Completing the Shape: 11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning

Completing the Shape

In the 11-plus Non-Verbal Reasoning exam, one common task is to complete the shape. This involves identifying which piece from a set of options will fit perfectly into a given partial shape or pattern. This skill is crucial for developing spatial awareness and visual problem-solving abilities.

Understanding the Task

Students are presented with a partial shape and must visualize how different pieces can fit together. The key aspects to consider include:

• Shape: The overall form of the piece must match the partial shape.
• Size: The dimensions of the piece should be appropriate to fill the gap without overlap.
• Orientation: The piece may need to be rotated or flipped to fit correctly.
• Pattern Continuity: The completed shape should maintain any existing patterns or sequences.

Strategies for Success

To excel in this area, students should practice the following strategies:

1. Visualize: Encourage students to mentally rotate and manipulate shapes to see how they fit together.
2. Practice: Use practice papers and online resources to familiarize with different types of shape completion questions.
3. Elimination: Teach students to eliminate options that clearly do not fit based on size or shape.

Worked Example

Problem: Given a partial shape that is a triangle missing one corner, which of the following pieces completes the shape?

• Option A: A square
• Option B: A triangle
• Option C: A circle

Solution:

• The partial shape is a triangle, so we can eliminate Options A and C immediately as they do not match the shape.
• Option B is a triangle, which can fit into the missing corner of the partial shape.
• Thus, the correct answer is Option B.

By practicing these tasks, students can enhance their Non-Verbal Reasoning skills, which are essential for success in the 11-plus examination.