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Non-verbal reasoning: rotations

Rotation questions ask what a shape looks like after being turned by a quarter, half or three-quarter turn. Track one feature of the shape (like a pointer) as it turns.

What is tested

  • 90°, 180° and 270° turns, clockwise and anticlockwise
  • Rotating patterns inside a shape
  • Rotation in a sequence

Worked example

An arrow points up. Turn it 90° clockwise. Where does it point?

  1. Up turns to right with a quarter turn clockwise.

Answer: right

Exam-day checklist

  • Mark one feature (arrow tip, corner) and follow it.
  • Know the quarter turns: up, right, down, left.
  • For anticlockwise, go the other way.
  • Check with a half turn: it is upside down.

Common mistakes

  • Turning the wrong direction.
  • Mixing rotation with reflection.
  • Losing track of the mark.

Try it yourself

1. The arrow points right and is given a half turn (180°). Where does it point?

half turn?
Show answer

left

A half turn reverses the direction.

2. The arrow points down and is turned 90° anticlockwise. Where does it point?

quarter turn anticlockwise?
Show answer

right

Anticlockwise from down goes to right.

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