Non-Verbal Reasoning 11-Plus: Questions, Papers and Tips

What is 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning?

From a tutor’s perspective, non-verbal reasoning 11 plus is one of the main sections that confuses parents & children alike. First, let’s dive into what actually IS Non-Verbal reasoning? 

Non-verbal reasoning refers to the ability to understand & analyse visual information, and solve problems using shapes & patterns. It involves reasoning without using words or language but rather visual & spatial processing.

When being assessed for the 11 plus nonverbal reasoning – your child will be faced with varying puzzles & tests that involve identifying patterns, sequences & relationships among objects. Non-verbal reasoning measures cognitive abilities like problem-solving, critical thinking & abstract reasoning, which are also relevant in various fields, including engineering, mathematics & art.

Some common tasks in nonverbal reasoning tests include:

• Pattern recognition: Recognising a pattern or sequence in shapes or symbols.
• Visual analysis: Mentally manipulating or rotating shapes to understand how they fit together.
• Spatial reasoning: Visualisation of objects in different directions or perspectives.

Non-verbal reasoning tests are often used to test intelligence without relying on language skills. This makes these tests useful for different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

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Key Skills Tested in 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning

As mentioned previously, the 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning test assesses a range of analytical skills through questions that do not involve words. These tests evaluate how well students can process & analyse visual information. There are lots of types of questions that can come up in this test, but the key skills tested in the 11 Plus NVR include:

1. Pattern Recognition

• The capacity to spot patterns in sequences of shapes, symbols or designs is called pattern recognition
• Noting similarities or differences between shapes based on size, orientation, shading or colour. (I use SCANS with my tutees, which stands for size, colour, arrangement, number, symmetry).

2. Spatial Awareness

• This is the ability to understand how shapes can move & interact in space. This skill is used in everyday activities such as driving, walking or cycling 
• Tasks in the NVR exam may require mentally rotating shapes or imagining how they look from different angles.

3. Logical Reasoning

• This is a form of thinking that applies logic to solve puzzles based on a set of rules
• Figuring out the relationship between different shapes or patterns & making predictions or completing sequences.

4. Problem Solving

• This involves Abstract thinking to solve puzzles or determine what comes next in a sequence.
• Requires the ability to break down complex visual information into manageable parts.

5. Visual Processing

• The skill of quickly interpreting & analysing visual data.
• This involves working efficiently under time constraints to process & respond to a variety of visual clues. 
• This skill comes with time and practise, as well as familiarity with question types

6. Attention to Detail

• This is crucial for focusing on subtle differences between shapes, such as rotation, reflection or resizing.
• Picking out minor changes in patterns that could affect the answer.

7. Deductive Reasoning

• Drawing logical conclusions from the given information.
• Using elimination methods to rule out incorrect answers based on observed patterns.

8. Sequencing & Ordering

• Understanding the sequence of shapes or patterns & predicting the next step based on progression rules.

Free Resources for 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Practise 

There are several free resources available online to help students practise for the 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning test. These resources include practice questions, sample papers & interactive quizzes that can help students familiarise themselves with the types of questions they will face. This is crucial since you and your child may not have seen the style of questions they are expected to answer.   Here are some of the best free resources:

1. BBC Bitesize 

 – I chose this website as it provides a great introduction and general guidance on reasoning & problem-solving for various subjects, including non-verbal reasoning skills. This is especially useful if you are new to the 11+ journey or are having trouble teaching children the concepts mentioned above.  

2. 11 Plus Guide 

 – This website offers a goldmine of resources, including free 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning practice papers from various test providers, including GL Assessment & CEM.

3. The Student Room 

 – This is a forum where students & parents can share study tips, including resources for 11 Plus preparation.

– You can find links to free practice questions, advice & tips from others who have taken the test. You can also ask your questions and receive help from parents in the same position. 

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4. Bond Online 

– Bond provides a limited number of free practice questions & advice for non-verbal reasoning and books that you can buy in most bookstores. 

– You can try some sample papers before deciding whether to purchase.

5. 11 Plus Lifeline 

 – Offers free downloadable non-verbal reasoning practice papers & sample tests similar to the 11+ guide.

– It also provides a mix of other reasoning resources, including verbal reasoning.

6. Chuckra 11 Plus 

 – Chuckra offers free online quizzes, interactive practice papers & downloadable resources for non-verbal reasoning.

 – You can also access tutorials & revision materials tailored to 11 Plus preparation, perfect for visual learners.

7. Education Quizzes 

   – Contains free non-verbal reasoning quizzes covering shapes, codes, sequences,& spatial reasoning.

8. Eleven Plus Exams 

 – Provides a comprehensive list of free practice papers, including non-verbal reasoning tests.

– Includes practice materials from different providers, ensuring a variety of question styles.

9. GL Assessment 

– GL Assessment, one of the key providers of 11 Plus exams, offers free sample papers for non-verbal reasoning.

These resources can be used to get free practice material & understand the format of non-verbal reasoning tests, making them excellent tools for preparing effectively.

What can you do to help your child with Non-Verbal Reasoning?

In my experience as a tutor, Non-Verbal Reasoning is the subject that parents most often seek help with. Coupled with the fact that nonverbal skills are seldom taught in schools – I can understand that this can leave parents unsure of how to approach teaching it. The content can be overwhelming and unfamiliar. 

The good news is that with the right guidance and patience, there are plenty of effective strategies to help students and parents alike. 

