Brain Teaser Questions

Word Play Challenges 

These brain teaser questions will challenge some of the best students of the English language! Solve them on your own or with a friend. They're great for the family dinner hour, too! Teachers, see my suggestions at the bottom of the page for using them with your students.

Please note that while I've provided my answers, you may have found additional correct answers as well.

Brain Teaser Questions & Answers

Here are quick peeks at the printable pages. The full text, along with answer buttons, can be found below. 

One at a Time

Here’s how you can change the word DOG to CAT by changing just one letter at time:  DOG, DOT, COT, CAT

1. Change DUCK to DEER in the same way, in 4 steps. Be sure to spell real words each time.

2. Change MEAT to MILK in 6 steps or less.

3. Change LIFE to BOAT in 6 steps or less.

 Quick Lists

4. List 4 or more words that use the letter i more than twice.

 5. List 4 or more words with letters eau.

6. List 20 or more occupations that do not end in or, er, or ar.

7. List 15 or more words that are spelled with at least 8 letters that start and end with the letter r.

8. Can you also list 3 words of 8 or more letters that begin with r, end with r, and have at least one r in between?

9. List at least 10 words that contain the letter pair rh.

10. Without using a dictionary, list 6 words that come between laughter and law alphabetically.

Words in Words

Spell a BIRD using only letters in the name of each city. You do not need to use all the letters, and you may change the order of the letters.

 11. RACELAND (Louisiana)

 12. CALIFORNIA  (Missouri)

13. HACKETTSTOWN (New Jersey)

Spell a FOOD using only letters in the name of each city. You do not need to use all the letters, and you may change the order of the letters.  

14. BRANDENBURG (Kentucky)

 15. CRELLIN  (Maryland)

More Brain Teasers & Tips

We also have easier brain teaser and answers. Students often enjoy collecting and writing their own brain teaser questions. Why not start a collection of original questions? See all of our Level 1 and Level 2 brain teasers.

Here are ideas for using brain teasers in the classroom:

• Write a new question on the board each morning. Allow students to write their answers and place them in a special folder anytime throughout the day. At the end of the day, review their submissions and reward the students answering correctly by  adding their name to special display, giving them a small treat, or in some other way.
• Use printable versions of several brain teaser questions. Allow students to work on the questions over a week or two. Then collect all their answers at the end of that time. Award extra credit for correct answers.
• Always be sure to review correct answers with the entire class.

New Brain Teaser Questions

Here are some of our newest Brain Teasers that we think you'll enjoy:

NEW! - Fun Brain Teasers for Students  These fun brain teasers will check your students' spelling and vocabulary skills. They’ll also tickle their funny bones! 

Rhymonyms TM -  Challenging new word play for upper grade students and adults. Think of a pair of rhyming words for each set of synonyms. Printable, free and fun!

First Two Letters - The first two letters to every answer in this list of brain teasers are either supplied or partially revealed. You only need to finish spelling the words. This should be easy -- right?

Spelling Bee Toolboxes for Grades 3/5 and  6/8    All the resources you need for a successful bee!

Visit my YouTube Channel for fun spelling practice videos!

101 Word Play Puzzlers   Discover the FUN of letters & words as you solve each unique puzzle. Great vocabulary & spelling practice!

AnyWord Spelling Practice Series   Fun Worksheets, games & prompts that work with almost ANY spelling words!

Gigantic Spelling Bee Word Lists with definitions, sentences and languages

Spelling Bee Toolboxes for Grades 3/5 and 6/8   All the resources you need for a successful bee! 

Monumental Spelling Bee Word Lists for grades 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 with definitions, sentences and languages

Mammoth Spelling Bee Word Lists  for grades 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8  with sentences, definitions, and languages

Young Spellers Spelling Bee Word List for Grades 1 & 2 only 

100 Difficult Spelling Bee Words with Definitions, Sentences and Pronunciations, Volumes 1 and 2

600 Spelling Bee Words & Sentences for Gr 3/5 & 6/8 Extra words & sentences at two levels