The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), based at Durham University, is a leading provider of selection tests for grammar schools and other selective educational institutions in the United Kingdom. Many of these assessments include a Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) component, which tests a candidate's ability to solve problems using visual information, patterns, and logical deduction without relying on language skills. For parents and children preparing for the 11+ examination, accessing high-quality, free practice materials is a crucial step in familiarisation and skill development. The provided source data outlines a selection of free CEM Non-Verbal Reasoning sample tests, practice questions, and supplementary resources available online, which can be used for personal preparation without requiring registration or payment.
Understanding CEM and the Non-Verbal Reasoning Section
CEM assessments are used by numerous grammar schools and some independent schools across England. Unlike some other exam boards, CEM does not publish extensive past papers. Instead, they release familiarisation materials to illustrate the types of questions children may encounter. These official booklets are a primary source of information for understanding the test format. Publishers and educational platforms then create their own practice tests based on these familiarisation materials and other available information. The Non-Verbal Reasoning section typically assesses skills such as pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical deduction through visual puzzles, including shape sequences, cube nets, and figure matrices.
Free CEM Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests and Materials
Several platforms offer free, downloadable Non-Verbal Reasoning practice materials designed to mirror the style of CEM tests. These resources are invaluable for initial practice and building confidence.
Official CEM Familiarisation Materials
The most authoritative source for understanding the test format comes directly from CEM. The CEM website provides familiarisation questions for all sections of the 11+ test, including Non-Verbal Reasoning. These materials are designed to illustrate the question style and format candidates can expect. They are a critical starting point for any preparation, as they come directly from the test provider. While the specific questions in the official familiarisation booklets may be less complex than those in the actual exam, they establish the foundational question types.
CGP (Coordination Group Publications) Practice Tests
CGP is a well-known publisher of educational materials. One of the provided sources references a "CGP 11plus Cem NVR Free Practice Test." This test is structured to be completed in approximately 20 minutes and consists of multiple-choice questions across various sections. These sections include changing bugs, odd one out, cubes and nets, reflecting figures, and 2D views of 3D shapes. This test is designed to give candidates a practical experience of a timed NVR assessment. It is important to note that while CGP produces high-quality resources, their practice tests are interpretations of what a CEM paper might look like, not actual past papers.
Cambridge Select Insight Papers
Cambridge Select Insight, formerly known as CEM Select, is another source of free practice papers. These materials are available for download without requiring any sign-up. The papers are designed to be viable for preparation for CEM-style tests. The platform offers a collection of free 11+ Cambridge Select Insight papers and information booklets, which can be accessed directly via their website. These papers serve as another practical tool for candidates to practice under timed conditions.
GL Assessment Style Non-Verbal Reasoning Papers
While CEM is a specific test provider, many schools and regions use GL Assessment for their 11+ exams. GL Assessment also produces Non-Verbal Reasoning tests. Some free practice papers are available that are designed to act as good practice materials for Non-Verbal Reasoning tests designed by GL. These can be useful for general NVR skill development, even if the target school uses CEM, as the core reasoning skills are transferable. Publishers such as CGP and Bond offer sample tests in the GL style, which are often recommended by educational guides.
Independent School Practice Papers
For children applying to independent schools that use Non-Verbal Reasoning tests, free papers from these schools can provide a relevant example of the question types. As most independent schools purchase their test papers from providers like GL or CEM, practice materials from these sources are generally considered a good representation of what candidates might face. The provided data mentions that these free papers are as good an example as any for the type of questions pupils will face in independent school entrance exams.
Supplementary Online Preparation Resources
Beyond downloadable PDF papers, several online platforms offer interactive preparation tools and question generators for Non-Verbal Reasoning.
WordBuilder.co.uk
This platform offers online preparation for 11+ Verbal Reasoning, which is closely linked to the verbal components of CEM tests. While the provided data does not specify NVR content on this site, it is listed as ideal for tests set at the CEM Centre. It covers areas such as spellings, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, conundrums, cloze passages, comprehension, and jumbled sentences.
CoolCleverKids.co.uk
This site provides online preparation for 11+ Maths (Numerical Reasoning) and Non-Verbal Reasoning. It includes a free maths question generator, lesson notes, presentations, videos, worksheets, games, and tests from Year 2 to 6, including CEM-style past questions. The inclusion of Non-Verbal Reasoning makes it a valuable resource for candidates needing to practise NVR skills in an interactive format. The site states it is ideal for tests set at the CEM Centre at Durham University.
Important Considerations for Using Free Practice Materials
When using free practice materials, it is essential to maintain a balanced preparation strategy.
Combining Papers with Other Resources
Educational guidance emphasises that it is vital to combine the use of practice papers with other learning resources. This helps children develop the core 11+ skills and avoid repeating mistakes. Relying solely on practice tests without addressing underlying skill gaps may not be effective. Resources that focus on vocabulary building, spatial awareness, and logical thinking can complement paper-based practice.
Understanding the Limitations of Practice Materials
It is important to note that the actual CEM test questions can be significantly harder than those illustrated in the official familiarisation booklets. Furthermore, CEM is known to change question formats and introduce new question types without notice. Therefore, while free practice materials are excellent for familiarisation and skill practice, they cannot perfectly replicate the actual exam experience. Candidates should be prepared for variations in difficulty and format.
Quality of Free Materials
The quality of free materials can vary. The provided data suggests that papers from reputable publishers like CGP and Bond are designed to be of good quality and act as effective practice materials. When selecting free papers, it is advisable to choose those from recognised educational publishers or trusted educational websites. Some free resources may be less reliable or may not accurately reflect the current test format.
Accessing the Resources
The free materials mentioned are generally accessible through direct links on the respective websites. For example: * CGP 11plus Cem NVR Free Practice Test: Available on Scribd. * Cambridge Select Insight Papers: Available on the 11plusguide.com website. * CEM Familiarisation Questions: Available on the official CEM website. * Online Preparation Platforms: WordBuilder.co.uk and CoolCleverKids.co.uk offer interactive tools. * GL and Independent School Papers: Available through educational guide websites like smartinnovatoracademy.com.
Most of these resources are available for download without requiring sign-up, making them easily accessible for immediate use. Parents are advised to download and print these materials to simulate exam conditions.
Conclusion
A range of free Non-Verbal Reasoning practice materials is available online for children preparing for the CEM 11+ examination. These include official familiarisation questions from CEM, practice tests from reputable publishers like CGP and Cambridge Select Insight, and interactive online resources. While these materials are invaluable for initial practice and skill development, they should be used as part of a broader preparation strategy that includes other learning resources. It is crucial to understand that practice tests are interpretations and that the actual exam may present greater challenges or different formats. By utilising these free resources wisely, candidates can build confidence and improve their Non-Verbal Reasoning skills ahead of the 11+ assessment.