NNAT3 Level E key terms

A repeating or predictable arrangement of shapes, colors, sizes, or positions that follows a rule. Finding the rule lets you predict what comes next or what is missing.

An ordered series of figures in which each item changes according to a consistent rule. The task is to determine which figure belongs in the next or empty position.

The step-by-step change from one figure to the next in a series, such as growing by one side or rotating by a fixed angle. Identifying the step size is the key to solving series items.

The underlying principle that governs how figures in a puzzle relate or change. Every correct answer must satisfy the rule without exception.

The fixed amount added or subtracted at each step of a series, such as one additional dot or one extra side per figure. Spotting the increment reveals the next term.

The fixed amount removed at each step of a series, such as losing one corner or one line per figure. It is the opposite of an increment and signals a shrinking pattern.

A series in which two or more rules take turns, so odd positions follow one rule and even positions follow another. Tracking each strand separately prevents confusion.

A relationship puzzle stating that figure A relates to figure B in the same way figure C relates to a missing figure. The transformation from A to B must be applied to C.

The specific connection between two paired figures, such as same shape but different color, or mirrored orientation. Naming the relationship precisely is the core analogy skill.

A change applied to a figure, including rotation, reflection, resizing, recoloring, or moving parts. Analogies usually require repeating the same transformation on a new figure.

The one-to-one matching between parts of two figures, where each element in one has a partner in the other. Correct correspondence ensures the analogy is applied consistently.

The complete set of pairings showing where each part of one figure moves or changes in another. A full mapping must account for every element, not just the most obvious ones.

Turning a figure around a fixed point by a set angle, such as 90 or 180 degrees. The shape itself stays the same while its orientation changes.

Flipping a figure across a line so it becomes a mirror image. Left and right or top and bottom swap, which rotation alone cannot produce.

The result of reflecting a figure across a line, producing a reversed copy. A mirrored figure cannot be rotated back into the original unless the shape is symmetric.

The direction a figure faces, described by how far it has been turned from a reference position. Two figures can be identical in shape yet differ only in orientation.

A property where a figure looks unchanged after a flip, turn, or slide. Lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry help predict how shapes behave in puzzles.

A line through a figure that divides it into two halves that are mirror images of each other. Some shapes have several such lines; others have none.

Where a figure or its parts sit within the puzzle area, such as top-left or center. Position changes are a common rule in both series and completion items.

The layout of multiple elements relative to one another, including spacing, alignment, and grouping. Noticing arrangement patterns helps distinguish the correct option from near misses.

A puzzle type in which a large design has a missing section and you choose the piece that restores the overall design. The piece must match the surrounding lines, shapes, and colors.

The absent portion of a design that must be filled from the answer choices. It must continue every line and repeat every element that crosses its borders.

The smooth extension of lines, edges, and color regions across a boundary into the missing area. Breaks in continuity usually mark a wrong answer.

Checking that lines, colors, and shapes at the border of a candidate piece line up exactly with those on the surrounding design. Mismatched edges eliminate an option immediately.

The complete picture or pattern that the finished puzzle should form. Understanding the whole design guides which piece logically belongs in the gap.

The correct lining up of elements along a straight line or grid, such as rows of dots or parallel edges. Misalignment is a frequent flaw in incorrect answer choices.

The ability to picture how shapes look when moved, turned, flipped, or combined in your mind. It underlies many puzzle types, especially those involving rotation and assembly.

Imagining a figure turned by a given angle without physically moving it. Practicing this skill makes it faster to compare a rotated shape with answer choices.

Any shape, symbol, or drawing used in a puzzle item. Figures may differ in size, color, orientation, or internal detail.

A single component of a figure, such as a dot, line, or small triangle. Counting and tracking elements separately is essential for spotting rules.

A measurable feature of a figure, including color, size, number of sides, fill, and orientation. Rules usually change one attribute at a time while others stay fixed.

An incorrect answer choice designed to look plausible by matching some but not all features of the pattern. Eliminating distractors one feature at a time is a reliable strategy.

The strategy of ruling out answer choices that violate any part of the discovered rule. It is often faster than confirming the correct answer directly.

A condition that a correct answer must satisfy, such as matching color, count, or orientation. Listing constraints before comparing options sharpens decision-making.

Applying the same rule uniformly across all parts of a puzzle. If a proposed rule fails on even one figure, it is not the intended rule.

The outline form of a figure, defined by its sides, angles, and curves. Shape identity matters even when size or orientation changes.