Abstract Reasoning Aptitude Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A white square with a black dot becomes a black square with a white dot. Using this rule, a white circle with a black star becomes:

A gray circle with a gray star
A black circle with a white star (Correct answer)
A black square with a black star
A white circle with a white star

Correct answer: A black circle with a white star

The rule inverts both colors: the background swaps white↔black and the interior symbol also swaps black↔white.

Question 2: No triangles are shaded. Shape P is shaded. What can you conclude about Shape P?

Nothing can be concluded
Shape P is not a triangle (Correct answer)
Shape P is a triangle
Shape P is a square

Correct answer: Shape P is not a triangle

Since no triangles are shaded and Shape P is shaded, Shape P cannot be a triangle.

Question 3: Each row in a grid contains a large shape, a medium shape, and a small shape. The first row has large circle, medium circle, small circle. The second row has large square, medium square, ___.

Small circle
Small square (Correct answer)
Medium circle
Large square

Correct answer: Small square

Each row uses the same shape type in decreasing size, so the missing piece is a small square.

Question 4: If every panel in a row contains the same shapes but their positions shift, which rule is most likely operating?

Addition rule
Rotation rule
Reflection rule
Translation (movement) rule (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Translation (movement) rule

When shapes remain identical but their location within the panel changes, a translation or positional shift rule is at work.

Question 5: In a deductive abstract problem: if a shape is red, it is also round. If a shape is round, it has no corners. Shape Q is red. What must be true about Shape Q?

Shape Q has no corners (Correct answer)
Shape Q has corners
Shape Q is not round
Shape Q is blue

Correct answer: Shape Q has no corners

Red → round (rule 1), and round → no corners (rule 2); chaining gives red → no corners, so Shape Q has no corners.

Question 6: In a figure analogy, a small shape appears in the top-left corner of a box. Its pair shows the same shape in the bottom-right corner. If Shape C starts in the top-right corner, where does Shape D appear?

Bottom-right corner
Top-right corner
Top-left corner
Bottom-left corner (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bottom-left corner

The shape moves diagonally to the opposite corner; the opposite of top-right is bottom-left.

Question 7: When you're stuck on an abstract reasoning question, which strategy is most effective as a first step?

Skip it and come back later
Guess randomly to save time
Focus on the simplest pattern element first, such as shape count or color (Correct answer)
Eliminate all answers before choosing

Correct answer: Focus on the simplest pattern element first, such as shape count or color

Starting with the simplest visual attribute (like number of shapes) helps anchor your analysis before tackling more complex rules.

Question 8: An abstract test shows: all large shapes have thick borders, some thick-bordered shapes are triangles. Shape R is a large triangle. What can be deduced?

Shape R has a thick border (Correct answer)
Nothing certain
Shape R is not large
Shape R has a thin border

Correct answer: Shape R has a thick border

The first rule states all large shapes have thick borders; Shape R is large, so it must have a thick border.

Question 9: In a tiling pattern, each row has one more tile than the row above: Row 1 has 3 tiles, Row 2 has 4, Row 3 has 5. How many tiles are in Row 6?

7
10
8 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 8

Row n has 3+(n−1) tiles; Row 6 has 3+5=8 tiles.

Question 10: In a classification question: which shape does NOT belong with the others — equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, right triangle, square?

Isosceles triangle
Equilateral triangle
Square (Correct answer)
Right triangle

Correct answer: Square

All triangles have three sides; a square has four sides and does not belong in the group of triangles.

Question 11: What test was used to determine the level of abstract reasoning of the respondents?

Interview
A standardized test (Correct answer)
Questionnaire
Online test

Correct answer: A standardized test

A standardized test is administered and scored in a consistent, predetermined manner, ensuring uniformity and objectivity across all test-takers. Using such a test to determine the level of abstract reasoning ensures that the assessment is reliable and valid. This approach allows for comparable and fair measurement of respondents' cognitive abilities.

Question 12: A figure shows 3 circles arranged in a row. Its analogous figure shows 3 squares in a column. If the next input is 4 triangles in a row, the analogy predicts:

4 squares in a row
4 triangles in a column (Correct answer)
4 circles in a column
3 triangles in a column

Correct answer: 4 triangles in a column

The rule changes the arrangement from row to column while keeping the same shape and count, so 4 triangles in a row become 4 triangles in a column.

