Logical and Abstract Reasoning
What this domain tests
Logical and abstract reasoning measures pattern recognition and rule-based thinking without relying on language or numbers. Item types include shape series, matrices, odd-one-out, rotation and reflection, coding–decoding, and ordering puzzles such as seating or scheduling. The exam wants the rule, not a guess.
Core rules
- In shape sequences, track each attribute separately: number of elements, position, orientation, shading, size and line type.
- For rotation, note the direction (clockwise or anticlockwise) and the step (90°, 45°). Reflection changes chirality; rotation does not.
- Rules may alternate on odd and even steps, so check step 1 to 2, then 2 to 3, before assuming one constant rule.
- For coding, write the alphabet with positions 1–26 and test +1/−1 shifts, reversal (A↔Z), or position arithmetic.
- In ordering puzzles, draw a line or grid. Place fixed items first, then apply “immediately before/after” and all “not” constraints.
- For odd-one-out, find the property shared by all but one: symmetry, number of sides, enclosed regions, or curve versus straight lines.
Worked example
A square has a dot in one corner. At step 1 the dot is top-left and the square is shaded solid. Each step the dot moves 90° clockwise and the shading alternates. Step 2 is dot top-right, outline; step 3 is dot bottom-right, solid. What is step 4?
The dot moves one corner clockwise each step: top-left → top-right → bottom-right → bottom-left, so step 4 is bottom-left. Shading alternates solid, outline, solid, outline, so step 4 is outline. Answer: dot bottom-left, outline. The common error is to let the shading rule reset or to move the dot anticlockwise after the first step.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a single rule controls every attribute at once.
- Continuing a pattern that fits the first three terms but fails the fourth.
- Confusing reflection with rotation when a symbol is not symmetric.
- Ignoring one “not” constraint in an ordering puzzle.
- Overfitting: prefer the simplest rule that explains every given step.