Odd One Out

In this lesson, you will learn how to tackle Odd One Out questions. These test your ability to classify words and spot the one that does not belong in a group.

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What Is an Odd One Out Question?

You are given a list of words (usually four or five), and you must find the one that does not fit with the others. The other words will share a common link — one word will be the odd one out.

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Worked Example 1

Question: Which word is the odd one out?

apple banana carrot grape plum

Step-by-step:

1. Look at the words: apple, banana, carrot, grape, plum.
2. What do most of them have in common? Apple, banana, grape, and plum are all fruits.
3. Which one does not fit? Carrot — it is a vegetable, not a fruit.
4. Answer: carrot

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Worked Example 2

Question: Which word is the odd one out?

run walk sprint sit jog

Step-by-step:

1. Look at the words: run, walk, sprint, sit, jog.
2. What do most of them have in common? Run, walk, sprint, and jog are all ways of moving on foot.
3. Which one does not fit? Sit — you are not moving when you sit.
4. Answer: sit

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Worked Example 3: Trickier Example

Question: Which word is the odd one out?

oak elm pine daisy willow

Step-by-step:

1. All of these are plants. But that is too broad — look for a more specific link.
2. Oak, elm, pine, and willow are all trees.
3. Daisy is a flower, not a tree.
4. Answer: daisy

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Worked Example 4: Based on Word Properties

Sometimes the link is not about meaning but about the structure of the words.

Question: Which word is the odd one out?

cat dog elephant rat bat

Step-by-step:

1. All of these are animals. But look more carefully...
2. Cat, dog, rat, and bat all have three letters.
3. Elephant has eight letters — it is much longer.
4. Answer: elephant

Important: In the 11+ exam, the link is usually about meaning rather than word structure. But if you cannot find a meaning-based link, check the number of letters, starting letters, or rhyming patterns.

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Worked Example 5: Abstract Word Relationships

Question: Which word is the odd one out?

courage bravery fear valour heroism

Step-by-step:

1. Courage, bravery, valour, and heroism all mean being brave.
2. Fear is the opposite — it means being scared.
3. Answer: fear

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Types of Links to Look For

Here is a checklist of common groupings: