Example 1 · level 1 — a gentle start
Which shape comes next in the series?
Answer: — Each step turns the shape 90°.
11+ shape series questions
Shape series is pure pattern-spotting — no reading, no arithmetic. Here is what the figures are doing, the order to check things in, and five worked examples with the reasoning written out, easiest first.
Non-verbal reasoning · examined by GL · 5 worked examples
What your child needs to know
- A shape series follows a rule, just like a number series does.
- Look for the ONE thing that changes each step. Here the triangle turns 90° each time.
Where marks get lost: Keep the rule going to find the next one. After 180° comes 270°.
Worked examples
Every question below is generated by the same engine your child practises on, and every answer is derived by our checker rather than written by hand — which is why we can put them on a public page at all.
Example 2 · level 2 — typical of early practice
Which shape comes next in the series?
Answer: — Each step turns the shape 90°.
Example 3 · level 3 — standard paper difficulty
Which shape comes next in the series?
Answer: — Each step turns the shape 180°.
Example 4 · level 4 — a harder paper
Which shape comes next in the series?
Answer: — Each step turns the shape 135° and adds one more.
Example 5 · level 5 — the level that separates candidates
Which shape comes next in the series?
Answer: — Each step turns the shape 135° and adds one more.
How to practise this at home
- Non-verbal reasoning improves fastest with a fixed checking order — count, then look at shading, then rotation, then position.
- Encourage your child to say the rule out loud before choosing. A rule they can state is a rule they can apply to the options.
- Do not rush to timed papers. Accuracy on the rule comes first; the speed follows it, never the other way round.
Practise shape series with a tutor that explains
One4Learning serves questions at your child’s level, marks them instantly and — when one goes wrong — teaches the step they missed rather than showing the answer. Start with ten free questions, no account needed.
Take the free 10-question diagnostic →