Insert a letter
Each pair of words has a letter missing between them. The same letter must end the first word and start the second, in both pairs.
What the question looks like
ca ( ? ) ear fla ( ? ) ime
How Thena would solve it
Start with the first pair. Which letters make a word after "ca"? Cab, can, cap, car, cat and caw.
cab can cap car cat caw
Each of those must start a word with "ear" too: bear, near, pear, rear, tear and wear all work.
bear near pear rear tear wear
Now try them on the second pair. Only t makes two words: flat and time.
flat time
The answer is t, because it’s the only letter that fits both pairs.
Answer: t
The usual mistakes
Checking one pair only
A letter that fits the first pair often fails the second. Check both.
Forgetting the second word
The letter starts the second word too. Say both words aloud: cat, tear.
Stopping at the first letter that works
List every letter that fits the first pair, then test them all on the second.
Try ten
Ten insert a letter questions
A new set every time, marked when you finish.
Have paper and a pencil ready for working out.
Questions parents ask
How do you answer Insert a letter questions?
List every letter that makes a word with the first pair, both ending the first word and starting the second. Then try only those letters on the second pair. The one that fits both is the answer.
More in letters in words
- Move a letterOne letter moves to make two new words.
- Change one letterA word ladder, one letter at a time.
All 21 kinds of verbal reasoning question
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