Which shape completes the grid?
A two by two grid: top row a triangle then a square; bottom row a square then an empty box.
Correct: A — Triangle. Each row and each column contains one triangle and one square, so the missing shape is a triangle.
Missing Shape Puzzles
Work out the rule across a grid of shapes, then supply the missing one — the classic 11+ "complete the pattern" question.
Use both directions. The rule might run across each row, down each column, or both. Say the rule out loud ("the shading swaps each step") and check it fits every shape you can see.
Practising: Grid rules · Rules across rows and columns · Combining two rules
Non-Verbal Reasoning · Question 1 of 4
Score: 0 / 4
Which shape completes the grid?
A two by two grid: top row a filled square then a hollow square; bottom row a filled triangle then an empty box.
Correct: B — Hollow triangle. The shading swaps from filled to hollow as you move across each row, so the missing shape is a hollow triangle.
Which shape completes the grid?
A two by two grid: top row an arrow pointing up then an arrow pointing right; bottom row an arrow pointing down then an empty box.
Correct: C — Pointing left. Moving across a row turns the arrow 90° clockwise. The bottom row starts at 180°, so the next turn takes it to 270° — pointing left.
Which shape completes the grid?
A grid of six circles in two rows, alternating filled and hollow like a chessboard, with the last circle missing.
Correct: B — Hollow circle. The shading alternates in every direction, like a chessboard. The circle before the gap is filled, so the missing circle is hollow.
You scored 0 out of 4.
Read each explanation again for the questions you missed — the explanations are the part that makes the practice stick.
Tip for parents: let your child attempt every question before you step in. The explanation appears straight after they answer — read it together, then use Start again a day or two later to check it has stuck.
More Non-Verbal Reasoning practice
Shape Sequences
Continue a pattern of shapes, shades and turns — the gentlest introduction to non-verbal reasoning.
Rotation
Turn a shape by a given number of degrees, clockwise or anticlockwise, and pick the matching picture.
Reflection
Mirror a shape in a vertical or horizontal line — the mirror image is flipped, never simply turned.
All Non-Verbal Reasoning activities Every activity on the site