GNET Preparation Guide Graduate NUST Entry Test

GNET
GRADUATE NUST ENTRY TEST
Complete Preparation Guide

Total Questions 100

Total Time 120 minutes

Negative Marking None — attempt every question

Quantitative Section 35 questions

Verbal Section 35 questions

Analytical Section 30 questions

Average Pace ~72 seconds per question

What's Inside This Guide

Full concept review for all 16 topics across Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical sections
80+ worked examples progressing from Beginner to Expert, each with complete step-by-step
solutions
Topic-specific time-saving strategies, shortcuts, and common mistakes to avoid
A full 120-minute exam time-management strategy
A quick-access formula and rules reference sheet

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Table of Contents
Overall Exam Strategy
How to manage 120 minutes across 100 questions

Section 1: Quantitative Reasoning

Arithmetic · Algebra · Geometry · Statistics & Data Interpretation

Section 2: Verbal Reasoning

Vocabulary · Grammar · Sentence Skills · Reading Comprehension

Section 3: Analytical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning · Pattern Recognition · Analytical Puzzles · Critical Reasoning

Quick Formula & Rules Reference Sheet

All key formulas and rules in one place for last-minute review

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MASTER PLAN

Overall Exam Strategy

How to manage 120 minutes across 100 questions

120 minutes, 100 questions, no negative marking — so never leave a question blank. The plan:
time-box each section, attempt everything, and triage difficulty on the fly.

Recommended Time Allocation

Section Questions Suggested Time Pace / Question
Quantitative 35 44 minutes ~75 seconds
Verbal 35 36 minutes ~62 seconds
Analytical 30 34 minutes ~68 seconds
Buffer / Review — 6 minutes Final check & guesses

Phase 1 — First Pass (0–95 min): Attempt and Triage

• Answer every question solvable within ~60-80 seconds; if stuck past ~90 seconds, guess
and move on (no penalty).
• Quant: do Arithmetic/Statistics first (fastest), then Algebra/Geometry.
• Verbal: do Vocabulary/Grammar first, then Sentence Skills, then Reading Comprehension
(slower but multi-question payoff).
• Analytical: do Pattern Recognition/Coding first; budget more time for Critical Reasoning
and Blood Relations.

Phase 2 — Second Pass (95–114 min): Return to Flagged Questions

• Revisit flagged questions with fresh eyes — momentum from easier questions often
unlocks them.
• Eliminate clearly wrong options before guessing on anything still unsolved.
• Cap each revisit at 90 seconds — lock in a guess and move on if still stuck.

Phase 3 — Final Check (114–120 min): Verify Coverage

• Confirm every question has an answer selected — a blank is a guaranteed lost mark.
• Scan for bubbling/selection errors, especially on revisited questions.
• Don't re-derive answered questions from scratch — use this time for coverage, not rework.

🎯 General Tips for Test Day

• Never leave a question blank — always guess, since there's no negative marking.
• Tackle sections in your fastest order first if navigation allows, to bank early points.

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• Practice with a real timer beforehand to know your personal pace per question type.
• Don't let one hard question eat time meant for three easy ones.
• In the final week, focus on your weakest 2-3 topics rather than over-reviewing strengths.

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SECTION 1 · 35 QUESTIONS

Quantitative Reasoning
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics & Data Interpretation

1.1 Number Properties, Percentages, Ratios, Powers & Roots

Concept Overview
Percentage = (Part/Whole) × 100. Successive % change: Net% = a + b + ab/100.
Ratio a:b behaves like a fraction; solve proportions by cross-multiplying (ad = bc).
Powers: aᵘ·aᵛ=aᵘ⁺ᵛ; aᵘ/aᵛ=aᵘ⁻ᵛ; (aᵘ)ᵛ=aᵘᵛ; a⁰=1; a⁻ⁿ=1/aⁿ.
• HCF × LCM = product of the two numbers (for two numbers only).
• Divisibility: by 3/9 → digit sum divisible by 3/9; by 4 → last 2 digits divisible by 4; by 11 →
alternating digit sum divisible by 11.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
What is 25% of 480?
Step 1: 25% = 1/4, so (1/4) × 480 = 120.
Answer: 120

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
Find the HCF and LCM of 12 and 18.
Step 1: Prime factors: 12 = 2²×3, 18 = 2×3².
Step 2: HCF (lowest powers) = 2×3 = 6. LCM (highest powers) = 4×9 = 36.
Answer: HCF = 6, LCM = 36

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
A price is marked up 20% then discounted 10%. Net % change?
Step 1: Net% = 20 + (-10) + (20×-10)/100 = 20 - 10 - 2 = 8.
Answer: +8% net increase

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Boys:girls = 5:7. There are 20 boys. Find girls and total.
Step 1: 5/7 = 20/x → x = 28 girls.
Step 2: Total = 20 + 28 = 48.
Answer: 28 girls; total = 48

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EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
Simplify and evaluate: (2⁵ × 3³ × 2⁻²) / (3¹ × 2¹).
Step 1: Combine same-base powers: numerator = 2³×3³; denominator = 2¹×3¹.
Step 2: Divide: 2²×3² = 4×9 = 36.
Answer: 36

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Know fraction equivalents of common %s (12.5%=1/8, 33.3%=1/3) to skip long
multiplication.
• Always use Net% = a+b+ab/100 for successive changes — never add them directly.
• Cross-multiply ratios/fractions instead of converting to decimals.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying % change to the new value instead of the original.
• Treating successive % changes as simply additive (skipping the ab/100 term).
• Mishandling negative exponents: a⁻ⁿ = 1/aⁿ, not -aⁿ.

1.2 Linear Equations, Quadratics, Inequalities & Word Problems

Concept Overview
Linear: isolate x by moving constants, then divide by x's coefficient.
Quadratic ax²+bx+c=0: factor, or use x = [-b ± √(b²-4ac)] / 2a. Discriminant sign tells you the
number of real roots.
Inequalities: flip the sign when multiplying/dividing by a negative.
• Word problems: define the variable first, then translate (sum=+, product=×, 'of'=×).
• Sum/product of roots: sum = -b/a, product = c/a.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
Solve: 3x + 7 = 22.
Step 1: 3x = 15 → x = 5.
Answer: x = 5

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2

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Solve: 2(x - 3) = x + 4.
Step 1: 2x - 6 = x + 4 → x = 10.
Answer: x = 10

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
Solve: x² - 5x + 6 = 0.
Step 1: Factor: (x-2)(x-3) = 0.
Step 2: x = 2 or x = 3.
Answer: x = 2 or x = 3

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Solve: -3x + 6 < 18.
Step 1: -3x < 12 → x > -4 (sign flips on dividing by -3).
Answer: x > -4

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
A father is 4× his son's age. In 16 years he'll be 2× the son's age. Find current ages.
Step 1: Let son = x, father = 4x. Future: 4x+16 = 2(x+16).
Step 2: 4x+16 = 2x+32 → 2x = 16 → x = 8.
Step 3: Son = 8, Father = 32.
Answer: Son = 8, Father = 32

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Check the discriminant first — a perfect square means easy factoring.
• In word problems, define your variable in words before writing the equation.
• For MCQs, plugging options back into the equation is often faster than solving.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to flip the inequality sign on negative multiply/divide.
• Sign errors when expanding brackets, e.g., -(x-3) ≠ -x-3.
• Stopping after finding only one root of a quadratic.

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1.3 Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Area & Volume, Coordinate
Geometry
Concept Overview
Angles: straight line = 180°, full turn = 360°; triangle angles sum to 180°.
Pythagoras: hyp² = base² + height². Area(triangle) = ½×base×height.
Circle: Circumference = 2πr; Area = πr². Cylinder volume = πr²h; Sphere volume = (4/3)πr³.
• Coordinate geometry: Distance = √[(x₂-x₁)²+(y₂-y₁)²]; Midpoint = ((x₁+x₂)/2,(y₁+y₂)/2);
Slope = (y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁).

