How to play the verbal memory test
- Press Start. A word appears.
- If you have already seen that word during this game, press SEEN; if it is the first time, press NEW. On a keyboard use S and N.
- Each correct answer scores a point. A wrong answer costs a life, and the game ends after three mistakes.
What it tests
This game measures recognition memory for words: how well you can tell familiar items from new ones as the list grows. Early on it is easy, but as dozens of words go by, old words come back and the pressure builds, because each one has to be checked against everything you have seen. Many players score between 40 and 60; above 100 is impressive.
The words are drawn from a list of common English words, so they all feel familiar in everyday life, which is exactly what makes the test tricky: you must remember whether you saw them here, not whether you know them. Building a quick image or story for each new word helps. Scores are affected by tiredness and attention, so do not treat them as a clinical measure. Your best score is saved only in this browser.
What is a good verbal memory score?
Around 50 is typical; 80 or more is very good.
How many lives do I get?
Three. Each wrong answer, either way round, costs one.
Do repeated words appear more as the game goes on?
Yes. The chance of seeing an old word rises as your list of seen words grows.