Understand how verbal reasoning tests measure logical thinking, language understanding, and problem-solving skills in the 11+ exam.
Verbal reasoning is one of the most common subjects included in the 11+ grammar school entrance exam. Many selective schools use these tests to measure a child’s thinking ability, problem-solving skills and understanding of language.
Instead of simply testing what children have memorised, verbal reasoning focuses on recognising patterns, interpreting words and applying logical thinking.
Wide vocabulary and word understanding
Accurate spelling and grammar
Strong logical reasoning ability
Basic mental maths skills
Some children quickly develop verbal reasoning skills because they enjoy puzzles and word games. Activities like crosswords, logic puzzles and word searches naturally develop reasoning ability.
Verbal reasoning questions usually follow specific patterns. Once children understand how these patterns work, they can solve questions more quickly and accurately.
Finding relationships between words
Letter sequences and patterns
Word codes and decoding tasks
Word analogies
Finding the odd word in a group
GL Assessment (formerly known as NFER) is one of the most widely used providers of 11+ verbal reasoning exams. Their tests usually contain 15–21 different question types.
Children write the answers themselves.
Children select answers from given options.
Read regularly to expand vocabulary
Practise different reasoning questions
Improve speed with timed practice
Strengthen mental maths skills
