11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning: Building Blocks

Building Blocks in 11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning

The topic of Building Blocks in 11-plus Non-Verbal Reasoning focuses on counting and visualising 3D constructions made from cubes or blocks. This area is crucial for developing spatial awareness and visual problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the 11-plus entrance exams.

Understanding 3D Block Constructions

Questions in this topic typically involve various scenarios where students must:

• Count the total number of blocks in a given construction, including those that are hidden from view.
• Visualise the construction from different angles to understand its structure.
• Determine how many blocks need to be added or removed to achieve a target shape.

Key Skills Developed

Engaging with building blocks questions helps students develop several key skills:

• Counting: Accurately counting all visible and hidden blocks enhances numerical skills.
• Visualisation: Imagining how a structure looks from different perspectives is vital for spatial reasoning.
• Problem-Solving: Identifying the necessary adjustments to match a target shape fosters analytical thinking.

Example Question

Worked Example

Problem: A construction is made of 10 visible blocks, but there are 4 hidden blocks underneath. How many total blocks are there?

Solution:

• Visible blocks: 10
• Hidden blocks: 4
• Total blocks = Visible + Hidden = 10 + 4 = 14

The total number of blocks in the construction is 14.

Practice Tips

To excel in this topic, students should practice regularly with various block construction problems. Using physical blocks or 3D modeling software can also help in visualising complex shapes and understanding spatial relationships.

For further resources and practice questions, consider visiting TRH Learning or explore specific 11-plus preparation materials.