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Verbal reasoning: letter patterns

Letter pattern questions test whether you can spot a rule that changes letters in a set of words or strings. Work out the rule from the examples, then apply it exactly.

What is tested

  • Letter changes between pairs
  • Rearranging or reversing letters
  • Completing a set of related letter strings

Worked example

If ABC becomes BCD, what does DEF become?

  1. A to B, B to C, C to D: each letter +1.
  2. D to E, E to F, F to G: EFG.

Answer: EFG

Exam-day checklist

  • Write both strings one above the other.
  • Find the change position by position.
  • Check the same rule works on every letter.
  • Apply it slowly to the new string.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the rule from one letter.
  • Miscounting letters.
  • Applying the rule in the wrong direction.

Try it yourself

1. If STOP becomes TUPQ, what does LAMP become?

Show answer

MBNQ

Each letter moves 1 forward.

2. If PLAN becomes NALP, what does STAR become?

Show answer

RATS

The word is written in reverse.

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More topic guides

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