Letter–number codes questions appear in almost every GL-style verbal-reasoning paper. Words map to number codes; deduce the mapping. Like every VR type, they stop being hard the moment your child has a fixed method — here it is.
What the question looks like
Words map to number codes; deduce the mapping. Papers typically include 3–5 of these per test, worth the same marks as any other question — which makes fast, reliable technique on the common types the highest-value preparation there is.
The method
Match letters that repeat across the given words to the digits that repeat in the same positions. Lock in the certain letters first, then fill the rest by elimination.
Worked example
If TAP=125 and PAT=521, then T=1/5 ambiguity is resolved by a third word like PIT=5?1.
The traps
Guessing the whole mapping from one word instead of cross-checking against every given word.
How to practise this type
Little and often wins: five questions of this type daily for a week beats fifty in one sitting. Our free verbal-reasoning worksheets are organised by exact question type, and the Arena's VR mode gives instant feedback with XP. When the type feels automatic, fold it back into full timed mock papers so pacing develops alongside accuracy. For the full landscape, see the 21 VR types overview.