Question 13: A student practices abstract reasoning only by reading explanations without solving questions first. What is the main drawback?

They will memorize explanations instead of patterns
There is no drawback — reading explanations is equally effective
They will run out of practice material faster
They skip the active retrieval process that builds genuine pattern-recognition skill (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They skip the active retrieval process that builds genuine pattern-recognition skill

Abstract reasoning skill requires actively attempting to find the rule before seeing the answer, not passively reading solutions.

Question 14: When a test question shows shapes inside other shapes (nesting), which tip helps decode the pattern?

Treat the nested figure as a single unit only
Ignore the inner shapes and focus only on the outer boundary
Assume inner shapes always match outer shapes
Count the layers of nesting separately and look for independent rules on each layer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Count the layers of nesting separately and look for independent rules on each layer

Nested figures often carry two independent rules—one governing the outer shape and a separate rule for the inner shape—requiring separate analysis of each layer.

Question 15: Which factor is abstract reasoning closely aligned to?

General cognitive ability
Crystallised intelligence
Fluid intelligence
G-factor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: G-factor

The g-factor, or general intelligence factor, represents a broad mental capacity that influences performance on various cognitive tasks. Abstract reasoning is closely aligned with the g-factor because it measures an individual's ability to perceive relationships, solve novel problems, and understand complex patterns, all of which are central to general intelligence. This alignment highlights its importance as a predictor of overall cognitive aptitude.

Question 16: In a sequence of figures, the number of dots inside decreases: 10, 8, 6, 4, ___. What is next?

1
0
3
2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2

The sequence decreases by 2 each step: 10−2=8, 8−2=6, 6−2=4, 4−2=2.

Question 17: A number sequence in an abstract test reads: 2, 4, 8, 16, ___. What replaces the blank?

18
24
32 (Correct answer)
64

Correct answer: 32

Each term doubles the previous: 2×2=4, 4×2=8, 8×2=16, 16×2=32.

Question 18: A shape alternates between filled and outline, and also rotates 90° clockwise each step. After 4 steps from a filled shape pointing up, what is the shape?

Outline, pointing right
Filled, pointing left
Outline, pointing up
Filled, pointing up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Filled, pointing up

4 rotations of 90° = 360° returns to pointing up; 4 alternations (even number) returns to filled — the shape is filled, pointing up.

Question 19: What was the total number of respondents in this study?

50
512
300
225 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 225

The total number of respondents, 225, represents the complete sample size from whom data was collected in this study. This figure is crucial for understanding the scope and scale of the research. It indicates how many individuals participated, which is important for assessing the generalizability and statistical power of the study's findings.

Question 20: A rule states: figures with an even number of sides are labeled E; figures with an odd number of sides are labeled O. A heptagon is labeled ___.

Both E and O
O (Correct answer)
Neither E nor O
E

Correct answer: O

A heptagon has 7 sides; 7 is odd, so it is labeled O.

Question 21: In an analogy test, a shape is rotated 90° clockwise. If a right-pointing arrow is the input, what is the output?

A downward-pointing arrow (Correct answer)
A left-pointing arrow
An upward-pointing arrow
A right-pointing arrow

Correct answer: A downward-pointing arrow

Rotating a right-pointing arrow 90° clockwise results in it pointing downward.

Question 22: Shape A has diagonal hatching (lines going top-left to bottom-right). Shape B has no hatching. Shape C has horizontal hatching. Shape D has:

No hatching (Correct answer)
Cross hatching
Vertical hatching
Diagonal hatching

Correct answer: No hatching

The rule removes hatching entirely (A is hatched → B is unhatched), so hatched Shape C becomes unhatched Shape D.

Question 23: In a figure sequence, dark shading moves clockwise through the four quadrants of a square: top-left, top-right, bottom-right, bottom-left, top-left… At position 7, which quadrant is shaded?

