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Verbal reasoning: compound words

Compound word questions ask you to join two words, or find a word that goes with several others. Test every option, because several might work with one word.

What is tested

  • Joining two words to make a new word
  • A word that goes with all of a set of words
  • Meaning of compound words

Worked example

Which word can go after 'rain' to make a new word? (bow / ball / book)

  1. Try each option: rainbow, rainball, rainbook.
  2. Only 'rainbow' is a real word.

Answer: bow

Exam-day checklist

  • Test every option with every word.
  • Check both directions (word + option, option + word).
  • Only accept real words.
  • If two options work, look for the one that works for all.

Common mistakes

  • Stopping at the first option that works.
  • Accepting a made-up compound.
  • Only testing one direction.

Try it yourself

1. Which word joins 'foot' and 'basket' to make two words? (ball / path / cart)

Show answer

ball

Football and basketball.

2. Which word goes after 'sun' and 'moon' to make two words? (light / bow / coat)

Show answer

light

Sunlight and moonlight are both common words; no other option makes a common word with both 'sun' and 'moon'.

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