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
Two angles on a line are in ratio 2:3. Find both.
Step 1: 2x+3x=180 → x=36. Angles = 72° and 108°.
Answer: 72° and 108°

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
Right triangle with legs 6 cm, 8 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Step 1: √(6²+8²) = √100 = 10 cm.
Answer: 10 cm

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
Circumference of a circle is 44 cm. Find its area (π≈22/7).
Step 1: 2πr=44 → r=7 cm.
Step 2: Area = (22/7)×7² = 154 cm².
Answer: 154 cm²

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Find the distance between A(2,3) and B(7,15).
Step 1: √[(5)²+(12)²] = √169 = 13.
Answer: 13 units

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
A cylinder (r=7m, h=10m) needs painting on its curved surface + top only (not base).
Paint covers 5 m²/litre. Litres needed?
Step 1: CSA = 2πrh = 440 m². Top = πr² = 154 m².

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Step 2: Total = 594 m² ÷ 5 = 118.8 litres.

Answer: 118.8 litres

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Keep area/volume formulas as instant recall — don't derive them mid-test.
• Convert diameter to radius immediately; most formulas are radius-based.
• Recognise Pythagorean triples (3-4-5, 5-12-13, 8-15-17) to skip computing roots.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing up radius and diameter in formulas.
• Confusing surface area and volume formulas for 3D solids.
• Sign/order errors when computing slope from coordinates.

1.4 Mean, Median, Mode, Probability & Reading Charts/Tables

Concept Overview
Mean = Sum ÷ Count. Median = middle value (sorted data). Mode = most frequent value.
Probability = Favourable outcomes ÷ Total outcomes; always between 0 and 1.
• Pie chart sector % = (sector angle/360) × 100.
• Read chart/table axis labels and units carefully before calculating.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
Find the mean of: 4, 8, 6, 10, 12.
Step 1: Sum = 40 ÷ 5 = 8.
Answer: Mean = 8

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
Find the median of: 7, 2, 9, 4, 5.
Step 1: Sorted: 2,4,5,7,9 → middle value = 5.
Answer: Median = 5

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3

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A bag has 4 red, 6 blue balls. P(red) on one draw?

Step 1: 4/10 = 2/5.
Answer: 2/5

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Pie chart: Salaries = 144° sector, total expenses Rs. 500,000. Find Salaries amount.
Step 1: (144/360)×100 = 40%.
Step 2: 40% of 500,000 = 200,000.
Answer: Rs. 200,000

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
Mean of 10 numbers is 24. Remove the number 34. Find the new mean of 9 numbers.
Step 1: Sum = 24×10 = 240. New sum = 240-34 = 206.
Step 2: New mean = 206÷9 ≈ 22.89.
Answer: ≈ 22.89

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Use Sum = Mean × Count to work backward when values are added/removed.
• For 'at least one' probability, compute 1 - P(none) instead of listing cases.
• Cross-check shared data between a table and chart on the same topic.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Finding the median without sorting the data first.
• Mixing up mean, median, and mode under time pressure.
• Misreading chart axis scale/increments.

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SECTION 2 · 35 QUESTIONS

Verbal Reasoning
Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Skills, and Reading Comprehension

2.1 Synonyms, Antonyms & Analogies

Concept Overview
Synonyms = similar meaning; match intensity/tone, not just rough idea.
Antonyms = opposite meaning; some words have different antonyms by sense
(light→heavy/dark).
Analogies test the RELATIONSHIP between a word pair (tool-user, part-whole, cause-effect) —
find the same relationship in the answer.
• Use roots/affixes (bene-=good, mal-=bad, omni-=all) to decode unfamiliar words fast.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
Synonym for BENEVOLENT: (a) Cruel (b) Kind (c) Lazy (d) Greedy
Step 1: 'Bene-' = good; benevolent = having good intentions.
Answer: (b) Kind

