11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning: Complete Preparation Guide

Understanding Non-Verbal Reasoning at 11+

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) is one of the most distinctive elements of the 11+ examination, testing a child's ability to solve problems using visual information and spatial awareness rather than words or numbers. Unlike traditional academic subjects, NVR assesses innate reasoning ability and the capacity to identify patterns, relationships and sequences in abstract shapes and figures.

Many families find Non-Verbal Reasoning particularly challenging because it differs fundamentally from the curriculum taught in primary schools. Whilst children regularly practise Maths and English throughout their education, NVR introduces entirely new question types that require specific preparation. Success in Non-Verbal Reasoning demands strong visual processing skills, logical thinking, and the ability to work quickly under timed conditions.

Schools value Non-Verbal Reasoning because it provides insight into a child's problem-solving ability independent of their educational background or language proficiency. This makes it an excellent indicator of academic potential, particularly for identifying children who may excel in subjects requiring spatial awareness, pattern recognition and analytical thinking.

Exam Format and Structure

Non-Verbal Reasoning papers vary slightly between examination boards, but most follow a similar structure designed to assess multiple reasoning skills within a single timed assessment.

Paper Structure

A typical 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning paper consists of:

• Duration: 45-50 minutes
• Total questions: 75-80 multiple-choice questions
• Question types: 10-15 different question formats
• Marks: Usually one mark per question
• Format: Multiple-choice answers (typically 5 options)

The GL Assessment and CEM formats represent the two main approaches to 11+ examinations. GL Assessment papers present distinct question types in clear sections, allowing children to focus on one reasoning skill at a time. CEM papers integrate NVR questions throughout a broader reasoning paper, often mixing them with Verbal Reasoning, which requires greater flexibility and adaptability.

Some grammar schools use the CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) format, whilst others create bespoke assessments. Independent schools may develop their own papers or combine elements from multiple providers. Families must verify which format their target schools use, as preparation strategies differ accordingly.

Timing Considerations

With approximately 35-40 seconds per question, speed and accuracy become equally important. Children must develop the ability to recognise question types instantly, apply appropriate strategies efficiently, and move on decisively when uncertain. Time management represents one of the most significant challenges in Non-Verbal Reasoning assessments.

Comprehensive Topic Breakdown

Non-Verbal Reasoning encompasses numerous question types, each testing specific aspects of spatial and logical reasoning. Understanding these categories helps children develop targeted strategies for each format.

Core Question Types

Shape and Pattern Completion questions present a sequence of shapes with one missing, requiring children to identify the pattern and select the correct completing shape. This category appears frequently and tests pattern recognition and logical progression. These questions range from simple rotations to complex multi-element transformations.

Analogies require children to identify relationships between pairs of shapes and apply the same relationship to a new pair. These questions assess the ability to recognise transformations such as rotation, reflection, shading changes and size alterations. Analogies demand strong analytical skills and the capacity to articulate visual relationships mentally.

Odd One Out questions present five shapes where four share a common characteristic and one differs. Children must identify the unifying feature and select the anomaly. This format tests the ability to categorise shapes based on multiple potential criteria including symmetry, angles, number of sides, and internal patterns.

Matrices and Grids display shapes arranged in a 2x2 or 3x3 grid with one cell missing. Children must identify patterns working both horizontally and vertically to determine the missing shape. These questions represent some of the most challenging NVR problems, requiring simultaneous analysis of multiple pattern streams.

3D Rotation and Nets questions involve cubes, showing either different views of the same cube or nets that fold into 3D shapes. These test spatial awareness and the ability to mentally manipulate three-dimensional objects. Many children find these particularly difficult as they require visualisation skills not commonly practised in standard education.

Reflection and Rotation questions show shapes that have been reflected (mirror images) or rotated (turned through angles). Children must identify which option shows the correct transformation. Success requires understanding the difference between reflection across various axes and rotation through different degrees.

Hidden Shapes and Shape Building involve identifying smaller shapes within larger complex figures or determining which shapes combine to create a target figure. These questions test visual decomposition skills and spatial awareness.

Relative Importance and Frequency

Shape sequences and pattern completion typically comprise 20-25% of questions, making them the most prevalent category. Analogies and odd-one-out questions each represent approximately 15-20% of the paper. Matrices, 3D questions and reflection/rotation problems each constitute 10-15% of the assessment. Understanding this distribution helps allocate revision time proportionally.

