Shape analogies is one of the standard non-verbal reasoning patterns in GL-style 11+ papers. First shape is to second as third is to ? NVR rewards method over talent more than any other 11+ subject — children who learn to interrogate shapes systematically routinely overtake 'naturally spatial' peers who guess.
What the question looks like
First shape is to second as third is to ? Expect several per paper; in reasoning-only regions such as Lincolnshire, NVR carries half the total marks.
The method
State the transformation from A to B precisely (rotated 90° clockwise, shading swapped, size doubled), then apply exactly that to C. Precision beats intuition — vague rules pass wrong options.
The traps
Applying the rule backwards; confusing rotation with reflection.
How to practise this type
Do this type in short, focused bursts — ten questions, mark, review every error out loud ('what property did I miss?'). Our free NVR worksheet sets isolate each pattern, the full NVR types list maps the territory, and timed mock papers knit the types back together at exam pace.