11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning icon

NVR Study Notes

Spotting Hidden Shapes

Scan Systematically

Scan Systematically

The target shape is somewhere inside the composite — don't just look at the centre.

Tip: Scan left-to-right, top-to-bottom; check each region of the composite.

Same Size, Same Orientation

Same Size, Same Orientation

The hidden shape must match EXACTLY in size and rotation.

Tip: A shape that's the right outline but smaller, bigger, or tilted does not count.

Look Past Overlapping Lines

Look Past Overlapping Lines

Other shapes will overlap and cross through the target — its outline is still complete.

Tip: Mentally erase the interfering lines and check whether the target's edges are all present.

Common Distractors

Common Distractors

The four wrong options often share three properties with the target: shape, position, near-size.

Tip: The wrong ones differ by size, rotation, mirroring, or one missing edge — pick what's perfectly identical.