Insert a Letter

In this lesson, you will learn how to solve insert-a-letter questions — a distinctive question type that appears in CEM 11+ Verbal Reasoning. These questions test your vocabulary and spelling under time pressure.

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What Is an Insert-a-Letter Question?

In an insert-a-letter question, you are given two words with a letter missing from each. You must find a single letter that, when inserted into the correct position in both words, completes both of them.

Example:

_and and _ose

Insert the letter h to make hand and hose.

Sometimes the letter goes at the beginning, sometimes in the middle, and sometimes at the end of the word.

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Why CEM Tests This Skill

Insert-a-letter questions test:

• Spelling knowledge — can you spell common words?
• Vocabulary breadth — do you know a wide range of words?
• Mental flexibility — can you try different letters quickly?
• Pattern recognition — can you spot what works?

These questions are particularly common in CEM exams because they are quick to answer but require strong vocabulary. CEM exams are known for interleaving different question types, so you might encounter these alongside comprehension or maths questions.

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Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Look at Both Words

Read both incomplete words carefully. Note where the gap is in each word.

Step 2: Identify the Position of the Missing Letter

Is the letter missing from the start, middle, or end of each word? It might be in a different position in each word.

Step 3: Try Vowels First

The five vowels (A, E, I, O, U) are used in almost every word. Start by trying these.

Step 4: Try Common Consonants

If vowels do not work, try the most common consonants: S, T, R, N, L, D, C, H, M, P.

Step 5: Check Both Words

The same letter must work in both words. Always verify both before giving your answer.

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Worked Example 1: Letter at the Start

Question: Find a letter that completes both words.

_all and _ire

Try vowels:

• A: aall? No. aire? Not a common word.
• E: eall? No. eire? No.
• I: iall? No. iire? No.
• O: oall? No. oire? No.
• U: uall? No. uire? No.

Try consonants:

• B: ball? Yes! bire? No.
• C: call? Yes! cire? No.
• F: fall? Yes! fire? Yes!

Answer: F (fall and fire)

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Worked Example 2: Letter in the Middle

Question: Find a letter that completes both words.

b_nd and s_ng

Try vowels:

• A: band? Yes! sang? Yes!
• E: bend? Yes! seng? No, not a word.
• I: bind? Yes! sing? Yes! (Two possible answers!)
• O: bond? Yes! song? Yes! (Three possible answers!)
• U: bund? Not common. sung? Yes.

When multiple answers seem possible, the question will usually have options or specify which letter. In this case, check the answer choices given. Common CEM practice is to have exactly one correct answer based on the options provided.

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Worked Example 3: Letter at the End

Question: Find a letter that completes both words.

war_ and fin_

Try common letters:

• D: ward? Yes! find? Yes!
• E: ware? Yes! fine? Yes! (Two possible answers)
• K: wark? No.
• M: warm? Yes! finm? No.
• N: warn? Yes! finn? No (not standard).