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NVR - Relationships Between Symbols (2)
This free 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning guide explains relationship between symbols questions based on rotation.
In the previous guide, we looked at analogies based on size and number. In this guide, children need to spot how shapes rotate, flip or change position from the first symbol to the second, then apply the same process to a new symbol.
This guide is designed for parents helping children revise for the 11 Plus, especially when children can see that something has changed but find it hard to explain the change clearly.
This 11 Plus guide is free to read and use. It is part of our free 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning exam illustrations, created to help parents understand the question types children may meet.
Please note that the guide is free, while playing the linked 11 Plus quizzes for regular practice requires a subscription.
What Is a Rotation Analogy Question?
An analogy compares two things by using a shared relationship. In words, this might be shown as “A is to B as C is to D”.
In 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning, the same idea is used with shapes. Children look at the first pair of symbols, work out the relationship, and then apply that relationship to a third symbol.
In this guide, the important relationship is rotation. A shape may turn left or right, while other parts of the symbol may flip, move or change in number.
How Are These Questions Shown in the 11 Plus Exam?
Candidates are shown a first pair of symbols with an arrow between them.
They must decide how the first symbol changes into the second symbol. Then they look at a third symbol and choose which answer option changes in the same way.
The challenge is to focus on the process, not just the particular shapes used in the first pair.
Example:
On the left are two shapes with an arrow between them. Decide how they are related. The third shape is related to one of the remaining shapes in the same way. Which of the shapes goes with the third in the same way as the second goes with the first?
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Talk Through the First Pair
Children should start by describing exactly what happens in the first pair.
In this example, three things happen:
- The large arrow rotates 90 degrees anticlockwise.
- The triangle flips from top to bottom, as if reflected in a horizontal axis.
- The circle becomes three very small black circles below the arrow.
This may sound like a lot, but putting the changes into words helps children remember the rule.
Parent explanation: If your child can “just see” the answer, still ask them to explain it. Being able to explain the rule helps them repeat the method on harder questions.
Turn the Specific Rule into a General Rule
Once the first pair has been described, children should turn the specific details into a general rule.
Instead of saying “arrow, triangle and circle”, they can say:
Main shape rotates 90 degrees left, higher shape flips top to bottom, lower shape becomes three small black shapes below the main shape.
This general rule can then be applied to the third symbol.
Technique tip: The specific shapes may change, but the process stays the same. Children should ask, “What happened?” rather than “Which exact shapes were used?”
Apply the Rule to the Third Symbol
In the third symbol, the main shape is a parallelogram.
Using the same rule, the parallelogram should rotate 90 degrees to the left.
The pentagon should flip from top to bottom.
The diamond should become three small black diamonds below the parallelogram.
Following all of those rules leads to answer A.
Why This Question Can Be Tricky
This question can be difficult because several changes happen at once.
Some children may spot the rotation but forget the flip. Others may notice that small shapes become three black shapes, but accidentally copy the circle from the first pair instead of using diamonds from the second pair.
The parallelogram rotation can also be hard to visualise. Some children benefit from using cut-out shapes during revision so they can physically rotate them and see what happens.
Why the Process Matters More Than the Shapes
In analogy questions, children must understand the process used in the first pair.
The first pair uses an arrow, triangle and circle. The second pair uses a parallelogram, pentagon and diamond.
The answer should not copy the original shapes. It should copy the relationship.
This is why answer E may look tempting if it uses circles, but it is not correct because the third symbol contains diamonds, not circles.
Parent explanation: A simple reminder is: “Copy the rule, not the shapes.” This helps children avoid common trap answers.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Children may lose marks on rotation analogy questions because they only apply part of the rule.
Common mistakes include:
- Rotating the main shape the wrong way
- Confusing clockwise and anticlockwise rotation
- Missing a top-to-bottom flip
- Copying circles from the first pair instead of using the new shape
- Choosing an answer that is close but not an accurate rotation
A calm, process-first method is usually more useful than guessing. Accuracy should come before speed during early 11 Plus revision.
11 Plus Practice Quizzes for Analogies
This free guide explains rotation in analogy questions, but practice helps children become more familiar with the format.
Education Quizzes has eight Analogies quizzes in the 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning section.
Next Steps for Parents
This guide has shown how relationships between symbols can be formed by rotation, flipping and repeated small shapes.
The next guides in this section look at other ways analogies can be formed, including shading and movement.
Reading those free guides before quiz practice may help children recognise a wider range of 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning patterns.
Remember: This 11 Plus guide is free to use. The linked quizzes are available by subscription and provide the regular practice children need to apply the method confidently.
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