Hidden-word and compound-word questions look very different but use related skills — letter-by-letter pattern spotting.
Hidden words
"Find a three-letter word hidden in CASTLE." Look at consecutive letters: C-A-S (no), A-S-T (no), S-T-L (no), T-L-E (no). And in a longer word: "the boys went out" hides T-H-E-B (no), H-E-B-O (no)... but H-E-Y? No. Try TENT, HERE, etc. Practice helps.
Compound words
"Combine wind + fish to make a compound word." Some look forced — but the rule is that there's exactly one combination that produces a real English word. Practice now on these to build instinct.
Speed tactic
Read the options aloud in your head. Real words "click" instantly. Made-up ones feel off — trust the ear.