Non-verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning looks easy at the start; the examples given before the assessment begins are usually straight forward enough. Scratch beneath the surface, though, and these assessments can prove to be pretty tough as the questions quickly increase in complexity. Schools look at the scores gained as an indicator of a student’s academic potential, so it is worth practising before the assessment day for a student to feel fully prepared and confident. Don’t believe anyone who says it is not possible to prepare!

11+

Non-verbal reasoning (NVR) – both for pre-tests and 11 plus – is a more visual assessment with questions based around shapes, patterns, symmetry and sequences. Some children find these light relief after the challenges of more wordy English and maths papers. However, others find these papers less clear. Either way, practice with the types of questions remains key to success. Prep School Tutor can provide practice materials and help children to identify the different types of questions used, and understand where patterns lie. Achieving familiarity with these types of questions can quickly build a child’s confidence and help them to avoid panicking when they see some question types not covered as part of the normal school curriculum.

13+

As for verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning (NVR) is not used for 13+ Common Entrance, but can be a component for candidates sitting a school’s own equivalent papers for 13+ entry. Tasks are on visual assessment with questions based around shapes, patterns, symmetry and sequences. Some children breeze through, but others find these papers less than clear. Practice can make all the difference and give candidates confidence in what can be a highly stressful situation.