8 Techniques for Quick Problem-Solving for the 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Test
Time is a critical factor when it comes to the 11 Plus exam. And it can be especially daunting for children taking a challenging non-verbal reasoning paper.
However, students can significantly enhance their problem-solving speed and accuracy with the right techniques and a structured approach.
This article will guide you through some effective strategies to excel in the non-verbal reasoning section of the 11 Plus exam.

Importance of Speed and Accuracy in 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning
Problem-solving speed and accuracy are crucial in the 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning exam due to its timed nature and challenging questions. The exam assesses a student’s ability to quickly analyse visual information, identify patterns, and make logical deductions—all within a limited timeframe.
High-speed problem-solving ensures that students can complete the exam within the allocated time.
Moreover, accuracy is essential for obtaining correct answers, as even a single mistake can significantly impact the overall score. Thus, honing problem-solving skills is essential for success in the 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning exam.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Test Quick Problem-Solving Techniques

Increase your speed and accuracy during the non-verbal reasoning exam with the following strategies:
Familiarise Yourself with Question Types
Understanding the types of questions you might face helps in two ways. First, it reduces the time taken to comprehend what the question is asking. Second, it allows you to apply specific strategies for each type, thus speeding up the problem-solving process.
Get a feel of these subjects with sample NVR questions. Some of the common types of questions found in non-verbal reasoning papers include:
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying the next shape in a sequence.
- Analogies: Determining the relationship between shapes.
- Classification: Grouping shapes that share a common feature.
- Series: Finding the missing shape in a sequence.
- Matrices: Completing the missing part of a grid based on the pattern.
Practice with Timed Exercises
Set a timer for each practice session. Start with a comfortable time limit and gradually reduce it as you improve. This trains your brain to work under exam conditions and helps you manage time effectively during the actual test.
Taking full-length mock tests simulates the test environment and helps in building stamina and focus. Analyse your performance after each test to identify areas that need improvement.
Review and Learn from Mistakes
After each practice session or mock test, review the questions you got wrong. Understanding why you made a mistake is crucial for improving your skills and avoiding similar errors in the future.
If there are persistent areas of difficulty, seek help from teachers, tutors, or study groups to give constructive feedback. Sometimes, a different perspective can provide clarity and enhance your understanding.
Develop a Visual Vocabulary
One of the essential non-verbal reasoning exam tips is to familiarise yourself with different shapes, their properties, and transformations (rotation, reflection, resizing). Understanding these basic elements can make complex problems easier to tackle.
Work on recognising common patterns and sequences. This can include symmetrical designs, alternating sequences, and incremental shape changes.
Use Elimination Techniques
When faced with multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Quickly eliminate the shapes that do not fit the pattern, which increases the chances of selecting the correct answer without spending too much time.
Exam questions often include distractors—options designed to confuse you. Train yourself to identify and ignore these distractors, focusing only on the shapes that logically fit the pattern.
Break Down Complex Problems
For complex patterns or sequences, break the problem into smaller parts. Analyse each part individually before combining them to find the solution. This step-by-step approach can make seemingly difficult problems more manageable.
Examine the given shapes for any clues or consistent elements that could help in solving the problem. Sometimes, focusing on one particular aspect, like the number of sides or specific angles, can lead you to the correct answer faster.
Skip and Return
If you encounter a particularly challenging question, don’t spend too much time on it. Mark it, skip it, and move on to the next question. This ensures that you maximise your time on questions you can answer more easily.
If time permits, return to the skipped questions at the end.
Stay Calm and Focused
Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to stay calm during the exam day. Anxiety can significantly slow down your problem-solving ability, so maintaining a calm and focused mind is essential.
Encourage yourself with positive thoughts and reminders of your practice and preparation. Confidence plays a significant role in performing well under time constraints.

Final Thoughts
Improving your speed and accuracy in the 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning test is achievable with consistent practice and the right techniques.
By familiarising yourself with question types, practising under timed conditions, developing a visual vocabulary, using elimination techniques, breaking down complex problems, staying calm, and learning from mistakes, you can confidently approach the test.
Most of all, practice and persistence are key to mastering non-verbal reasoning skills. So, good luck!