How to explain coordinates and shapes in plotting coordinates to your student: Example question for 11+
27 October 2026
Understanding how to plot coordinates and spot shapes on a grid is a key skill for 11+ maths. Children learn to read each pair of numbers and place points in the right spot, helping them see the shapes that appear.
Worked example
Plot the points (2, 3), (5, 3), (5, 6), and (2, 6) on a coordinate grid. What shape do they make?
Step 1: Read the coordinates. The first number is the x-coordinate (across). The second number is the y-coordinate (up).
Step 2: Plot (2, 3). Start at 0. Move 2 squares across, then 3 squares up. Put a point.
Step 3: Plot (5, 3). Start at 0. Move 5 across, then 3 up. Put a point.
Step 4: Plot (5, 6). Start at 0. Move 5 across, then 6 up. Put a point.
Step 5: Plot (2, 6). Start at 0. Move 2 across, then 6 up. Put a point.
Step 6: Join the points in order: (2, 3) to (5, 3), then to (5, 6), then to (2, 6), and back to (2, 3).
Key insight: The points are joined in a loop. The sides are straight and the corners are right angles.
The correct answer is: The shape is a rectangle.
After this example, your child will recognise how coordinates work together to form a shape. They will be ready to practise similar questions and build their confidence with plotting and identifying shapes on a grid.
