Non-verbal reasoning is one of the most important sections in the 11 plus exams; it tests a child’s ability to analyse and understand problems through visual information provided and solve them using critical thinking and visual reasoning. Questions in this section are based on logic and patterns. Hence there is no prior knowledge required for this. However, this does mean that a child cannot prepare for it.
Most of the applicants will face non-verbal reasoning for the first time in their life in 11 plus exams, and to make sure they do not get confused and nervous while answering it for the first time, they must have enough practice. Practising these non-verbal reasoning questions will increase their confidence and their chance of success in their 11 plus exam.
Usually, the 11+ non-verbal reasoning exam papers last around 45-60 minutes. Depending upon the exam style, they are in either multiple-choice format or standard format. You can learn more about different exam styles with our comprehensive guide to 11 plus exam formats and how to prepare. These questions asked in NVR generally test a child’s ability to identify patterns and shapes, logical and problem-solving skills, spatial awareness and math skills.
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What skills are required in Non-verbal reasoning tests?
Unlike verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning doesn’t use words and letters to solve problems; it uses critical thinking and logical reasoning. Such skills come more naturally to some children than others, but one must note that non-verbal reasoning is a skill that can improve with practice.
To succeed in the non-verbal reasoning test, pupils must understand mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rotation, direction, shape, etc. Questions in this section could include codes, puzzles, finding the next one in the series, finding the odd one out, etc. these questions challenge pupils to –
- Recognise the visual sequence and relations between the objects
- Find the similarities and differences between shapes and patterns
- Distinguishing relationships
Types of questions in the non-verbal reasoning section
Questions in the non-verbal reasoning section roughly cover nine subjects, some of which are based on spatial awareness and abstract awareness. Spatial awareness and abstract reasoning can be both considered as the branch of 11+ non-verbal reasoning.
Spatial awareness involves 2D and 3D shapes and patterns and their relation. Whereas abstract reasoning typically consists of series and sequences of shapes and figures, pupils need to identify the similarities or differences between them to figure out the answer. The nine topics covered in 11+ non-verbal reasoning tests are –
Odd One Out
One of the common types of questions in the 11+ non-verbal reasoning section is the odd one out. Find the one that is the least like the others in the set or the one that is different from the others in the set.
Question: Which of the images A to E is the odd one out?
Correct Answer: B
Code Breaker
Codebreaker is one of the most exciting topics in the 11 plus non-verbal reasoning section, where pupils are required to use visual information and solve codes. Pupils are given a set of images that have a combination of shapes and letters. Each image will correspond to a code based on the relation between the shape and the letter. Decoding these images will lead them to know which letter is applicable for which shape. After interpreting this information, the child will be required to apply this information to find out the code of the new image with different combinations of the given codes.
Question: Find the correct code for the test shape from the set of five codes.
Correct Answer: B
Identical shapes
These types of questions have a group of shapes that will be similar to each other in a way, and pupils will have to identify a pattern that applies to this set from the number of options. It can also have questions about different shapes, and the applicants have to select one of the most unlike one.
Question: In the example below, there are five figures. Find the one that is most unlike the other four.
Correct Answer: B
Series and Sequence
One of the most popular types of questions asked in 11+ non-verbal reasoning tests is series and sequence. In these types of questions, a series of shapes is given that follow a similar pattern, and the applicants are asked to find the missing shape next in the sequence that follows the same pattern.
Question: Find the next shape in the sequence.
Correct Answer: B
Nets, cubes, and 3-D shapes
One of the most challenging topics in the 11+ non-verbal reasoning tests are Nets, cubes, and 3-D shapes. In this topic, questions are based on 2-D and 3-D shape plans, elevation and directional aspects. Questions may include a series of 2D nets, and the applicants are required to find the corresponding 3D shape of it when folded. Furthermore, different questions can be based on various cubes and are asked to find similar nets and vice-versa.
Question: Given a net, choose which cube can be made from the net.
Correct Answer: B
Rotation and Reflection
The other popular topic in the 11+ non-verbal reasoning test is reflection and rotation. Question-based on reflection may ask students to identify the mirror image of a specific shape from a set of four possible options. Questions based on rotation involve working out the shape formed when it is rotated by a certain angle.
Question: On the left of the example below are two shapes with an arrow between them. Decide how the second is related to the first. After these, there is the third shape, then an arrow and then five more shapes. Decide which of the five shapes goes with the third one to make a pair like the two on the left.
Correct Answer: C
Analogies
Analogies in 11+ non-verbal reasoning tests deal with altering the given shapes based on specific rules. The question includes a set of shapes that are related to each other by a rule. Besides them, a set of separate shapes are given, from which pupils have to select the alternative that follows the same rule as the previous group.
Question: On the left of the example below, there are three figures that are alike. There are five more figures on the right. From those five, find the one that is most like the three figures on the left.
