Reasoning and Mental Ability
Reasoning tests pattern recognition and logical consistency rather than computation. Expect coding-decoding, series, blood relations, directions, seating arrangement, syllogism, analogy, classification and non-verbal figures. The safest method is to write the given conditions in a compact table or diagram before choosing an answer.
Core rules
- Coding-decoding: check letter positions, reversals, shifts and word patterns; apply the same rule to the new word.
- Blood relations: draw a family tree; do not assume gender from a relationship word alone.
- Directions: fix north and track left/right turns from the facing direction, not from the page.
- Syllogism: use Venn diagrams; “some A are B” does not imply “some B are A” in every conventional exam setting unless conversion is allowed, and “all” statements need careful checking.
- Series: test differences, ratios, squares, cubes and alternating patterns.
Worked example
If LABOUR is coded as MBCPVS, each letter moves one step forward: L→M, A→B, B→C, O→P, U→V, R→S. Apply the same rule to WAGE: W→X, A→B, G→H, E→F, giving XBHF. The reasoning is a uniform +1 shift, not a random substitution.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a person’s gender from a surname or role.
- Forgetting that “left” and “right” reverse when a person faces south.
- Treating “some” as “all” in syllogism.
- Missing an alternating series pattern.
- Overlooking negative or reverse coding.