Letter Codes
A letter code question shows one word turned into a coded word by a hidden rule, such as shifting every letter forward or backward in the alphabet, then asks a pupil to apply that same rule to a new word. It tests alphabet position sense and the ability to spot and repeat a pattern accurately. Core to GL Assessment-style 11+ verbal reasoning papers.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Compare the given word with its code letter by letter, working out exactly how far each letter has moved in the alphabet and in which direction.
- Check that the same shift applies to every letter of the demonstration word - if it does, that shift is the rule.
- If the shifts are different for each letter, look for a pattern, such as odd positions moving one way and even positions moving another, or the shift growing by one each letter.
- Apply the confirmed rule to the new word one letter at a time, writing each coded letter down as you go.
- Watch for wraparound near the end of the alphabet: if a shift takes you past Z, continue counting from A again.
- Double-check your finished code against the options given rather than assuming your working is correct.
Worked example
If the code for BRICK is DTKEM, what is the code for MANGO, using the same rule?
- Compare BRICK with DTKEM letter by letter: B+2=D, R+2=T, I+2=K, C+2=E, K+2=M.
- Every letter has moved exactly 2 places forward in the alphabet, so the rule is add 2 places to each letter.
- Apply the same rule to MANGO: M+2=O, A+2=C, N+2=P, G+2=I, O+2=Q.
- Write the coded letters in order: O, C, P, I, Q.
- Final answer: OCPIQ.
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.
In this code, A=Z, B=Y, C=X and so on through the alphabet in reverse. If the code for PENCIL is KVMXRO, what is the code for BENCH, using the same rule? A) CFODI B) ADMBG C) YVXMS D) SXMVY E) YVMXS
In this code, letters in odd positions move 1 place forward in the alphabet and letters in even positions move 1 place back. If the code for VIOLIN is WHPKJM, what is the code for BENCH, using the same rule? A) CFODI B) ADMBG C) AFMDG D) CDOIB E) CDOBI
In this code, the 1st letter moves 1 place forward, the 2nd letter 2 places forward, the 3rd letter 3 places forward, and so on for each following letter. If the code for MELODY is NGOSIE, what is the code for RABBIT, using the same rule? A) SBCCJU B) UDEELW C) SCEFZN D) XFFEKU E) SCEFNZ
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the letter codes worksheet pack - 10 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.