"We had no idea verbal reasoning was even its own skill category. Once we understood the question types and practised consistently, our daughter's score jumped significantly in just eight weeks." — Michelle T., parent of a 2025 NSW Selective School offer recipient
What This Guide Covers
This is a complete reference for verbal reasoning test preparation, covering every major question type tested in Australian selective school exams. You will find 20+ worked practice questions with answers, exam-specific guidance for NSW Selective, OC, HAST, and ASET tests, and proven practice strategies for Years 4–6 students.
What is a Verbal Reasoning Test and Why Does It Matter?
Verbal reasoning is the ability to understand, analyse, and draw conclusions from written or symbolic language. It goes well beyond vocabulary or spelling — verbal reasoning tests measure how effectively a child can think with words, identify patterns in language, and apply logical rules to linguistic problems.
In Australian selective school exams, verbal reasoning is one of the most heavily weighted components. It sits alongside mathematical reasoning and reading comprehension as a core predictor of academic potential, and it is specifically designed to assess thinking skills that aren't always taught explicitly in primary school classrooms.
This matters enormously for families preparing for selective school entry. Children who have strong literacy skills sometimes underperform in verbal reasoning because the question formats — analogies, codes, odd one out, word patterns — are genuinely unfamiliar. The reverse is also true: with targeted practice, students who find reading challenging can still develop strong verbal reasoning performance, because the skills being tested are analytical and logical rather than purely literary.
Why is verbal reasoning tested in selective school exams?
Selective school programs are designed for students who demonstrate advanced cognitive potential. Verbal reasoning is one of the clearest indicators of this potential because it measures:
- Abstract thinking — the ability to see relationships beyond surface-level meaning
- Pattern recognition — identifying structural rules in language and applying them
- Logical inference — drawing valid conclusions from limited information
- Cognitive flexibility — switching between different problem-solving approaches
These are precisely the skills that predict success in rigorous academic environments. A student who can quickly identify that "glove is to hand as boot is to foot" is demonstrating the same relational thinking that will later help them understand metaphor in literature, analogy in science, and proportional reasoning in mathematics.
Verbal Reasoning in Australian Selective Exams
How much does verbal reasoning count?
NSW Selective Test
Thinking Skills component includes verbal reasoning
OC Test
Thinking Skills section incorporates verbal reasoning items
HAST Test
Verbal Reasoning is a standalone scored section
WA ASET/GATE
Verbal Reasoning included in aptitude components
Everything you need to prepare for verbal reasoning in Australian selective school exams
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Types of Verbal Reasoning Questions
Understanding the distinct question types is essential for targeted preparation. Australian selective school exams use a consistent range of verbal reasoning formats, and each type rewards a specific problem-solving approach.
Word Analogies
Analogies are the most common verbal reasoning question type. They test a student's ability to identify the relationship between two words and then apply that same relationship to a new pair.
The format is typically: A is to B as C is to ?
The key skill is identifying the precise nature of the relationship. Common relationship types include:
- Part to whole — finger : hand :: toe : ___ (foot)
- Item to category — sparrow : bird :: salmon : ___ (fish)
- Function/purpose — scissors : cut :: pen : ___ (write)
- Degree/intensity — warm : hot :: cool : ___ (cold)
- Cause and effect — rain : flood :: drought : ___ (famine)
- Synonym/antonym — fast : quick :: slow : ___ (sluggish)
- Grammatical — run : ran :: swim : ___ (swam)
- Worker to tool — chef : knife :: surgeon : ___ (scalpel)
Analogy Strategy
Teach your child to always build a precise sentence from the first pair before looking at the answer choices. For example: "A glove covers and protects a hand." Then apply that sentence: "A boot covers and protects a ___." This prevents the common mistake of choosing a distractor that shares only a surface-level connection.
Odd One Out
These questions present four or five words and ask the student to identify which word does not belong. The challenge is that the "odd one out" may seem to fit in some ways — the distractor words are chosen specifically to mislead.
Successful students learn to consider multiple possible groupings and then identify which grouping excludes exactly one item clearly.
Common classification categories include:
- Colour, size, or other physical attribute
- Category membership (animals, fruits, vehicles, etc.)
