Nine 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Test Examples
Non-verbal reasoning tests are crucial to the 11 Plus exams, assessing a child’s ability to understand and analyse visual information.
Unlike verbal reasoning that relies on language skills, these tests often include a variety of question types that challenge students to recognise shapes and patterns, complete sequences, and understand spatial relationships.
Below, we explore different types of questions typically found in 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning tests, providing examples and explanations to help students prepare effectively.

Sample Non-Verbal Reasoning Test Questions

Finding the Figure Like the First Two
In this type of question, students are presented with two figures that are similar in some way. Their task is to identify which of the given options is most like these two figures.
This type of question helps assess a child’s ability to identify similarities and patterns between different figures.
Example: Find the figure that is most similar to the first two figures.
Figure 1: ★ Figure 2: ★ Figure 3: ☆ Figure 4: ★ Figure 5: ◇
Answer: Figure 4
Completing the Series
Here, students must find the shape or pattern that completes a given sequence. This involves understanding the progression and determining the next logical step.
Such questions test pattern recognition and logical thinking.
Example: Find the shape that completes the series. Series: ▲, ◼, ▲, ◼, ▲, ?
Options: a) ◼ b) ▲ c) ○ d) ◇
Answer: a) ◼
Odd One Out
Students are given a set of figures and must determine which figure is different from the others.
This type of question evaluates the ability to discern differences within a group of similar items.
Example: Identify the odd one out.
Options: a) ◼ b) ◼ c) ▲ d) ◼ e) ◼
Answer: c) ▲
Reflecting Figures
In this question type, students need to identify how a figure would look if it were reflected over a line.
Reflection questions test spatial awareness and the ability to visualise changes in orientation.
Example: Find the correct reflection of the figure: ↗️
Options: a) ↘️ b) ↙️ c) ↖️ d) ↗️
Answer: c) ↖️
Completing the Square
Students must select the shape or pattern that completes the square.
These questions assess the ability to recognise and complete visual patterns.
Example: Choose the shape that completes the square: Square with three sides filled: ⬛⬛⬛
Options: a) ⬛ b) c) ◼ d) ◇
Answer: a) ⬛
Codes and Shapes
In these questions, students are presented with shapes and their corresponding codes. They need to find the correct code for a given shape.
This type of question evaluates the understanding of symbolic relationships and code interpretation.
Example: Match the shape to the correct code. Shape: ★
Codes: a) ST b) RS c) TS d) TR
Answer: b) RS
Cubes and Nets
Here, students are given a 2D net of a cube and must determine which 3D cube it can form.
These questions test spatial visualisation and the ability to mentally manipulate objects.
Example: Which of the following cubes can be made from this net? Net:
[ ◼ ] [ ◻️ ] [ ◼ ] [ ◻️ ] [ ◼ ] [ ◻️ ]
Options: a) Alternating colors b) Same color faces c) Two adjacent same color d) Random
Answer: a) Alternating colors
Finding the Hidden Shape
Students must identify in which larger shape a smaller shape is hidden.
Such questions assess a child’s ability to identify parts within a whole.
Example: Find where the small shape is hidden. Small Shape: ◇
Options: a) ○ b) ◇ c) ▲ d) ◼ e) ☆
Answer: b) ◇
2D Views of 3D Shapes
Students are required to identify the top-down 2D view of a 3D shape.
These questions test the ability to understand and interpret different perspectives of shapes.
Example: Which option shows the top-down view of the 3D shape? 3D Shape: Cube with top shaded
Options: a) Top shaded b) Side shaded c) Bottom shaded d) No shading
Answer: a) Top shaded

Final Thoughts
11 Plus non-verbal reasoning tests are designed to assess a range of skills, including pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical thinking.
By practising with a variety of question types, students can develop the necessary skills to excel in these tests.
Utilising practice tests from reliable resources such as CGP and Bond can provide a comprehensive preparation strategy for the 11 Plus exams.