11+ Non-verbal reasoning · Topic explained
Rotation
What does this shape look like after a quarter turn?
The big idea
Turning spins the whole picture around its centre. Everything moves together, and nothing flips.
Picture it
A clock's hand: a quarter turn clockwise takes it from 12 to 3.
Key words
- clockwise
- the way a clock's hands go
- anticlockwise
- the other way
- quarter turn
- 90 degrees: from 12 to 3 on a clock
- half turn
- 180 degrees: upside down
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
Turn the arrow a quarter turn clockwise.
- Up → right: a quarter turn clockwise.
- The arrow now points right.
- 211+ standard
Turn the flag a quarter turn anticlockwise. Which is right?
- The pole goes from upright to lying flat.
- The mirror image is a trap: turning never flips.
- 311+ standard
Turn the L-shape a half turn.
- A half turn is 180°: upside down and back to front.
- Clockwise or anticlockwise gives the same answer.
- 411+ standard
Turn the whole picture a quarter turn clockwise.
- The dot turns with the square.
- Top left → top right.
The common mistake
The mistake
A turned shape and a mirror image are the same.
Instead
Turning never flips a shape; a mirror image can't be made just by turning.
Why: The options often include a mirror image to catch this.
Where it comes up in the 11+
Rotation appears in GL NVR papers and CEM-style tests, often hidden inside series and analogies.
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains rotation step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Rotation worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. An arrow points up. After a half turn, where does it point?
- down
- up
- left
- right
Show the answerHide the answer
down
A half turn is upside down.
2. An arrow points right. After a quarter turn clockwise, where does it point?
- down
- up
- left
- right
Show the answerHide the answer
down
Like a clock hand from 3 to 6.
3. An arrow points up. After a quarter turn anticlockwise, where does it point?
- left
- right
- down
- up
Show the answerHide the answer
left
From 12 back to 9.