How to solve Reasoning and Logical questions

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I have included a good number of downloadable materials as part of UCEED preparation in the Resource page - UCEED resource and book collections page. As part of this, I have also considered including Inductive Reasoning type of sample questions, as those topics are part of pattern analysis and have chances of appearing in the exam. In this regard, one of our blog friend Vijetha Pandey, asked on how to solve such questions, which made me think to device a post by taking an example.

Example of solving an Inductive Reasoning Question

Below shows a series of patterned images, One of the pattern is missing and is indicated with question mark, Identify the correct pattern that suits replaces the question mark, among the patterns given below.

Here is how I solve this question

Each square has two set of geometry shapes, and a square made out of 8 small squares with two dot marks in it, right? Now I will first check the centred squares and analyse their pattern. The following figure shows the pattern considering a single dark square.

(Note : If the image is small and if it's difficult to read for you, then please download it and zoom it to check the words, or click on it to view a zoomed view)

The arrow point towards the chosen pattern to analyse (named it point 1). Now in the first pattern, it's in bottom most row, right position - ok ? Now check the next pattern, the dark spot has moved to two positions to the west (clockwise), and it's new position is in bottom row, but in left position, got it ? Now considering the point in the position (2), and now looking towards pattern 3, the position of the point assumes the same condition - i.e two times/steps movement in clockwise direction, which leads to the position 3 as indicated in the 3rd pattern - i.e top row, left corner, got it ?

Following the same funda - the point in the fourth pattern (question marked square) should also move two points in clockwise direction from position 3. So, obviously, the position should be in top row, right corner, am I right ? Mark this point and note it!

Now, consider the second dark spot (small square) and try to work on it. Figure shows the analysis for the second dark spot.

In the first pattern, it's in top most row, to the left, ok ? Now checking the second pattern, we will come to know that the point has moved three steps (squares) ahead in anti clockwise direction. got it ? verify this for the next pattern too, from position two, moving the dark spot three steps in anti clockwise direction will result in position 3, which is in top row, right corner, got it. Applying the same funda to the next pattern (for the questions marked square) result in movement of the point (from position 3) three steps ahead in anti clockwise direction - i.e at the centre row, left side, am I correct ? Note this position and mark alongside of the position of the point 1 that we found earlier.

Now, check the options which satisfies the two points positions. Fortunately only one option is satisfying that, Option B, and so it's the answer. If in case you face with two such similar pattern, then look for analysing the two geometry shapes pattern !

Tips to solve Inductive and Logical reasoning questions

1. Inductive Reasoning questions usually have multiple things to recognize and analyze the pattern. Better to take a single element at a time and check for its pattern, then go for other elements, like we have just seen - taking each dark squares one by one. That should help in minimizing time and to draw quick solutions.
2. Although the above method, that I used, doesn't work always, still similar logic could apply for most IR questions. Most questions involve either moving patterns to some fixed or incremental/decremental steps in either of the directions (counterclockwise or clockwise). So, consider this in mind and try to analyze individual element pattern in each step.
3. Some questions also need a change in elements like a change of shapes, size, scale etc.
4. Coming to UCEED, although this type of question has some chance of appearing directly in the exam, yet the way you think/imagine and identify the pattern in the given sequence helps you with solving many image-based questions and hence worth trying hands on it. If you are not comfortable and if it's like taking much time, then restrict yourself and limit this type of question practice. Hope you understood!
5. IR questions are mixed - I mean some questions can be easily solved with simple logic, but other questions need more time and thinking. If ever you come across such question in UCEED, then better to skip that question instead of spending much time on it !

What to start, how to learn the basics of design aptitude? 

How to solve design aptitude, non-verbal, and Ability questions with examples

PART 2

Hope the following explanations and tips helped you and gave you some idea :)

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