11 Plus Verbal Reasoning
Type L - Alphabet Series/Sequence
With this type of question you are required to work out the sequence (or sequences) of pairs of letters that are shown and to complete the series by filling in the blanks.
It is important that your child understands the concept of sequences before attempting this. Work through Number Sequences and Patterns first.
As with numbers, a useful strategy for dealing with sequences is to write them down, giving enough space to draw and label the hops from one term to another.
Now that your child has mastered Type L sequences involving single letters it is time to move on to sequences involving pairs of letters - which is what they will see in the exam.
You are normally given an Alphabet Line to assist with these type of questions.
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
You are given a series of pairs of letters and are required to complete the series by filling in the blanks. These questions have two sets of sequences to identify. The first letters of each pair make up one sequence and the second letters of each pair makes up the second sequence.
Look at this example: AS BR CQ DP _ _
As before, write the sequence down, giving enough space to draw and label the hops from one term to another.
AS BR CQ DP _ _
Begin by examining the first letter of each pair - A B C D _. By using the alphabet and counting from one letter to the next you can see that the sequence is moving forwards through the alphabet, one letter at a time. Mark these steps as a series of hops until you are certain of the rule. In this case, count forward in ones. When you reach the last letter, D, continue the pattern, + 1, which gives E. This is the first letter of the answer.
Next examine the second letter of each pair - S R Q P _. By using the alphabet and counting from one letter to the next you can see that the sequence is moving backwards through the alphabet, one letter at a time. Mark these steps as a series of hops until you are certain of the rule. In this case, count backward in ones. When you reach the last letter, P, continue the pattern, - 1, which gives O. This is the second letter of the answer. DO
There can be many variations of this type of question. The key to solving these is to write down and label the relationships between the letters - this will highlight each rule. Make sure that you check that the rule is correct for the whole series.
More examples of different sequences: |
