Series
A series question is an 11+ non-verbal reasoning task in which three or four figures are shown changing step by step according to one consistent rule, such as rotating, gaining extra dots, or changing shading, and the pupil must work out what the next figure in the sequence should look like. It is a common GL Assessment and CEM paper type.
Before you start
No specific prerequisites - this is a good place to start.
Method
- Compare the change from the first figure to the second, then confirm the same change continues into the third.
- Track one feature at a time - shape, number, shading, size, or rotation - rather than everything at once.
- Work out the step size of the change, for example plus 2 dots each time or plus 45 degrees clockwise each time.
- Apply that same step to the final given figure to predict what comes next.
- Check your prediction against every figure already given, not just the last one.
- Describe each changing feature separately before combining them into your final answer, if more than one feature changes.
Worked example
A sequence of shapes is described below. Shape 1: an arrow pointing North with 1 short tail line. Shape 2: an arrow pointing East with 2 short tail lines. Shape 3: an arrow pointing South with 3 short tail lines. What does Shape 4 look like?
- Track the arrow's direction separately from the number of tail lines.
- Direction: North, East, South - each step is a 90-degree clockwise turn, so Shape 4 points West.
- Tail lines: 1, 2, 3 - each step adds one more line, so Shape 4 has 4 tail lines.
- Check the rule against the earlier shapes: North to East is a 90-degree clockwise turn, and 1 to 2 is plus 1 line, confirming the pattern.
- Final answer: Shape 4 is an arrow pointing West with 4 short tail lines.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A sequence of shapes is described below. Shape 1: a circle with 2 short lines radiating from the top. Shape 2: a circle with 4 short lines radiating from the top. Shape 3: a circle with 6 short lines radiating from the top. Describe Shape 4 and explain the rule you used.
A sequence of shapes is described below. Shape 1: a flag pointing North, shaded white. Shape 2: a flag pointing East, shaded grey. Shape 3: a flag pointing South, shaded black. Shape 4: a flag pointing West, shaded white (the pattern repeats). What does Shape 5 look like, and what would Shape 8 look like?
A sequence of shapes shows a black triangle's dot count as follows: Shape 1 has 3 dots, Shape 2 has 5 dots, Shape 3 has 7 dots, Shape 4 has 9 dots. State the rule connecting one shape to the next, and give the dot count for Shape 6.
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the series worksheet pack - 15 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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