A row of pictures changes step by step. Work out what changes each time, and you can draw the next one.
Ages 9 to 11
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
Worked examples
What is it?
In a series question, a row of pictures follows a pattern from left to right. One picture is missing (usually the last) and you pick the one that continues the pattern.
Often more than one thing changes at the same time: an arrow might turn while a dot moves and the shading swaps.
What comes next?
How to spot it
A row of boxes in order, with a question mark in one box.
The question asks 'Which comes next?' or 'Which completes the series?'.
Step-by-step method
1Step 1: Compare box 1 with box 2. List everything that changes: turning, moving, growing, adding, shading.
2Step 2: Check that the same changes happen from box 2 to box 3, and so on.
3Step 3: Watch for things that repeat in a cycle (black, white, black, white).
4Step 4: Apply every change to the last box to predict the missing picture.
5Step 5: Cross out options that get even one change wrong.
Worked examples
Example 1: turning
Question: What comes next? (the arrows above)
Step 1: Up, then right, then down: the arrow turns a quarter turn (90°) clockwise each step.
Step 2: A quarter turn clockwise from down is left.
Answer: An arrow pointing left
Example 2: two changes at once
Question: What comes next?
Step 1: Dots: 1, 2, 3, so the next box has 4 dots.
Step 2: Outside shape: circle, square, circle, so it swaps each time. Next is a square.
Answer: A square with four dots
Example 3: moving around the corners
Question: What comes next?
Step 1: The black square moves top left, top right, bottom right: one corner clockwise each step.
Step 2: Next is the bottom left corner.
Answer: A square with its bottom left corner shaded
Common traps
Spotting only one change
Most 11+ series change two or three things. Pick an answer only after checking every change.
Clockwise or anticlockwise?
Clockwise is the way a clock's hands move: top, right, bottom, left.
Forgetting the cycle
Things that repeat (black, white, black) keep repeating. Count where the missing box falls in the cycle.
Top tips
Put a finger on one part of the picture and follow just that part along the row.
Turns are usually 45° (an eighth), 90° (a quarter) or 180° (a half).
Practice questions
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4 practice questions on this topic, from easy to 11+ level. Reading the guide is free for everyone; practice is for members, and signing up is free.