Verbal Reasoning Syllabus, Important Topics and Preparation Strategy for SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS

Verbal reasoning uses words, letters and numbers (and not figures). It is the easiest part of reasoning for most students, because the rules are fixed. These verbal reasoning syllabus and strategy notes for SSC list the important topics with links to the detailed notes, a 4-week study plan, the main tricks and a daily practice routine.

Important Topics of Verbal Reasoning

4-Week Study Plan

Main Tricks

• Learn the positions of the alphabet (EJOTY) and the opposite letters (the sum is 27).
• Change the letters into numbers for every series, coding and classification question.
• Make a sentence for every analogy.
• Use factorials for the rank of a word.
• Write the new order before you count in word questions.

Time Management

• Most verbal reasoning questions can be solved in 20 to 30 seconds.
• Do not spend more than a minute on one question.
• Solve the easy topics first (series, analogy, classification) and the longer ones (rank, puzzles) at the end.

Daily Routine

1. Read one topic note for 15 minutes.
2. Solve 15 questions of the topic with a timer.
3. Write the wrong questions in an error notebook.
4. On Sunday, take a 25 question test of verbal reasoning and revise the error notebook.

Quick Tips

• Learn the alphabet positions and the sum 27 first.
• Convert letters into numbers in every question.
• Practise with a timer.
• Revise the error notebook weekly.

Quick Revision Points

• Verbal reasoning uses words, letters and numbers.
• EJOTY gives the positions 5, 10, 15, 20, 25.
• Opposite letters add up to 27.
• Rank = sum of (smaller letters on the right × factorial) + 1.
• Most questions need 20 to 30 seconds.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Which letters are at the positions 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25?
   Answer: E, J, O, T and Y
2. What is the sum of the positions of opposite letters?
   Answer: 27
3. What is the first step in a letter series question?
   Answer: Change the letters into numbers
4. How do you solve a word analogy?
   Answer: Make a sentence for the first pair and use it for the second pair
5. What is the formula for the number of letters between two letters in a word?
   Answer: Difference of positions minus 1
6. What is the rank of the word CAT in the dictionary?
   Answer: 3
7. How much time should you give to one verbal reasoning question?
   Answer: About 20 to 30 seconds
8. What should you note in an error notebook?
   Answer: The wrong question and the reason
9. Which tool is used for the rank of a word?
   Answer: Factorials
10. Is verbal reasoning based on figures?
    Answer: No. It is based on words, letters and numbers

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Verbal Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Letter Group Classification. Learn the letter positions from the Alphabet Test note first. Also read the Reasoning Syllabus and Tricks note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is verbal reasoning?

It is the part of reasoning that uses words, letters and numbers, and not figures.

What topics come in verbal reasoning for SSC?

Alphabet test, series, coding-decoding, analogy, classification, word formation and dictionary order.

Which topic should I start with?

Start with the alphabet test and letter series.

How many days are needed?

About 4 weeks of daily practice are enough for the basic topics.

Is there a formula in verbal reasoning?

Only a few, such as the number of letters between two letters and the rank of a word.

How can I improve my speed?

Learn the positions table and practise with a timer.

What is the sum of opposite letters?

27.

Is verbal reasoning asked in SSC exams?

Yes. Verbal reasoning questions come in SSC CGL, CHSL and MTS papers.

What are the common mistakes?

Counting the positions wrongly and not checking the wrap-around after Z.

Do I need an error notebook?

Yes. It shows your weak topics.

What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal reasoning?

Verbal reasoning uses words and numbers, and non-verbal reasoning uses figures.

Where can I practise?

Use the topic notes, practice papers and previous year papers.