Master NVR

52-Week 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Study Programme

This programme is designed to provide a structured approach to mastering 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning over a full year. Consistency and regular practice are key to success.

General Study Tips:

• Consistency is Key: Aim for regular short study sessions rather than infrequent long ones. 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week, is more effective than one long session.
• Understand, Don’t Just Memorise: Focus on understanding the logic behind each type of question. Why is one answer correct and others incorrect?
• Timed Practice: As you progress, introduce timed sessions to improve speed and accuracy under pressure.
• Review Mistakes: Always go over incorrect answers. Identify why you made a mistake and learn from it. Keep a mistake log.
• Variety of Resources: Use different workbooks, online resources, and past papers to expose yourself to various question styles.
• Break Down Problems: For complex questions, break them down into smaller steps. Look at one aspect (e.g., shape, shading, position, number of elements) at a time.
• Visualise: Practice mentally rotating, folding, and manipulating shapes.
• Stay Positive: Non-Verbal Reasoning can be challenging, but with consistent effort, improvement is achievable.

The 52-Week Programme

Phase 1: Foundations and Basic Concepts (Weeks 1-12)

This phase focuses on introducing the core types of non-verbal reasoning questions and developing fundamental pattern recognition skills.

• Week 1: Introduction to NVR & Odd One Out (Simple)
  • Understand what NVR is.
  • Practice identifying the figure that does not belong based on simple attributes (e.g., number of sides, colour, basic shape).
  • Resources: Introduction sections of NVR workbooks.
• Week 2: Series (Simple Progression)
  • Identify the next figure in a sequence where one attribute changes predictably (e.g., shape rotates, colour alternates).
  • Resources: NVR Series sections (Level 1).
• Week 3: Analogies (Shape-to-Shape)
  • Understand “A is to B as C is to D” with simple shape transformations (e.g., A becomes B by shading, C becomes D by shading).
  • Resources: NVR Analogies sections (Level 1).
• Week 4: Matrices (Simple 2×2 Grids)
  • Find the missing figure in a 2×2 grid where patterns apply horizontally or vertically (e.g., shapes combine, rotate).
  • Resources: NVR Matrices sections (Level 1).
• Week 5: Rotations (90-degree and 180-degree)
  • Practice identifying figures after 90 or 180-degree rotations.
  • Resources: NVR Transformations sections.
• Week 6: Reflections/Symmetry (Vertical/Horizontal)
  • Identify mirror images and complete symmetrical figures across vertical or horizontal lines.
  • Resources: NVR Symmetry sections.
• Week 7: Odd One Out (Increased Complexity)
  • More complex ‘odd one out’ questions involving multiple attributes or subtle differences.
  • Resources: NVR Odd One Out sections (Level 2).
• Week 8: Series (Multiple Attributes Changing)
  • Sequences where two or more attributes change simultaneously (e.g., shape rotates and shading changes).
  • Resources: NVR Series sections (Level 2).
• Week 9: Analogies (Position/Orientation Changes)
  • Analogies involving changes in position, orientation, or relative placement of elements.
  • Resources: NVR Analogies sections (Level 2).
• Week 10: Matrices (3×3 Grids, One Rule)
  • Introduce 3×3 matrices with a single consistent rule applied across rows or columns.
  • Resources: NVR Matrices sections (Level 2).
• Week 11: Combining Shapes (Simple Overlaps)
  • Understanding how two or three simple shapes combine or overlap to form a new shape.
  • Resources: NVR Combining Shapes sections.
• Week 12: Review & Mixed Practice (Phase 1)
  • Consolidate learning from Weeks 1-11 with a mixed set of questions from all covered types.
  • Identify any persistent areas of difficulty.

Phase 2: Developing Advanced Skills (Weeks 13-24)

This phase builds on the foundational knowledge, introducing more intricate patterns and question types.

