Step-by-Step Method for Breaking Down Wordy Tech Interview Questions

 

Sometimes it feels like coding questions are written just to confuse you.

You open a problem and it starts with:

“Imagine you’re the manager of a fleet of robots, each powered by a unique battery pack…”
…and your brain instantly goes: Nope.

This post is here to help. Whether you’re preparing for coding interviews, studying, or just trying to get unstuck, here’s a simple, repeatable method for turning long-winded questions into clear action steps.

1. Anchor Yourself & Read the Whole Thing Once Without Trying to Solve It

Start with a grounding reminder:

“This is just a puzzle. I don’t have to solve it all at once. I just need to figure out what it wants.”

Take 2 slow breaths and keep a pen or typing space open to externalize your thoughts

Instead of jumping into problem-solving right away, just read it once to get the gist.

Think of it like watching a movie trailer, you're getting an overview first.

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2. Identify the Core Ask

After the first read, ask yourself:

• “What is this question actually asking me to do?”
  Example mental reframe:
  “It’s not about the weird story it’s wrapped in, it just wants me to find the longest string.”

Scan the question for:

• What type of input it gives you
  
  

• What kind of output it wants
  
  

• What transformation it's asking for
  
  

Use a 3-line checklist:

Input: ___________

Output: __________

Goal: ____________

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3. Highlight (or mentally note) Keywords

Look for:

• Input and output types (e.g., array of integers, string, dictionary)
  
  

• Action words (e.g., return, find, calculate, remove, transform)
  
  

• Edge cases (e.g., "empty list", "duplicate entries")
  
  

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4. Rewrite the Question in Your Own Words

This is powerful for understanding. Try to simplify the sentence in your head or write it like this:

"Given a list of ___, I need to return ___ by doing ___."

If the question includes a story or “fluff” like:

"Imagine you’re a manager of a fleet of robots, each with a unique battery pack..."

Just ignore it and reframe:

“Okay. It’s an array of battery numbers. Probably has nothing to do with robots.”

Write a cleaned-up version:

Rewritten: Given a list of numbers, return the one that occurs most often.

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5. Break the Problem into Parts

Ask:

• Can I visualize a simple example?
  
  

• Can I break this into smaller tasks (e.g., filter, sort, loop)?
  
  

• What's step 1, step 2, step 3?
  
  

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6. Start with an Example

Even if you’re unsure, write down a small input/output example:

// Input: [1, 2, 3]

// Output: 6

// → Looks like we need to sum the list.

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7. Pseudocode It First

Instead of going straight to code, just write your logic in English or comments:

// Step 1: loop through array

// Step 2: check if the number is even

// Step 3: add to result if true

or

// Step 1: Loop through array

// Step 2: Count frequency of each number

// Step 3: Return the number with highest count

You can even draw it like a flowchart or make little boxes:

[Input] → [Count items] → [Find max] → [Return it]

Then translate that into code.

This helps bypass overthinking and activates pattern recognition, which your brain likely excels at.

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8. Practice Reading Long Questions Separately

This might sound odd, but spend 10 minutes a day:

• Looking up wordy LeetCode or HackerRank problems
  
  

• Reading them without solving, and instead:
  
  

• Rewriting the problem in your own words
  
  

• Summarizing the input, output, and goal
  
  

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Extra Tools

• Use color coding: highlight input, output, and logic words in different colors.
  
  

• Use speech-to-text (or say it out loud) if typing feels slow or ideas get jumbled.
  
  

• If thoughts kick in with “I didn’t read that properly,” allow yourself only one reread and trust your notes.
  
  

• Movement - try reading the question while doing a simple physical action

  like tapping your fingers, squeezing a stress ball, or rocking slightly.
  
  

• Use an external notepad or whiteboard to un-jumble your working memory (especially for ADHD).

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Question Template

Fill out this form with each question:

• Input:
  
  

• Output:
  
  

• What is asked?
  
  

• Key constraints (e.g., duplicates, empty input)
  
  

• Edge cases to consider
  
  

• Steps I would take
  

 

Every wordy tech problem is just a puzzle. You don’t need to solve it in one gulp just chip away with clarity and structure.