Paper folding and hole punching is one of the standard non-verbal reasoning patterns in GL-style 11+ papers. Paper folded then punched — where are the holes when unfolded? 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
Paper folded then punched — where are the holes when unfolded? Expect several per paper; in reasoning-only regions such as Lincolnshire, NVR carries half the total marks.
The method
Work backwards one fold at a time, mirroring the punch positions across each fold line. Each unfold doubles the holes; count check: n folds and one punch = 2ⁿ holes maximum.
The traps
Mirroring across the wrong fold line; losing count of layers.
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.