11+ completing the sequence

June 27, 2024•2 min read

What initially looks like a random display of dots, does have logic to it

In the 11+ there’s a series of questions where you are asked to state which is the missing square. They give you a pattern made up of 4 squares and ask you which square would correctly continue the pattern.

Sometimes these are quite straight forward, it will be nothing more than rotating the shape slightly each time.

At times, there might be two changes. For example, they might be reflected and then the position in the square changes slightly, so that it moves slightly further back from the one in the reflection or slightly closer. Although the gap may be insignificant it shows more when you look at the images two or three squares apart.

A common change is often related to the colour of part of a pattern. It might be formed with white, black, and grey beads. Watch out for the movement of the beads as they may move up or down, left or right each time in a certain order. What initially looks like a random display of dots, does have logic to it.

Rotating cubes are another firm favourite it seems. You are shown the same cube from 4 angles. You must decide which image is the same cube from another angle. This seems to be something that some people can do, others struggle. Whilst you’re practicing them, I would probably suggest either putting stickers on dice to replicate the image shown or creating your own paper cubes and seeing which one’s work.

Are their any patterns that can be spotted?

You will probably notice that if the patterns are separated by 1 other on the net, they will never sit together on the cube making it potentially possible to eliminate some of the options.

As you progress the patterns get slowly harder to spot but the means of solving them stay the same. Look at the position of the different colours, look at the quantity of different squares, spots, etc. Look at the number of sides, look at the position of the parts. Look at the size: do they get bigger or smaller?

It sounds difficult (and yes, they often are, the more you look at them, the more they seem to taunt you) but in all honesty the logic changes very little each time.

Just watch out for the basics and eliminate those as options first and you will hopefully find the answer fairly quickly.

Boost Your Child's 11+ Exam Confidence with Our Summer Course! 🌟

To find out more details click: HERE

11+grammar school prep exam tips school entrance exam parenting primary education

Dawn Strachan

For the past 20+ years I have been a firm believer that learning should be an enjoyable experience. I appreciate that traditionally education has revolved around worksheets, textbooks, listening to teachers. But a grounding in early years and working with children who had a variety of learning styles from I learned that it is an individual activity that is personal to all of us. We don’t all learn in the same way. Our influences, our experiences, our capabilities all influence how we retain information. But through it all, I believe that if we can make it enjoyable and engaging, they will want to participate. With participation comes practice which in turn boosts skill and confidence. With an increase in skill and confidence comes a willingness to have a go. This in turn leads to more practice which leads to a positive spiral of success. The moral, we need to make learning fun, engaging, use a range of techniques.

Back to Blog