11+ Non-verbal reasoning · Topic explained
NVR analogies
This picture turns into that one. What does the next one turn into?
The big idea
Work out exactly what changed in the first pair, then do the same to the third picture.
Picture it
A magic machine: whatever it did to the first shape, it does to the next one too.
Key words
- analogy
- two pairs of pictures with the same change
- change
- what happens: grows, shrinks, turns, flips, changes shading…
- apply
- do the very same change to the third picture
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
Big circle → small circle. Big square → ?
- The shape shrinks; nothing else changes.
- So: a small square.
- 211+ standard
The flag turns and changes shading. Do the same to the L.
- The flag makes a quarter turn clockwise and turns black.
- Do both to the L: turned a quarter clockwise, black.
- 311+ standard
Inside and outside swap. Do the same to the triangle.
- The small shape and the big shape swap places.
- So the triangle goes inside a big circle.
- 411+ standard
The flag is mirrored. Do the same to the L.
- The flag flips in an upright mirror line.
- So the L flips the same way: its foot points left.
The common mistake
The mistake
Copy only the most obvious change.
Instead
List every change from the first picture to the second, then apply all of them.
Why: The wrong options usually have one of the changes, but not both.
Where it comes up in the 11+
Analogies are a GL NVR regular and common in CEM-style papers. The trickiest combine a turn with a shading change.
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains nvr analogies step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
NVR analogies worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
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Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. A big triangle becomes a small triangle. A big star becomes…?
- a small star
- a big star
- a small triangle
- a black star
Show the answerHide the answer
a small star
Only the size changes.
2. A white square becomes a black square. A white circle becomes…?
- a black circle
- a white circle
- a black square
- a grey circle
Show the answerHide the answer
a black circle
Only the shading changes.
3. In the first pair, the shape makes a quarter turn clockwise. An arrow pointing up becomes…?
- an arrow pointing right
- an arrow pointing left
- an arrow pointing down
- an arrow pointing up
Show the answerHide the answer
an arrow pointing right
A quarter turn clockwise from up is right.