Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge
What the exam tests
Two strands. Logical reasoning: sequences (arithmetic, geometric, alternating), analogies, syllogisms, coding/decoding, spatial reasoning, and truth-teller/liar puzzles. General knowledge: world and African geography, major historical events, science basics, and current institutions (UN, AU, SADC, CPLP).
Traps to expect
- Sequences that alternate between two rules (e.g. +3, ×2, +3, ×2).
- Syllogisms where the conclusion is possible but not certain - only accept conclusions that must follow.
- Questions with "EXCEPT" or "NOT" - underline them before answering.
- Over-reliance on outside knowledge when the answer is derivable from the passage alone.
Rule of thumb
For sequences, write the differences and the ratios between consecutive terms; the pattern usually appears in one of them.
Worked example
Sequence: 2, 6, 7, 21, 22, ? Differences: +4, +1, +14, +1. Ratios: ×3, then +1, then ×3, then +1. Next is ×3: 22 × 3 = 66.