• Week 13: Rotations (Compound Rotations)
  • Figures undergoing combinations of rotations (e.g., 90 degrees clockwise then 45 degrees anti-clockwise).
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Transformations.
• Week 14: Reflections (Diagonal & Multiple Axes)
  • Symmetry across diagonal lines, or questions involving multiple reflections.
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Symmetry.
• Week 15: Odd One Out (Abstract Patterns)
  • Odd one out questions based on abstract rules (e.g., number of contact points, prime numbers of elements).
  • Resources: Challenging Odd One Out exercises.
• Week 16: Series (Pattern Repetition & Growth)
  • Sequences with repeating patterns or growing/shrinking elements.
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Series.
• Week 17: Analogies (Abstract Relationships)
  • Analogies based on more abstract relationships (e.g., ‘adding a line’, ‘removing internal elements’).
  • Resources: Challenging Analogies.
• Week 18: Matrices (Two Intersecting Rules)
  • Matrices where patterns apply both horizontally and vertically, or rules interact.
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Matrices.
• Week 19: Codes (Symbol-to-Symbol)
  • Decoding systems where symbols represent other symbols based on a consistent rule.
  • Resources: NVR Codes sections.
• Week 20: Nets of Cubes (Simple Folds)
  • Visualising simple 2D nets folding into 3D cubes. Identifying opposite faces.
  • Resources: NVR Nets sections.
• Week 21: Cubes (Identifying Different Views)
  • Recognising different 2D views of the same 3D cube from various angles.
  • Resources: NVR Cubes sections.
• Week 22: Hidden Figures
  • Identifying a smaller, simpler shape embedded within a larger, more complex design.
  • Resources: NVR Hidden Figures sections.
• Week 23: Operations (Adding/Subtracting Elements)
  • Understanding questions where elements are added, removed, or changed according to a rule.
  • Resources: NVR Operations sections.
• Week 24: Review & Mixed Practice (Phase 2)
  • Consolidate learning from Weeks 13-23 with a mixed set of medium-difficulty questions.
  • Start introducing timed practice for 10-15 minutes.

Phase 3: Mastering Complexity & Speed (Weeks 25-36)

This phase focuses on tackling the most complex question types, refining techniques, and building speed.

• Week 25: Advanced Nets & Cubes
  • More complex nets with multiple patterns or trickier folds. Identifying impossible cubes.
  • Resources: Challenging Nets & Cubes.
• Week 26: Combined Operations/Transformations
  • Questions where multiple operations (e.g., rotation, reflection, addition) occur simultaneously.
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Transformation & Operations.
• Week 27: Codes (Positional & Attribute Based)
  • Decoding systems based on position, orientation, or specific attributes of symbols.
  • Resources: Advanced NVR Codes.
• Week 28: Complex Series (Multi-Layered Rules)
  • Sequences with very subtle or multi-layered rules that require careful observation.
  • Resources: Top-level NVR Series challenges.
• Week 29: Abstract Analogies (Numerical/Logical)
  • Analogies where the relationship might be numerical (e.g., number of elements increases by one) or based on abstract logic.
  • Resources: Challenging and abstract NVR Analogies.
• Week 30: Advanced Matrices (Interacting Rules, Complex Shapes)
  • Matrices with highly intricate patterns, multiple interacting rules, or very complex shapes.
  • Resources: Top-level NVR Matrices challenges.
• Week 31: Spotting Patterns Across Different Question Types
  • Practice exercises that require identifying the type of pattern before solving (e.g., is it a rotation, reflection, or series?).
  • Resources: Mixed topic exercises focusing on rule identification.
• Week 32: Building Speed & Accuracy (Timed Drills)
  • Short, timed practice sessions (e.g., 5-10 minutes) with a variety of question types, focusing on quickly identifying the rule.
  • Resources: Timed sections in NVR workbooks.
• Week 33: Error Analysis Deep Dive
  • Dedicate time to thoroughly review all recent mistakes. Categorise them (e.g., misread question, misidentified rotation, failed to spot a specific attribute).
  • Resources: Your own mistake log.
• Week 34: Weakness Targeting I
  • Focus intensively on the 1-2 weakest areas identified in Week 33. Do extra practice on these specific question types.
  • Resources: Targeted practice from workbooks or online.
• Week 35: Weakness Targeting II
  • Continue focusing on weak areas, ensuring consistent improvement.
  • Resources: More targeted practice.
• Week 36: Review & Mixed Practice (Phase 3)
  • Full mixed practice set, incorporating all question types and complexities encountered so far. Increase timed practice length (e.g., 20 minutes).

