NVR - Relationships Between Symbols (3)

What Are Shading and Movement Analogies?

Relationship between symbols questions are visual analogies. Children look at one pair of symbols, work out how the first symbol changes into the second, and then apply the same type of change to a new symbol.

In this guide, the relationship involves both shading and movement. One part of a symbol may become the main shape, another part may move inside it, and internal markings may move or repeat in a new position.

These questions can look complicated, but they become more manageable when children describe each change one step at a time.

How Are These Questions Shown in the 11 Plus Exam?

Candidates are shown three shapes or patterns.

The first two shapes are related in some way. The third shape must then be matched with one of the answer options using the same relationship.

The child’s task is to understand the process used in the first pair, then copy that process with the third shape.

Talk Through the First Pair

The first step is to describe what happens between the first two symbols.

In this example, the relationship can be described like this:

1. The trapezium on the left becomes the main shape.
2. The rectangle on the right becomes smaller and moves into the centre of the target shape.
3. The small central shape takes the shading of the trapezium.
4. The internal lines of the rectangle are repeated in the target shape.
5. The crosses from inside the rectangle move to the outside of the target shape.

This is a lot to hold in mind, so children should not try to solve it all in one glance.

Turn the Specific Rule into a General Rule

Once the first pair has been described, children should turn the details into a more general rule.

The rule can be expressed like this:

Left shape becomes the main shape. Right shape becomes small and moves inside the main shape, taking the shading of the left shape. Internal lines stay inside, while internal symbols move outside.

This gives children a template they can apply to the third shape.

Apply the Rule to the Third Symbol

After creating the general rule, children can apply it to the third symbol.

The left shape in the third symbol should become the main shape.

The right shape should become smaller and move inside it.

The shading should be carried across correctly.

The internal lines and symbols should move in the same way as they did in the first pair.

Following this process leads to answer D.

Why This Question Can Feel Complicated

This analogy is more demanding because several changes happen at the same time.

Children may spot the main shape but miss the shading. They may notice the inside shape but forget that the crosses move outside. They may also be distracted by answer options that copy shapes from the first pair.

The safest approach is to keep returning to the rule: what happened in the first pair, and how can that same process be applied to the third symbol?

Using Fingers to Eliminate Answers

Some children benefit from a physical elimination method.

Instead of trying to remember all five answer options at once, they can point to the options that are still possible.

Each time they check a new part of the rule, they remove a finger from any answer that no longer fits.

This can work especially well for children who need a more active way to focus on visual reasoning questions.

Why Wrong Answers Are Useful

Wrong answers are often designed to reveal common misunderstandings.

Some may copy shapes from the first pair, even though the second pair should use its own shapes. Others may move the internal shape correctly but get the shading wrong.

If a child chooses a wrong answer during revision, ask which part of the rule they followed and which part they missed. This turns a mistake into useful learning.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Children may lose marks on shading and movement analogies because they apply only part of the rule.

Common mistakes include:

• Copying the original shapes instead of copying the process
• Missing how shading is transferred
• Forgetting that internal symbols move outside
• Not checking the position of the smaller central shape
• Choosing an answer after spotting only one correct feature

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 shading and movement 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 using shading, movement and the transfer of internal details.

The next guide in this section looks at more devious analogy tricks examiners may use, helping children become more flexible and confident with 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning questions.