How to Prepare for 11 Plus Non Verbal Reasoning
Non verbal reasoning divides children into two camps. There are children who see patterns immediately, who find the questions enjoyable, and who score well from the first paper. And there are children who stare at the page, see nothing, and gradually convince themselves they are bad at it.
Both groups can score well at 11+. The first group needs structure and timing. The second group needs the teaching most resources skip: explicit, systematic exposure to each pattern type, in the right order, until they recognise them on sight.
Here is how I do it.
What non verbal reasoning actually tests
Non verbal reasoning, often called NVR, tests the ability to spot patterns in shapes, sequences and visual structures. The standard question types include:
- Odd one out: which shape does not belong with the others?
- Similar to: which shape goes with this group?
- Sequences: what comes next in this pattern?
- Codes: which code letters describe this shape?
- Matrices: complete the missing tile in a grid
- Reflections and rotations: which shape is the reflection or rotation of this one?
- Net of a cube: if this 2D net is folded, what does it look like in 3D?
GL Assessment uses NVR heavily. ISEB also includes NVR in the pre test, in modified form. Many independents include some NVR in their written papers.
Why some children find NVR difficult
Three reasons, in my experience.
1. They have not seen the type before
Pattern recognition cannot be done from cold. A child looking at a matrix question for the first time, with no prior exposure to the format, has almost no chance. The fix is exposure, not effort.
2. They are looking at the whole picture rather than systematically
Strong NVR students learn to scan systematically: shape, then size, then colour, then position, then number. A child who tries to absorb the whole tile at once misses the salient feature. The fix is teaching the scan.
3. They lack confidence and freeze
NVR rewards calm, methodical attention. Children who panic perform worse than children who slow down. The fix is repeated, low stakes exposure until the panic dissolves.
The systematic teaching approach
Same broad shape as verbal reasoning. Teach one type at a time. Untimed first. Then timed on type. Then mixed. Then full papers.
Specific to NVR, train these scanning habits:
1. The five point scan
For any shape question, scan for: shape, size, colour or shading, orientation, position. Most pattern changes happen in just one of these five. Identifying which is half the work.
2. The corner check
For matrix questions, check the corners and the diagonals. Patterns often live in the relationships between specific positions, not the grid as a whole.
3. The elimination habit
When unsure of the answer, eliminate clearly wrong options first. NVR is multiple choice. A child who cannot find the right answer can often eliminate three wrong ones, then guess from two.
Year by year approach
Year 4: light exposureb
Introduce NVR once a fortnight in summer term of Year 4. Just exposure, no formal teaching. The aim is for the visual format to feel familiar rather than alien.
Year 5 autumn
Systematic teaching of one or two question types per week. Untimed. Mark every question, with discussion of why answers are right or wrong. Around 30 minutes per week is plenty.
Year 5 spring
Continue type by type teaching. Introduce timed practice on individual types. Mix two or three types within sessions.
Year 5 summer onwards
Full mixed papers under timed conditions. Mock exams. Targeted revision of weak types.
What slows children down
- Trying to do questions in order regardless of difficulty. NVR rewards moving past questions you cannot see immediately. Train the habit of marking and returning.
- Spending too long on a single question. Most NVR questions should take 30 to 45 seconds. If a child is over a minute and stuck, they should move on.
- Failing to use the multiple choice format. Eliminate wrong answers first; do not just look for the right one.
When NVR really is not clicking
Some children find NVR genuinely difficult. If after several weeks of structured teaching there is no progress, here is what I would consider:
- Slow down further. Sometimes children labelled “bad at NVR” simply have not had enough exposure. Drop to one type per fortnight, fully embedded, before moving on.
- Use larger format papers. Some children struggle with the small print of standard NVR books. Photocopy at 150 percent, or move to digital practice where they can zoom.
- Address visual processing if relevant. If your child also struggles with reading and copying from the board, an optometrist with a developmental focus is worth visiting. Some NVR difficulties are visual rather than cognitive.
- Triage by school. Some target schools weigh NVR less heavily than others. If your child is much stronger elsewhere, the investment of time should follow that strength. NVR can be solid without being exceptional and a strong overall paper still wins places.
Our weekly workshops include systematic NVR teaching alongside verbal reasoning, comprehension and maths, with proper marking and discussion. Children who arrive convinced they cannot do NVR usually leave at end of Year 5 with confidence on every standard type.
Frequently asked questions
When should we start non verbal reasoning?
Year 4 summer for light exposure, Year 5 autumn for systematic teaching. Earlier than that is generally too abstract; later than that is rushed.
How much NVR practice per week?
In Year 5 autumn, 30 minutes per week. By Year 5 summer, 45 minutes plus timed paper sections. In Year 6, around an hour per week including timed papers. More than that risks burnout for limited gain.
My child finds NVR boring. What do I do?
Often this is because they are doing it from cold without proper teaching. The questions feel meaningless if there is no method. Once technique is taught, most children find NVR satisfying because patterns clicking is genuinely satisfying. If boredom persists, alternate NVR with other subjects rather than doing it in long blocks.
Are NVR apps useful?
Yes, in moderation. Apps allow short bursts of practice on specific types. Atom is a popular option. Pair with paper based practice; the exam itself will be on paper, and the texture differs.
How important is NVR overall?
It depends on the school. GL grammar schools weight it heavily. Independent schools using ISEB include it but it is one of several components. Independent schools with their own papers vary widely. Check your target schools and weight the work accordingly.
