Example 1 · level 1 — a gentle start
Which letter comes next? E, F, G, H, ?
- K
- I
- J
- H
Answer: I — Each letter moves forward 1 place(s) in the alphabet.
11+ letter series questions
Letter series is a staple of the verbal reasoning paper, where speed matters as much as accuracy. Here is how the questions are built, how to spot the pattern quickly, and five worked examples explained step by step, easiest first.
Verbal reasoning · examined by GL · 5 worked examples
What your child needs to know
- Letters can follow a pattern too. Count how far each letter jumps.
- A→C is +2, C→E is +2. So the jump is 2 places each time.
Where marks get lost: Keep jumping: E + 2 = G.
Worked examples
Every question below is generated by the same engine your child practises on, and every answer is derived by our checker rather than written by hand — which is why we can put them on a public page at all.
Example 2 · level 2 — typical of early practice
Which letter comes next? H, I, J, K, ?
- N
- K
- L
- M
Answer: L — Each letter moves forward 1 place(s) in the alphabet.
Example 3 · level 3 — standard paper difficulty
Which letter is missing? B, D, F, ?, J, L
- G
- J
- H
- I
Answer: H — Each letter moves forward 2 place(s) in the alphabet.
Example 4 · level 4 — a harder paper
Which letter comes next? A, F, K, P, U, ?
- A
- Y
- Z
- E
Answer: Z — Each letter moves forward 5 place(s) in the alphabet.
Example 5 · level 5 — the level that separates candidates
Which letter comes next? E, I, M, Q, U, ?
- Y
- Z
- X
- C
Answer: Y — Each letter moves forward 4 place(s) in the alphabet.
How to practise this at home
- Verbal reasoning rewards pattern recognition, which comes from volume. A few questions of each type, often, beats one long session.
- Time a set once your child is accurate. Speed without accuracy is the usual trap; accuracy without speed loses just as many marks.
- Read widely alongside the practice. Almost every verbal reasoning question rests on vocabulary the child either has or does not.
Practise letter series with a tutor that explains
One4Learning serves questions at your child’s level, marks them instantly and — when one goes wrong — teaches the step they missed rather than showing the answer. Start with ten free questions, no account needed.
Take the free 10-question diagnostic →