11+ Codes
Code questions apply a consistent shift or substitution to letters. Find the rule on the example, then reverse it.
In code questions, a word is turned into a code using a fixed rule — usually shifting each letter forward or backward by the same number of places in the alphabet.
Work out the rule by comparing the example word with its code, letter by letter. Once you know the shift (say +2), apply it forwards to encode or backwards to decode the target.
Be systematic: line up the letters of the word and its code underneath, and the pattern in the gaps becomes obvious.
Worked examples
Q. If CAT is coded as DBU, what is the code for DOG?
Each letter moves forward one place (C→D, A→B, T→U), a +1 shift. Apply to DOG: D→E, O→P, G→H, giving EPH.
Q. If the code MPSF means LORE, what is the rule?
Each code letter is one ahead of the real letter (L→M, O→P, R→S, E→F), so the rule is +1 to encode; decode by going back one letter.
Common mistakes
- Applying the shift in the wrong direction when decoding.
- Using a different shift for different letters by miscounting.
- Not checking the rule on every letter of the example.
FAQs
Are 11+ codes always letter shifts?+
Most are simple, consistent letter shifts or substitutions. Whatever the rule, it is the same for every letter, so confirm it on the example before decoding.
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