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Abstract Reasoning Examples

Abstract reasoning questions test your ability to identify patterns, logical rules and visual transformations — without using language or numbers. Here are the most common question types with examples and strategies for each.

What is abstract reasoning?

Abstract reasoning — also called inductive reasoning or diagrammatic reasoning — measures your ability to spot patterns and rules in visual sequences. Questions typically show a series of shapes or figures and ask you to identify what comes next, what is missing, or which option follows the same rule.

EPSO abstract reasoning tests include 10 questions with a 10-minute time limit — that is 60 seconds per question. Speed and pattern recognition are both critical.

Common abstract reasoning question types

1. Sequence completion

A row of figures follows a visual rule — rotation, size change, addition or removal of elements. You choose which figure completes the sequence. This is the most common EPSO abstract question type.

Example: A square with 1 dot → square with 2 dots → square with 3 dots → ?
Pattern: Each step adds one dot. The answer is a square with 4 dots.

2. Odd one out

Five figures are shown. Four share a common rule or characteristic. One does not. You identify the figure that does not belong.

Example: Circle, triangle, square, pentagon, filled circle.
Pattern: All shapes are outlines except the filled circle — that is the odd one out.

3. Matrix (grid) completion

A 3×3 grid of figures follows a rule across rows and columns. One cell is missing. You choose which figure fits the pattern. Matrix questions are common in EPSO AD competitions.

Example: Each row contains a small, medium and large version of the same shape. The bottom-right cell is missing.
Strategy: Check rows first, then columns. Apply both rules to narrow down the answer.

4. Rotation and reflection

A figure is shown in its original orientation. You identify which answer option shows the same figure rotated by a specific angle (90°, 180°, 270°) or reflected along an axis.

Tip: Fix one distinctive element of the figure (an asymmetric part, an arrow, a notch) and track where it ends up after the rotation.

5. Analogy (A is to B as C is to ?)

Two figures share a relationship (transformation, rule). You apply the same rule to a third figure to find the correct fourth figure.

Example: Filled square → outline square. Filled circle → ?
Answer: Outline circle. The rule is: remove the fill.

The most common visual patterns in EPSO tests

Most EPSO abstract questions are built around a small set of recurring rules. Learning to recognise these quickly is the most effective way to improve your speed and accuracy.

Number of elementsIncreases or decreases by a fixed amount each step.
Size progressionShapes grow or shrink across the sequence.
RotationFigure rotates by 45°, 90° or 180° each step.
Fill / shadeFilled shapes become outlines, or vice versa.
Position shiftAn element moves clockwise, diagonally or linearly.
SymmetryEach figure is a mirror of the previous one.
Addition / removalA new element appears or disappears each step.
Shape type changeShapes cycle through triangle → square → circle.

How to solve abstract reasoning questions faster

  1. Scan the whole sequence first. Before focusing on details, look at the overall shape, size and number of elements. Identify what is changing.
  2. Focus on one feature at a time. Check number of elements, then size, then rotation, then fill. Do not try to analyse everything simultaneously.
  3. Eliminate impossible answers. If three answer options have the wrong number of shapes, eliminate them immediately and choose between the remaining two.
  4. Use the 30-second rule. If you cannot identify the pattern in 30 seconds, mark your best guess and move on. Do not let one hard question cost you time on easier ones.
  5. Track a single distinctive element. For rotation questions, find the most asymmetric part of the figure and track where it moves — this is faster than mentally rotating the whole image.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in an EPSO abstract reasoning test?

EPSO abstract reasoning tests typically include 10 questions with a 10-minute time limit — 60 seconds per question on average.

Can you improve at abstract reasoning with practice?

Yes. While abstract reasoning measures fluid intelligence, regular practice helps you recognise common patterns faster and reduces the time spent identifying the rule. Most candidates improve their speed significantly within 2-3 weeks of daily practice.

What is the pass mark for EPSO abstract reasoning?

EPSO typically requires around 50-60% correct to pass the pre-selection stage, though this varies by competition and year. A score of 7/10 or higher is generally considered safe.

Are EPSO abstract tests harder than SHL or Korn Ferry tests?

EPSO abstract tests are generally considered more challenging than standard SHL abstract tests because the patterns can be more complex and the time pressure is higher. However, the format is similar.

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