As verbal and non-verbal reasoning is not taught in most primary schools, it can be difficult for parents to know how to prepare effectively for this part of the 11+ exams. Think Academy UK wants to demystify the process so that parents and students understand what is involved, and can feel more confident when applying for grammar and independent schools.

Preparing for the 11+ exam – why do schools ask for verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests?

These tests are important for schools as they are designed to assess students’ cognitive skills rather than acquired knowledge. They can indicate a child’s ability to think critically, process complex information, and problem-solve, all of which are key skills for many different subjects. In many respects they can offer a more ‘level playing field’ for students, as pupils are less likely to be at a disadvantage if they went to a poorer school or do not have English as a first language. 

11+ exam prepatation – what is verbal reasoning?

Verbal reasoning is about ‘using concepts framed in words – it aims at evaluating the ability to think constructively rather than just recognise vocabulary.’ In other words, it is about using language to solve problems, and goes beyond basic literacy skills. Some children may have the ‘knack’ for verbal reasoning even if they have never done it before, whereas others will need more practice to learn the techniques needed to be successful. 

What are some examples of 11+ exam verbal reasoning questions?

Students could be asked to complete a variety of tasks. They may be asked to spot letter sequences, crack codes based on letters and numbers, follow written instructions, spot words within words, find a letter to complete two other words, or determine true statements based on information given. You can find an overview of different question types here and a breakdown of past paper questions by region here.

How can I prepare my child for the 11+ verbal reasoning test?

Having a wide vocabulary is key. Children who read often are more likely to have a larger vocabulary and a better understanding of synonyms and antonyms, which will be invaluable for this paper. As well as practice papers, playing word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, hangman, crosswords, anagrams and word searches will all help your child to feel more confident manipulating language. You can also find handy video tutorials online which go through specific question types, but it is important to remember that reading is as important, if not more important, than doing past paper questions. A student may have excellent exam technique, but unless they have a strong vocabulary, they will find it very difficult to answer the questions quickly and accurately.Read more: 11+ Exam, Pass With These Top 10 Tips

Preparing for the 11+ exam – what is the 11+ non-verbal reasoning?

If verbal reasoning is about thinking in words, non-verbal reasoning is about thinking in images; students must problem-solve using pictures and diagrams. Students need to have a solid understanding of shapes, measuring and associated concepts, such as rotation, direction and symmetry. Like verbal reasoning, it is often about spotting patterns, but unlike verbal reasoning, it is more about visual acuity and spatial awareness than having a good vocabulary.

What are some examples of 11+ non-verbal reasoning questions?

Non-verbal reasoning may involve any of the following: figuring out the next shape in a sequence; finding identical or ‘odd one out’ shapes; identifying mirror images, folded images, or nets of shapes; adding shapes together; finding rotations and symmetry; or cracking codes using letters and shapes. You can find a breakdown of different question types here with an accompanying worksheet for each one. 

How can I prepare my child for the 11+ non-verbal reasoning test?

Consistency is key; most students will not be able to draw upon conventional knowledge for this paper and so practice and exposure is vital for them to feel comfortable with something that will, at least initially, be very unfamiliar. As well as past papers, you can also play visual games with your child like ‘spot the difference’, jigsaws, puzzles, Lego models or anything else that involves construction and manipulating shapes. If you are still unsure where to start, you can find video tutorials for different question types here.How do I know which 11+ exam tests my child will be sitting?It is best to check with the individual school. For example, for most grammar schools in Dorset, only Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning are tested, whereas for most grammar schools in Lincolnshire, only Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are assessed. It is also worth checking which exam board your school is taking (the two main ones in the UK are CEM and GL). CEM tends to combine papers, so that English and Verbal Reasoning are examined in one paper, and Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning are tested in another, whereas GL examines them separately.Most independent schools tend to not reveal which exam board they use, or they set their own papers, in order to make it less predictable or easy for students to be coached. In this case, it is worth practicing a range of questions and past papers from both exam boards. 

Where can I find 11+ exam resources to prepare for the verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests?

CGP offers a wide range of verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning resources, whether you’re looking for practice papers, question cards, 10-minute tests or activity books. They are also differentiated by exam board and there is plenty of choice for both CEM and GL.How can tuition help?Group tuition is a safe, cost-effective and efficient way of preparing for both the verbal and non-verbal reasoning papers. Maths skills are fundamental for both tests; non-verbal reasoning relies on a solid understanding and knowledge of shapes, whilst the verbal reasoning tests often involve codes using numbers and number sequences. All of our courses cover topics that you can expect to come up in the 11+, but the wide variety of availability means there is something for everyone, regardless of previous exposure and ability.

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