Common Areas of Difficulty

Children frequently struggle with questions involving multiple simultaneous transformations. A shape might rotate, reflect, and change shading within a single step, requiring the child to track several changes simultaneously. Questions combining 3D visualisation with pattern recognition prove particularly challenging, as do matrices where patterns operate differently across rows and columns.

Time pressure exacerbates these difficulties. Children may understand concepts when working at their own pace but struggle to apply them quickly during timed conditions. This highlights the importance of extensive timed practice.

Essential Skills for Success

Pattern Recognition

The fundamental skill in Non-Verbal Reasoning is identifying patterns in visual information. Children must learn to spot rotations (clockwise or anticlockwise movements), reflections (mirror images across vertical, horizontal or diagonal axes), progressions (gradual changes in size, number or complexity) and alternations (oscillating patterns that repeat every second step).

Developing this skill requires systematic practice with increasing complexity. Children should learn to verbalise patterns they observe, helping to crystallise their understanding and develop a mental framework for pattern analysis.

Spatial Awareness

Strong spatial reasoning enables children to mentally manipulate shapes, visualise rotations, imagine reflections and understand 3D relationships. This skill develops through practical activities as well as specific NVR practice. Tangram puzzles, origami, building activities and even video games involving spatial navigation can strengthen these abilities.

Logical Deduction

Many NVR questions require systematic elimination of incorrect answers. Children must develop the discipline to consider each option methodically rather than selecting the first answer that appears plausible. This analytical approach improves both accuracy and confidence.

Quick Decision Making

With limited time per question, children must balance thoroughness with efficiency. They need strategies for quickly categorising questions by type, recognising when a question exceeds their immediate capability, and moving forward without anxiety. This psychological skill requires as much practice as the cognitive elements.

Assessment Strategies

These skills are assessed implicitly through timed problem-solving. The examination doesn't separately test pattern recognition or spatial awareness; instead, questions require their integrated application. This makes holistic preparation essential—children cannot simply memorise rules but must develop genuine reasoning ability.

Development Approaches

Begin with untimed practice to build foundational understanding, then gradually introduce time constraints. Use visual aids and manipulatives when introducing complex concepts like 3D rotation. Encourage children to explain their reasoning aloud, developing metacognitive awareness of their thought processes. Regular short practice sessions prove more effective than infrequent marathon sessions, as they allow skills to consolidate between practice periods.

Strategic Revision Planning

Timeline Recommendations

Families should ideally begin Non-Verbal Reasoning preparation 12-18 months before the examination. This extended timeframe allows gradual skill development without overwhelming pressure. The first 6-8 months should focus on understanding question types and developing core reasoning skills through untimed practice. The middle period (4-6 months before the exam) should introduce timed practice with individual question types, whilst the final 2-3 months should emphasise full timed papers and exam technique refinement.

Starting earlier proves particularly beneficial for children with less developed spatial awareness or those who find abstract reasoning challenging. Later starters can still make significant progress, but require more intensive practice schedules.

Study Techniques

Spaced repetition works excellently for Non-Verbal Reasoning. Rather than intensive blocks of practice, distribute learning over time with regular return to previously mastered question types. This approach strengthens long-term retention and prevents skill decay.

Targeted practice should address specific weaknesses. If a child struggles with 3D rotation, dedicate focused sessions to this question type before returning to mixed practice. Track performance by question type to identify areas requiring additional attention.

Metacognitive reflection enhances learning. After completing practice papers, children should review incorrect answers not simply to find the right answer but to understand why they made their initial selection and how they might avoid similar errors.

Timed practice progression should begin with generous time allowances, gradually reducing towards exam conditions. This builds both accuracy and speed without creating counter-productive anxiety.

Resource Allocation

Dedicate 3-4 practice sessions weekly to Non-Verbal Reasoning, each lasting 30-45 minutes. Shorter, focused sessions maintain concentration and prevent fatigue. Balance individual question-type practice (40% of time), mixed question practice (30%), full timed papers (20%) and review of errors (10%).

As the examination approaches, increase the proportion of time spent on full timed papers to build stamina and exam familiarity.

