11-Plus Verbal Reasoning: Word Codes - Letter Shifts

Word Codes - Letter Shifts

In the realm of 11-Plus Verbal Reasoning, understanding letter shifts is essential for decoding words that have been altered through specific patterns in the alphabet. This topic focuses on how to decipher coded words where each letter is shifted a certain number of places.

Understanding Letter Shifts

A letter shift involves moving each letter in a word forward or backward in the alphabet. For instance, if we apply a shift of +2, the letter A becomes C, B becomes D, and so forth. Consequently, the word CAT would be encoded as ECV.

Decoding Process

To decode a word, students must first identify the shift pattern. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Examine the coded word and the original word (if provided).
2. Determine how many positions each letter has been shifted.
3. Apply the same shift to new words to decode or encode them.

Worked Example

Problem: Decode the word FQW using a shift of +3.

Solution:

• F shifted back 3 places becomes C.
• Q shifted back 3 places becomes N.
• W shifted back 3 places becomes T.

Thus, FQW decodes to CNT.

Practice Makes Perfect

To master this skill, practice with various coded words and different shift patterns. This will not only enhance your decoding abilities but also prepare you for the verbal reasoning section of the 11-plus exam.

For further resources and practice exercises, consider visiting BBC Bitesize or TRH Learning.