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
Antonym for ABUNDANT: (a) Plentiful (b) Scarce (c) Large (d) Visible
Step 1: Abundant = plentiful; opposite = scarce.
Answer: (b) Scarce

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
PEN : WRITER :: SCALPEL : ? (a) Patient (b) Hospital (c) Surgeon (d) Knife
Step 1: Relationship is tool→user; scalpel is the surgeon's tool.
Answer: (c) Surgeon

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Closest in meaning to TACITURN: (a) Talkative (b) Reserved (c) Friendly (d) Anxious
Step 1: Taciturn = says very little by nature → reserved.
Answer: (b) Reserved

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EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
PARSIMONIOUS : MISERLY :: PROFLIGATE : ? (a) Generous (b) Wasteful (c) Careful
(d) Honest
Step 1: First pair is near-synonyms (both mean stingy).
Step 2: Profligate means recklessly extravagant → wasteful is the matching synonym.
Answer: (b) Wasteful

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Use roots/prefixes to estimate meaning instead of skipping unknown words.
• State the pair's relationship in one phrase before scanning analogy options.
• Eliminate opposite/unrelated options first to narrow to two choices.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking a loosely-related synonym instead of the closest match in intensity.
• Confusing synonym vs antonym instructions under time pressure.
• Focusing on category (both animals) instead of the specific relationship in analogies.

2.2 Correct Use of Verbs, Prepositions & Conjunctions

Concept Overview
Subject-verb agreement: singular subject → singular verb. With 'or/nor', verb agrees with the
nearer subject. Collective nouns (team, jury) usually take a singular verb.
Prepositions pair fixed with certain words: depend ON, good AT, arrive AT (place)/IN (city).
Conjunctions: coordinating (and, but, or) join equal elements; correlative pairs (either...or, not
only...but also) must not be mixed.
• Parallel structure: list items must share the same grammatical form.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
'The committee ___ meeting tomorrow.' (a) is (b) are (c) were (d) have
Step 1: Committee = singular collective noun → 'is'.
Answer: (a) is

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
'She is good ___ mathematics.' (a) in (b) at (c) on (d) for

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Step 1: Fixed phrase: 'good at' a subject/skill.

Answer: (b) at

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
'Neither the manager nor the employees ___ aware.' (a) is (b) was (c) were (d) has
been
Step 1: With 'nor', verb agrees with the nearer subject 'employees' (plural).
Answer: (c) were

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Find the error: 'He is one of the students who has completed the assignment.'
Step 1: 'Who' refers to plural 'students', so verb must be plural: 'have completed'.
Answer: 'who has' should be 'who have'

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
'The proposal was ___ innovative ___ practical.' (a) either...or (b) not only...but also
(c) neither...nor (d) both...or
Step 1: Sentence praises BOTH qualities together, not a choice or denial.
Step 2: (d) is an invalid pair ('both' pairs with 'and'); (b) correctly fits two simultaneous
positives.
Answer: (b) not only...but also

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Mentally strip modifying phrases between subject and verb to check agreement.
• Memorise fixed preposition pairs as a vocabulary list (depend on, married to).
• Check both halves of a correlative pair are matched, not mixed.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the true subject.
• Breaking a correlative pair (e.g. 'either...nor').
• Assuming collective nouns are always singular.

2.3 Sentence Completion, Sentence Correction & Error Identification

Concept Overview

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Sentence completion: context clues (contrast/cause words) point to the right word.
Sentence correction: pick the option that's grammatically correct AND keeps the original
meaning.
Error identification: scan in order — subject-verb agreement → tense → pronoun reference →
parallel structure → modifier placement.
• Dangling modifier: the opening phrase must logically describe the subject right after the
comma.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
'Although she was tired, she ___ finished her work.' (a) hardly (b) still (c) never (d)
barely
Step 1: 'Although' signals contrast → continued anyway → 'still'.
Answer: (b) still

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
Identify the error: 'She don't like coffee in the morning.'
Step 1: Third-person singular 'She' needs 'doesn't', not 'don't'.
Answer: 'don't' should be 'doesn't'

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
Correct: 'The report, as well as the supporting documents, were submitted late.'
Step 1: True subject is singular 'The report' → 'was submitted late'.
Answer: was submitted late

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Find the error: 'Each of the students have completed their individual project on time.'
Step 1: 'Each' is the true subject and is singular → 'has completed'.
Answer: 'have completed' should be 'has completed'

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
Best version of: 'Walking through the old city, the ancient buildings amazed the
tourists.' (a) No change (b) ...the tourists were amazed by the ancient buildings. (c)
The ancient buildings, walking through the old city, amazed... (d) The tourists,
walking through the old city, were amazed...
Step 1: Opening modifier 'Walking...' must describe the one walking — the tourists, not the
buildings (dangling modifier in original).

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Step 2: (b) fixes this most directly and stays smooth.

Answer: (b)

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Decide if the missing word supports or contrasts the sentence — cuts options in half.
• Run the agreement→tense→pronoun→parallel→modifier checklist on each underlined part.
• Re-read the WHOLE corrected sentence, not just the underlined portion.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking what 'sounds natural' in casual speech over the grammatically correct form.
• Treating a parenthetical phrase as part of the subject for agreement.
• Fixing one error while introducing a new one in the same option.

2.4 Main Idea, Inference, Tone & Author's Purpose

Concept Overview
Main idea = the one point the WHOLE passage supports (not a single detail).
Inference = a small logical step beyond the text, not an extreme leap or outside knowledge.
Tone = author's attitude, found via loaded adjectives/adverbs (critical, sympathetic, skeptical).
• Purpose = WHY it was written (inform/persuade/criticise); different from main idea (WHAT
it says).

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
'Urban farming has grown rapidly... driven by a desire for fresher food and a smaller
footprint.' Main idea?
Step 1: Combine topic + reason into one sentence covering the whole passage.
Answer: Urban farming grew because of demand for fresher food and lower
environmental impact.

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
'The committee praised the proposal enthusiastically, calling it the most thorough
plan all year.' Tone?
Step 1: Loaded words ('praised', 'enthusiastically') signal strong approval.
Answer: Approving / admiring

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INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
'Despite warnings, construction continued near the wetland. Bird population then fell
40%.' What's implied?
Step 1: Sequence + contrast implies the construction likely contributed to the decline (not
proven, but supported).
Answer: The construction likely contributed to the bird population decline.

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
'Some claim technology isolates us. Yet digital tools have let people maintain distant
relationships.' Author's purpose?
Step 1: Common claim presented, then challenged with evidence → purpose is to persuade,
not just inform.
Answer: To persuade readers that technology's effect is more positive/complex than
assumed

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
'Critics dismiss abstract art as undisciplined, yet this overlooks the rigorous
planning behind Suprematism... mistaking unfamiliarity for absence of structure.'
Tone and best-supported inference?
Step 1: Tone: corrective/defensive (word choice pushes back on the critics).
Step 2: Inference: the criticism stems from unfamiliarity, not a valid technical assessment —
but this applies to THIS criticism, not all critics or all abstract art.
Answer: Tone: corrective. Inference: critics calling it 'random' are mistaking unfamiliarity
for lack of structure.

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Read the question stem first for short passages — it tells you what to look for.
• Eliminate main-idea options that are too narrow (one detail) or too broad (beyond the
passage).
• Scan for loaded adjectives/adverbs specifically for tone questions.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking an answer true in real life but not supported by the passage.
• Treating the first sentence as automatically the main idea.
• Confusing tone (attitude) with purpose (functional goal).

