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Academy11+

11+ Non-verbal reasoning · Topic explained

NVR odd one out

Four of these belong together. Which one doesn't?

The big idea

Find the rule that all but one share. The odd one breaks it.

Picture it

A team in matching kits, with one player in the wrong shirt.

Key words

rule
something every picture but one has in common
odd one out
the picture that breaks the rule
mirror image
a flipped copy: it can't be made just by turning

Worked examples

  1. 1Warm-up

    Which is the odd one out?

    • The shapes are all different, so shape isn't the rule.
    • Four are black: the white triangle is odd.
  2. 211+ standard

    Which is the odd one out?

    • Four are the same flag, just turned.
    • One is a mirror image: you can't turn a flag into it.
  3. 311+ standard

    Which is the odd one out?

    • Each shape has as many dots as it has sides…
    • …except the hexagon: 6 sides, 5 dots.
  4. 411+ standard

    Which is the odd one out?

    • In four pictures, the arrow points at the dot.
    • In one, it points away from the dot.

The common mistake

The mistake

Pick the picture that looks most different.

Instead

Pick the one that breaks the rule the others share.

Why: The odd one out can look almost the same, like a mirror image, while the others look very different.

Where it comes up in the 11+

Odd one out is a core GL NVR question type, and it appears in CEM-style tests too. Mirror images are a favourite trick.

The video

Video coming soon

We're making a short video that explains nvr odd one out step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.

Free printable

NVR odd one out worksheet

Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

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Quick quiz

Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.

  1. 1. Four shapes have 4 sides, one has 5. Which is the odd one out?

    • the 5-sided shape
    • a square
    • a rectangle
    • a kite
    Show the answer

    the 5-sided shape

    It breaks the four-sides rule.

  2. 2. Four arrows are turned copies of one arrow; one is a mirror image. Which is odd?

    • the mirror image
    • the arrow pointing up
    • the arrow pointing left
    • the biggest arrow
    Show the answer

    the mirror image

    Turning can't make a mirror image.

  3. 3. All the shapes are black except one grey one. Which is odd?

    • the grey one
    • the biggest one
    • the circle
    • the smallest one
    Show the answer

    the grey one

    The rule is black shading.