Abstract Reasoning Practice Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Solutions
Reading about abstract reasoning is useful—but seeing how it works in practice is better. This walkthrough takes you through several example questions step by step. You'll see how to identify the rule, apply it, and choose the correct answer. Use this as a model for your own practice.
Example 1: Figure Series (Rotation)
Question – A sequence of 4 figures: a square with a dot in the corner. The dot moves from top-left to top-right to bottom-right to bottom-left. What's the next figure?
Step 1: Look at the whole sequence – The square has one dot. The dot moves.
Step 2: Trace the dot – Top-left → top-right → bottom-right → bottom-left. That's clockwise around the corners.
Step 3: Apply the rule – The next position is top-left again (we've completed a cycle). Or the dot continues to the next corner. If it's a cycle of 4, the next is top-left. If it's a continuous path, the next is top-left (same as figure 1).
Step 4: Match the options – Look for the figure with the dot in top-left. That's the answer.
Rule identified – Dot moves clockwise around the corners. Cycle of 4.
Example 2: Matrix (Row Rule)
Question – A 3×3 matrix. Row 1: triangle, square, circle. Row 2: square, circle, triangle. Row 3: circle, triangle, ?. What goes in the empty cell?
Step 1: Look at the rows – Each row has triangle, square, circle. The order changes.
Step 2: Compare rows – Row 1: T, S, C. Row 2: S, C, T. Row 3: C, T, ?. So row 3 needs the square (S) to complete the set.
Step 3: Verify – Each row has one of each shape. Row 3 has circle and triangle. Missing: square.
Step 4: Match the options – Choose the square.
Rule identified – Each row contains one triangle, one square, one circle. The missing cell is the shape not yet in that row.
Example 3: Figure Series (Number + Rotation)
Question – A sequence of 4 figures. Each has a shape. Figure 1: 1 shape. Figure 2: 2 shapes. Figure 3: 3 shapes. Figure 4: 4 shapes. The shapes also rotate 90° from figure to figure. What's the next figure?
Step 1: Identify the rules – Number: +1 per figure. Rotation: 90° per figure.
Step 2: Apply both – Figure 5 should have 5 shapes. And the shapes should be rotated 90° from figure 4.
Step 3: Match the options – Look for the option with 5 shapes in the correct orientation. Eliminate options with fewer or more shapes. Eliminate options with wrong rotation.
Rule identified – Number increases by 1. Rotation 90° per figure.
Example 4: Odd One Out
Question – Five figures. Four have a vertical line of symmetry. One doesn't. Which is the odd one out?
Step 1: Check symmetry – For each figure, mentally fold it along a vertical line. Do the two halves match?
Step 2: Find the exception – Four figures match. One doesn't. That's the odd one out.
Step 3: Verify – Double-check the odd one. Does it really lack vertical symmetry? Yes.
Rule identified – Four figures have vertical symmetry. One doesn't.
General Approach from These Examples
Always look at the whole – Don't focus on two figures. The rule must fit the entire sequence or matrix.
Use a checklist – Rotation, reflection, number, colour, size, position. Run through it.
Apply the rule – Don't just identify it. Apply it to get the next figure or the missing cell. Then match the options.
Check your answer – Does it work for the whole pattern? If not, re-check the rule.
Practice – The more you do, the faster you'll recognise rules. Use these examples as a template. Then do more questions on your own.
Practice with abstract reasoning questions and the abstract reasoning test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many examples should I work through before doing timed practice?
Work through 10–20 examples slowly and carefully. Then switch to timed practice. The slow work builds the pattern library; the timed work builds speed.
What if I can't find the rule?
Use elimination. Rule out options that clearly violate the pattern. The remaining option may be correct. If still stuck, guess and move on.
Should I write down the rule?
In practice, yes—it helps you articulate it. In the real test, you usually don't have time. Work mentally. But the mental process should be the same.