- Grammatical category (verb, noun, adjective)
- Number of syllables or letters
- Positive vs. negative connotation
- Abstract concept grouping (emotions, qualities, etc.)
Letter and Word Codes
Code questions test logical pattern recognition with letters and symbols. A student is given a code rule (shown through examples) and must decode a new word or encode a given word.
Format example: If CAT = FDW, what does DOG = ?
The reasoning: C→F (+3), A→D (+3), T→W (+3). So D→G, O→R, G→J. Answer: GRJ.
Codes can also involve:
- Reversing letter order
- Shifting alternating letters by different amounts
- Replacing vowels/consonants with symbols
- Number-to-letter substitutions
Word Pattern and Number Series
Some verbal reasoning tests include word sequences where letters follow a numerical rule or pattern. For example:
AB, CD, EF, GH, __ (Answer: IJ — consecutive alphabet pairs)
Or: AZ, BY, CX, DW, __ (Answer: EV — moving forward from start, backward from end simultaneously)
These bridge verbal and logical reasoning, testing a student's ability to see patterns across two simultaneously moving sequences.
Sentence Completion
Sentence completion questions provide a sentence with one or more missing words and ask students to choose the word or words that best fit contextually and logically.
Example: "The scientist remained ___ despite the setback, continuing her research with renewed determination."
Choices: (A) discouraged (B) resilient (C) confused (D) absent
The correct answer is (B) resilient — the phrase "continued with renewed determination" signals a positive word that fits with persistence in the face of difficulty.
These questions simultaneously test vocabulary depth, reading comprehension, and logical inference.
Word Classification
Students are given a group of words and must identify which category all (or most) belong to, then find a word from a list that best fits that category.
Example: Choose the word that belongs with: eagle, sparrow, robin, wren
Options: (A) shark (B) finch (C) dolphin (D) lizard
Answer: (B) finch — all the other words are small to medium birds.
Verbal Reasoning in Australian Selective Exams
Different Australian selective school exams assess verbal reasoning in different ways. Understanding the specific format your child will face is critical for focused preparation.
NSW Selective High School Test
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test includes verbal reasoning items within the Thinking Skills component. This component runs for 40 minutes and comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. Verbal reasoning items typically account for roughly half of the Thinking Skills questions, alongside non-verbal and abstract reasoning.
Key verbal reasoning formats in the NSW Selective test:
- Word analogies
- Odd one out
- Letter codes and word patterns
- Sentence completion (sometimes embedded in Reading)
- Classification and categorisation
The test is now fully computer-based. Students should practise responding to verbal reasoning questions on screen, not just on paper.
For a full breakdown of all four components, see our NSW Selective School Test Components Complete Guide.
NSW Selective Thinking Skills Format
Component: Thinking Skills Questions: 40 multiple choice Time: 40 minutes Weight: 25% of total score Verbal reasoning content: Approximately 50% of questions Format: Computer-based
NSW Opportunity Class (OC) Test
The OC test is designed for Year 4 students seeking entry into Year 5 Opportunity Classes. Verbal reasoning appears prominently in the Thinking Skills section of this exam.
OC verbal reasoning questions are calibrated for students aged 9–10 and tend to use simpler vocabulary, but the logical challenge remains substantial. Key formats include word analogies, odd one out, and letter pattern questions.
Because OC students are younger, vocabulary exposure matters more at this level. Wide reading throughout Years 3 and 4 provides an invaluable foundation for OC verbal reasoning performance.
Learn more about the OC test in our NSW OC Test Complete Parent Guide and the OC Test 2026 Dates and Application Guide.
HAST Test (Queensland)
The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) used for entry into Brisbane State High School and Queensland Academy programs includes Verbal Reasoning as a standalone scored section. This makes it one of the most verbal-reasoning-intensive selective exams in Australia.
The HAST Verbal Reasoning section assesses:
- Word analogies (A is to B as C is to ?)
- Odd one out
- Letter and word codes
- Classification and categorisation
- Antonyms and synonyms in context
Students targeting Brisbane State High or a Queensland Academy need dedicated verbal reasoning practice beyond what a general selective school preparation covers.
