11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning: Paper Folding

Understanding Paper Folding in Non-Verbal Reasoning

Paper folding questions are a common feature in the 11-plus non-verbal reasoning assessments. These questions require students to visualize how a piece of paper will appear after it has been folded and holes have been punched through it, followed by unfolding the paper.

Key Concepts

To excel in paper folding tasks, students must grasp several key concepts:

• Visualization: Students need to mentally picture the paper in both its folded and unfolded states.
• Symmetry: Understanding how folds create symmetrical patterns is crucial for predicting the final appearance of the paper.
• Spatial Relationships: Recognizing how the position of holes changes with each fold helps in determining their final locations.

How to Approach Paper Folding Questions

When tackling paper folding questions, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Folds: Determine how many times and in which directions the paper is folded.
2. Track the Holes: Note the positions of any holes punched through the paper before it is unfolded.
3. Unfold the Paper: Visualize the paper being unfolded and predict where the holes will appear based on the folds.

Worked Example

Problem: A piece of paper is folded in half twice, and a hole is punched in the top left corner. Predict the position of the holes when the paper is unfolded.

Solution:

• First Fold: Folding the paper in half will create a crease, and the top left corner will now be on the top right when folded.
• Second Fold: Folding again in half will place the top right corner on the bottom right.
• Hole Position: When unfolded, the hole will appear in four symmetrical positions: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right.

Mastering paper folding questions requires practice and a solid understanding of these concepts. Regularly engaging with similar problems will enhance your spatial awareness and visual problem-solving skills, essential for success in the 11-plus examinations.