Verbal reasoning: Add a letter to make four words

Verbal reasoning is a form of problem-solving based around

words and language. Verbal reasoning activities involve thinking
about text, solving word problems, following written instructions
to come up with a solution, spotting letter sequences and cracking
letter- and number-based codes. Let the word games begin!
This worksheet will show you how to make new words by
adding just one letter. For example:

cod (?) ver

AND mov (?) at

In this question type you are asked to add one

letter that will create four new words. The same
letter must be used in both sets of brackets and
must complete the word in front of the brackets
and the word after the brackets.

We can work our way through the question until we get

the answer:
cod (?) ver AND mov (?) at

Take each letter of the alphabet in turn and place it into the
first set of brackets like this.
cod (A) ver No words have been made.
cod (B) ver No words have been made.

cod (C) ver No words have been made.

cod (D) ver No words have been made.

cod (E) ver Two words have been made, CODE and EVER,
now we must try the letter E in the other set of brackets.
mov (E) at Two words have been made MOVE and EAT.

So our answer is E

There may be different methods for

solving the same verbal reasoning
question, but remember to be
methodical and work through your
options one by one.

Now lets try to put the theory into practice.

As an introduction, try to put one letter into these questions
that will complete just TWO words.

1. mic(________)ach
2.

clim(________) ark

3.

pron (________)host

4.

brie(________) act

5. dept(________)alve
6. broa(________)ark
Now try to put one letter into these questions that will complete
all FOUR words.

7. pac(_________)ver

alon(_________)xert

(TIP: Do all the words make sense?)

8. coug(_________)appy

reac(_________)ouse

(TIP: Have you checked both sets of words?)

9. afrai(_________)oves

walke(_________)ucks

(TIP: This one is a bit harder!)

10. boas(_________)eam

knel(_________)ype

(TIP: Sometimes it is easier to complete one word and then check the other words.)

11. lea(_________)ell

roo(_________)ilm

(TIP: Remember that spelling is important.)

12. cobwe(_________)adge

adver(_________)reed

(TIP: Larger words can make the question seem more difficult but the
method is the same.)
Answers: 1E, 2B, 3G, 4F, 5H, 6D, 7E, 8H, 9D, 10T, 11F, 12B