11 Plus Non Verbal Reasoning Explained

For you
Non verbal reasoning tests measure your child’s ability to understand and assimilate new information and ideas. The tests use diagrams and designs to try to assess ability independent of any language skills.
The tests measure the ability to reason with shapes and designs - it has been argued that the tests try to identify children who may eventually do well in mathematics and science subjects.

Non verbal tests are also used sometimes to assess children who speak English as a second language. Reading skills are not tested.

For your child
In the actual exam you may have questions you have never seen before. You may have done loads of 11 Plus non verbal reasoning papers but are still faced with a set of totally new questions. Do not spend too long on these questions, complete the easier ones first and then come back to them. Just make sure you leave enough time to come back and tackle them.