See our HAST Test 2026 Complete Preparation Guide for full details.
HAST Verbal Reasoning
The HAST Verbal Reasoning section is scored independently of other components. A student who performs well in Mathematical Reasoning but poorly in Verbal Reasoning will be disadvantaged in the HAST composite score. Dedicated verbal reasoning preparation is essential for HAST candidates.
WA ASET / GATE Test
The Western Australian Academic Selective Enrolment Test (ASET) and the Gifted and Talented (GATE) programme assessments both incorporate verbal reasoning items within their aptitude testing components.
ASET verbal reasoning items are similar in format to NSW Selective questions, with analogies, classification, and pattern questions featuring prominently. The difficulty level is calibrated for Year 5 students (for Year 6 entry).
For WA-specific preparation guidance, see our WA ASET/GATE Exam 2026 Complete Guide.
Verbal Reasoning Across Australian Selective Exams
How each exam assesses verbal reasoning
| NSW Selective | Year 6 (entry to Year 7) | Within Thinking Skills (40 Qs, 40 min) |
| NSW OC Test | Year 4 (entry to Year 5) | Within Thinking Skills section |
| HAST (QLD) | Year 6/9/10 (varies) | Standalone Verbal Reasoning section |
| WA ASET/GATE | Year 5 (entry to Year 6) | Within aptitude components |
Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions with Answers
These 23 practice questions are grouped by type and ordered from easier to more challenging. Work through each question before reading the answer and explanation.
Word Analogies — Practice Questions
Question 1 (Year 4–5 level) Puppy is to dog as kitten is to ___ (A) cat (B) rabbit (C) lion (D) bird
Answer: (A) cat The relationship is young animal to adult animal. A puppy is a young dog; a kitten is a young cat.
Question 2 (Year 4–5 level) Painter is to brush as writer is to ___ (A) library (B) book (C) pen (D) word
Answer: (C) pen The relationship is worker to their primary tool. A painter uses a brush; a writer uses a pen.
Question 3 (Year 5–6 level) Timid is to courageous as generous is to ___ (A) kind (B) miserly (C) wealthy (D) giving
Answer: (B) miserly The relationship is antonym (opposite). Timid is the opposite of courageous; generous is the opposite of miserly.
Question 4 (Year 5–6 level) Archipelago is to islands as forest is to ___ (A) trees (B) jungle (C) wood (D) leaves
Answer: (A) trees The relationship is collective noun to individual members. An archipelago is a group of islands; a forest is a group of trees.
Question 5 (Year 6 / Advanced level) Prodigal is to thrifty as insolent is to ___ (A) rude (B) polite (C) defiant (D) obedient
Answer: (B) polite Prodigal (wasteful/extravagant) is the opposite of thrifty. Insolent (disrespectfully rude) is the opposite of polite. Note: "obedient" is related but not the direct opposite of insolent specifically.
Odd One Out — Practice Questions
Question 6 (Year 4–5 level) Which word does not belong? rose daisy oak tulip
Answer: oak Rose, daisy, and tulip are all flowers. Oak is a tree, not a flower.
Question 7 (Year 4–5 level) Which word does not belong? joyful elated cheerful melancholy
Answer: melancholy Joyful, elated, and cheerful all mean happy or pleased. Melancholy means sad or sorrowful.
Question 8 (Year 5–6 level) Which word does not belong? sprint gallop stroll dash
Answer: stroll Sprint, gallop, and dash all describe fast movement. Stroll describes slow, leisurely movement.
Question 9 (Year 5–6 level) Which word does not belong? biography autobiography memoir novel
Answer: novel Biography, autobiography, and memoir are all forms of non-fiction writing about real people and events. A novel is a work of fiction.
Question 10 (Year 6 / Advanced level) Which word does not belong? gregarious convivial taciturn sociable
Answer: taciturn Gregarious, convivial, and sociable all mean outgoing or fond of company. Taciturn means reserved or saying very little.
Letter and Word Codes — Practice Questions
Question 11 (Year 4–5 level) If the code for CAT is DBU, what is the code for DOG?
Answer: EPH Each letter moves one position forward in the alphabet: C→D, A→B, T→U. So D→E, O→P, G→H.
Question 12 (Year 5–6 level) If MAP = QEU, what does the word NET represent in the same code?
Answer: RIX M→Q (+4), A→E (+4), P→U (+5) — wait, let's re-examine. M(13)→Q(17), A(1)→E(5), P(16)→U(21). The shifts are +4, +4, +5. Actually: M(13)+4=Q(17) ✓, A(1)+4=E(5) ✓, P(16)+5=U(21) ✓. For NET: N(14)+4=R(18), E(5)+4=I(9), T(20)+4=X(24). Answer: RIX.
Solving Code Questions
Always convert letters to their numerical position (A=1, B=2 ... Z=26) before attempting to spot the pattern. Most codes use a consistent shift, a reversal, or alternating shifts. Writing out the number values eliminates guesswork and reveals the rule quickly.
Question 13 (Year 5–6 level) What comes next in this letter sequence? AZ, BY, CX, DW, ___
Answer: EV The first letter moves forward through the alphabet (A, B, C, D, E). The second letter moves backward from Z (Z, Y, X, W, V).
Question 14 (Year 6 / Advanced level) If WATER is coded as YCVGT, what is the code for OCEAN?
Answer: QEGCP Each letter shifts +2 positions: W→Y, A→C, T→V, E→G, R→T. Applying +2: O→Q, C→E, E→G, A→C, N→P. Answer: QEGCP.
Question 15 (Year 6 / Advanced level) What is the missing term? ACE, BDF, CEG, DFH, ___
Answer: EGI Each triplet starts one letter later than the previous: A→B→C→D→E. Within each triplet, letters skip one position (A, C, E / B, D, F / C, E, G / D, F, H / E, G, I).
Sentence Completion — Practice Questions
Question 16 (Year 4–5 level) The student was ___ about the test results, jumping up and shouting with joy.
(A) worried (B) elated (C) nervous (D) uncertain
Answer: (B) elated The context clue is "jumping up and shouting with joy," which signals a word meaning extremely happy.
Question 17 (Year 5–6 level) Despite the ___ criticism from the panel, the young chef remained determined to perfect her recipe.
(A) enthusiastic (B) mild (C) scathing (D) encouraging
Answer: (C) scathing "Despite" signals contrast — the chef remained determined in spite of something negative. "Scathing" (harshly critical) creates the strongest meaningful contrast with "remained determined."
Question 18 (Year 5–6 level) The explorer's journal was ___, filled with detailed observations and precise measurements that left no question unanswered.
(A) brief (B) inaccurate (C) meticulous (D) imaginative
Answer: (C) meticulous "Detailed observations and precise measurements" are hallmarks of meticulous (showing great attention to detail) work.
Question 19 (Year 6 / Advanced level) The politician's speech was lauded for its ___, managing to address a complex policy issue in language that was both precise and accessible.
(A) verbosity (B) clarity (C) ambiguity (D) prolixity
Answer: (B) clarity Being "precise and accessible" in addressing complex issues describes clarity. Verbosity and prolixity both mean excessive wordiness (opposite of what is described). Ambiguity means unclear meaning.
Word Classification — Practice Questions
Question 20 (Year 4–5 level) Choose the word that belongs with: hammer, screwdriver, wrench, pliers
(A) table (B) chisel (C) nail (D) wood
Answer: (B) chisel Hammer, screwdriver, wrench, pliers, and chisel are all tools. A table, nail, and wood are not hand tools in the same category.
Question 21 (Year 5–6 level) Choose the word that belongs with: simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration
(A) paragraph (B) chapter (C) hyperbole (D) sentence
Answer: (C) hyperbole Simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration, and hyperbole are all literary devices / figures of speech. Paragraph, chapter, and sentence are structural elements of writing.
Question 22 (Year 6 / Advanced level) Choose the word that belongs with: democracy, oligarchy, monarchy, theocracy
(A) president (B) republic (C) government (D) aristocracy
Answer: (D) aristocracy Democracy, oligarchy, monarchy, theocracy, and aristocracy are all specific forms of government or rule. Republic is a related concept but describes a state structure rather than a form of rule by a specific group.
