How Non-Verbal Reasoning Works

11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning · Overview

What non-verbal reasoning is

Non-verbal reasoning (NVR) tests how well you can solve problems using shapes and patterns rather than words. There's no reading — you look for rules in pictures. It's a big part of many 11+ exams.

The main question types

Series: work out which shape comes next in a sequence.
Odd one out: find the shape that doesn't follow the same rule as the others.
Analogies: "A is to B as C is to ?" — find the same change.
Matrices: a grid with one square missing — work out what fits.
Codes: shapes are given letter codes; work out the rule and code a new shape.
Rotations / reflections: spot how a shape has been turned or flipped.
Nets: work out which 3D shape a flat net folds into.

What to look for (the clues)

Check each of these features carefully:

Number of shapes, lines, dots or sides.
Size — getting bigger or smaller.
Shading — black, white, striped, or a repeating pattern.
Rotation — is the shape turning by the same amount each time?
Position — where things are inside the box.
Symmetry — lines of symmetry or reflections.

A method for any NVR question

1. Look at the first two items and ask what changed?

2. Check if the same change happens across the rest.

3. Test each answer option against the rule.

4. Eliminate answers that break the rule until one is left.

Worked example

Three shapes each gain one extra dot: 1 dot, 2 dots, 3 dots. What comes next?

The rule is "+1 dot each time", so the next shape has 4 dots. ✓

Common mistakes

Only checking one feature (e.g. shape) and missing another (e.g. shading).
Rushing — NVR rewards careful, systematic looking.
Forgetting shapes can rotate rather than change.

Top tips

Go through the checklist: number, size, shading, rotation, position, symmetry.
Use elimination — cross off answers that break the rule.
Work quickly but check each feature.

Quick recap

NVR uses shapes and patterns, not words; types include series, odd-one-out, analogies, matrices, codes, rotations and nets.
Always check number, size, shading, rotation, position and symmetry.
Find the rule, then eliminate answers that don't fit.