In Checkpoint 14, we were introduced to an overview of decoding codes. In this checkpoint we’re going to delve deeper into the different pattern types that can exist in questions where you’re asked to ‘decode’.

Some of the trickier questions like this:

The following code ENIN means NINE, what word then does the following code

ENO stand for?

(a) NIT (b) NOT (c) ONE (d) NIP

Identify these questions

You can identify them initially by the presence of two important parts – the code and then ‘un-coded’ and then a request to ‘un-code’ or ‘code’ a statement of series of characters.

But then, as you work through and exhaust the common options, you’ll find that you’ll need a different strategy to find a pattern. That’s when you know you’re dealing with a tricker decoding question.

The strategy to answer these questions

To answer these questions:

1. Look at the composition of the code and the ‘un-coded element’

• If comprised of letters – what part of the alphabet is it? Jumbled, 1st half, 2nd half. If it is jumbled it likely signals it may be a 1-1 relationship.
• Are the same letters in the code in the ‘un-coded element’? Perhaps the code is a rearrangement or change of order of existing letters in the ‘un-coded- element.

2. Figure out the relationship between the code and the ‘un-coded’ element

• Is there a one-to-one relationship? A relationship holding within the code that matches with relationship holding the word. For e.g. AZB = 435; Television = 1232846497 e.g. the first code item represents the first letter.
• Does it match one-to-one in reverse? E.g. Television = 7946482321 e.g. the first code item represents the first letter
• For letters to letters – are the letters close to each other in the alphabet? Then there may be a number pattern that separates the code and the ‘un-coded element’.
• Are there any repeated letters/numbers for letters appearing more than once in a word? If so, likely to be a ‘dummy’ character.

Example Question/s

Watch video for explanation of the following question/s:

The following code ENIN means NINE, what word then does the following code

ENO stand for?

(a) NIT (b) NOT (c) ONE (d) NIP (e) None of these

Key Rules to remember

• Composition comparison first – look at characters, are they:
• Grouped as part of a section of the alphabet (number pattern)
• Jumbled (likely 1-1)
• The same characters (likely rearrangement or rotation)

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

Click on the button below and start your practice questions. We recommend doing untimed mode first, and then, when you're ready, do timed mode.

Every question has two solutions videos after you complete the question. The first is a quick 60 second video that shows you how our expert answers the question quickly. The second video is a more in-depth 5-steps or less explainer video that shows you the steps to take to answer the question. It's really important that you review the second video because that's where you'll learn additional tips and tricks.

Once you're done with the practice questions, move on to the next checkpoint.

Now, let's get started on your practice questions.

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