GL Assessment Style Numerical Reasoning Paper 2
GL Assessment's second numerical reasoning paper keeps the same non-calculator, multiple-choice format as Paper 1, working from a shared source of data such as a graph, chart or short paragraph rather than bare sums, but shifts the data source from tables and timetables towards graphs, particularly conversion graphs and simple line graphs that must be read correctly before any calculation can begin. Reading the graph accurately is as important here as the arithmetic that follows.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Before answering any question, check what each axis of a graph represents and what one small square is worth, since misreading the scale is the most common way to lose marks on this paper.
- Where a conversion graph is given, use it to read off values directly rather than trying to work out an exact conversion rate yourself, unless the question specifically asks you to find one.
- For a line graph showing change over time, read the exact points asked for carefully rather than estimating by eye, since GL's wrong options often match a nearby but incorrect point.
- Show any calculation that builds on a graph reading in your working space, since a slightly wrong reading early on will carry through to a wrong final answer.
- If a question involves comparing two points or two lines on the same graph, calculate the difference precisely rather than judging it visually.
- As with every GL-style paper, keep an even pace across all the questions and answer every one, since a blank scores the same as a wrong guess.
Worked example
A conversion graph shows that 5 miles is equal to 8 kilometres. Using this graph, how many kilometres is 15 miles equivalent to? A) 18 B) 21 C) 24 D) 27
- Notice that 15 miles is 3 times 5 miles, since 15 / 5 = 3.
- Since the conversion is proportional, multiply the kilometre value by the same factor: 8 x 3.
- 8 x 3 = 24, so 15 miles is equivalent to 24 kilometres.
- Compare to the options: 24 matches option C.
- Select option C, and check it is sensible: doubling 5 miles to 10 miles gives 16km, and adding another 5 miles worth (8km) gives 15 miles and 24km, which agrees.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1A conversion graph shows 10 litres is equal to 2.2 gallons. How many gallons is 30 litres equal to?Show answer
Answer: 6.6 gallons (30 / 10 = 3; 2.2 x 3 = 6.6).
Q2A line graph shows a plant's height as 4cm at week 1 and 10cm at week 3, growing at a steady rate. What is the height at week 2?Show answer
Answer: 7cm (the midpoint of 4cm and 10cm, since growth is steady).
Q3A distance-time graph shows a cyclist travels 24km in 2 hours at a steady speed. How far do they travel in 5 hours at the same speed?Show answer
Answer: 60km (24 / 2 = 12km/h; 12 x 5 = 60).
Q4A conversion graph shows 1kg is equal to 2.2 pounds (lb). Using this, how many pounds is 5kg equal to?Show answer
Answer: 11 lb (2.2 x 5 = 11).
Q5A temperature graph shows a steady rise from 8C at 6am to 20C at 12 noon. What is the temperature at 9am?Show answer
Answer: 14C (the rise is 12C over 6 hours, or 2C per hour; 8 + 2 x 3 = 14).
Q6A graph shows a car uses a 50-litre tank of fuel to travel 400km at a steady rate. How far can it travel on 20 litres?Show answer
Answer: 160km (400 / 50 = 8km per litre; 8 x 20 = 160).
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A conversion graph for pounds sterling to euros shows that 20 pounds is equal to 23 euros. (a) Using this rate, calculate how many euros 60 pounds is equal to. (b) A tourist has 46 euros. Using the same rate, calculate how many pounds this is equal to.
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A line graph shows the water level in a paddling pool being filled at a steady rate: 0cm at 0 minutes, and 18cm at 6 minutes. (a) Find the rate of rise in cm per minute. (b) Find the water level after 4 minutes, assuming the rate stays the same. (c) The pool overflows at 24cm. After how many minutes, from the start, does it overflow?
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the gl assessment style numerical reasoning paper 2 worksheet pack - 7 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
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