me a hint
Write the names in order from tallest to shortest.
Show answer and explanation
C · Sam. The order is Mia, then Leo, then Sam. Both clues are needed to put the three children in order.
How can parents help?
Read together and talk about unfamiliar words in context. Ask your child to explain why an answer fits and why another option does not. Short, thoughtful practice is a useful starting point; introduce timed practice after the method is understood.
If a question goes wrong, check whether the difficulty was the vocabulary, the instruction or the rule. That makes the next practice session more focused.
Is every 11+ test the same?
No. Subjects, timings and question styles vary between schools and areas. Check your target school’s current admissions information and its recommended familiarisation materials.
For publisher guidance, see GL Assessment’s official 11+ information and familiarisation materials. Our examples are independently written by Advantage Tutoring.
Explore verbal reasoning in more detail
Find out about the different question types, the skills they use and how to approach them, with short worked examples.
A clearer next step for your child
Our 11+ tuition gives children time to explore unfamiliar questions and explain their thinking. Mock exams provide an opportunity to practise working through a paper in an exam setting.
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