"If CAT becomes FDW, what does DOG become?" This is a code question — one of the most common VR types. Once children learn the four standard code patterns, these questions become quick wins.
The 4 code patterns
1. Simple shift cipher
Each letter moves by a fixed number forward or backward in the alphabet. If CAT becomes FDW, each letter has shifted +3. So DOG becomes GRJ.
Technique: Find the shift by comparing one matched pair. Apply to the target word.
2. Mirror/reverse cipher
Each letter is replaced by its alphabet-mirror (A↔Z, B↔Y, etc.). CAT becomes XZG.
Technique: Convert each letter to its mirror.
3. Position cipher
Each letter is replaced by its position number (A=1, B=2, ...). CAT becomes 3, 1, 20.
Technique: Use the alphabet as a counting line.
4. Word transformation
The whole word follows a transformation rule. Examples: reverse it (CAT→TAC), drop the first/last letter, add a fixed letter, swap pairs of letters.
Technique: Look at multiple matched pairs (if given) to spot the pattern.
Worked examples
Example 1: shift
If BUS becomes EXV, what does CAR become?
B→E is +3. U→X is +3. S→V is +3. Shift is +3.
Apply to CAR: C→F, A→D, R→U. Answer: FDU.
Example 2: mirror
If CAT becomes XZG, what does DOG become?
Mirror cipher. D↔W, O↔L, G↔T. Answer: WLT.
Speed tip
Write the alphabet across the top of your scrap paper at the start of the VR section. Refer to it for every code question — much faster than counting on your fingers.
Quest Arena's VR worksheets include 100 code-question drills graded by pattern type.