Introduction

Lateral thinking puzzles encourage creative problem-solving and critical thinking. They often require students to look beyond the obvious and consider unconventional explanations. Below is a set of 20 advanced verbal reasoning questions based on lateral thinking puzzles, specifically designed for the 11+ assessment.

Sample Example

Example Problem:
A man is pushing his car along a road when he comes to a hotel. He shouts, “I’m bankrupt!” Why?

Solution:

The man is playing Monopoly. He has landed on a property he cannot afford, which is why he declares bankruptcy.

Questions

Question 1

Problem:
A woman is driving her car and suddenly stops to help someone. Why did she stop?

Clue:

Think about the situation she encountered.

Question 2

Problem:
A man is found dead in a field with 53 unopened letters around him. How did he die?

Clue:

Consider what the letters represent.

Question 3

Problem:
A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 die. How many sheep does he have left?

Clue:

Focus on the wording of the question.

Question 4

Problem:
A man is wearing a coat, but it’s a hot day. Why is he wearing it?

Clue:

Think about his environment.

Question 5

Problem:
A boy fell off a 20-foot ladder but didn’t get hurt. How is this possible?

Clue:

Consider from where he fell.

Question 6

Problem:
Two fathers and two sons went fishing. They caught three fish, and each had one. How is this possible?

Clue:

Consider the relationships between them.

Question 7

Problem:
A woman was found dead in her office. The only clues were a broken window and a pencil. How did she die?

Clue:

Think about the significance of the items.

Question 8

Problem:
A man walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender serves him and he immediately leaves. Why?

Clue:

Consider what he might have done before entering.

Question 9

Problem:
A woman has five daughters, and each daughter has a brother. How many children does she have?

Clue:

Focus on the number of brothers.

Question 10

Problem:
A man is looking at a picture of someone. His friend asks him who it is. The man replies, “Brothers and sisters, I have none. But that man’s father is my father’s son.” Who is in the picture?

Clue:

Work through the family relationships.

Question 11

Problem:
A detective is called to a crime scene. The only evidence is a red sock and a baseball bat. How did the crime happen?

Clue:

Consider the significance of the items.

Question 12

Problem:
A woman is sitting in a café with her laptop open, but she is not working. Why is she there?

Clue:

Think about her intentions.

Question 13

Problem:
A man is pushing a cart with 10 apples. He stops and eats one apple. How many apples does he have now?

Clue:

Think about what it means to “have” apples.

Question 14

Problem:
A train leaves the station going 100 km/h. Ten minutes later, another train leaves the same station going 120 km/h. Which train is closer to the station when they meet?

Clue:

Consider the question carefully.

Question 15

Problem:
A woman is walking her dog, but the dog doesn’t have a leash. Why isn’t she worried?

Clue:

Think about the dog’s characteristics.

Question 16

Problem:
A man wakes up one morning and realizes he is late for work. He quickly gets dressed and heads to the door, but he never leaves. Why?

Clue:

Consider what might be stopping him.

Question 17

Problem:
A girl jumped into a pool with all her clothes on. She didn’t get wet. How is this possible?

Clue:

Think about the nature of the pool.

Question 18

Problem:
A person is writing a letter. They write “Dear Mum,” but when they sign it, they write their father’s name. Why?

Clue:

Consider the relationship dynamics.

Question 19

Problem:
A doctor and a lawyer are having a discussion. The doctor says he saves lives, and the lawyer says he saves money. Why is this significant?

Clue:

Think about their professions.

Question 20

Problem:
A woman is sitting in a room full of people, yet she is completely alone. How is this possible?

Clue:

Consider the nature of the situation.

Answers

  1. She stopped to help a child who ran into the street.
  2. He was a postman and the letters were undelivered.
  3. 9 sheep (the wording suggests all but 9 are dead).
  4. He works in a cold environment, like a freezer.
  5. He fell from the bottom rung.
  6. They are a grandfather, a father, and a son.
  7. She was murdered, and the pencil was used to write a note.
  8. He was returning a borrowed item.
  9. She has 6 children (5 daughters and 1 son).
  10. The man in the picture is his son.
  11. The crime scene was staged; the items are irrelevant.
  12. She is waiting for a friend.
  13. He still has 10 apples; eating one doesn’t change the count.
  14. Both trains are equidistant from the station when they meet.
  15. The dog is well-trained and knows to stay by her side.
  16. He realised he was still in his pajamas.
  17. The pool is empty.
  18. They are writing to their mother, but their father is sending it.
  19. It highlights the differing values in their professions.
  20. She is in a virtual meeting or on a video call.

These lateral thinking puzzles will engage students and enhance their problem-solving abilities, preparing them effectively for the 11+ assessments.