Here’s a breakdown of the most common question formats found in 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning:
1. Shape Sequences
One of the most common types of non-verbal reasoning questions involves identifying the next shape in a sequence.
The shapes in the sequence will often follow a logical pattern in terms of rotation, size, colour, or the number of elements. Students will need to observe the pattern carefully and predict which shape comes next.
Tip for preparation: Practice identifying patterns in a variety of sequences, paying attention to rotation and transformation rules.
2. Odd One Out
These questions present a set of shapes, where most of them share a similar attribute, but one does not. Students
need to identify which shape doesn’t belong to the group based on its colour, size, shape, or orientation.
Tip for preparation: Encourage students to focus on identifying common attributes such as symmetry, rotation, or shape characteristics.
3. Mirror Images
Mirror image questions test a student’s ability to visualise how a shape would appear if reflected in a mirror. Students
are asked to select the shape that is the mirror image of another from a set of options.
Tip for preparation: Practice visualising shapes from different angles, using mirrors or other reflective surfaces to aid
in understanding this concept.
4. Complete the Picture
In these questions, students are presented with a partially completed picture and asked to select the image that completes the pattern or object. The task often involves identifying which part of the picture fits logically with the
rest.
Tip for preparation: Work on spatial awareness and encourage students to look at the larger picture, understanding how each part fits into the whole.
5. Rotation and Reflection
Questions involving rotation and reflection require students to understand how shapes change when rotated or
reflected. The options usually show the shape in different orientations, and students must identify which one matches the original shape after a specific transformation.
Tip for preparation: Use hands-on activities such as rotating physical objects to help students grasp the concept of rotations and reflections.
6. Pattern Completion
In pattern completion questions, students must identify the missing part of a given pattern. These questions often involve grids or sequences of shapes, where one element is missing, and students need to choose the correct option that completes the pattern.
Tip for preparation: Encourage students to look for repeating elements or sequences and practice filling in missing pieces in both shapes and numbers.
7. Paper Folding and Cutting
These types of questions ask students to visualise how a piece of paper might look after being folded or cut. Students must choose the correct image that shows how the paper would appear after being folded in a certain way.
Tip for preparation: Provide exercises that involve folding paper or using online tools to simulate folds and cuts, helping students visualise the outcomes more easily.
8. 3D Visualisation
Some 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning questions test a student’s ability to visualise three-dimensional objects from a
two-dimensional perspective. Students may be asked to identify how a 3D shape would appear when viewed from a certain angle.
Tip for preparation: Encourage students to build shapes using blocks or other objects to understand how 3D
structures are formed and viewed from different perspectives.
Preparing for Non-Verbal Reasoning
As non-verbal reasoning relies heavily on visualisation skills, students can improve by regularly practising these types of questions. Developing strong observational skills and understanding patterns are key to succeeding in this area.
At "Read with Us," we offer tailored tutoring sessions to help students prepare for the 11 Plus exam. Our experienced tutors use a range of resources to help students build their confidence in non-verbal reasoning and other exam components. Let’s work together to ensure your child’s success!
