Matrices: 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning practice

Complete the grid.

CoreIn almost every paper that tests this subjectAbout 45 seconds a question in the test

The big idea

Grids usually change one feature across rows and another down columns. Find both rules and combine them.

Tips that save marks

  • Check both the row AND the column.
  • Diagonal patterns sometimes appear in 3×3 grids.

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

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: B

How to work it out

  1. Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
  2. The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: E

How to work it out

Across each row the arrow turns 90°; each row keeps its shading.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A: Right shading, but turned too far.
  • B: This is a mirror image, not a turn.
  • C: Right shading, but it has not turned 90°.
  • D: Turned correctly, but it copies the top row’s shading.
Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: D

How to work it out

  1. Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
  2. The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: B

How to work it out

  1. Each row keeps the same shape; each column keeps the same shading.
  2. Combine the bottom row’s shape with the right column’s shading.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A: Right shading, but a shape that is not in the grid.
  • C: Right shape, but the shading comes from the middle column.
  • D: Right shading, but the shape comes from the middle row.
  • E: Right shape, but a shading that is not in the grid.
Question 5Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: A

How to work it out

  1. Each row keeps the same shape; each column keeps the same shading.
  2. Combine the bottom row’s shape with the right column’s shading.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B: Right shape, but the shading comes from the middle column.
  • C: Right shape, but a shading that is not in the grid.
  • D: Right shading, but a shape that is not in the grid.
  • E: Right shading, but the shape comes from the middle row.

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