7+ verbal and non-verbal reasoning, explained for parents
What verbal and non-verbal reasoning look like at 7+, the kinds of questions Year 2 children meet, and simple ways to practise reasoning at home.
The Pebble Prep team · Updated · 3 min read
Quick answer
Reasoning questions test how a child thinks rather than what they have been taught. Verbal reasoning uses words and letters, such as odd one out or making new words. Non-verbal reasoning uses shapes and pictures, such as patterns and sequences. Not every school tests reasoning at 7+, so check each school's admissions page.
Key points
- Reasoning tests thinking skills, not taught content.
- Verbal reasoning works with words; non-verbal with shapes and pictures.
- Not every school includes reasoning at 7+.
- Short, playful practice builds the habits reasoning needs.
- Familiar question types help children stay calm.
In this guide
What is reasoning at 7+?
Reasoning questions ask children to spot patterns, make connections and solve small puzzles. They are less about what your child has learned in class and more about how they approach something new. Some schools include reasoning in their 7+, others focus on English and maths.
Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning uses words, letters and sometimes numbers. At 7+ the questions are short and friendly, but they reward careful reading.
- Odd one out: which word does not belong with the others?
- Word pairs: which word goes with another in the same way?
- Making words: which letter completes both words?
- Simple codes and sequences using letters.
Non-verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning uses shapes and pictures, so it does not depend on reading. Children look for what changes and what stays the same.
- Sequences: which picture comes next?
- Odd one out: which shape is different?
- Rotation and reflection: which shape has been turned or flipped?
- Grids: which picture completes the pattern?
How to practise reasoning at home
Reasoning grows with playful, regular practice. A few minutes several times a week helps more than a long session.
- Play word games in the car or at dinner: rhymes, opposites, "which one doesn't belong?".
- Use building blocks or drawings to make and continue patterns.
- Ask your child to explain their thinking out loud, even when they are right.
- Try a few on-screen or printed reasoning questions each week so the formats feel familiar.
Seven Plus Steps includes short on-screen Reasoning Practice each week, which your child does alongside you, with Rexi cheering them on. See how it works.
How reasoning fits with English and maths
Reasoning is usually one part of the 7+, not the whole of it. Keep reading and number work at the centre of your preparation, and add reasoning practice if your schools include it. Our guide to using 7+ practice papers shows how to fit it into a weekly routine.
Questions parents ask
Does every school test reasoning in the 7+ exam?
No. Many focus on English and maths. Check each school's admissions page to see whether reasoning is included.
Can verbal and non-verbal reasoning be taught for the 7+?
Children get better at reasoning with familiar question types and regular, playful practice, which helps them stay calm and think clearly.
Is non-verbal reasoning harder than verbal reasoning at 7+?
It depends on the child. Non-verbal reasoning does not rely on reading, so some children find it easier, while others prefer working with words.
A calm 7+ plan, paced to your exam date
A week-by-week plan, practice papers in your school's style and short reasoning practice. From £179.10 per child.
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