Non-verbal Reasoning - Introduction to the Tests - Familiarisation Booklet

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Bintang

Non-verbal reasoning selection tests familiarisation booklet for children and their parents. It explains the purpose of the grammar school selection test, the exam setting, timing, question structure, and how answers must be recorded on a separate answer sheet. It provides worked examples, gradual practice to build confidence, and a full-length timed practice test in one sitting. It also details pupil test rules, instructions not to turn pages at certain points, and answer-sheet marking guidance for scanning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages48

Reading Time2 h 1 min

AccessFree to download

Test instructions

How to use these materials

For parents: About non-verbal reasoning selection tests

For pupils: Test rules and preparation

Page 2: Test materials

Page 3: The answer sheet

Page 4: Marking answers

Non-verbal Reasoning An introduction to the tests This booklet is designed for children who are planning to take a school selection test. It explains briefly what the test is about, how different question types should be approached and how the answers should be recorded. Samples are included of some of the types of questions that children may encounter in the real tests. These questions and their explanations should be worked through gradually to establish familiarity with the nature of non-verbal reasoning tests and how best to deal with their challenges. A full-length practice test is provided to allow children the opportunity to sit an exam under timed conditions and to practise completing an answer sheet. For parents About non-verbal reasoning selection tests The test is designed to assess whether grammar school is a suitable option for your child. The tests have been designed and written by experts to test those skills proven to indicate potential for academic success. They are timed tests that are sat in a formal examination environment on a set date and consist of a series of multiple choice questions. Children read the questions in a test booklet and complete their answers on a separate answer sheet. How to use these materials The aim of this booklet is to familiarise children with the idea of a non-verbal reasoning test and with the materials they will use on the day of the test. Children that are comfortable with the idea of taking a timed examination and with the format will be more able to focus their energies on the questions themselves. The first part of this booklet looks at the general format of the test including instructions on how to mark answers. The next section provides some worked examples of non-verbal reasoning questions and it is important that your child has a good understanding of why the questions are answered in the way they are before moving on. The last part is a full-length practice test that should be taken in one sitting and timed appropriately. Answers and explanations are supplied at the end of the booklet. For pupils Whenever you take a test it is important that you understand exactly what you have to do. Successful preparation for your examination doesn’t just mean learning about the types of questions in the test. You also need to know the rules of the examination, how to behave, how to prepare yourself and how to correctly complete the tests so that the answers you submit are the ones you intended. You should also know what it feels like to have to do the test in a certain time and be comfortable with the idea of a test done by yourself. The materials in this pack have been designed to help you to prepare for such tests. They will help you to become familiar with the kind of questions you will face, and the way you answer the questions. If you work through this booklet and try the fulllength practice test, you should be thoroughly prepared for the real selection tests. We will start by looking at some of the rules of the test and then at the way you answer the questions. The later parts of this booklet look in more detail at the types of questions you might face. Page 2 Test instructions Some instructions will be spoken to you; others will be written in the test booklet. Try to remember the following: • Read the instructions on the front of the test booklet • Listen carefully to invigilators – they are the adults who will guide you through the process of sitting the test. They will give you instructions about what to do • There are some points in the test at which you will be asked to stop working and not turn the page. In non-verbal reasoning tests, you will be given instructions and examples before each new section. Each section is timed separately. • At the bottom of each page in the test booklet are instructions telling you to: Stop… Do not turn over until you are told to do so ! … go on Please go on to the next page >>> … or that y

FAQs

What is the purpose of the non-verbal reasoning selection test?

The test assesses whether grammar school is suitable for your child by evaluating skills linked to potential academic success.

How is the test delivered and how do children answer?

Children read questions in a test booklet and record responses on a separate answer sheet. The test is sat in a formal environment, on a set date, with timed sections and multiple-choice questions.

What are the key rules for filling in the answer sheet?

Only answers marked on the answer sheet are scored, and it is read by a scanning machine. Use a pencil, draw a thin horizontal line in the correct rectangle, and fully erase mistakes before re-marking.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Bintang