Differences in 11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning

Understanding Differences in Non-Verbal Reasoning

The topic of Differences in 11-plus Non-Verbal Reasoning focuses on identifying how shapes within a set vary systematically. This skill is crucial for students preparing for the 11-plus entrance exams, as it enhances their ability to analyze visual information and solve problems effectively.

Key Concepts

Students must learn to identify which property changes across a group of shapes. Common properties to consider include:

• Number of Sides: Shapes may differ by the number of sides they possess, such as triangles, quadrilaterals, and pentagons.
• Shading Patterns: Shapes can have alternating or consistent shading, which may change from one shape to another.
• Rotation: The orientation of shapes may progress in a systematic manner, such as rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

Identifying Variations

When presented with a set of shapes, students should practice predicting the next variation or identifying an anomaly. For example, if a sequence shows a triangle, a square, and a pentagon, students should recognize that the number of sides is increasing by one for each subsequent shape.

Worked Example

Problem: Given the shapes: a circle, a triangle, and a square, identify the next shape in the sequence.

Solution:

• The first shape is a circle (0 sides).
• The second shape is a triangle (3 sides).
• The third shape is a square (4 sides).

In this example, the number of sides is increasing. The next shape could logically be a pentagon (5 sides).

Practice Makes Perfect

To excel in this area, students should engage in regular practice with various non-verbal reasoning exercises that focus on identifying differences among shapes. Resources such as practice papers and online quizzes can be invaluable in preparing for the 11-plus exams.