Want to improve your non-verbal reasoning 11 plus score?

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TOP 11 plus non-verbal reasoning test practice

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What are the 11 plus Sections ?

  • Type of content for each 11 plus section. Often, the 11 plus in 2023 has evolved to encompass four sections: Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. However there can also be spatial reasoning and Creative Writing sections.
  • No. of 11 plus questions per section
  • Time allocated per 11 plus section

Also, whether this particular 11 plus is computer based. Or still uses the more traditional paper-and-pencil 11 plus format.

Now, with this additional 11 plus 2023 knowledge, your child can quickly get comfortable with how best to approach answering each 11 plus 2023 question type.

11 plus non-verbal reasoning is a new skill that needs mastering

We recommend treating the 11 plus non-verbal reasoning test as simply a new skill to master. Learning to drive typically takes a few months with some regular weekly time devoted to practice.

Your realistic expectation is to learn strategies and a process for passing the exam –  there’s no need to overachieve and to expect to become the best driver out there. ‘Squiggles’ tests certainly can divide opinion.

11 plus non verbal reasoning

What do 11 plus non-verbal reasoning questions look like?

It’s those test questions based upon geometric shapes and interpreting the patterns in these figures which are called abstract reasoning tests.

Test takers are asked to identify the pattern in a series of these shapes. Such abstract reasoning tests usually comprise of shapes, such as squares, triangles and squares.

The pattern can be how the shapes change through, for example, their shading, rotation or reflection. 

Such non-verbal reasoning tests usually comprise of shapes, such as squares, triangles and squares. The pattern can be how the shapes change through, for example, their shading, rotation or reflection.

Top FREE PRACTICE 11 plus past papers for 2024 grammar school entry

Rob Williams Assessment‘s free 11 plus past papers.

Prep School past papers

Private secondary school past papers

Academically selective schools assess their pupils either at 11+ or 13+. These may include Maths 11 plus, English 11 plus, verbal reasoning 11 plus, Non-verbal reasoning 11 plus and exams on various other subjects. The best would be to check the Admissions page of your preferred schools.

Have a question about non-verbal reasoning?

Rob Williams

Ask our 11 plus expert Rob. An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests.

Rob has consulted for many of the top school entrance test publishers, including the ISEBCambridge AssessmentHodder Education, and the actual GL CAT4 publishers themselves.

Tips when applying for top school places

For example, with sixth from applications there is no limit to how many sixth form colleges you can apply to. Whereas, primary school applications:

  1. Depending on your local authority you can submit between three and six school preferences.
  2. Primary school places are then allocated by the school’s governing body, an academy trust or the local authority.
  3. Each primary school will have its own admissions criteria. This must be within the national framework for primary school entry. Hence, on school offer day parents will be offered only one primary school place for their child.
  4. Then shortlist all those schools you and your child like. Consider all those schools falling within your catchment area. You now have a shortlist of schools which can review at your leisure.
  5. Provided this is a relatively short list, then visit each school for yourself and your child.
  6. Check the latest Ofsted reports for each school. Prepare questions on any school topic that is unclear. Do you have any reservations? Why can’t you see your child at this school.
  7. Such introspective self questioning will help you to prepare questions for school open day visits.
  8. When attending a school open day, ask yourself whether the school atmosphere and ethos are a good fit for your child.
  9. We certainly recommend shortlisting schools based on national standard statistics. More specifically, the percentage of students meeting the expected standards. For example if the national standard is 60%, then you need to check whether each of your selected schools exceeded that in their latest Ofsted inspections.

 

11 Plus SchoolEntranceTests poster

Non-Verbal Reasoning Step-by-Step Strategies

Series format non-verbal reasoning tips

Series non-verbal reasoning questions present 4 to 5 boxes in a line. The individual boxes contain a series of ever-evolving figures. For example, there may be one black square and four white circles in the first box. A regular increase in the number of black figures by one each time could be the pattern that needs to be identified. The pattern in the second box would be two black figures and so on.

“Complete the pattern” non-verbal reasoning practice

In the “complete the pattern” type of non-verbal reasoning, you need to select which of the five answer options completes the 2 rows by 2 columns, or the 3 by 3 box. This sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. Typically, the pattern is the same in both the horizontal and the vertical direction. So, if there are 3 rows by 3 columns then the pattern across each row and column becomes even easier to spot.

Odd One Out format non-verbal reasoning practice

Odd One Out non-verbal reasoning test formats presents five figures; one of which does not fit with the other four figures.

11 plus non verbal reasoning

How are 11 plus exams similar?

Both types of 11-plus test cover maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning but there are some key differences. Some regions use a mixture of the two papers. There may also be differences in the exams used by different grammar schools within the same region.

Therefore, it is essential to check which test format your child will be taking so that you can use the correct practice papers to prepare.

Top FREE PRACTICE 11 plus past papers