CoreIn almost every paper that tests this subjectAbout 35 seconds a question in the test
The big idea
Compare each letter of the word with its code to find the shift, then apply the same shift to the new word. Wrap around from Z back to A.
Tips that save marks
Write the alphabet at the top of your page with positions 1 to 26.
Check the shift is the same for every letter. Sometimes it changes!
A worked example
CAT → ECV. What is DOG?
C→E, A→C, T→V: each letter +2.
D→F, O→Q, G→I.
Answer: FQI.
Now try five
Try each one before you look at the answer: answering from memory is what makes it stick. Tap an option to check it. Most children get three or four right at first; five out of five means move on to the next topic.
Question 1Aim for about 35 seconds
If PARK is written in code as RCTM, what is the code for CAT?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, ECV
How to work it out
Compare PARK with its code: each letter moves 2 places forward in the alphabet.
Do the same to CAT: ECV.
Question 2Aim for about 35 seconds
If KITE is written in code as JHSD, what is the code for MOON?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, LNNM
How to work it out
Compare KITE with its code: each letter moves 1 place back in the alphabet.
Do the same to MOON: LNNM.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
If GATE is written in code as DXQB, what is the code for BOAT?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, YLXQ
How to work it out
Compare GATE with its code: each letter moves 3 places back in the alphabet.
Do the same to BOAT: YLXQ.
Question 4Aim for about 35 seconds
If WOLF is written in code as ZROI, what is the code for PARK?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, SDUN
How to work it out
Compare WOLF with its code: each letter moves 3 places forward in the alphabet.
Do the same to PARK: SDUN.
Question 5Aim for about 35 seconds
If TREE is written in code as XVII, what is the code for WOLF?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, ASPJ
How to work it out
Compare TREE with its code: each letter moves 4 places forward in the alphabet.
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