Free assessment · Ages 6–17

Free Verbal Reasoning Test for Children

Problem-solving with words — essential for 11+, grammar school, and independent school entry

What is assessed

Word analogies
Identifying relationships between pairs of words (e.g. hot : cold :: up : __)
Classification
Identifying the odd word out from a group based on meaning or category
Word sequences
Completing sequences of words following a logical pattern
Codes
Decoding letter and number codes based on given examples
Logic and deduction
Drawing conclusions from sets of statements

By age group

Ages 7–8
Simple word relationships, basic analogies
Ages 9–10
Word codes, classification, sequences
Ages 11–12
Full 11+ verbal reasoning — analogies, codes, logic
Ages 13–16
Advanced logic, abstract verbal reasoning, CAT4 level

International benchmarks

Scores are mapped against the following frameworks:

  • GL Assessment 11+
  • CEM 11+ (Durham University)
  • Independent school entrance exams (ISEB)
  • Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4)

Read the full methodology on the Methodology page.

How scores work

Eduentry uses a standardised scale with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15 — the same scale used by Wechsler, NFER, and most UK standardised assessments.

Score rangeClassificationPercentile
120+ExceptionalTop 9%
110–119Above Average75th–91st
95–109Average37th–63rd
85–94Below Average16th–36th
<85Needs SupportBelow 16th

Other subjects

English
Comprehension, grammar, spelling and vocabulary
Mathematics
Number, algebra, geometry and data handling
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and abstract thinking
Preparing for the 11+?
See how Verbal Reasoning fits into the full 11+ practice test →

Related reading

Standardised TestingInternational Benchmarks
Global Academic Benchmarks Report 2026
9 min read
11+Grammar Schools
How to Prepare for the 11+ at Home
8 min read
Verbal Reasoning11+
Verbal Reasoning for the 11+
7 min read

Frequently asked questions

Is the Verbal Reasoning assessment free?

Yes, completely free. The full adaptive test and standardised score report with topic-level breakdown are included at no cost.

Is verbal reasoning the same as English?

No. Verbal reasoning tests logical thinking using words — not reading comprehension or writing. Questions involve analogies, word codes, sequencing, and classification. Strong English helps, but verbal reasoning requires separate practice.

How long does the Verbal Reasoning assessment take?

The Verbal Reasoning section contains 15 adaptive questions with a 30-minute total section time limit. Most children complete it in 20–25 minutes.

Can verbal reasoning be improved with practice?

Yes — verbal reasoning is highly practice-responsive. The question types are finite (analogies, codes, classification, sequences, logic), and systematic practice produces genuine improvement. Wide reading to build vocabulary provides the strongest foundation.

Try the free Verbal Reasoning assessment

Takes 5–8 minutes per subject. Instant standardised score and percentile ranking.

Start free assessment