What are Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning tests that PPTC are considering?
PPTC considering new test format?
As at March 2021 PPTC are considering using Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning tests in the autumn of 2021. PPTC organise one of the Transfer Tests in Northern Ireland.
These new tests would probably replace the English and maths tests currently being used.
These new question types will be completely alien to most parents especially the Non-Verbal Reasoning tests.
Where can I get practice books?
If this does happen our Belfast based company, www.elevenplusexampapers.co.uk , will be the only local company able to provide suitable and adequate generic practice materials to help parents and children through this new exam process.
Book marking the pages we link to might be worth doing.
What is 11+ Verbal Reasoning?
Verbal Reasoning is problem-solving and reasoning based around words and language. It is an effort to measure a child’s ability to “think and reason” rather than just test how many words they know.
To do well in a Verbal Reasoning exam, a child will need to have a good vocabulary. It is generally accepted that children who read widely will develop their vocabulary and are more likely to do well in Verbal Reasoning.
This subject will not be taught in primary school but parents, working with their child at home, can teach them the skills and techniques central to improving standards in any Verbal Reasoning Exams. Our How to do Verbal Reasoning book is a good starting point.
Find out more about Verbal Reasoning
What is 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning?
Non-Verbal Reasoning will probably be new to most parents with a P6 child. Non-Verbal Reasoning is problem-solving based around diagrams and shapes, rather than words, so it can often measure the potential of children who don’t read well or have English as a second language.
It consists of diagrammatic questions which will test how a child can deal with visual information – visual reasoning as opposed to Verbal Reasoning which is based on words.
It contains a wide range of question content such as which shape is next in the series, odd one out, reflections and spatial awareness of 2-D and 3-D shapes. Children may also be required to understand rotation and symmetry.
Non-Verbal Reasoning involves very little reading and may inform schools about the innate abilities of pupils who can handle images better than words. Our How to do Non-Verbal Reasoning is a good start.
Find out more here
Find out more about Non-Verbal Reasoning