Your guide to the 11+
Finding the rule in shapes and patterns
Non-verbal reasoning uses pictures and shapes to pose a problem. Children look carefully, work out what changes, and choose the answer that follows the same rule.
What is non-verbal reasoning?
Non-verbal reasoning is problem-solving using visual information. Instead of choosing a word, a child may complete a sequence of shapes, identify an odd one out or find a missing part of a pattern.
“Non-verbal” describes the main content of the puzzle. Children still need to understand the instructions, but the answer usually depends on visual relationships rather than knowing a particular word.
What is the point of it?
Schools that use these tests are looking at how children notice relationships and apply a rule to unfamiliar information. It provides a different view of reasoning from a task centred on vocabulary. A result is one part of an assessment, not a complete measure of a child’s potential.
What might be tested?
- Recognising similarities and differences.
- Completing visual sequences and grids.
- Tracking position, number, size and shading.
- Recognising rotations and reflections.
- Spatial tasks, such as folded shapes or cube nets, where included in the test.
A useful checking routine
- Count: how many shapes or marks are there?
- Compare: what stays the same?
- Track: what turns, moves or changes?
- Test: does the rule fit every step?
Check one feature at a time. A shape may change in more than one way.
Have a go together
These four original introductory examples use simple diagrams to show different ways of thinking. They are not taken from an exam paper and are not a score prediction. Try explaining the rule aloud before opening the answer.
Try it · 1
Follow the rotation
Which arrow comes next?
↑ → ↓ ?
Give me a hint
Each arrow turns the same amount in the same direction.
Show answer and explanation
B · ←. Each arrow turns a quarter-turn clockwise. After up, right and down, the next arrow points left.
Try it · 2
Find the odd group out
Which group has a different number of symbols?
Give me a hint
Ignore the type of shape. Count the symbols in each group.
Show answer and explanation
D. D has four symbols. A, B and C each have three. The question asks about number, so shape is a distraction.
Try it · 3
Apply the same change
The first pair shows a change. Apply the same change to the square.
○ → ●
□ → ?
Give me a hint
Look at the shading. Does the type of shape change?
Show answer and explanation
C · ■. The outline circle becomes a filled circle. Apply the same change to the outline square: it becomes a filled square. The shape stays the same.
Try it · 4
Complete the grid
The number of dots follows a rule across each row and down each column. What belongs in the empty cell?
| ● | ● ● | ● ● ● |
| ● ● | ● ● ● | ? |
Give me a hint
Moving one cell right adds one dot. Check what happens when you move down as well.
Show answer and explanation
D · four dots. The top row has one, two, three dots. The bottom row has two, three, four. Moving down also adds one dot in every column.
How can parents help?
Ask, “What changed?” and “What stayed the same?” Encourage your child to count and compare before choosing. Drawing a quick version of a pattern or turning a paper shape can help explain a rotation; a mirror can help demonstrate a reflection.
Start with accuracy and a clear explanation. Once a method is familiar, practise using it more quickly. If your child is stuck, focus on one feature—such as shading or direction—rather than guessing from the overall appearance.
Will these exact types appear in the exam?
The mix of subjects and question types varies between schools and areas. Check the current admissions guidance for your target school and use its recommended familiarisation materials.
For publisher guidance, see GL Assessment’s official 11+ information and familiarisation materials. Our examples are independently written by Advantage Tutoring.
Explore non-verbal reasoning in more detail
Find out about the different question types, the skills they use and how to approach them, with short worked examples.
A clearer next step for your child
Our 11+ tuition gives children time to explore unfamiliar questions and explain their thinking. Mock exams provide an opportunity to practise working through a paper in an exam setting.
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