Example 1 · level 1 — a gentle start
In a code NUT is written 14-21-20. How is LOG written?
- 4-15-7
- 12-15-7
- 3-1-20
- 19-21-14
Answer: 12-15-7 — Each letter becomes its place in the alphabet, so LOG is 12-15-7.
11+ word–number codes questions
Word–number codes 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
- Every letter has a place in the alphabet.
- So CAT becomes 3-1-20.
Where marks get lost: Work out the rule from the example, then use it.
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
In a code BAG is written 2-1-7. How is DOG written?
- 13-1-16
- 19-21-14
- 4-15-7
- 3-1-20
Answer: 4-15-7 — Each letter becomes its place in the alphabet, so DOG is 4-15-7.
Example 3 · level 3 — standard paper difficulty
In a code FARM is written 8-3-20-15. How is TREE written?
- 8-11-21-10
- 22-20-7-7
- 4-11-20-6
- 14-3-15-18
Answer: 22-20-7-7 — Each letter becomes its place in the alphabet plus 2, so TREE is 22-20-7-7.
Example 4 · level 4 — a harder paper
In a code MOON is written 15-17-17-16. How is FISH written?
- 14-3-15-18
- 4-11-20-6
- 9-3-22-7
- 8-11-21-10
Answer: 8-11-21-10 — Each letter becomes its place in the alphabet plus 2, so FISH is 8-11-21-10.
Example 5 · level 5 — the level that separates candidates
In a code ROBIN is written 24-21-8-15-20. How is GRASS written?
- 22-18-7-20-26
- 9-14-7-15-24
- 13-24-7-25-25
- 25-26-21-20-11
Answer: 13-24-7-25-25 — Each letter becomes its place in the alphabet plus 6, so GRASS is 13-24-7-25-25.
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 word–number codes with a tutor that explains
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