What is Verbal Reasoning?

Written By Jane Lihou

Verbal Reasoning (VR) is a form of problem-solving that tests a child's ability to think logically and spot patterns using words, letters, and language.  Unlike standard school English exams, it does not test creative writing or grammar rules. Instead, it uses text and language as a tool to measure a child’s raw academic potential and critical thinking skills. 

Core Areas Tested in Verbal Reasoning

There are many different VR question types, but they generally fall into four main areas:

  • Vocabulary and word relationships – understanding meanings, synonyms, antonyms, analogies and relationships between words

  • Letter manipulation and codes – changing, rearranging or combining letters to solve a problem

  • Logic and deduction – using clues, information and relationships to work out an answer

  • Numbers and mathematical reasoning – identifying numerical patterns, sequences and rules presented in a verbal format

The Role of Word Games in Preparation

Commercial word games are not part of the 11+ exam itself, but some can be useful supplementary activities because they develop skills that overlap with particular VR question types.

  • Scrabble & Bananagrams: encourage children to manipulate letters and recognise different word combinations. These skills can support questions involving Compound Words, Move a Letter and other forms of letter manipulation.

  • Wordle & Hangman: encourage children to think about possible letter combinations and use known information to eliminate possibilities. This can support skills needed for Missing Letter and some Hidden Word questions.

  • Boggle & Crosswords: encourage rapid word recognition, vocabulary development and the ability to scan for possible words and patterns.

What Does my Child Need to Succeed?

Success in Verbal Reasoning depends on a combination of:

  • a wide and well-developed vocabulary

  • strong reading habits

  • the ability to recognise patterns and relationships

  • good logical and deductive reasoning skills

  • familiarity with the different question types

  • the ability to work quickly and accurately under time pressure

How Can Parents Support Their Child’s VR Preparation?

Read!

Regular reading is one of the best ways to build the vocabulary, language knowledge and general understanding that underpin Verbal Reasoning. Encourage your child to read widely and regularly, rather than sticking to one type of book. Fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, biographies, magazines and challenging articles can all introduce new vocabulary and ideas. Encourage your child to notice unfamiliar words, work out their meanings from context and look them up when necessary. Over time, this builds the vocabulary and language awareness that will support them across many different types of Verbal Reasoning questions. The goal is not simply to learn more words. It is to become curious about language and confident in working out how words, letters, numbers and ideas are connected.

Dates for the Diary

Open Events

Monday 5th October

  • Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School

Tuesday 6th October

  • Channing

  • South Hampstead High School

Wednesday 7th October

  • Godolphin & Latymer

Thursday 8th October

  • Maida Vale School

Saturday 10th October

  • Alleyn’s Hampstead

  • HABS Boys and Girls

Saturday 3 October

Here is a brief outline of today’s lessons.

Year 5 

English - Vocabulary quiz. Adverbials.

Maths - Directed numbers (positive/negative)

Verbal Reasoning - Find the missing word.

Non-Verbal Reasoning - Series

Interview- Describe an obstacle that you overcame.

Year 6 

English - Kings’ College School 2019

Maths - Kings College School 2019

Verbal Reasoning - Timed test on a variety of question types.

Non-Verbal Reasoning - Analogies, Matrices and Series.

Interview- Language and Logic.

Jane Lihou
Next

What is NVR?