Reasoning skills are essential for Year 6 students as they prepare for more advanced learning and exams. Reasoning questions help students think critically, apply knowledge, and solve problems in creative ways. In this topic, we will explore Year 6 reasoning questions with answers, perfect for practice at home or in school. This guide is written in simple language to help both students and parents understand the format and purpose of reasoning questions.
What Are Reasoning Questions?
Reasoning questions require students to explain their thinking, apply logic, and solve problems step by step. They go beyond simple calculations or memorization. Reasoning questions are common in subjects like maths, English, and science. They help students develop problem-solving skills, which are valuable in exams and real-life situations.
Why Are Reasoning Questions Important in Year 6?
Year 6 is a critical year for students. They prepare for transition to secondary school and sit for exams that often include reasoning problems. Learning how to answer reasoning questions teaches students to:
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Think carefully and logically
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Show their working out
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Explain their answers clearly
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Apply different methods to solve a problem
Practicing Year 6 reasoning questions with answers helps build confidence and accuracy.
Types of Reasoning Questions in Year 6
1. Maths Reasoning Questions
These questions ask students to explain how they got their answer or to solve problems in multiple steps.
Examples:
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If one pencil costs 75p, how much will 6 pencils cost? Show your working.
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A rectangle has a length of 8 cm and width of 5 cm. What is the perimeter? Explain how you calculated it.
2. Verbal Reasoning Questions
These focus on understanding words, sequences, and logic in language.
Examples:
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What word comes next in this sequence: cat, dog, bird, fish, ___?
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Which word does not belong: apple, orange, banana, carrot? Why?
3. Non-verbal Reasoning Questions
These include patterns, shapes, and sequences that students need to solve visually.
Examples:
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Which shape comes next in the pattern?
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Find the odd one out among the shapes.
Sample Year 6 Reasoning Questions with Answers
Maths Reasoning Example:
Question:
A baker made 120 cupcakes. He packed them in boxes of 8. How many boxes did he fill?
Answer:
120 à· 8 = 15 boxes.
Verbal Reasoning Example:
Question:
Find the odd word out: house, apartment, villa, bicycle.
Answer:
Bicycle. The others are types of homes; a bicycle is a mode of transport.
Non-verbal Reasoning Example:
Question:
Look at the pattern: Circle, square, circle, square. What comes next?
Answer:
Circle. The pattern alternates between circle and square.
Tips for Answering Reasoning Questions
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Read the question carefully.
Make sure you understand what the question is asking. -
Show your working out.
Write down each step of your solution. This helps avoid mistakes and earns marks for method. -
Explain in simple sentences.
For verbal reasoning, give a clear explanation for your choice. -
Check your answers.
Always review your work to ensure there are no simple errors. -
Practice regularly.
The more you practice, the more familiar you will become with different question types.
How Parents Can Help Children with Reasoning Practice
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Discuss solutions out loud. Encourage your child to explain their answers.
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Use real-life examples. Turn daily activities into reasoning exercises.
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Download reasoning worksheets. Look for Year 6 reasoning questions with answers in PDF format to practice at home.
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Play logic games. Games like Sudoku or puzzle challenges help build reasoning skills in a fun way.
Example Reasoning Worksheet (PDF Style)
Here is a simple example of reasoning questions you might find in a Year 6 PDF resource:
1. Maths Reasoning:
A shop sells 3 packs of markers for £4.50. How much does one pack cost? Show your working.
Answer:
£4.50 ෠3 = £1.50 per pack.
2. Verbal Reasoning:
Find the word that does not belong: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, orange.
Answer:
Orange – the others are days of the week.
3. Non-verbal Reasoning:
Look at the sequence of arrows: â â â â. What comes next?
Answer:
â (The pattern alternates between right and up).
Common Challenges Students Face
1. Rushing through questions
Many students try to answer quickly without showing their steps. Remind them to slow down and explain their work.
2. Not reading instructions
Sometimes, questions ask for an explanation, not just an answer. Encourage students to double-check what is being asked.
3. Overcomplicating answers
Some students write long, confusing explanations. Remind them to keep it simple and clear.
Benefits of Using Year 6 Reasoning Questions with Answers (PDF)
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Easy access for parents and teachers.
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Clear examples of the types of questions on exams.
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Structured practice for students who need step-by-step guidance.
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Convenient format for printing or using on devices.
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Supports revision leading up to assessments.
Fun Activities to Boost Reasoning Skills
1. Math Puzzles
Find challenging puzzles that require multiple steps to solve.
2. Riddle of the Day
Start each morning with a verbal reasoning riddle to get the brain working.
3. Pattern Challenges
Draw patterns and ask children to complete them or find the missing parts.
4. Story Sequences
Give students a story in the wrong order and ask them to reason out the correct sequence.
Year 6 reasoning questions with answers (PDF) are excellent resources for helping children master problem-solving skills. Whether it’s maths, verbal, or non-verbal reasoning, these questions prepare students for exams and strengthen their ability to think logically.
By practicing regularly, reading carefully, and showing clear explanations, children can improve both their accuracy and confidence. Parents and teachers can make learning fun by using games, puzzles, and real-life scenarios. With consistent effort and the right resources, every Year 6 student can succeed in mastering reasoning questions and become a confident problem-solver.