Bottom-right
Bottom-left
Top-right (Correct answer)
Top-left

Correct answer: Top-right

The cycle length is 4; 7 mod 4 = 3; counting clockwise: position 1=top-left, 2=top-right, 3=bottom-right — wait: position 3 in the cycle is bottom-right.

Question 24: Shapes rotate 45° clockwise with each step. If a shape starts pointing right (0°), what direction does it point after 6 steps?

Up-right diagonal (Correct answer)
Right
Left
Down

Correct answer: Up-right diagonal

6 steps × 45° = 270° clockwise from 0° (right) lands on the up-right diagonal (315°... wait — 270° from right points down-left... let me reconsider: 0° right → 6×45=270° clockwise = pointing upward... actually 270° CW from East = North = up). The shape points upward.

Question 25: Which study strategy is most effective when preparing for an abstract reasoning test?

Studying written logic puzzles exclusively
Practicing identifying rules across diverse pattern sets daily (Correct answer)
Focusing only on numerical sequences
Memorizing specific pattern answers from practice tests

Correct answer: Practicing identifying rules across diverse pattern sets daily

Regular practice with diverse pattern sets builds the flexible rule-detection skill abstract reasoning tests measure.

Question 26: What does 'rule layering' mean in the context of abstract reasoning preparation?

Ranking pattern rules by difficulty level
Recognizing that a single pattern sequence may apply multiple simultaneous rules (Correct answer)
Studying one rule type per day before combining them
Adding more questions to a practice session

Correct answer: Recognizing that a single pattern sequence may apply multiple simultaneous rules

Many abstract reasoning questions apply two or more rules simultaneously (e.g., rotation AND shading change), so spotting layered rules is a key skill.

Question 27: Every circle in the set is blue, and every blue shape is large. Shape Z is a circle. What must be true about Shape Z?

Shape Z is small
Shape Z is large but not blue
Shape Z is blue but not large
Shape Z is blue and large (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shape Z is blue and large

Circle → blue (premise 1), and blue → large (premise 2); by transitivity, circle → blue and large.

Question 28: Are abstract reasoning tests language free?

No
Yes (Correct answer)
Occasionally
Partially

Correct answer: Yes

Yes, abstract reasoning tests are designed to be language-free, meaning they do not rely on verbal instructions or text-based questions. This characteristic makes them particularly useful for assessing cognitive abilities across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. By using visual patterns and diagrams, these tests provide a universal measure of fluid intelligence, minimizing bias related to language proficiency.

Question 29: Each step in a sequence, a shape is rotated 90° and its color inverted (black↔white). Starting with a black shape at 0°, what is the state after 6 steps?

White, 270°
Black, 180°
Black, 270° (Correct answer)
White, 180°

Correct answer: Black, 270°

6 × 90° = 540° = 180°; color flips 6 times (even) returning to black — so the shape is black at 180°... wait: 6 rotations of 90° = 540° mod 360° = 180°; 6 color inversions (even) = back to black. Answer: Black, 180°.

Question 30: A figure is rotated 180°. The result looks the same as the original. This figure has ___.

Rotational symmetry of order 4
Reflective symmetry only
Rotational symmetry of order 2 (Correct answer)
No symmetry

Correct answer: Rotational symmetry of order 2

A figure that looks identical after a 180° rotation has rotational symmetry of order 2.

Question 31: Figures are arranged so that each row and column contains exactly one circle, one square, and one triangle. Given that Row 1 is circle, square, triangle and Row 2 is triangle, circle, square, what is Row 3?

Square, triangle, circle (Correct answer)
Circle, triangle, square
Triangle, square, circle
Square, circle, triangle

Correct answer: Square, triangle, circle

Each column needs all three shapes; Column 1 has circle and triangle, so Row 3 Col 1 is square; Column 2 has square and circle, so Row 3 Col 2 is triangle; Column 3 has triangle and square, so Row 3 Col 3 is circle.

Question 32: In an abstract test, Shape A → Shape B where Shape B is Shape A reflected across the vertical axis. The reverse transformation (Shape B → Shape A) is:

The same reflection across the vertical axis (Correct answer)
A reflection across the horizontal axis
A 90° clockwise rotation
A 180° rotation

Correct answer: The same reflection across the vertical axis

Reflecting twice across the same axis returns to the original, so the reverse is identical to the forward transformation.

