Verbal Reasoning & Non-Verbal Reasoning


Verbal Reasoning

Pupils at St Hilary’s start Verbal Reasoning lessons in Year 4 and continue until the Spring Term of Year 6. Verbal Reasoning is a form of problem solving based around words and language. It involves thinking about text, solving word problems, following written instructions to find a solution, finding letter sequences and deciphering letter and number based codes. Verbal Reasoning encourages the girls to be inquisitive and explore topics to gain a greater understanding and think for themselves. Verbal reasoning tests are a key part of most senior school selection and 11+ exams. The exams are intended to test a child’s ability to understand and reason using words, and are a test of skill, rather than of learned knowledge. 

Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Pupils at St Hilary’s start Non-Verbal Reasoning lessons in Year 4 and continue until the Spring Term of Year 6. Non-verbal reasoning is problem-solving based around pictures, diagrams and shapes, rather than words. Unlike verbal reasoning, it is not as reliant on the English language; rather, the questions use drawings, shapes or codes, and pupils need to work out sequences, similarities and differences between these figures or break the code. Non-Verbal Reasoning tests are designed to see how pupils can use critical thinking and logic to solve problems. The questions in a Non-Verbal Reasoning test are based around mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rotation, mirroring, shape, size and direction, and involve diagrams rather than words. 

St Hilary’s School, Holloway Hill, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1RZ  •  Tel: 01483 416551  •  Email: admissions@sthilarysschool.com
Skype: sthilarysschoolgodalming  •  Find us on Facebook •   Follow us on Twitter •   Follow us on Instagram

 © St Hilary’s School 2020    |   Sitemap    |   Privacy Policy    |   Cookie Policy    |   Site by Quantock