Abstract Reasoning Guide 4

Question 1

In abstract reasoning, what does 'distractors' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Irrelevant shapes placed to mislead the test-taker

Answer

Distractors are intentionally misleading elements designed to draw attention away from the true underlying pattern.

Question 2

A series: ★★★, ★★, ★, ★★, ★★★, ★★, ★. What are the next two terms?

Accepted Answer

★★, ★★★

Answer

The repeating cycle is 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1... so after ★ comes ★★ then ★★★.

Question 3

A 3×3 matrix is missing its center cell. You identify two candidate rules. Rule A fits 8 of 8 given cells. Rule B fits 6 of 8. Which do you apply?

Accepted Answer

Rule A, because it is consistent with all given cells

Answer

A rule that fits all observable cells is the valid pattern; Rule B's two exceptions disqualify it.

Question 4

Each step, a square is divided into one more equal section than the step before. Step 1: 2 sections, Step 2: 3 sections. How many sections at Step 7?

Accepted Answer

8

Answer

Sections = step number + 1, so Step 7 = 7 + 1 = 8.

Question 5

Which attribute is LEAST useful to check first when analyzing an abstract matrix?

Accepted Answer

The aesthetic symmetry of the overall grid

Answer

Overall aesthetic symmetry is a subjective impression and rarely encodes a testable rule; concrete attributes like count, color, and orientation are more reliable.

Abstract Reasoning Practice Test

Abstract Reasoning Practice Test

Abstract Reasoning Guide 4