Continuing Series & Finding the Next Shape
<p>In non-verbal reasoning, series questions show you a sequence of shapes that change in a pattern. Your job is to work out the rule and find the next shape in the series. These questions test your ability to spot visual patterns — no words needed!</p>
<h2>What to Look For</h2>
<p>When you see a series of shapes, check for changes in these five features:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Shape:</strong> Does the shape change (circle → triangle → square)?</li>
<li><strong>Size:</strong> Does it get bigger or smaller?</li>
<li><strong>Shading:</strong> Does it change from white to grey to black, or striped?</li>
<li><strong>Position:</strong> Does it move around the frame (top-left → top-right → bottom-right)?</li>
<li><strong>Rotation:</strong> Does it turn (e.g., an arrow pointing up, then right, then down)?</li>
</ul>
<p>Most questions involve changes in two or three of these features at the same time.</p>
<h2>Step-by-Step Method</h2>
<ol>
<li>Look at the first shape and note its features (shape, size, shading, position, orientation)</li>
<li>Compare it with the second shape — what changed?</li>
<li>Compare the second with the third — is the same change happening?</li>
<li>Confirm the pattern holds for all the given shapes</li>
<li>Apply the pattern to predict the next shape</li>
<li>Check your answer against all the options</li>
</ol>
<h2>Worked Example 1: Single Change</h2>
<p>Imagine a series of five boxes, each containing a single arrow:</p>
<p>Box 1: arrow pointing UP<br>
Box 2: arrow pointing RIGHT<br>
Box 3: arrow pointing DOWN<br>
Box 4: arrow pointing LEFT<br>
Box 5: ?</p>
<p>The arrow rotates 90° clockwise each time. After pointing left, the next 90° clockwise rotation brings it back to pointing UP. Answer: arrow pointing UP.</p>
<h2>Worked Example 2: Two Changes</h2>
<p>Imagine a series where each box contains a shape in a corner:</p>
<p>Box 1: small black circle in top-left corner<br>
Box 2: small black triangle in top-right corner<br>
Box 3: small black square in bottom-right corner<br>
Box 4: small black circle in bottom-left corner<br>
Box 5: ?</p>
<p>Two things are changing:<br>
Shape: circle → triangle → square → circle (repeating cycle of 3)<br>
Position: top-left → top-right → bottom-right → bottom-left (moving clockwise)</p>
<p>For Box 5: the shape should be the next after circle = triangle. The position after bottom-left, moving clockwise = top-left. Answer: small black triangle in top-left corner.</p>
<h2>Worked Example 3: Increasing Complexity</h2>
<p>Box 1: one dot<br>
Box 2: two dots<br>
Box 3: three dots<br>
Box 4: four dots<br>
Box 5: ?</p>
<p>The number of dots increases by 1 each time. Answer: five dots. Simple, but you also need to check the arrangement of the dots (are they in a line, a pattern, etc.).</p>
<h2>Common Patterns to Recognise</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Alternating:</strong> the pattern goes A, B, A, B, A... (two shapes taking turns)</li>
<li><strong>Cycling:</strong> a set of 3 or 4 variations repeats in order</li>
<li><strong>Progressive:</strong> something increases or decreases steadily (size grows, more lines are added)</li>
<li><strong>Adding and removing:</strong> an element is added then removed, or moves in and out</li>
</ul>
<h2>Dealing with Complex Series</h2>
<p>When a box contains multiple shapes, track each shape separately. One shape might be rotating while another is changing size. Write brief notes if it helps: "triangle rotates 45° each time; circle alternates black/white."</p>
<h2>Practice Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Always check ALL five features (shape, size, shading, position, rotation) — do not stop at the first change you notice</li>
<li>If you cannot see the pattern, try covering some boxes and looking at every other one — the pattern might alternate</li>
<li>Use elimination: if you are unsure, rule out the answer options that definitely do not fit</li>
<li>Practise daily with NVR workbooks — your pattern-spotting speed will improve quickly</li>
</ul>