Question 23 (Year 6 / Advanced level) Choose the word that belongs with: arid, parched, desiccated, barren
(A) fertile (B) scorched (C) moist (D) lush
Answer: (B) scorched Arid, parched, desiccated, and barren all describe extreme dryness or lack of water/life. Scorched (dried or burned by heat) belongs to this cluster. Fertile, moist, and lush are all antonyms.
How to Use These Practice Questions
Work through questions independently before reading explanations. After checking your answers, spend time understanding why wrong answers are wrong — this is more valuable than simply noting the correct answer. Track which question types produce the most errors, and focus additional practice on those categories.
Practice Strategies and Study Tips
Effective verbal reasoning preparation is not about drilling hundreds of questions without reflection. The students who improve most rapidly follow a structured approach that combines deliberate practice with systematic error analysis.
Start with Question Type Identification
Before practising extensively, ensure your child can correctly identify each question type and knows which strategy to apply. Misidentifying a question type — for example, treating an odd-one-out question as a word association — wastes time and produces incorrect responses.
Create a simple reference sheet together:
- Analogies — Build a precise relationship sentence from the first pair, then apply it
- Odd one out — Test multiple possible groupings; identify the one that excludes exactly one word
- Letter codes — Convert to numbers; look for consistent shifts, reversals, or alternating rules
- Word patterns — Trace both the starting position and the rule progression simultaneously
- Sentence completion — Identify the context clues (contrast words like "despite," positive/negative signals) before looking at options
- Classification — Define the category from given examples; find the word that meets the same definition
Build Vocabulary Deliberately
Verbal reasoning questions frequently use words that are slightly above a student's comfortable reading vocabulary. Broadening vocabulary is one of the highest-return preparation activities because it simultaneously improves verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing.
Recommended vocabulary-building activities:
- Read widely across genres — fiction, non-fiction, news articles, biographies
- Keep a vocabulary notebook — new words, their meaning, and an example sentence
- Learn word families — the root "port" (to carry) explains import, export, transport, portable
- Study common prefixes and suffixes — un-, re-, -tion, -ous, -ment, etc.
- Play word games — crosswords, Scrabble, word puzzles
Vocabulary Building Tip
Rather than memorising word lists, focus on understanding word families. A child who understands that "greg" comes from Latin meaning "flock/group" can immediately understand gregarious (sociable, fond of company), congregation (a gathered group), and aggregate (a collection). One root word unlocks multiple vocabulary items.
Practise Timed Conditions from the Start
Students are often surprised by how quickly time passes during a formal test. In the NSW Selective Thinking Skills section, students have approximately 60 seconds per question. A student who has only ever practised untimed questions may find themselves running out of time on test day.
Introduce timed conditions early:
- Start with 90 seconds per question for the first two weeks
- Reduce to 75 seconds per question in weeks three and four
- Move to 60 seconds per question from week five onwards
- Simulate full-section timing (40 questions in 40 minutes) at least twice per month
Analyse Errors Systematically
Random practice without error analysis produces slow improvement. After every practice session, categorise each error:
- Type 1: Vocabulary error — The student didn't know a key word. Add it to the vocabulary notebook.
- Type 2: Strategy error — The student applied the wrong approach. Review the correct strategy.
- Type 3: Careless error — The student knew the answer but made a mistake. Identify what caused the lapse.
- Type 4: Difficulty error — The question was genuinely harder than the student's current level. This is expected and normal.
Tracking error types over time reveals whether preparation is working. A student making fewer Type 1 and Type 2 errors week-on-week is progressing.
Use Spaced Practice, Not Marathon Sessions
Short, frequent practice sessions produce better results than long occasional sessions. Cognitive research consistently shows that spaced repetition — returning to material over time — produces stronger retention than massed practice.
For verbal reasoning specifically:
- 15–20 minutes per day is more effective than 90 minutes once per week
- Revisit question types every few days to consolidate learning
- Rotate through all question types rather than mastering one before moving to the next
Difficulty Progression by Year Level
Verbal reasoning preparation should be calibrated to a student's current year level and target exam. Here is a general progression framework:
Year 4 Students (Preparing for OC Test)
At this stage, the focus should be on building familiarity with question formats and expanding vocabulary through wide reading.
