Abstract
Reasoning
Practice Test 1
ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
he aptitudes and abilities measured by verbal and numeric reasoning tests can
T easily be related to real world tasks and jobs, as many jobs require some degree
of skill with words and numbers. Abstract reasoning tests on the other hand, seem
to consist of questions which have little or no application in the real world. Yet these
types of question appear in most graduate and management aptitude tests. Why is
this?
Abstract reasoning tests date back to the research done by the psychologist Charles
Spearman in the 1920’s. Spearman used a statistical technique called factor analysis
to examine relationships between people’s scores on different types of intelligence
tests.
He concluded that people who do well on some intelligence tests also do well on
others (e.g. vocabulary, mathematics, spatial abilities). Conversely, if people do poorly
on an intelligence test, they also tended to do poorly on other intellectual tests. This
led him to believe that there are one or more factors that are common to all intellectual
tasks.
As a result of this research Spearman developed a two-factor theory of intelligence.
s
Mechanical
s s
Verbal g Spatial
Numerical
g - General Ability
s
s - Specific Abilities
As the diagram shows, Spearman said that intelligence is mainly made up of ‘g’, with
bright people having a lot, and dull people having less. Spearman defined ‘g’ as:
“The innate ability to perceive relationships and educe co-relationships”
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
If we replace the word ‘educe’ with ‘work out’ then you can see why abstract reasoning
questions are seen to be a good measure of general intelligence, as they test your
ability to perceive relationships and then to work out any co-relationships without you
requiring any knowledge of language or mathematics.
Abstract reasoning tests use diagrams, symbols or shapes instead of words or
numbers. They involve identifying the underlying logic of a pattern and then determining
the solution. Because they are visual questions and are independent of language and
mathematical ability, they are considered to be an accurate indicator of your general
intellectual ability as well as being ‘culturally fair’.
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
Test 1—25 Questions
Answer as many questions as you can in 20 minutes. Circle the letter on the right which corresponds
to the correct answer.
1) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
2) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
3) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
4) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
5) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
6) Which figure completes the statement?
AB C D
7) Which figure completes the statement?
AB C D
8) Which figure completes the statement?
AB C D
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
9) Which figure completes the statement?
AB C D
10) Which figure completes the statement?
AB C D
11) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
12) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
13) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
14) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
15) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
16) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
17) Which figure completes the series?
AB C D
18) Which figure belongs in neither group?
A B C D
19) Which figure belongs in neither group?
A B C D
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
20) Which figure is next in the series?
AB C D
21) Which figure is next in the series?
AB C D
22) Which figure completes the grid?
AB C D
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
23) Which figure completes the grid?
AB C D
24) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
25) Which figure is the odd one out?
AB C D E
End of Abstract Reasoning—Test 1
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ABSTRACT REASONING—PRACTICE TEST 1
Answers
1) A 11) C 21) D
2) C 12) D 22) B
3) C 13) A 23) C
4) D 14) D 24) C
5) B 15) E 25) D
6) B 16) D
7) C 17) A
8) D 18) C
9) A 19) A
10) C 20) B
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