Test Content and Structure
Putting it all Together
The following are some examples and explanations on what some of these questions might look like.
Example 1. The pictures in the box go together in a certain way. Something belongs in the empty square. Choose the picture that should go in the empty square.
The correct answer is D or the fourth option.
You can surmise this by seeing that the upper left and lower left match. In this case then the upper right and bottom right need to match as well.
Example 2. Identify the image which completes the pattern by examining how the series of shapes change across the rows and down the columns within the matrix. Where you can most easily visualize the relationship will determine the direction in which you examine the question.
The correct answer is C.
Across the rows and down the columns, each row and column contain one hexagon, one diamond, and one trapezoid. Since the bottom row and third column each contain one diamond and a trapezoid, the empty square will contain a hexagon. We can eliminate answer choices B and D. Pay attention to the color scheme of the matrix. Every other frame contains an image with a different background color (yellow or white). Since the middle frame in the third column contains a white background and the middle frame in the third row contains a white background, the answer choice will be an image with a yellow background. We are left with answer choice C.
Cracking the Code of Figure Analogies
The Figure Analogies section of the is your ultimate test of abstract reasoning. There are no words or numbers, only shapes and patterns. This section evaluates how well you can recognize logical relationships between figures and apply them consistently. It's a key skill for technical fields where you need to understand system logic and visual data.
The Basic Idea: "A is to B as C is to ?"
Just like word analogies, figure analogies follow a simple structure. You are shown two figures, Figure A and Figure B, that have a specific relationship. Figure A changes in some way to become Figure B. Your job is to figure out that exact rule of change and apply it to Figure C to find the correct answer among the choices.
The Anatomy of a Change: What to Look For
The "rule" is just a combination of one or more changes. When you look at how Figure A becomes Figure B, break it down by looking for these specific transformations.
Rotation: Does the figure or a part of it turn?
Size: Does the figure change in scale?
Shading/Color: Does the fill pattern change?
Movement: Does the figure change its position within the frame?
Addition or Subtraction: Are elements added or removed?
Reflection (Flipping): Is the figure flipped to its mirror image?
Shape Change: Does the figure itself become something else?
Important: Often, more than one of these changes will happen at the same time!
Pro Tips for Test Day
Use Process of Elimination: If you know the shape has to rotate, you can immediately eliminate any answer choices where it doesn't. This can quickly narrow down your options.
Be Precise: The test is designed to catch people who miss small details. Did the shape rotate 90 degrees or 180? Did it flip horizontally or vertically? Precision is key.
Manage Your Time: This section can be time-consuming. If a figure is extremely complex and you can't decode the relationship in about 45 seconds, make your best logical guess and move on. You can score more points by answering several easier questions than by getting stuck on one hard one.