1. Understanding Question Types

Familiarise Your Child (and you ) with Different Types of Questions

• This is arguably the most valuable and most time-consuming tip however, it has its rewards and is worth the effort. Each question type has specific methods that you need to employ to solve them. Trying them yourself first before explaining to your child can make it easier for you and your students to understand content. 
• Trying to sort by question type also provides a structure to learning as many of the question types can be grouped based on what skills are being tested  eg patterns, spatial awareness 

2. Practice & Familiarity

Regular Practice:

• Use Practice Papers: Utilise 11+ practice papers to expose your child to various question types & difficulty levels. This is a crucial step in practice, and making full use of free resources is crucial  
• Online Resources: think about using online platforms with interactive Non-Verbal Reasoning exercises.
• Familiarity: when you first embark on your 11+ journey, trying to grasp every single question type & technique involved can seem daunting. However, with time and practise, you and your child can gain confidence & master each skill 

Review & Feedback:

• Analyse Mistakes: Go through incorrect answers to understand what went wrong & why. This is an extremely important step that I see students and parents overlooking. Try and get to the root of why your child got each question wrong, was it a silly mistake, lack of time or more practice needed?
• Encourage Reflection: I often see that some students like to use a guessing tactic to try and speed up the learning process, but this is counter-intuitive; always ask your child to explain their reasoning to ensure they understand the process. 
• Using this tip helps identify areas where your child needs to work and areas where your child is strong  

3. Develop Specific Skills

Pattern Recognition:

• Games & Puzzles: Engage in activities that enhance pattern recognition, such as jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku & pattern-based games.
• Exposure to different types of patterns, such as sequences, symmetry, rotation and reflections
• Look for relationships: try and teach your child to examine each shape and encourage them to ask questions like “has the shape changed?” “What has stayed the same?”
• Break down complex patterns into smaller manageable chunks focusing on one element at a time 

Spatial Awareness:

• Visualisation Exercises: Practise visualising shapes & their manipulations in 2D & 3D.
• Drawing & Sketching: Have them draw shapes & patterns to understand how they fit together.
• Nets of shapes: Print out nets of cubes with different patterns on each face and encourage your child to put them together

Logical Thinking:

• Problem-Solving Activities: Incorporate logic games & puzzles that require deductive reasoning & problem-solving skills.

4. Test-Taking Strategies

Time Management:

• Timed Practice Sessions: Simulate test conditions with timed practice to improve speed & efficiency. This is to be done only when students feel confident with the topic being tested
• Prioritisation: Teach them to prioritise questions they find easier & return to more challenging ones later.

Strategy Development:

• Identify Key Patterns: Help them recognise common patterns & strategies for solving different types of questions.
• Eliminate Wrong Answers: Teach techniques for narrowing down options, especially in multiple-choice questions.

5. Build Confidence

Encourage a Positive Attitude:

• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge their progress & successes to build confidence.
• Maintain Patience: Be patient & supportive, especially when encountering difficult problems.

Foster Independence:

• Self-Assessment: Encourage them to assess their own answers & reasoning.
• Independent Study: Promote independent practice to build self-reliance.

6. Use Resources

Books & Guides:

• Educational Books: Provide books specifically designed for Non-Verbal Reasoning practice.
• Guides & Workbooks: Use guides that explain various question types & offer practice exercises.

Tutoring & Support:

• Additional Tutoring: Consider extra help from tutors if needed for personalised guidance.
• Group Study: Engage in study groups where they can learn from children their age &  share strategies.

By incorporating these tried and tested strategies into your tutoring sessions, you can help your child develop a strong foundation in Non-Verbal Reasoning & improve their performance on the 11+ exams.

Tips to help your child pass the Non-Verbal Reasoning section of the 11 Plus

While some children may have a natural aptitude for Non-Verbal Reasoning, there are numerous strategies & techniques available to enhance spatial reasoning & shape interpretation skills. To effectively support your child, it’s important to identify their preferred learning style.

Discovering Your Child’s Learning Style:

Visual Learning: If your child benefits from visual aids, consider using instructional videos that break down concepts & provide visual examples. There are many online resources with engaging tutorials specifically designed for Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Hands-On Learning: For children who grasp concepts better through tactile activities, encourage them to draw shapes, cut out nets of cubes,& build models. This hands-on approach can help them better understand the spatial relationships between different shapes & forms.

Tips & Tricks to Improve Non-Verbal Reasoning Skills:

Practise Regularly: Consistent practice with various question types will build familiarity & confidence. Utilise 11+ non-verbal reasoning practice papers & online exercises tailored to the 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning curriculum.

Break Down Problems: Teach your child to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. This can help in understanding & solving patterns or sequences more effectively.

Use Puzzles & Games: Engage your child with puzzles & games that enhance spatial awareness & pattern recognition. Jigsaw puzzles, logic games,& shape-based activities are excellent for developing these skills.

Review & Reflect: Go through incorrect answers together to understand mistakes & reinforce learning. Encourage your child to explain their reasoning to solidify their understanding.

Develop Problem-Solving Strategies: Help your child develop strategies for identifying patterns, solving sequences & decoding shapes. Practice techniques for eliminating incorrect options in multiple-choice questions.

By tailoring your approach to match your child’s learning style & utilising these strategies, you can significantly improve their Non-Verbal Reasoning skills & boost their confidence for the 11+ exams.

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