Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) in the 11+ exams assesses the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems without relying on words. These questions help to evaluate visual-spatial skills, pattern recognition, and abstract reasoning abilities. Below are the major types of Non-Verbal Reasoning questions in the 11+ GL exams:
| Type | Description | How to Solve | Tips & Tricks (Sssss / Parrr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D View of 3D Shapes | Identify which 2D shape corresponds to a 3D shape from a particular angle. | Visualize the 3D shape in your mind and imagine viewing it from different perspectives. | S: Look at faces, P: Prioritize unique features |
| 3D Rotation | Understand how a 3D object looks when rotated. | Mentally rotate the object, note which faces move where. | S: Track colors/symbols, R: Rotate step-by-step |
| Analogies | Find a shape that relates to another the same way two others do. | Compare the changes in shape A to B, apply the same rule to C. | S: Spot shape/size/rotation changes, R: Repeat the pattern |
| Block Counting | Count the number of visible and hidden blocks in a 3D structure. | Count top-down and check for hidden blocks behind or under. | S: Count each level, S: Scan each side methodically |
| Building Blocks | Understand 3D structures from 2D blueprints or views. | Visualize layers or cross-sections from the plan. | S: Work layer-by-layer, R: Rotate the base mentally |
| Classes Like | Group items that share a common feature or class. | Find common elements like number of sides, shading, or size. | S: Spot common traits, P: Pick the strongest link |
| Combining Shapes | Two or more shapes combine to form a larger shape. | Visualize how smaller parts fit together to form the whole. | S: Scan for unique edges, S: Sketch connections mentally |
| Complete the Hexagon | Find the missing piece in a hexagonal arrangement. | Use symmetry and position to find the missing shape or pattern. | S: Symmetry matters, P: Pattern continuation |
| Complete the Shape | Identify which shape completes a given incomplete figure. | Look at edges, orientation, and what is missing in the figure. | S: Scan edges, S: Spot missing pattern parts |
| Cube Nets | Match a 2D net to the correct 3D cube. | Visualize folding the net into a cube, test opposite faces. | S: Opposite faces rule, P: Position key symbols |
| Fold and Punch | Predict hole patterns when a paper is folded and punched. | Unfold the paper mentally in reverse to predict hole positions. | S: Symmetry of folds, P: Predict before unfolding |
| Hidden Shape | Find a given shape hidden inside a complex picture. | Trace the outline slowly and look for partial overlaps. | S: Focus on outlines, S: Scan diagonally |
| Matrices | Identify the missing shape in a grid based on row and column logic. | Check pattern changes across rows and columns. | S: Same rules per row/column, R: Repeatable patterns |
| Odd One Out | Choose the shape that doesn't belong in the group. | Find the unique feature one shape doesn’t share. | S: Spot differences, P: Pattern break |
| Opposite Faces | Identify which faces of a cube are opposite to each other. | Track visible pairs and rule out adjacents. | S: Mark opposites, P: Prioritize fixed faces |
| Picture Sums | Solve equations made with pictures. | Assign values logically using substitution. | S: Start with easiest, S: Solve like algebra |
| Reflections | Mirror image of a shape is required. | Flip horizontally/vertically based on the axis. | S: Check symmetry, R: Reverse left-right or up-down |
| Rotations | Shape is rotated and you must identify the correct version. | Track the direction and number of degrees turned. | S: Clockwise or anti-clockwise, R: Rotate in mind |
| Series | Find the next shape in a sequence. | Look for a pattern in movement, size, or shading. | S: Spot sequence steps, S: Shape evolution |
| Similar Triangles | Match triangles that are similar in shape and angle. | Compare angles and side ratios. | S: Size doesn’t matter, P: Parallel sides |
| Spinning Shapes | Track a shape that spins in each step. | Count rotation degrees and direction. | S: Spin tracker, R: Repetition check |
| Star Matrices | Work with grids where shapes interact across rows/columns. | Find how shapes combine across axis. | S: Star center logic, R: Repeat across grid |
| Triangle Series | Predict the next triangle arrangement in a series. | Check rotation, size, and number of triangles. | S: Sequence analysis, P: Pattern spotting |
| Vertical Codes | Decode a message from vertical patterns in shapes or symbols. | Look vertically to spot repeating or coded elements. | S: Scan columns not rows, P: Position-based decoding |
