Non-verbal reasoning is a key component of many academic assessments, especially in entrance exams like the 11+ and other GL assessments. These types of questions assess your ability to interpret visual information, detect patterns, and solve problems based on shapes, diagrams, and images rather than written words. GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions, in particular, are an important challenge that test-takers face in the GL Assessment series.

In this article, we will explore how to approach GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions effectively, providing tips, techniques, and strategies to help improve your performance.

Understanding GL Non-Verbal Reasoning

GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions are designed to assess the logical thinking and problem-solving abilities of students through non-verbal stimuli such as shapes, patterns, and diagrams. These questions require you to recognise patterns, identify sequences, and understand spatial relationships between different shapes or images. For a deeper understanding of how these tests compare to other 11+ exams, you can explore the differences between GL and CEM 11+ exams in our article CEM vs GL 11+ Exams Differences.

The GL assessment non-verbal reasoning questions generally consist of a set of images or diagrams, with one image missing or a sequence to complete. Your task is to figure out the missing element or identify the correct option that completes the sequence.

Key Tips for Tackling GL Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions

Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare for and approach GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions effectively.

1. Familiarise Yourself with Different Question Types

GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions come in various forms, including sequence patterns, odd-one-out questions, and figure comparisons. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the different types of questions you may encounter on the exam. For more resources on preparing for the 11+ and understanding the different question types, refer to our Ultimate 11 Plus Resources Guide.

• Sequences: You might be asked to identify the next shape in a sequence. The shapes follow a specific pattern that you need to detect.
• Odd One Out: These questions involve identifying which shape doesn’t belong in the group based on its differences in shape, size, orientation, or other features.
• Missing Pieces: These questions provide a series of images, and you need to figure out which image completes the series or pattern.

2. Look for Patterns

One of the main tricks in GL Non-Verbal Reasoning is recognising patterns. Pay close attention to the relationships between shapes, such as rotations, reflections, or changes in size or color.

• Rotation and Reflection: Some patterns involve rotating or flipping a shape. Look for the position of the shapes in each step and see if there is any consistent movement.
• Size and Shape Changes: Other patterns may involve changes in size or the number of elements within a shape. Understanding how these elements evolve from one image to the next can help you determine the correct answer.

3. Focus on Symmetry and Repetition

Symmetry and repetition are often key elements in these types of questions. Identifying symmetrical patterns can help you figure out how the shape or diagram is evolving. Similarly, if an image has repetitive features, identifying the sequence of these features is crucial in determining the next element.

4. Take Your Time but Stay Focused

Although these questions may seem visual and intuitive, they still require focus and logical thinking. Taking your time to analyse each question carefully is essential. However, you should also manage your time wisely, as these questions are often timed in exams like the 11+ GL Non-Verbal Reasoning test. Staying calm and focused is vital, which is why parents can be a key support during this time. You can read more about how to support your child through the 11+ journey in our Parents Guide Key Stage 2 Learning.

When answering questions, don’t rush to a decision. Examine each option thoroughly, considering all the visual cues that may point toward the correct answer.

5. Practice with CGP GL Non-Verbal Reasoning Resources

A great way to enhance your skills in GL Non-Verbal Reasoning is by practicing with test papers and exercises from resources like the CGP GL Non-Verbal Reasoning books. These resources are specifically designed to mimic the types of questions you will encounter in the exam. Regular practice helps familiarise you with the format and improves your problem-solving skills. For more tips and strategies, refer to our Ultimate 11 Plus Resources Guide.

By practicing consistently, you’ll also improve your speed and accuracy in answering questions under timed conditions, which is a critical skill for success in the GL reasoning tests.

6. Use Process of Elimination

When faced with difficult GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions, using the process of elimination can be highly effective. If you’re unsure of the correct answer, eliminate the clearly incorrect options first. This will increase the likelihood of you selecting the correct answer by narrowing down the possibilities.

7. Stay Calm and Confident

Non-verbal reasoning questions can sometimes be tricky, but it’s important to remain calm and confident throughout the test. Trust in your ability to spot patterns and use logical thinking to solve problems. If a question feels particularly difficult, don’t dwell on it, move on and return to it if time permits.

GL Reasoning Techniques to Master

There are several techniques you can use to tackle GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions more effectively:

• Segment the Image: Break down complex images into smaller sections and analyse each part individually.
• Identify the Theme: Look for recurring elements or themes in the images, such as geometric shapes, patterns, or color changes.
• Mental Visualisation: Visualise how the shapes might change or evolve as the sequence progresses.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Question Examples

You may want to add text-based or visual examples to help solidify the concepts you’ve introduced. For instance:

• Example 1: A sequence of four shapes is given, and the student must identify the fifth shape in the sequence.
• Example 2: A group of four shapes is shown, and the task is to pick the shape that doesn’t belong based on its characteristics.

By reviewing and analysing such examples, students can gain a better understanding of how to approach these questions during exams.

Conclusion

Mastering GL Non-Verbal Reasoning requires practice, attention to detail, and the ability to recognise visual patterns and relationships. By using the tips and techniques mentioned in this article, such as identifying patterns, familiarising yourself with question types, practicing with resources like CGP GL Non-Verbal Reasoning books, and staying calm during the exam, you will be better equipped to handle these types of questions successfully. Regular practice is key to gaining confidence and improving your reasoning abilities.

For those looking for additional support in their preparation, GX Tuition offers expert tutoring services tailored specifically for GL Non-Verbal Reasoning. With personalised lessons and targeted practice, GX Tuition can help students build their skills and confidence, ensuring they perform at their best during their exams. With preparation, you can approach GL Non-Verbal Reasoning questions with the knowledge and strategies needed to solve them quickly and accurately.

FAQs