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SECTION 3 · 30 QUESTIONS

Analytical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning, Pattern Recognition, Analytical Puzzles, and Critical Reasoning

3.1 Deductions, Assumptions, Inferences & Conclusions

Concept Overview
Deduction: a conclusion that MUST be true if premises are true (e.g., All A are B, All B are C →
All A are C).
Assumption: an unstated premise the argument needs to be valid — ask 'what must be true for
this to follow?'
Conclusion questions: the right answer follows NECESSARILY — 'possible' is not enough.
• Quantifier traps: 'Some A are B' ≠ 'most/all A are B'; 'All A are B' ≠ 'All B are A' (converse
error).

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
All roses are flowers. All flowers need water. Therefore?
Step 1: Chain: Roses→Flowers→Water → All roses need water.
Answer: All roses need water.

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
'No cats are dogs. Some dogs are pets.' Which follows? (a) No cats are pets (b) Some
pets are not cats (c) Some cats are pets (d) None
Step 1: Dog-pets can't be cats (no overlap) → some pets are guaranteed not cats.
Answer: (b) Some pets are not cats

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
'The new policy will cut congestion — it worked in City X.' What assumption is
needed?
Step 1: The new location must be similar enough to City X for the same effect to occur.
Answer: The two locations are sufficiently similar for the policy to work the same way.

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
'All certified engineers passed a rigorous exam. Ali passed a rigorous exam.' Is Ali
certified?
Step 1: Converse error — passing the exam doesn't guarantee being a certified engineer

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specifically.
Answer: No — cannot be concluded (converse error).

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
B→M, M→F. Given NOT F, what follows?
Step 1: Modus tollens on M→F: NOT F → NOT M.
Step 2: Modus tollens on B→M: NOT M → NOT B.
Answer: NOT B (the budget was not approved).

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Symbolise conditionals (A→B) to spot valid (modus ponens/tollens) vs invalid (converse)
reasoning fast.
• Negation test for assumptions: if negating it breaks the argument, it's necessary.
• Sort conclusions into 'definitely true / false / cannot determine' — don't confuse possible with
certain.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing 'All A are B' with 'All B are A'.
• Treating 'some' as if it meant 'most' or 'all'.
• Picking a conclusion that's realistic but not actually supported by the given premises.

3.2 Number Series & Letter Series

Concept Overview
Check in order: constant difference → constant ratio → 2nd-order difference → ×k±c pattern.
Letters: convert to numbers first (A=1...Z=26), then solve as a number series.
• If irregular, try splitting into two interleaved series (odd/even positions).

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
Find the next number: 3, 7, 11, 15, ___?
Step 1: Constant difference +4 → 19.
Answer: 19

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2

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Find the next letter: A, C, E, G, ___?

Step 1: Positions 1,3,5,7 (+2 each) → 9 = I.
Answer: I

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
Find the next number: 2, 6, 18, 54, ___?
Step 1: Constant ratio ×3 → 162.
Answer: 162

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
Find the next number: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ___?
Step 1: Perfect squares (1²...5²) → 6² = 36.
Answer: 36

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
Find the next number: 5, 11, 23, 47, 95, ___?
Step 1: Test 'next = previous×2+1': 5→11→23→47→95, all confirmed.
Step 2: 95×2+1 = 191.
Answer: 191

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Always check the simplest rule first (constant difference) before complex ones.
• Convert letters to numbers immediately to reuse number-series techniques.
• Check special sequences (squares, cubes, primes) when nothing simple fits.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a pattern from only the first two terms without checking the whole series.
• Confusing arithmetic and geometric patterns early on.
• Misconverting letters to numbers (e.g., treating A=0).

3.3 Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations & Direction Sense

Concept Overview

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Coding-decoding: find the substitution rule from the example, verify on EVERY letter, then apply
it.
Blood relations: sketch a quick family tree from the clues to avoid losing track.
Direction sense: assign coordinates (North=+y, East=+x) and track position step by step.
• Turn rule: right turn from North → East → South → West → North (clockwise).