Focus areas:
- Word analogies using concrete, familiar vocabulary (animals, food, everyday objects)
- Simple odd-one-out questions with clear categorical groupings
- Letter codes using single-step shifts (each letter moves +1 or +2 positions)
- Sentence completion using context clues and age-appropriate vocabulary
Typical session: 10–15 minutes of verbal reasoning practice, 3–4 days per week.
Key resource: Our NSW OC Test Preparation Guide for Year 4 Parents provides a full framework for this stage.
Year 5 Students (Building Foundations)
Year 5 is an ideal time to solidify verbal reasoning foundations, particularly for students targeting the NSW Selective test in Year 6. At this stage, practice can deepen to include multi-step codes and more abstract analogies.
Focus areas:
- Analogies using abstract relationships (grammatical, degree/intensity, cause-and-effect)
- Odd-one-out with overlapping categories (multiple possible groupings — students must find the clearest one)
- Letter codes with two-step or alternating patterns
- Word pattern sequences involving simultaneous forward and backward movement
- Sentence completion requiring inference rather than simple vocabulary matching
Typical session: 15–20 minutes, 4–5 days per week.
See our guide on Building Towards the Selective Test from Year 4 to Year 5 for a complete progression plan.
Year 6 Students (Test-Ready Preparation)
By Year 6, verbal reasoning practice should shift toward full exam simulation and targeted work on remaining weaknesses.
Focus areas:
- Advanced analogies using sophisticated vocabulary and abstract relationships
- Complex letter codes requiring multi-rule identification
- Higher-order classification using academic or literary vocabulary
- Sentence completion requiring strong vocabulary and contextual inference
- Full timed sections under exam conditions
Typical session: 20–25 minutes daily, integrated into broader selective school preparation.
Verbal Reasoning Preparation Timeline
Foundation Phase (Months 1-2)
Objectives
- Identify all verbal reasoning question types
- Build familiarity with analogy relationships
- Begin vocabulary expansion programme
Key Activities
- Learn strategies for each question type
- Complete 10 practice questions per session (untimed)
- Start vocabulary notebook with 5 new words per week
- Wide reading across diverse genres
Development Phase (Months 3-4)
Objectives
- Develop fluency across all question types
- Introduce timed practice conditions
- Address identified weak areas
Key Activities
- Complete 15-20 questions per session with 90-second limit
- Systematic error analysis after each session
- Focus extra sessions on weakest question types
- Expand to advanced vocabulary and abstract analogies
Exam Preparation Phase (Months 5-6)
Objectives
- Achieve consistent performance at exam speed
- Complete full mock test sections
- Build test-day confidence and stamina
Key Activities
- Timed full sections (40 questions in 40 minutes)
- Complete integrated mock tests including all components
- Review and consolidate all question type strategies
- Light maintenance practice in final 2 weeks before exam
Free Verbal Reasoning Resources
Building verbal reasoning skills doesn't require expensive resources. A combination of quality free materials and structured practice can produce excellent results.
Free practice materials from BrainTree Coaching:
- Free Mock Tests Hub — access practice questions across all components
- Free Competitive Exam Welcome Pack — includes verbal reasoning sample questions
- Selective School Preparation Strategies — expert preparation framework
Related blog guides:
- How to Use OC Past Papers Effectively — applicable strategies for verbal reasoning papers
- Selective Test Practice Papers 2026 — What to Expect — full mock test guidance
- HAST Test 2026 Complete Preparation Guide — includes HAST verbal reasoning specifics
External free resources:
- NSW Department of Education sample questions — available on the official selective schools website
- ACER sample materials — ACER publishes sample questions for their standardised tests
- Primary school library collections — diverse reading is the single most impactful free resource
About Third-Party Practice Resources
Many websites offer "free verbal reasoning tests" that vary significantly in quality and accuracy. Prioritise resources designed specifically for Australian selective school exams, as question difficulty, format, and vocabulary are calibrated differently from UK-based verbal reasoning tests (which are widely available online but do not match Australian exam formats).
