11+ non-verbal reasoning: how to approach shape and pattern questions

What these questions ask

Non-verbal reasoning questions use shapes and patterns. Children might find the next shape in a sequence, the odd one out, or a shape that completes a pattern. Not every route includes it, so check your route's page for what is covered.

A method to follow

• Describe each shape in words: how many sides, what size, what shading, which way it points.
• Look for one change at a time: rotation, reflection, size, shading, number of parts or position.
• Say the rule out loud: for example, each shape turns a quarter turn clockwise.
• Check the rule against every step in the sequence, then choose the option that fits.

Common types of change

• Rotation: the shape turns around a point.
• Reflection: the shape is flipped, like a mirror image.
• Size: the shape gets bigger or smaller.
• Shading: parts of the shape change between filled and empty.
• Counting: the number of shapes or sides goes up or down by a fixed amount.

Practising

• Do a few questions at a time and talk through the rule.
• Redraw the shapes on paper if it helps.
• Read the explanation for each wrong answer, then try a similar question later.