Spatial, Logical and Abstract Reasoning
Spatial, Logical and Abstract Reasoning tests pattern recognition, deduction and mental rotation without relying on learned facts. These items reward a disciplined method more than raw speed.
Core rules
- Number series: test differences, ratios, alternating sequences and squares.
- Syllogisms: draw a Venn diagram; "all A are B" does not imply "all B are A".
- Odd one out: name the property shared by all but one option.
- Spatial items: distinguish rotation from mirror reflection by tracking one feature.
- Coding items: map letters to their positions or to a stated shift.
Worked example
Find the next term: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, __.
The differences are 4, 6, 8 and 10, increasing by 2 each time, so the next difference is 12. Therefore 30 + 12 = 42. A check with the formula n(n+1) gives 6 × 7 = 42, confirming the pattern.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming one arithmetic pattern when a series alternates between two rules.
- Confusing a mirror image with a rotation, especially with letters.
- Treating "some A are B" as "all A are B".
- Losing direction after a series of turns; sketch the path.
- Choosing the first plausible pattern without testing it on every term.