Combining shapes is one of the standard non-verbal reasoning patterns in GL-style 11+ papers. Two shapes merge — which result is correct? 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
Two shapes merge — which result is correct? Expect several per paper; in reasoning-only regions such as Lincolnshire, NVR carries half the total marks.
The method
Overlay mentally anchor-point by anchor-point: where do the outlines cross? Eliminate options with missing intersections first — additions are easier to fake than absences.
The traps
Accepting options that lose a line segment; ignoring relative sizes.
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.