Blog

Abstract Reasoning Tips

Abstract reasoning or non-verbal reasoning questions are often part of aptitude tests and assessments used by employers, educational institutions, and various other organizations to evaluate a person's problem-solving abilities, creativity, and pattern recognition skills. Here are some tips to help you tackle these types of questions effectively:

Understand the Question Format:

Familiarise yourself with the format of abstract reasoning questions. These questions typically involve visual patterns, shapes, or designs, and your task is to identify the underlying rules or relationships.

Analyse Patterns:

Start by examining the patterns or shapes presented in the question. Look for any similarities, differences, rotations, reflections, or transformations.

Identify the Rule:

Try to identify the rule or relationship governing the patterns. Consider how the elements within the patterns change from one step to the next.

Work Step by Step:

Begin with the first set of patterns and figure out the rule or transformation that applies to them. Then, apply the same rule to the subsequent sets.

Practice Regularly:

Practice is key to improving your abstract reasoning skills. You can find practice tests and sample questions online or in aptitude test preparation books.

Develop a Systematic Approach:

Create a systematic method for solving abstract reasoning questions. For example, you might start by examining the number of sides, angles, or colours in the patterns and how they change.

Look for Consistency:

Be on the lookout for consistent patterns or rules that apply across all the elements in a given set of patterns.

Use Process of Elimination:

If you're unsure about an answer, try to eliminate choices that clearly do not follow the observed pattern. This can increase your chances of selecting the correct option.

Time Management:

Abstract reasoning tests are often timed. Allocate a specific amount of time to each question and move on if you get stuck. You can always return to difficult questions later if time allows.
Stay Calm and Focused:

Abstract reasoning questions can be challenging, so it's important to stay calm and focused. Don't get discouraged by difficult questions; move on and come back to them if necessary.

Learn from Mistakes:

After taking practice tests or assessments, review your answers and understand where you went wrong. Learning from your mistakes is a valuable part of improving your abstract reasoning skills.

Seek Guidance:

If you find abstract reasoning particularly challenging, consider seeking guidance or assistance from a tutor or coach from Educatify who specialises in aptitude test preparation.

Remember that abstract reasoning is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and a structured approach. With consistent effort, you can improve your performance on these types of questions.