Free Verbal Reasoning Test for Children
Problem-solving with words — essential for 11+, grammar school, and independent school entry
What is assessed
By age group
International benchmarks
Scores are mapped against the following frameworks:
- GL Assessment 11+
- CEM 11+ (Durham University)
- Independent school entrance exams (ISEB)
- Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)
Read the full methodology on the Methodology page.
Sample questions
Click any question to reveal the answer.
Word analogyHot is to Cold as Fast is to ___.
- A) Speed
- B) Slow
- C) Run
- D) Quick
B — The relationship is antonym (opposite). The opposite of Fast is Slow.
Classification (odd one out)Which word does not belong? Apple · Banana · Carrot · Mango · Grape
- A) Apple
- B) Banana
- C) Carrot
- D) Mango
C — Carrot is a vegetable. All others are fruits.
Letter codeIf CAT = DBU, what does DOG equal using the same code?
- A) EPH
- B) CNF
- C) EPH
- D) FQI
A — Each letter shifts one forward in the alphabet: D→E, O→P, G→H = EPH.
How scores work
Eduentry uses a standardised scale with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 — the same scale used by Wechsler, NFER, and most UK standardised assessments.
| Score range | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 120+ | Exceptional | Top 9% |
| 110–119 | Above Average | 75th–91st |
| 95–109 | Average | 37th–63rd |
| 85–94 | Below Average | 16th–36th |
| <85 | Needs Support | Below 16th |
Other subjects
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is the Verbal Reasoning assessment free?
Yes, completely free. The full adaptive test and standardised score report with topic-level breakdown are included at no cost.
Is verbal reasoning the same as English?
No. Verbal reasoning tests logical thinking using words — not reading comprehension or writing. Questions involve analogies, word codes, sequencing, and classification. Strong English helps, but verbal reasoning requires separate practice.
How long does the Verbal Reasoning assessment take?
The Verbal Reasoning section contains 15 adaptive questions with a 30-minute total section time limit. Most children complete it in 20–25 minutes.
Can verbal reasoning be improved with practice?
Yes — verbal reasoning is highly practice-responsive. The question types are finite (analogies, codes, classification, sequences, logic), and systematic practice produces genuine improvement. Wide reading to build vocabulary provides the strongest foundation.
How to prepare
- 1
Practise one question type at a time before mixing them. There are 21 standard verbal reasoning question types — mastering each individually is faster than jumping between them.
- 2
Wide reading builds the vocabulary that underpins analogy, classification, and odd-one-out questions. Aim for 20 minutes of reading per day.
- 3
Bond Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers (ages 9–10+) are the closest match to GL Assessment 11+ format. Work through one paper per week, then review errors carefully.
- 4
For letter codes: write the alphabet with numbers 1–26 beneath it. Most code questions use simple shifts (A+1=B, A+2=C, etc.).
- 5
Timed practice matters: the GL Assessment gives approximately 50 seconds per verbal reasoning question. Practise answering quickly and moving on when stuck.
Try the free Verbal Reasoning assessment
Takes 5–8 minutes per subject. Instant standardised score and percentile ranking.
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