Practise Schedule

A typical weekly schedule might include:
Monday: Pattern completion and sequences (35 minutes)
Wednesday: Analogies and odd-one-out (35 minutes)
Friday: 3D and spatial questions (35 minutes)
Sunday: Mixed practice or full paper with review (60 minutes)

Adjust this framework based on individual strengths and weaknesses, allocating additional time to challenging question types whilst maintaining regular practice across all categories.

Practise Resources and Materials

Past Papers and Official Resources

Authentic past papers from GL Assessment, CEM and school-specific providers offer the most valuable practice material. These papers reflect actual examination standards, question styles and difficulty levels. Many grammar schools publish sample papers on their websites, providing insight into their specific requirements.

GL Assessment publishes familiarisation materials available through their website, whilst CEM papers can be more difficult to obtain. Schools administering CEM assessments sometimes provide sample materials during open evenings or through their admissions information.

Mark Schemes and Model Answers

Understanding marking approaches helps children appreciate what examiners value. Most Non-Verbal Reasoning questions offer straightforward right-or-wrong answers, but understanding the reasoning behind correct responses proves invaluable for skill development.

When reviewing practice papers, children should understand not only which answer is correct but why other options are incorrect. This deeper analysis strengthens pattern recognition and reduces similar errors in future.

Practise Question Resources

The Bond, CGP and Schofield & Sims series provide extensive practice materials structured by question type and difficulty level. These publishers offer both workbooks for gradual skill building and assessment papers for exam simulation.

Digital resources increasingly complement traditional workbooks. Several online platforms offer adaptive practice that adjusts difficulty based on performance, providing personalised challenge. However, children should complete substantial practice with paper-based materials, as this matches examination conditions.

Recommended Materials

For foundational learning, Bond 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers provide excellent question-type-specific practice. CGP 11+ NVR Practise Papers offer realistic full-length assessments. The Schofield & Sims 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning series presents carefully structured progression from introductory to advanced questions.

Families should verify which examination format their target schools use and ensure practice materials align with this format. GL and CEM questions differ sufficiently that format-specific preparation proves beneficial.

Expert Non-Verbal Reasoning Support from Taylor Tuition

Taylor Tuition's specialist tutors possess extensive experience preparing children for 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning assessments across all major examination formats. Our tutors understand that NVR requires a fundamentally different pedagogical approach compared to traditional academic subjects, combining spatial skills development with strategic exam technique.

Specialist NVR Tutoring

Our tutors specialise in identifying each child's specific reasoning profile, pinpointing which question types present particular challenges and why. This diagnostic approach enables targeted intervention that accelerates progress beyond what generic practice materials achieve alone.

We employ visual aids, manipulatives and carefully structured questioning to develop genuine understanding rather than superficial pattern memorisation. This foundation proves essential for tackling the novel questions that increasingly appear in 11+ assessments.

Personalised Revision Plans

Every child approaches Non-Verbal Reasoning differently. Some possess strong inherent spatial awareness but struggle with systematic analysis. Others excel at logical deduction but find 3D visualisation challenging. Taylor Tuition develops individualised revision programmes that address specific weaknesses whilst building on existing strengths.

Our tutors regularly assess progress, adjusting revision focus to ensure balanced development across all question types. This responsive approach ensures efficient use of preparation time, particularly valuable for families beginning their 11+ journey later than ideal.

Exam Technique Coaching

Understanding question types represents only part of NVR success. Children must also master examination strategies: identifying question types instantly, knowing when to invest time in challenging questions versus moving forward, managing timing across the paper, and maintaining composure when encountering unfamiliar question variations.

Taylor Tuition's coaching addresses these psychological and strategic elements through simulated examination conditions, teaching children to approach the assessment with confidence and methodical thinking rather than anxiety.

Begin Your 11+ Journey

Preparing for 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning requires specialist guidance from tutors who understand both the cognitive skills being assessed and the strategic approaches that maximise performance. Taylor Tuition's expert tutors have successfully prepared hundreds of children for grammar and independent school entrance examinations, helping them develop the reasoning abilities and exam confidence essential for success.

To discuss how our specialist Non-Verbal Reasoning tutoring can support your child's 11+ preparation, visit our enquiry page or contact our team to arrange a consultation.