Learn the 3-Step Method
1Count the letters first.
LISTEN has 6 — the answer must use exactly those 6, once each.
2Hunt common endings.
-ING, -ED, -ER, -TION: spot usable chunks. EARTH → try -TH? No: HEART uses H...T differently.
3Cross off as you build.
Writing HEART from EARTH: tick each letter used — E✓A✓R✓T✓H✓, none left, none missing.
Worked Example
Which word is an anagram of NIGHT: think, thing, tight, night-time?
thing: t✓h✓i✓n✓g✓
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Count first! An anagram uses exactly the same letters — different length means instant rejection, no letter-checking needed.
Cross off! TIGHT needs two T’s; NIGHT has one. Ticking letters catches doubles.
Structure the search! Fix a likely ending (-ING, -ER), then arrange the rest — random shuffling wastes exam minutes.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Count letters — lengths must match exactly.
- Hunt common chunks: -ING, -ED, -ER, -TION.
- Cross letters off as you place them.
- Learn the classics: listen/silent, earth/heart, night/thing.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- Anagrams use exactly the same letters, once each — count first.
- Spot common chunks (-ING, -ED, -TION) to structure the rearranging.
- Cross letters off as you place them to catch doubles and gaps.
- Recognise the classic pairs on sight: listen/silent, earth/heart, night/thing.
Frequently asked questions
What is an anagram?
A word made by rearranging exactly the letters of another — silent is an anagram of listen, heart of earth.
How do you check an anagram quickly?
Match the lengths, then cross each letter off pairwise. Any letter left over or missing means it isn't an anagram.
How do you unscramble faster?
Fix a plausible ending chunk like -ING or -ER first, then arrange the remaining letters — structure beats random shuffling.
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