Description

Find hidden four-letter words in 11+ verbal reasoning

These questions test how carefully you scan letters and recognise words. A hidden word may run across the end of one word and the beginning of the next. Follow the worksheet instructions about where to look.

A worked example

Look at the last age. Across last age, the final two letters of “last” and the first two letters of “age” form ST + AG = STAG. The letters stay in their original order; ignore the space between the words.

A systematic method

1. Read the sentence and identify each pair of neighbouring words.
2. Check four-letter combinations that cross each space: three letters plus one, two plus two, and one plus three.
3. Keep the letters consecutive and in order. Do not rearrange or skip them.
4. Check that the result is a real word and matches the question’s instructions.

Watch the tutorial

Watch the explanation, then use the download section below to access the worksheet.

What to practise next

Compare this skill with Anagrams, where letters are rearranged, or try Compound Words, where complete words are joined. Explore more topics in our free reasoning library.

For explanations and practice across verbal reasoning methods, explore Verbal Reasoning Book 1 and check the sample pages before buying.

For guided preparation, book a free trial or view classes, times and prices.