NNAT Serial Reasoning, Explained
Shapes change step by step across a sequence, and your child works out what comes next. Unlike a repeating pattern, a series EVOLVES — something rotates a little further, grows a little bigger, or cycles through positions each step.
The skill is spotting the step: comparing each frame with the one before it and describing the move. It appears from Level B onward and rewards systematic lookers over guessers.
How to reason through it
- 1Compare frame 1 to frame 2: what moved, turned, or changed? Then confirm the same step happens from frame 2 to 3.
- 2Say the step aloud as a rule ("the dot moves one corner clockwise each time").
- 3Apply the rule once more to get the next frame — predict before peeking.
- 4If the step doesn't repeat, check for alternation between two steps.
Common mistakes
- Comparing only the last frame to the answers instead of finding the step
- Assuming the first step repeats when steps alternate or grow
- Losing track of two objects moving on different rules in the same series
Try real Serial Reasoning questions
Actual Archer Anthem practice questions — tap an answer for instant feedback and the visual explanation.
Try it: Serial Reasoning (Level C practice question — tap an answer)
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B
Each square gets progressively lighter from left to right. The missing piece should be the lightest square.
Try it: Serial Reasoning (Level C practice question — tap an answer)
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C
The pattern repeats: diamond, hexagon, star. The missing piece should be a hexagon.
The other NNAT question types
Start from the beginning: the NNAT parent's guide · free interactive practice
NNAT practice books
NNAT Level B Practice Tests for 1st Grade
NNAT Level B Practice Tests for 1st Grade
NNAT Level A Practice Tests for Kindergarten
NNAT Level A Practice Tests for Kindergarten
Practice Serial Reasoning free
The free sample sets include this question type with instant feedback and visual explanations.
Free NNAT practiceNNAT® (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test®) is a registered trademark of Pearson Education, Inc. CogAT® (Cognitive Abilities Test™) is a registered trademark of Riverside Assessments, LLC. Neither Pearson nor Riverside is affiliated with, nor do they endorse, Archer Anthem. Archer Anthem materials are independent practice resources in the style of these assessments.