What is Sequences?
Sequence questions show you a row of shapes that change in a regular pattern. Your job is to work out the rule and predict what the next shape should look like.
Changes might involve size, shading, rotation, position, number of sides, or the addition and removal of elements. Sometimes more than one thing changes at once, so you need to track each feature separately.
Step-by-Step Method
Identify all features
Look at each shape and list its features: shape type, size, shading, rotation, position, and any extra elements (lines, dots, arrows).
Track changes one feature at a time
Compare how each feature changes from one shape to the next. Does it grow? Rotate? Alternate? Increase by one?
Find the pattern
Work out the rule for each changing feature. For example: “the shape rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step” or “the shading alternates between black and white”.
Apply the rule
Use the pattern to predict what the next shape looks like. Check each feature matches your rule.
Worked Examples
A sequence shows: a small white circle, a medium white circle, a large white circle. What comes next?
Working
- Feature: size increases each step (small, medium, large).
- Feature: shape stays the same (circle).
- Feature: shading stays the same (white).
- If the pattern continues growing, the next shape should be an extra-large white circle.
- However, some sequences cycle back. Check the answer options to decide.
A sequence shows: a triangle pointing up, a triangle pointing right, a triangle pointing down, a triangle pointing left. What comes next?
Working
- The triangle rotates 90 degrees clockwise each step.
- Up, right, down, left – the next would be up again (completing the cycle).
A sequence shows: a white square with 1 dot, a grey square with 2 dots, a black square with 3 dots. What comes next?
Working
- Two features are changing:
- Shading: white, grey, black – getting darker each step.
- Dots: 1, 2, 3 – increasing by 1 each step.
- Next: very dark or striped square with 4 dots (or cycle back to white with 4 dots).
Common Mistakes
Only tracking one feature and missing that other features are also changing.
Always check every feature: shape, size, shading, rotation, position, and number of elements.
Assuming a feature keeps increasing forever instead of cycling back.
Many patterns cycle (e.g. small-medium-large-small). Check if the answer options suggest a cycle.
Top Tips
- Make a checklist of features to track: shape, size, colour/shading, rotation, position, extras.
- Draw a small table and write how each feature changes from step to step.
- If two things change at once, track them separately.
- Look at the answer options early – they can help you confirm which features matter.
- Practise describing shapes in words – this helps you notice details.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions