11+ non-verbal reasoning
Codes
Work out what each letter of a code stands for, then code a new figure.
How these questions work
Each figure has a code of two or three letters. Each letter stands for one feature, such as the shape, the shading or how many items there are. Your child works out which letter means what from the examples, then writes the code for a new figure.
Worked example
Each figure has a code. Work out what each letter stands for. Which code goes with the figure on the right?
Show answer
Answer: E The first letter stands for how many shapes there are (P = 3 shapes, L = 1 shape). The second letter stands for the shading (S = grey, V = white, T = black). The new figure shows a white pentagon, so its code is LV. The shape changes too, but it isn't part of the code.
Tips
- Take one letter position at a time. Find two figures with the same first letter and ask what else they share.
- Each position has its own set of letters, so the first letter can only ever describe one feature.
- Cross out options as soon as one letter is wrong. You can usually rule out three options from the first letter alone.
The usual trap: A feature that changes between figures but isn't part of the code at all.
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Similarities · Odd one out · Sequences · Analogies · Grids (matrices) · Codes · Rotation · Paper folding · Hidden shapes
Tests vary by area: some include question types that others don't, so check what your local 11+ covers. The example is original, written by Edzuno. Edzuno is independent and not affiliated with GL Assessment or any test provider.