Letter Series 3

Letter series puzzles test how well you can spot hidden rules in sequences of letters. They are a fun way to sharpen reasoning and problem-solving skills for the 11 Plus.

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Fascinating Fact:

Another fun one is O O O, which can look like someone falling asleep in the middle of the puzzle.

In 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning, letter series puzzles encourage pupils to recognise and apply rules to sequences. They improve logical thinking, pattern recognition, and exam problem-solving skills.

Key Terms

Pattern: A repeated or logical arrangement of items.
Series: A set of letters or numbers that follow a specific rule.
Logic: The use of reasoning to work out the correct solution.

For more insight into exam style, see our guide on 11 Plus subjects tested for parents.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are letter series puzzles in the 11 Plus?

They are sequences of letters that follow a hidden rule. Pupils must work out the rule and continue the series correctly, testing reasoning and logic skills.

Why are letter series puzzles useful?

They build logical thinking, improve attention to detail, and develop problem-solving skills that are important for success in Verbal Reasoning exams.

How can I get better at solving letter series puzzles?

Practise spotting simple patterns first, such as skipping or reversing letters, before moving on to harder puzzles that combine different rules.

Try These Related Quizzes

Example:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The alphabet is given above to help you. Find the group of letters that will continue the series in the most sensible way. When you have found the most appropriate group of letters, choose the correct answer from the four choices available.

AT BS CR DQ EP

Answer: FO

The first letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, with no spaces. The second letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, with no spaces. So we need to look for the letter after E and the letter before P.

1 .

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
The alphabet is given above to help you. Find the group of letters that will continue the series in the most sensible way. Then choose the correct answer from the four choices available.
ZT VU RV NW JX

The first letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and skips three letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and does not skip any letters each time. So we need to look for the letter four spaces before J and the letter after X. Only FY works. Can you make a three letter word from the letters in the question, which means to project or to stick out? Find the answer somewhere below

2 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips one letter. The second letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and skips one letter each time. So we need to look for the letter two spaces after O and the letter two spaces before D. Only QB works. What popular form of entertainment is hidden inside the ten letters in the question? Read on to find out

3 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips four letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and skips three letters each time. So we need to look for the letter five spaces after U and the letter four spaces before J. Only ZF works. The answer to the puzzle in question 1 is JUT!

4 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and does not skip any letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips three letters each time. So we need to look for the letter before K and the letter four spaces after S. Only JW works

5 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and skips two letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips one letter each time. So we need to look for the letter three spaces before L and the letter two spaces after M. Only IO works. What substance acquired from mammals can be found in the 10 letters in the question? Read on to find out!

6 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips one letter each time. The second letter in each group of letters is also in alphabetical order, and skips two letters each time. So we need to look for the letter two spaces after N and the letter three spaces after N. Only PQ works

7 .

8 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and does not skip any letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips three letters each time. So we need to look for the letter before O and the letter four spaces after Q. Only NU works. The puzzle in question 5? The correct answer is MILK

9 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and skips four letters. The second letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and does not skip any letters each time. So we need to look for the letter five spaces after U and the letter before V. Only ZU works

10 .

The first letter in each group of letters is in reverse alphabetical order, and skips two letters each time. The second letter in each group of letters is in alphabetical order, and also skips two letters each time. So we need to look for the letter three spaces before N and the letter three spaces after V. Only KY works. Congratulations! You have completed the third in the series of Letter Series quizzes. If you are working your way through them in order, one more and you will be a qualified Letter Series expert!

Author: Stephen O'Hara