CoreIn almost every paper that tests this subjectAbout 35 seconds a question in the test
The big idea
Treat each position separately: look at all the first letters, then all the second letters. Each usually follows its own step.
Tips that save marks
Use letter positions (A=1 … Z=26) and look at the differences.
Remember the series can wrap around the alphabet.
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
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
JS KQ LO MM ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, NK
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 1 each time; the second letters move back 2.
So the next pair is NK.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 2Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
CI DJ EK FL ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, GM
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 1 each time; the second letters move forward 1.
So the next pair is GM.
Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
The first pair of letters changes into the second in a certain way. Which pair completes the second set in the same way?
AE is to DH as QU is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, TX
How to work it out
From AE to DH, the first letter moves forward 3 and the second letter moves forward 3.
Do the same to QU: TX.
Why the other options are wrong
A (SX): The first letter is one place short.
C (TY): The second letter has moved one place too far.
D (NR): This moves the letters the wrong way along the alphabet.
E (XT): The letters are the right way round in the first pair; they are swapped here.
Question 4Aim for about 35 seconds
The first pair of letters changes into the second in a certain way. Which pair completes the second set in the same way?
BC is to FG as IJ is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, MN
How to work it out
From BC to FG, the first letter moves forward 4 and the second letter moves forward 4.
Do the same to IJ: MN.
Why the other options are wrong
B (NM): The letters are the right way round in the first pair; they are swapped here.
C (LN): The first letter is one place short.
D (EF): This moves the letters the wrong way along the alphabet.
E (MO): The second letter has moved one place too far.
Question 5Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
EJ GL IN KP ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, MR
How to work it out
Follow each letter on its own.
The first letters move forward 2 each time; the second letters move forward 2.
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