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- ✓Detailed answers, explanations, and progress tracking
- ✓Enhances comprehension and precise word use
- ✓Improves persuasive and creative writing expression
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓200+ Vocabulary Words
- ✓Sentence Usage & Quizzes
- ✓Self-paced Learning
- ✓Lifetime Access
- ✓Email Support
- ✓Access 95 solved non-verbal reasoning test papers online
- ✓Expert-designed questions mirroring real exam challenges
- ✓Covers 14 key topics including analogies, matrices, and 3D shapes
- ✓Practice over 1,900 questions with detailed answers
- ✓Boost exam speed, accuracy, and time management skills
- ✓Suitable for all major selective school and scholarship exams in Australia
- ✓Online platform to track progress and review performance
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a verbal reasoning test?
A verbal reasoning test is an assessment of how well a person can understand, analyse, and apply language-based logic. Unlike a reading comprehension test, verbal reasoning focuses on structural patterns in language — such as word relationships, classifications, and letter codes — rather than on understanding a specific text. In Australian selective school exams, verbal reasoning is used as a measure of cognitive potential and academic aptitude.
How is verbal reasoning different from reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension tests whether a student understands the meaning and details of a specific passage. Verbal reasoning tests whether a student can identify abstract patterns and relationships in language — such as "painter is to brush as sculptor is to chisel." Verbal reasoning is more about logical thinking with words, while reading comprehension is more about understanding texts. Both appear in selective school exams, but they assess different skills.
At what age should my child start verbal reasoning practice?
Most children benefit from beginning verbal reasoning practice in Year 4 or Year 5. Year 4 practice is appropriate for students targeting the OC test; Year 5 is a strong starting point for students aiming for the NSW Selective test in Year 6. Starting early allows time for gradual skill development, which produces much stronger results than intensive cramming in the final weeks before the exam.
How many verbal reasoning questions are in the NSW Selective test?
The NSW Selective High School Placement Test does not have a separate verbal reasoning section — verbal reasoning items are incorporated into the Thinking Skills component, which contains 40 questions in total. Approximately half of these questions (around 20) involve verbal reasoning, with the remainder assessing non-verbal, abstract, and spatial reasoning.
Are verbal reasoning skills taught in primary school?
Verbal reasoning skills are rarely taught explicitly in standard primary school curricula. Schools teach literacy, vocabulary, and grammar, but the specific problem-solving formats used in selective school verbal reasoning tests — analogies, codes, odd-one-out — are typically not covered in classroom instruction. This is why targeted preparation makes a significant difference to performance.
Can verbal reasoning ability be improved?
Yes — significantly. While some children may have natural strengths in verbal reasoning, consistent and structured practice produces measurable improvement for the vast majority of students. The most important factors are starting early (allowing time for gradual development), practising diverse question types, building vocabulary through wide reading, and analysing errors systematically rather than just repeating practice questions without reflection.
How is verbal reasoning scored in the HAST test?
In the HAST test, Verbal Reasoning is a standalone section that contributes independently to the composite score. This distinguishes the HAST from the NSW Selective test, where verbal reasoning is embedded within the Thinking Skills component. HAST students should ensure they allocate dedicated practice time to verbal reasoning as a discrete skill area.
Next Steps for Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Explore our guides and resources to continue your preparation journey
Free Diagnostic Assessment
Identify your child's strengths and areas for improvement across all selective test components, including verbal reasoning
Access ResourceFree Practice Tests
Access free practice questions and mock tests across all selective school exam components
Access ResourceNSW Selective Test Components Guide
Understand how verbal reasoning fits within the full NSW Selective School Placement Test structure
Access ResourceHAST Test Preparation Guide
Full preparation guide for the HAST test, including standalone verbal reasoning preparation strategies
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation Programme
Comprehensive coaching programme covering verbal reasoning and all other components of the NSW Selective test
Access ResourceOC Test Parent Guide
Complete guide for Year 4 parents preparing for the Opportunity Class test, including verbal reasoning strategies
Access ResourceDisclosure: BrainTree Coaching offers selective school and OC test preparation programmes. This guide is intended to provide genuinely useful information for all families, regardless of whether they choose to work with us.
Have questions about verbal reasoning preparation? Contact our team or explore our Selective School Preparation Programme for comprehensive expert support.