Correct Answer: B
Matrices
As the name suggests, matrices (grids) contains (2 x 2) or (3 x 3) grid in which each block in the grid is filled with different shapes. The question will require you to find the shapes that will come in the missing block of the grid so that it can be completed. Pupils can find out the missing shape in the block by finding out the relation between these blocks.
Question: In the big square on the left, one of the small squares is empty. Find the missing shape from the five figures on the right.
Correct Answer: A
Merge shapes
This topic is one of the easiest and scoring sections in the 11+ Non-verbal reasoning tests. As understood by the name, the question will contain two or more shapes that will be added or subtracted from one other according to the arrangement to form a new shape. Pupils will be asked to find out the merged shape from the given number of options.
Question: Join all of the shapes together with the corresponding letters to make the following shape.
Correct Answer: A
How to prepare for the Non-Verbal Reasoning Test?
It’s essential to understand what skills schools look for in their 11+ non-verbal reasoning test before preparing. Tests like Non-Verbal Reasoning allow examiners to judge pupils’ critical thinking, logic, visual acuity, and perception speed. Based on this, one must focus on improving the child’s visually interpreting skills without drawing the given information.
Although some might believe that it’s not easy to acquire non-verbal reasoning skills, pupils can surely improve their Non-Verbal Reasoning skills with constant practice. One of the ways to excel in these tests is to be disciplined and systematic. For each question, you can rule out options as you go along based on the rules and code given in the question. We have listed a number of ways using which you can help your child to prepare for their 11+ non-verbal reasoning tests-
Practice Papers
Practice paper is one of the best ways to prepare for non-verbal reasoning tests as it gives them real-time practice for the 11+ exam. Moreover, it helps them get familiar with the 11+ format of non-verbal reasoning tests and the types of questions asked in them.
Past paper and practise paper are a must when it comes to 11 plus exam preparation. Browse our 350+ past papers with answers.
Practising Mathematical Concepts
Most non-verbal reasoning questions are based on mathematical concepts like symmetry, rotation, reflection, shape, size, etc. To give an edge to your child, you can ask your child to practice questions based on these concepts.
Not only in NVR, but maths is also a very important section in the 11 plus exam. Learn more about what all maths topics are important for your child to cover and everything else you need to know about the 11 plus maths exam.
Playing Maths games
Many questions in non-verbal Reasoning involves shape, and applicants are asked questions such as to determine the resultant shape when the particular shape is rotated to a certain angle, when two or more shapes merge, etc. Using physical games like Lego, you can help your child learn how shapes join together.
Practising maths ideas in the real world
Non-verbal reasoning questions involve basic math concepts such as addition and subtraction. To help your child get hold of these concepts and effectively use them in their 11+ non-verbal reasoning question, ask them to practice addition and subtraction exercise using objects like marbles instead of writing them out on paper.
Learning through drawing
As we know, shape and mirror-based questions are very commonly used in non-verbal reasoning questions. You can draw various shapes on paper and ask your child to create a mirror image.
Other resources
Apart from these, you can use brain training games and apps, puzzle books and 11+ practice books to improve your child’s non-verbal reasoning skills for their 11+ exam.
Why is the non-verbal logical test important?
Both verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning do not require any prior knowledge and are used to assess students’ natural ability and potential and not their learned knowledge.
Unlike verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning questions are not dependent on English but involve shapes, codes, and images. The pupils will need to work out the answer using their critical thinking and logical reasoning. Based on this, non-verbal reasoning tests help test authorities to evaluate child’s visual reasoning and creative thinking skills and analyse how well they can use logic to solve new problems.
Moreover, these tests help test authorities to have an insight into the abilities of pupils with specific difficulties, or the ones that lack motivation, who have problems with thinking verbally, and whose native language is not English.
Tips to follow when preparing for NVR
Make it fun and play a game!
Children are more likely to enjoy NVR once they start practising it, and making this process fun can enhance their learning. You can ask your child to play various games, puzzles, and brain teasers.
Constant practice is the key
We do not recommend bombarding your child with a lot of exercises at once, but regular practise can go a long way. It will help your child develop and master the skills.
Time management
Some of the NVR questions will be more challenging than the other and hog crucial time for your child during his 11 plus exam. To avoid such case scenarios, a child must know how much time he should take to solve each question so that he can manage his time properly.
Consistent practice in timed conditions will help your child prepare for the 11+ exam and solve problems accordingly.
Assess current ability
NVR requires pupils to process visual information and solve problems based on that. Problem-solving in NVR requires good visual and quick thinking skills, and one can develop these skills with regular practice.
As important it is to conduct practice regularly, it is equally important to assess your child’s current ability and identify the area where he lacks or needs improvement. You can further work on these areas and analyse their progress.
NVR Exam Practice Papers
To tackle the NVR exam with confidence your child must be familiar with the format and type of questions asked in this section. To gain the maximum result, the child must get acquainted with different questions and practice them repeatedly to improve their speed and accuracy.
Practice papers are the best way to prepare for the NVR test. Moreover, it is proven that reasoning skills can be improved with constant practise even if the child has never learned it before.
