11-Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning: Overlapping Shapes

Understanding Overlapping Shapes

In 11-plus Non-Verbal Reasoning, overlapping shapes is a crucial topic that tests students' ability to visualize and predict the result of combining two or more shapes. This skill is essential for spatial awareness and visual problem-solving.

What Are Overlapping Shapes?

Overlapping shapes occur when two or more shapes are placed on top of each other, creating a new combined image. Students must learn to identify which areas of the shapes will be visible, which will be obscured, and how the final image will appear.

Key Concepts

• Transparency: Understanding how transparent overlays affect the visibility of shapes.
• Solid Shapes: Recognizing how solid shapes combine and what parts are hidden.
• Area Coverage: Predicting which sections of the shapes will be covered by both or only one shape.

Visualizing Overlapping Shapes

To effectively tackle questions on overlapping shapes, students should practice visualizing the shapes in their mind. This can be enhanced through:

• Drawing the shapes on paper to see how they interact.
• Using colored pencils to differentiate between overlapping areas.
• Practicing with various shapes to become familiar with different combinations.

Example Question

Worked Example

Problem: If a circle overlaps with a square, what will the combined shape look like?

Solution:

• Draw a circle and a square on the same plane.
• Identify the area where both shapes intersect.
• Shade the overlapping area to visualize the final shape.

Conclusion

Mastering overlapping shapes in Non-Verbal Reasoning requires practice and visualization skills. By understanding how shapes combine and the areas they cover, students can improve their problem-solving abilities and perform better in the 11-plus examination.