Phase 4: Full Syllabus Practice & Refinement (Weeks 37-48)

This phase is about integrating all knowledge, building stamina, and refining exam technique.

• Week 37: Full Mixed Practice Paper (Untimed, Focus on Accuracy)
  • Complete a full-length NVR practice paper (or equivalent number of questions) without time pressure. Focus purely on getting as many right as possible.
• Week 38: Analysis of Full Paper & Strategy Refinement
  • Thoroughly analyse the paper from Week 37. Identify recurring errors or areas where you took too long. Develop strategies for tackling specific question types more efficiently.
• Week 39: Timed Mixed Practice (Medium Length)
  • Complete a 25-30 minute timed mixed practice session, simulating exam conditions more closely.
• Week 40: Focus on Efficiency – ‘Skipping’ & ‘Returning’
  • Practice the strategy of skipping questions you find difficult and returning to them later if time permits. This is crucial for timed exams.
• Week 41: Advanced Visualisation Drills
  • Specific exercises to improve mental rotation, reflection, and 3D visualisation (e.g., drawing nets, sketching rotated figures).
• Week 42: Common Traps & Distractors
  • Work through questions designed to highlight common distractors and ‘red herring’ patterns. Learn to spot what is irrelevant.
• Week 43: Full Mixed Practice Paper (Timed – First Mock)
  • Complete your first full-length NVR mock paper under strict exam conditions (including timing and environment).
• Week 44: Mock Paper Review & Action Plan
  • Detailed review of the mock paper. What was your score? Where did you lose marks? What specific actions will you take to improve in those areas?
• Week 45: Targeted Practice Based on Mock Results
  • Intensive practice on the weakest question types identified in the mock analysis.
• Week 46: Timed Practice – Consistent Pace
  • Focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout practice sessions, ensuring you don’t get stuck on one question for too long.
• Week 47: Second Full Mixed Practice Paper (Timed)
  • Another full-length mock paper to track progress and identify any remaining weaknesses.
• Week 48: Mock Paper Review & Final Adjustments
  • Review the second mock. Fine-tune your strategy, especially regarding time management.

Phase 5: Final Revision & Exam Readiness (Weeks 49-52)

This final phase is about consolidating all learning, performing last-minute targeted revision, and building confidence.

• Week 49: Comprehensive Revision I (Quick Scan & Recall)
  • Quickly review all major NVR question types. Try to recall the common rules and patterns for each.
  • Do short, mixed sets of questions from each category.
• Week 50: Comprehensive Revision II (Focus on Tricky Areas)
  • Revisit your mistake log and any ‘tricky’ questions you’ve saved. Ensure you can now solve them confidently.
  • Avoid doing new, highly challenging questions; stick to consolidating what you know.
• Week 51: Final Mock Test & Exam Day Preparation
  • Complete one final full-length NVR mock test. Use this as a dress rehearsal for the actual exam.
  • Review your results, but don’t dwell on them. Focus on staying calm and confident.
  • Plan your exam day logistics (travel, what to bring).
• Week 52: Light Revision & Rest
  • Do light, enjoyable NVR practice (e.g., a few easy questions).
  • Focus on relaxation, good sleep, and maintaining a positive mindset. Avoid intense study.
  • Trust in the hard work you’ve put in over the year.

Remember to adapt this programme to your child’s individual needs and progress. Some weeks might require more time on a particular topic, while others might be quicker. Good luck!