Topics / Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning: logic and ordering
These puzzles give you a few comparisons and ask who is tallest, oldest or fastest — or whether the facts even allow an answer. The trick is to combine the clues into one ordered line, and to notice when two clues never connect.
What is tested
- Combining several comparisons into a single ordering
- Clues presented out of order
- Recognising when there is not enough information ('cannot tell')
Worked example
Ali is taller than Bea. Cy is shorter than Bea. Dee is taller than Ali. Put them in order from tallest to shortest.
- Dee is taller than Ali: Dee > Ali.
- Ali is taller than Bea: Dee > Ali > Bea.
- Cy is shorter than Bea: Dee > Ali > Bea > Cy.
Answer: Dee, Ali, Bea, Cy
Exam-day checklist
- Draw a vertical line and place names as you read each clue.
- Build one chain; if you end up with two separate chains, be suspicious.
- Read the question word: tallest, shortest, or second?
- Ask: does every person link into the same chain? If not, the answer may be 'cannot tell'.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any two comparisons fully rank everyone.
- Reading the order backwards (tallest vs shortest).
- Guessing when two clues never connect.
Try it yourself
1. Ana is faster than Ben. Cal is slower than Ben. Who is the slowest?
Show answer
Cal
Ana > Ben > Cal, so Cal is at the bottom.
2. Tom is heavier than Sam. Uma is heavier than Vic. Who is the heaviest?
Show answer
Cannot tell
The two clues never link the pairs together, so Tom and Uma could each be the heaviest.
Practise verbal reasoning: logic and ordering with school-style questions
Create a free account for topic-by-topic practice, timed mocks in your target school's format, and a weekly report on what to focus on next.
More topic guides
11Plus-Help - adaptive 11+ practice and school-specific mock exams for Greater London grammar schools.
Schools · Topics · Stage 2 guide · Privacy · Terms · Create an account
Practice materials are original and independently produced. They are not official school papers and do not guarantee admission. School arrangements can change; parents should check each school’s current admissions information.