Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: an introduction

If your child is in the last years of primary school you might be thinking about selection tests like the Eleven Plus and how to prepare for them. To help you decide on your approach we've put together an introduction to verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with expert tips, advice and practice questions and answers for you and your child.

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests are used in secondary school selection, and in some schools they are also part of CATs at the beginning of Year 7. Reasoning skills are a form of critical thinking; the tests are designed to assess a child's ability with words, numbers, shapes and space. While these skills can be developed and practised, they are non curriculum-based skills, so aren't always taught as part of KS2. The Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: an introduction pack has been written to provide a general overview of these skills, including practical examples of the common types of questions, hints and explanations to help you understand the solutions and play-based ways to help prepare your child at home (be warned, though, you will have to participate - and might even enjoy it!).

Written by headteacher, parent and verbal and non-verbal reasoning expert Stephen McConkey of Learning Together, this 45-page pack is a great way to start planning for your child's move to secondary school.

• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: an introduction
• 10 steps to effective Eleven Plus preparation and practice
• The no-textbooks way to prepare for the Eleven Plus
• Verbal reasoning practice: 45 questions
• Non-verbal reasoning practice: 46 questions

For more verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice look though TheSchoolRun's 11+ Learning Journey, a complete preparation plan for the 11+ exam.

'Today I got out their non-verbal reasoning books from school. Within seconds wails of, "I can't do these" and slumps of hopelessness filled the kitchen so we turned to TheSchoolRun. Several of your sheets later and we have a nine year old who now "gets it". We'll keep using your sheets to build his confidence. Such a relief to be able to help him through and see his mindset change.' – Claire, Hampshire