Non-Verbal Reasoning 11+ Tuition

1. Shape Analogies: Students identify relationships between shapes, choosing the answer that completes a given analogy.
2. Series and Sequences: Questions present a sequence of shapes or patterns that follow a particular rule, requiring the student to determine the next shape in the sequence.
3. Odd One Out: Students identify which shape does not fit within a set based on a consistent rule or pattern.
4. Similarities and Differences: Students analyse groups of shapes to determine similarities and differences, identifying rules that distinguish them.
5. Matrices: These questions involve a 2×2 or 3×3 grid of shapes with one missing. Students deduce the rule governing the grid to find the missing shape.
6. Rotation and Reflection: These questions assess spatial awareness, where students must mentally rotate or reflect shapes to match a given image.
7. Embedded Figures: Students are tasked with identifying simple shapes embedded within complex diagrams.
8. Symmetry: Some questions ask students to identify lines of symmetry or to complete symmetrical shapes. These question types help assess a child’s ability to recognise patterns, think logically, and work with abstract concepts.

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) in the 11+ exam assesses a student’s ability to understand and analyse visual information, patterns, and relationships between shapes and figures. It does not rely on language skills, making it an important measure of problem-solving ability and logical thinking.

GL Assessment Non-Verbal Reasoning Exam Structure

GL Assessment’s Non-Verbal Reasoning tests typically consist of multiple-choice questions and are designed to evaluate spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical deduction. The questions are grouped into sections, with students required to answer within a set time limit.

The exam includes:

• Diagrams & Shapes – Identifying relationships between different visual elements.
• Sequences & Patterns – Recognising how a pattern progresses and predicting the next shape.
• Reflections & Symmetry – Understanding mirror images and symmetrical transformations.
• Rotation & Movement – Determining how a shape moves, flips, or rotates within a sequence.
• Code & Matrix Problems – Deciphering how shapes or symbols relate to each other based on rules.

Key Skills to Develop

To perform well in the Non-Verbal Reasoning exam, students should focus on:

• Visual Pattern Recognition – Spotting similarities and differences between shapes quickly.
• Spatial Awareness – Understanding how objects move and relate to one another in space.
• Logical Thinking – Applying consistent rules to solve puzzles and complete sequences.
• Time Management – Practising timed exercises to improve speed and accuracy.

Preparation Strategies

• Practice Regularly – Work through past GL Assessment papers and sample questions.
• Use Puzzle Books & Apps – Engage with visual puzzles, tangrams, and logic games to strengthen skills.
• Develop a Systematic Approach – Break problems into steps to identify patterns more effectively.
• Work Under Timed Conditions – Simulate exam conditions to build confidence and improve performance.

Mastering Non-Verbal Reasoning requires both practice and strategy, helping students develop problem-solving skills that are valuable beyond the 11+ exam.