Symmetry is one of the standard non-verbal reasoning patterns in GL-style 11+ papers. How many lines of symmetry, or complete a symmetric figure. 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
How many lines of symmetry, or complete a symmetric figure. Expect several per paper; in reasoning-only regions such as Lincolnshire, NVR carries half the total marks.
The method
Test candidate mirror lines through the centre: vertical, horizontal, both diagonals. For completion questions, copy point-by-point across the line, corner by corner.
The traps
Claiming diagonal symmetry on rectangles; drawing freehand instead of point-mapping.
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.