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
In a code, CAT is written DBU. How is DOG written?
Step 1: Each letter shifts +1: D→E, O→P, G→H.
Answer: EPH

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
'She is the daughter of my mother's only son.' How is she related to the man?
Step 1: Mother's only son = the man himself → she is his daughter.
Answer: His daughter.

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
Walk 5 km North, turn right, walk 3 km, turn right, walk 5 km. Distance and direction
from start?
Step 1: Track coordinates: (0,5) → (3,5) → (3,0).
Step 2: Final point (3,0) is 3 km East of start.
Answer: 3 km East

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
'P+Q' = P is father of Q; 'P−Q' = P is wife of Q. What does 'A+B−C' mean?
Step 1: A is father of B; B is wife of C → A is C's father-in-law.
Answer: A is the father-in-law of C

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
TIGER → WLJHU using a fixed shift. Decode RKZGS.
Step 1: Verify shift: T→W, I→L, G→J, E→H, R→U — all +3.
Step 2: Reverse (-3) on RKZGS: R→O, K→H, Z→W, G→D, S→P.
Answer: OHWDP

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⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Verify a coding rule against every letter of the example before applying it elsewhere.
• Draw a quick family tree diagram as you read blood-relation clues.
• Set coordinates once at the start for direction problems; update step by step.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a coding shift is uniform without checking every letter.
• Confusing 'turn right' vs 'turn left' after multiple turns.
• Reporting total distance walked instead of net (straight-line) distance.

3.4 Cause & Effect, Argument Analysis

Concept Overview
An argument = conclusion + premises (evidence). Identify both before evaluating.
Correlation ≠ causation — two co-occurring events may share a third common cause.
To weaken: give an alternative explanation. To strengthen: rule one out.
• Common flaws: false dichotomy, circular reasoning, hasty generalisation, sampling bias.

Worked Practice Examples

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 1
'Every time it rains, traffic increases. So rain causes traffic.' What reasoning is this?
Step 1: Conclusion drawn from repeated co-occurrence → cause-and-effect (correlation-
based) reasoning.
Answer: Cause-and-effect (correlation-based) reasoning

BEGINNER · EXAMPLE 2
'You're either with us completely, or against us.' What flaw?
Step 1: Only two extreme options given, ignoring middle ground.
Answer: False dichotomy

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 3
'Ice cream sales and sunburn rates both rise in summer, so ice cream causes
sunburn.' Flaw and weakener?
Step 1: Flaw: correlation mistaken for causation — both share a common cause (summer
heat/sun).

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Step 2: Weakener: show sun exposure alone explains both trends.

Answer: Flaw: correlation≠causation. Weakener: show a shared cause (sun exposure).

INTERMEDIATE · EXAMPLE 4
'Our study program improved scores — attendees scored higher than non-attendees.'
Key assumption and weakener?
Step 1: Assumption: the two groups were comparable in ability beforehand.
Step 2: Weakener: evidence that stronger students self-selected into the program.
Answer: Assumption: groups were comparable. Weakener: self-selection bias.

EXPERT · EXAMPLE 5
'Streetlights cut crime 30%' — but the same year also saw +25% patrols and a new
watch program. Evaluate the claim.
Step 1: Two confounding factors (patrols, watch program) offer equally plausible
explanations.
Step 2: Claim is weak as stated; isolating each factor (e.g., comparing areas with only one
change) is needed to confirm streetlights' true effect.
Answer: Weak claim — confounding variables (patrols, watch program) aren't ruled out.

⚡ Time-Saving Strategies & Shortcuts

• Write a one-line summary of the conclusion and evidence before evaluating.
• For 'weaken', look for new information attacking the evidence-conclusion link.
• Learn standard flaw names (correlation/causation, false dichotomy, sampling bias) to match
patterns fast.

⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing a persuasive-sounding argument with a logically valid one.
• Picking a 'weaken' option that's simply irrelevant to the specific causal link.
• Over-relying on real-world topic knowledge instead of the passage's logical structure.

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LAST-MINUTE REVIEW

Quick Formula & Rules Reference Sheet

Everything you need for a final review pass before the exam

Quantitative — Formula & Rules Reference

Topic / Rule Formula / Key Point
Percentage Part/Whole × 100; Net successive change = a + b + ab/100

Profit & Loss Profit % = (SP−CP)/CP × 100; Loss % = (CP−SP)/CP × 100

HCF × LCM HCF(a,b) × LCM(a,b) = a × b

Laws of Exponents aᵘ·aᵛ=aᵘ⁺ᵛ; aᵘ/aᵛ=aᵘ⁻ᵛ; (aᵘ)ᵛ=aᵘᵛ; a⁰=1; a⁻ⁿ=1/aⁿ

Linear Equation ax + b = c → x = (c − b)/a

Quadratic Formula x = [−b ± √(b²−4ac)] / 2a

Sum/Product of Roots Sum = −b/a; Product = c/a

Angles on a Line Sum = 180°; Angles around a point = 360°

Triangle Angle Sum Interior angles sum = 180°

Pythagoras' Theorem (Hypotenuse)² = (Base)² + (Height)²

Triangle Area ½ × base × height

Circle Circumference = 2πr; Area = πr²

Rectangle / Cuboid Area = l×w; Volume = l×w×h

Cylinder Volume = πr²h; CSA = 2πrh

Sphere Volume = (4/3)πr³; Surface Area = 4πr²

Distance Formula √[(x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²]

Midpoint Formula ((x₁+x₂)/2 , (y₁+y₂)/2)

Slope Formula (y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁)

Mean Sum of values ÷ Number of values

Probability Favourable outcomes ÷ Total outcomes

Verbal — Rules & Patterns Reference

Topic / Rule Formula / Key Point
Subject-Verb Agreement Singular subject → singular verb; plural subject → plural verb

'Or' / 'Nor' Rule Verb agrees with the subject CLOSER to it

Collective Nouns Usually take singular verb when acting as one unit (team, jury, family)

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Topic / Rule Formula / Key Point

Correlative Pairs either...or | neither...nor | not only...but also | both...and (never mix
pairs)

Common Prepositions depend ON; good AT; arrive AT (place) / IN (city, country); married TO;
different FROM

Parallel Structure Items in a list/comparison must share the same grammatical form

Dangling Modifier Opening modifier must logically describe the subject right after the
comma

Main Idea vs Detail Main idea = whole-passage point; detail = one supporting fact

Inference Rule Must be a small logical step beyond the text — not an extreme leap

Tone Words Identify via loaded adjectives/adverbs (critical, sympathetic, skeptical,

enthusiastic)

Analytical — Rules & Patterns Reference

Topic / Rule Formula / Key Point
Syllogism Caution 'All A are B' does NOT imply 'All B are A' (converse error)

Quantifier 'Some' Means 'at least one' — does not imply 'most' or 'all'

Modus Ponens If A→B and A is true, then B is true

Modus Tollens If A→B and B is false, then A is false

Assumption Test Negate the option — if it breaks the argument, it's a necessary
assumption

Number Series Check Order Constant difference → constant ratio → 2nd-order difference → ×k±c
pattern

Letter-to-Number A=1, B=2, ... Z=26 (convert before solving)

Direction System North=+y, East=+x; track position as coordinates, not by visualisation

alone

Turn Rule Right turn from North → East → South → West → North (clockwise)

Coding Rule Check Verify the shift/rule against EVERY letter of the example before
applying it

Correlation ≠ Causation Two co-occurring events may share a third, uninvolved common cause

Common Flaws False dichotomy; circular reasoning; hasty generalisation; sampling

bias

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