To test verbal reasoning (VR) is all about thinking and reasoning utilising ideas expressed in words. It focuses on assessing the capacity to think creatively rather than recognise the language.
Verbal reasoning is a test of a skill rather than a test of previously acquired information, as is the case with math. An examination to test verbal reasoning is used to assess a child’s critical thinking abilities as well as their capacity to solve problems by drawing on their own prior knowledge. Most mainstream schools do not test verbal reasoning.
To test verbal reasoning, you must understand that distinct kinds of questions may be asked. Here are a few illustrations:
- Identifying letter combinations
- The process of deciphering codes based on letters and integers
- Observing the printed directions
- Finding words inside words
- Finding a letter to complete two other words
Check out this YouTube Video of a student who smashed the 11+ exams and gives some handy tips.
What factors contribute to students’ success in the test of verbal reasoning?
It is suggested that students have a broad vocabulary in order to excel in a Verbal Reasoning test. According to expectations, children should have a vocabulary of 2,000 words by the time they are 11 years old. Feltham Tuition Centre supports spelling with over 3,000 terms, which is much more than what is needed by law. It is generally accepted that students with a broad range of reading experiences are more likely to do well in Verbal Reasoning tests.
It is also suggested that students have a strong understanding of synonyms (words that imply the same thing or have similar meanings), antonyms (words that have the opposite meaning), and a strong foundation in mathematics and English.
To get a sense of your child’s verbal thinking skills, have them take the following free Verbal Reasoning demo exam with you:
To begin, just click here.
How can I test verbal reasoning with my child and support them in their development?
- Use words to your advantage by playing word-based board games such as “Scrabble” or “Boggle.”
- Encourage your child to engage in word games such as word searches, hangman, and crossword puzzles to improve their vocabulary.
- Take time to play word games with your child, such as detecting the odd word out, decoding anagrams, and identifying synonyms and antonyms for certain terms.
- Hold spelling bees with your child, concentrating on frequently misspelt words and homophones as a starting point (words that sound the same but are spelt differently).
- Take your child to museums, exhibits, and art galleries to get them excited about culture in general and to help them develop a broad knowledge and cultural capital in the process. Talk with them about what they’re seeing and what they’re thinking.
- Encourage your child to take their Verbal Reasoning examinations slowly and carefully, rather than rushing through them. Examinees must learn to read questions attentively so that they may understand what is being requested of them and carry out the instructions precisely as stated in the question.
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