Two Odd Ones Out
Two Odd Ones Out is a verbal reasoning topic where pupils are given five words, three of which share a hidden link such as a category, a spelling pattern or a hidden smaller word, and must identify the two words that do NOT share that link. It tests vocabulary range and the ability to spot patterns quickly across several possible categories at once.
Before you start
No specific prerequisites - this is a good place to start.
Method
- Read all five words first and check for an obvious shared category, such as animals, colours, jobs, days or shapes, before looking for anything trickier.
- If no obvious category links three words, check for a hidden smaller word inside each word, such as a hidden number, colour, animal or body part.
- If that fails, check spelling patterns: silent letters, double letters, words that make a new real word when a letter is added or removed, or words that are anagrams of each other.
- Once a pattern links exactly three of the five words, the remaining two words are your answer; it does not matter what, if anything, links those two.
- Double check your group of three really does share the pattern in all three words, not just two of them.
- If two different patterns each seem to link three words, look for the one that genuinely works for exactly three, since a proper question only has one correct grouping.
Worked example
Here are five words: PIANO, GUITAR, HAMMER, VIOLIN, WRENCH. Three of these five words share something in common. Which TWO words do NOT belong with the other three?
- Scan for an obvious category: PIANO, GUITAR and VIOLIN are all musical instruments.
- Check the remaining two words: HAMMER and WRENCH are both tools, though that link does not need to be named to answer the question.
- Confirm all three grouped words, PIANO, GUITAR and VIOLIN, genuinely fit the musical instrument category.
- Final answer: HAMMER and WRENCH do not belong with the other three.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Here are five words: PINE, POPPY, ELM, LILY, WILLOW. Three of these five words share something in common. Name the two words that do NOT belong, and explain the link that connects the other three. (2 marks)
Here are five words: GOLDFISH, CANDLE, ROSEBUD, PICNIC, TANDEM. Three of these five words begin with a hidden colour. Name the two words that do NOT belong, and state the three hidden colours. (3 marks)
Here are five words: CHASE, SPACE, MUSEUM, PLACE, STADIUM. A pupil notices that CHASE, SPACE and PLACE all rhyme, but also notices that MUSEUM and STADIUM share the same ending. (a) Which grouping is the correct link for this question? (b) Name the two words that do NOT belong. (c) Explain why a genuine question only has one correct grouping, using this example. (5 marks)
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the two odd ones out worksheet pack - 12 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
Build a full practice pack.
This topic is one of hundreds in the library - pick the ones a student needs and generate a printable PDF in minutes.