Non-verbal reasoning: spotting patterns

Non-verbal reasoning tests pattern recognition rather than knowledge, which makes it feel unpredictable. It is not — there is a checklist.

The checklist

For each figure, ask in order: number of sides, number of shapes, shading, size, position, rotation, and whether lines are added or removed.

Work through it systematically

Children who fail these questions usually look at the whole picture and hope. Those who check one feature at a time find the rule.

Practise aloud

Say the checklist out loud together for the first few weeks. Once it is automatic, the questions become quick.

Time and accuracy

Aim for accuracy first, speed second. A child who gets eight of ten right in twelve minutes will beat one who guesses fifteen in six.