Perplexity

Mixed doubles:

Each rat usage wiped pin hoops.

That sentence conceals three related one-word answers. To find them, all you have to do is regroup the six words into three pairs, then rearrange the letters within each pair.

A Larousse Desk Reference Encyclopedia will be awarded to the first correct answer opened on 14 November.

Entries to: Perplexity, the Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.

26 October competition answers

Perplexity:

Rainclouds (land curios), showers (her sows), thunderstorm (Hurd's torment).

Literacy: Can

Numeracy: The simplest of many possible ways is: 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+(8x9)=100

Winner: Rose Dacre (York)