Paper folding: 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning practice

Fold, punch and unfold (CAT4 figure analysis).

OftenIn many papers, especially GL AssessmentAbout 45 seconds a question in the test

The big idea

A square of paper is folded in half and holes are punched through it. When it is unfolded, every hole appears twice: in the same place, and reflected across the fold line.

Treat the fold line like a mirror. A hole close to the fold will have its partner close to the fold too; a hole near the edge will have its partner near the opposite edge.

Tips that save marks

  • Find the fold line first: vertical or horizontal.
  • Count the holes: unfolded, there should be exactly twice as many.
  • Check each pair is the same distance from the fold.

Now try five

Try each one before you look at the answer: answering from memory is what makes it stick. Tap an option to check it. Most children get three or four right at first; five out of five means move on to the next topic.

Question 1Aim for about 45 seconds

The paper is folded and holes are punched through it. What does it look like when unfolded?

Show the worked answer

Answer: D

How to work it out

Each hole goes through both layers, so it appears twice when unfolded: once where it was punched and once mirrored across the horizontal fold line.

Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

The paper is folded and holes are punched through it. What does it look like when unfolded?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B

How to work it out

Each hole goes through both layers, so it appears twice when unfolded: once where it was punched and once mirrored across the horizontal fold line.

Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds

The paper is folded and holes are punched through it. What does it look like when unfolded?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B

How to work it out

Each hole goes through both layers, so it appears twice when unfolded: once where it was punched and once mirrored across the horizontal fold line.

Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

The paper is folded and holes are punched through it. What does it look like when unfolded?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E

How to work it out

Each hole goes through both layers, so it appears twice when unfolded: once where it was punched and once mirrored across the horizontal fold line.

Question 5Aim for about 45 seconds

The paper is folded and holes are punched through it. What does it look like when unfolded?

Show the worked answer

Answer: C

How to work it out

Each hole goes through both layers, so it appears twice when unfolded: once where it was punched and once mirrored across the vertical fold line.

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