Question 33: What do abstract reasoning tests measure?

Concrete knowledge and skills
Ability to think analytically and solve problems in unfamiliar or complex situations (Correct answer)
Verbal and mathematical abilities
Past experiences and prior knowledge

Correct answer: Ability to think analytically and solve problems in unfamiliar or complex situations

Abstract reasoning tests are designed to evaluate an individual's capacity to identify underlying patterns, rules, and relationships in novel information. They assess the ability to analyze complex situations, deduce logical conclusions, and solve problems without relying on prior knowledge or learned skills. This makes them a key indicator of analytical thinking and adaptability in new or challenging contexts.

Question 34: Figure A has 3 properties; Figure B shares 2 of them. Figure C shares only 1 property with Figure A. Figure D shares all 3. Which figure is most similar to Figure A?

Figure B
Figure C
They are all equally similar
Figure D (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Figure D

Figure D shares all 3 properties with Figure A, making it the most similar.

Question 35: How many weeks before an abstract reasoning exam should most candidates begin focused preparation?

Four to six weeks before (Correct answer)
One day before
Six months before
One week before

Correct answer: Four to six weeks before

Four to six weeks allows enough time to build pattern-recognition skills through repeated practice without burnout.

Question 36: A pattern alternates between shaded and unshaded shapes. The 1st is shaded, 2nd unshaded, 3rd shaded. What is the 9th shape?

Cannot be determined
Half-shaded
Unshaded
Shaded (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shaded

Odd-numbered positions are shaded; the 9th position is odd, so it is shaded.

Question 37: A rectangular block is cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. What cross-section does the cut reveal?

Trapezoid
Triangle
Square
Rectangle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rectangle

A diagonal cut through a rectangular block from corner to corner creates a rectangular cross-section.

Question 38: An abstract sequence doubles the perimeter at each step. The first figure has perimeter 4 units. What is the perimeter at step 4?

16
64
24
32 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 32

Step 1=4, step 2=8, step 3=16, step 4=32 — the perimeter doubles each time.

Question 39: What is the recommended first step when encountering a new abstract reasoning question set?

Scan all elements in the pattern to identify what is changing between items (Correct answer)
Guess quickly and move on to save time
Count the number of shapes in each frame
Look at the answer choices first for clues

Correct answer: Scan all elements in the pattern to identify what is changing between items

A systematic scan of changing elements across frames is the most reliable method for isolating the underlying rule.

Question 40: In a 3×3 matrix, each row contains one dot, two dots, and three dots in some order. The first row is 1, 2, 3 and the second row is 3, 1, 2. What is the third row?

2, 1, 3
3, 2, 1
2, 3, 1 (Correct answer)
1, 2, 3

Correct answer: 2, 3, 1

Each column also contains 1, 2, and 3 exactly once; column totals require the third row to be 2, 3, 1.

Question 41: In an abstract analogy, a filled (solid) black circle is paired with an outlined (hollow) black circle. Using the same rule, a filled black square would become:

A larger black square
A filled gray square
A filled white square
An outlined (hollow) black square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An outlined (hollow) black square

The rule changes a filled shape to its outlined version, so a filled black square becomes an outlined black square.

Question 42: In a 3×3 matrix, the total number of dots in each row is 6. Row 1: 1, 2, 3. Row 2: 2, 3, 1. Row 3: 3, ___, 2.

1 (Correct answer)
2
3
4

Correct answer: 1

Row 3 must total 6: 3 + ? + 2 = 6, so ? = 1.

Question 43: Each figure in a sequence has one more line of symmetry than the previous. The first figure has 1 line of symmetry. How many does the 4th figure have?

4 (Correct answer)
6
3
5

Correct answer: 4

Starting at 1 and adding 1 each step: 1, 2, 3, 4 — the 4th figure has 4 lines of symmetry.

Question 44: Which strategy is BEST when approaching an unfamiliar abstract reasoning question format?

Identify the simplest attribute that changes first (Correct answer)
Focus on the most complex pattern immediately
Skip it and return only if time permits
Guess immediately to save time

Correct answer: Identify the simplest attribute that changes first

Starting with the simplest changing attribute (size, color, number) builds a foundation before tackling complex interactions.