| Horizontal Codes | Decode a message from horizontal patterns in shapes or symbols. | Look horizontally to spot repeating or coded elements. | S: Scan columns not rows, P: Position-based decoding |
| Type | Description | How to Solve | Tips & Tricks (Sssss / Parrr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2D View of 3D Shapes | Identify which 2D shape corresponds to a 3D shape from a particular angle. | Visualize the 3D shape in your mind and imagine viewing it from different perspectives. | S: Look at faces, P: Prioritize unique features |
| 3D Rotation | Understand how a 3D object looks when rotated. | Mentally rotate the object, note which faces move where. | S: Track colors/symbols, R: Rotate step-by-step |
| Analogies | Find a shape that relates to another the same way two others do. | Compare the changes in shape A to B, apply the same rule to C. | S: Spot shape/size/rotation changes, R: Repeat the pattern |
| Block Counting | Count the number of visible and hidden blocks in a 3D structure. | Count top-down and check for hidden blocks behind or under. | S: Count each level, S: Scan each side methodically |
| Building Blocks | Understand 3D structures from 2D blueprints or views. | Visualize layers or cross-sections from the plan. | S: Work layer-by-layer, R: Rotate the base mentally |
| Classes Like | Group items that share a common feature or class. | Find common elements like number of sides, shading, or size. | S: Spot common traits, P: Pick the strongest link |
| Combining Shapes | Two or more shapes combine to form a larger shape. | Visualize how smaller parts fit together to form the whole. | S: Scan for unique edges, S: Sketch connections mentally |
| Complete the Hexagon | Find the missing piece in a hexagonal arrangement. | Use symmetry and position to find the missing shape or pattern. | S: Symmetry matters, P: Pattern continuation |
| Complete the Shape | Identify which shape completes a given incomplete figure. | Look at edges, orientation, and what is missing in the figure. | S: Scan edges, S: Spot missing pattern parts |
| Cube Nets | Match a 2D net to the correct 3D cube. | Visualize folding the net into a cube, test opposite faces. | S: Opposite faces rule, P: Position key symbols |
| Fold and Punch | Predict hole patterns when a paper is folded and punched. | Unfold the paper mentally in reverse to predict hole positions. | S: Symmetry of folds, P: Predict before unfolding |
| Hidden Shape | Find a given shape hidden inside a complex picture. | Trace the outline slowly and look for partial overlaps. | S: Focus on outlines, S: Scan diagonally |
| Matrices | Identify the missing shape in a grid based on row and column logic. | Check pattern changes across rows and columns. | S: Same rules per row/column, R: Repeatable patterns |
| Odd One Out | Choose the shape that doesn't belong in the group. | Find the unique feature one shape doesn’t share. | S: Spot differences, P: Pattern break |
| Opposite Faces | Identify which faces of a cube are opposite to each other. | Track visible pairs and rule out adjacents. | S: Mark opposites, P: Prioritize fixed faces |
| Picture Sums | Solve equations made with pictures. | Assign values logically using substitution. | S: Start with easiest, S: Solve like algebra |
| Reflections | Mirror image of a shape is required. | Flip horizontally/vertically based on the axis. | S: Check symmetry, R: Reverse left-right or up-down |
| Rotations | Shape is rotated and you must identify the correct version. | Track the direction and number of degrees turned. | S: Clockwise or anti-clockwise, R: Rotate in mind |
| Series | Find the next shape in a sequence. | Look for a pattern in movement, size, or shading. | S: Spot sequence steps, S: Shape evolution |
| Similar Triangles | Match triangles that are similar in shape and angle. | Compare angles and side ratios. | S: Size doesn’t matter, P: Parallel sides |
| Spinning Shapes | Track a shape that spins in each step. | Count rotation degrees and direction. | S: Spin tracker, R: Repetition check |
| Star Matrices | Work with grids where shapes interact across rows/columns. | Find how shapes combine across axis. | S: Star center logic, R: Repeat across grid |
| Triangle Series | Predict the next triangle arrangement in a series. | Check rotation, size, and number of triangles. | S: Sequence analysis, P: Pattern spotting |
| Vertical Codes | Decode a message from vertical patterns in shapes or symbols. | Look vertically to spot repeating or coded elements. | S: Scan columns not rows, P: Position-based decoding |
| Horizontal Codes | Decode a message from horizontal patterns in shapes or symbols. | Look horizontally to spot repeating or coded elements. | S: Scan columns not rows, P: Position-based decoding |