Coded sequences in 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning assess a child's ability to identify underlying patterns and rules within a series of abstract shapes or figures. These questions require logical deduction to predict the next item in a sequence or decode the rule governing its progression.
Success in this area hinges on meticulous observation and systematic thinking. Children must analyse how shapes change, rotate, reflect, or combine across the sequence, often with multiple elements evolving simultaneously. Regular practice helps children recognise common patterns and develop efficient problem-solving strategies.
NVR: codes 11+ at a glance
Coded sequences appear in GL Assessment and some independent school 11+ exams.
Questions typically involve identifying the rule governing a series of up to four figures to find the fifth.
Common patterns include rotation (90, 180 degrees), reflection, size changes, and changes in shading or number of elements.
Some sequences combine multiple rules, such as a shape rotating while an internal element changes colour.
These questions test logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and attention to detail under timed conditions.
Understanding Coded Sequences
Coded sequences present a series of images that follow a specific, often complex, rule. The task is to deduce this rule and apply it to find the missing image or the next image in the sequence. Each element within the shapes – such as its size, colour, orientation, or the number of components – can change independently or in conjunction with other elements.
Children should be taught to break down each figure into its constituent parts and observe how each part transforms from one step to the next. For instance, if a square contains a circle and a triangle, analyse how the square, circle, and triangle each change across the sequence. This systematic approach prevents overwhelm and helps in identifying all active rules.
Strategies for Solving Coded Sequences
Effective strategies are crucial for tackling these questions efficiently. Encourage your child to:
Examine each element separately: Focus on one aspect at a time (e.g., the large shape, then the small shape, then shading, then rotation).
Look for patterns of change: Is it rotating? Reflecting? Increasing/decreasing in number? Changing colour? Moving position?
Count elements: If dots, lines, or other small features are present, count them in each step to see if there's a numerical pattern.
Test your hypothesis: Once a rule is identified, apply it to the entire sequence to ensure it holds true for every step before selecting an answer.
Work backwards if stuck: Sometimes looking at the sequence from end to beginning can reveal patterns.
Practising with a variety of question types helps in building a repertoire of recognisable patterns.
Common Coded Sequence Patterns
While sequences can be unique, several common patterns frequently appear. Familiarity with these can speed up problem-solving:
Rotation: Shapes rotate by a fixed angle (e.g., 90 degrees clockwise) or by a changing angle (e.g., 90, then 180, then 270).
Reflection: Shapes are reflected across a horizontal or vertical axis.
Size/Number changes: Shapes may increase or decrease in size, or the number of elements (e.g., lines, dots) may follow an ascending or descending pattern.
Internal/External relationships: How do elements inside a shape relate to the outside? Do they swap positions or change based on an external factor?
Alternating patterns: A rule might apply to alternate figures, or two different rules might alternate between steps.
Encourage your child to categorise the patterns they encounter during practice to build recognition skills.
Try NVR: codes 11+ practice questions
Question 1
Which figure comes next in the sequence?
Answer: B. The arrow rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step. The circle moves from top-left, to top-right, to bottom-right, to bottom-left. Following this pattern, the next arrow should point right, and the circle should be in the top-left corner.
Question 2
Which figure comes next in the sequence?
Answer: C. The outer shape alternates between a square and a circle. The inner shape alternates between a triangle and a star. The shading of the inner shape alternates between white and black. The next figure should have an outer circle, an inner star, and the star should be black.
Question 3
Which figure comes next in the sequence?
Answer: A. The number of dots increases by one each step (1, 2, 3, 4). The line rotates 45 degrees clockwise each step. The next figure should have 5 dots and the line should be at 90 degrees to the horizontal.
Question 4
Which figure comes next in the sequence?
Answer: D. The outer shape alternates between being unshaded and shaded. The inner shape alternates between a cross and a plus sign. The position of the inner shape alternates between top and bottom. The next figure should have a shaded outer square, an inner plus sign, and the plus sign should be at the bottom.
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What is a coded sequence in 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning?
A coded sequence is a series of abstract figures or shapes that follow a specific, logical rule or pattern. The child's task is to identify this rule and use it to determine the next figure in the sequence or a missing figure.
Which exam boards include coded sequences?
Coded sequences are a common question type in GL Assessment 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning papers. They may also appear in independent school exams that include a Non-Verbal Reasoning component.
How can my child improve at coded sequences?
Improvement comes from consistent practice. Encourage your child to break down each figure into its elements, look for individual patterns (e.g., rotation, size change, shading), and then combine these observations to deduce the overall rule. Timed practice is also beneficial.
Are there different types of coded sequences?
Yes, sequences can involve a single rule or multiple concurrent rules. Patterns can include rotation, reflection, changes in size or number of components, alterations in shading or colour, and positional shifts of elements. Some sequences may also involve alternating rules.