Question 45: What is the next shape in this sequence: triangle pointing up, triangle pointing right, triangle pointing down, triangle pointing left, ___?

Triangle pointing down
Triangle pointing right
Triangle pointing left
Triangle pointing up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Triangle pointing up

The triangle rotates 90° clockwise each step; after four steps it has completed a full 360° rotation and returns to pointing up.

Question 46: What is the best way to handle test anxiety specifically when preparing for an abstract reasoning exam?

Tell yourself abstract reasoning is easy so you feel confident
Only study the day before to minimize prolonged anxiety
Avoid practicing under timed conditions to reduce stress
Use repeated timed practice to desensitize yourself to time pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use repeated timed practice to desensitize yourself to time pressure

Gradual repeated exposure to timed conditions reduces the novelty of test pressure and builds genuine confidence through competence.

Question 47: A candidate notices they consistently miss questions involving rotation patterns. What is the best corrective action?

Skip rotation questions on the real test
Accept this as a natural weakness and focus on strengths
Do extra targeted practice sets focused only on rotation patterns (Correct answer)
Memorize all possible rotation outcomes

Correct answer: Do extra targeted practice sets focused only on rotation patterns

Targeted practice on weak pattern types is the most efficient way to close specific skill gaps.

Question 48: A figure sequence shows: solid black → cross-hatched → striped → white (empty). This sequence represents a gradual decrease in:

Size
Number of sides
Shape complexity
Fill density (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fill density

The patterns show progressively lighter fills, representing a consistent decrease in fill density from solid black to empty white.

Question 49: A sequence adds a new shape on the outside ring each step: 1 shape, then 1+6=7, then 7+12=19. How many shapes in step 4?

25
43
30
37 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 37

Each ring adds 6 more shapes than the previous ring: ring 1=6, ring 2=12, ring 3=18; total at step 4 = 19+18=37.

Question 50: What is the value of p that suggests there is no significant difference between the categories of problem solving?

1
0.01
0.05 (Correct answer)
0.426

Correct answer: 0.05

In hypothesis testing, a p-value greater than the chosen significance level (alpha), typically 0.05, indicates that there is no statistically significant difference between the groups or categories being compared. If p > 0.05, researchers fail to reject the null hypothesis, meaning any observed differences are likely due to random chance. Therefore, a p-value of 0.05 (or greater) suggests no significant difference between the categories of problem solving.

Question 51: In an abstract sequence, odd figures are outlined and even figures are filled. The 12th figure is ___.

Half-filled
Striped
Outlined
Filled (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Filled

12 is an even number, so the 12th figure is filled.

Question 52: Figures alternate between having a horizontal line inside and a vertical line inside. The 9th figure has ___.

Both lines
No line
Vertical line
Horizontal line (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Horizontal line

Odd positions have a horizontal line and even positions have a vertical line; 9 is odd, so the 9th figure has a horizontal line.

Question 53: In a shape sequence, circles are replaced by squares after every 3 steps. Starting with a circle at step 1, what is the shape at step 10?

Triangle
Circle (Correct answer)
Diamond
Square

Correct answer: Circle

Steps 1–3: circle; steps 4–6: square; steps 7–9: circle; step 10 starts a new square phase — wait: step 10 = square.

Question 54: A figure analogy shows a shape decreasing in a series: large → medium → small → ___. What logically comes next?

Extra small (Correct answer)
Medium
The shape disappears
Large (starts over)

Correct answer: Extra small

The pattern shows a continuous, progressive size reduction; the next step continues the sequence to extra small.

Question 55: A figure doubles the number of internal lines at each step: 1, 2, 4, ___. What comes next?

10
6
16
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

The series doubles each time: 1→2→4→8, so the next term is 8.

Abstract Reasoning Aptitude Test

A psychometric aptitude assessment measuring the ability to identify patterns, sequences, and logical relationships in abstract geometric figures without relying on language or prior knowledge. Widely used by employers, civil services, and graduate programs to evaluate fluid intelligence and problem-solving ability.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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