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Abstract Reasoning Tests

    • 15 tests |
    • 140 questions

Abstract reasoning tests assess your ability to identify the relationships between a series of shapes, patterns or images. The test is a good indicator of strategic thinking, how quickly you pick up new concepts and how well you cope under pressure. As a result, it’s popular with a wide variety of employers.

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Free example abstract reasoning questions

Familiarising yourself with the type of questions you’ll find on the abstract reasoning test is an essential part of the preparation process — it will help you improve your speed, accuracy and confidence.

Below are three sample questions to give you an idea of how an abstract reasoning question works; have a go and see how you get on. Answers with workings are below the questions.

Question 1 Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

abstract reasoning practice question

Question 2 Which shape follows in the sequence?

abstract reasoning practice question

Question 2 Which box follows the sequence?

abstract reasoning practice question

Answers

Question 1: Circle, maintains same position in top right segment for one turn, and then is not present for the following three turns. Triangle, maintains same position in bottom left segment for one turn, and then is not present for the following two turns. So the correct answer is B).

Question 2: Diagonal line changes direction from top left corner to bottom right corner, then from top right corner to bottom left corner with each turn. Square moves around corner of the frame in an anti-clockwise direction with each turn. Circle appears on diagonal line in every third frame with each turn. So the correct answer is A).

Question 3: ’U’ shape rotates by 90 degrees with each turn. Circle changes position in the ’U’ shape as it appears in each segment with each turn. Triangle appears in same position within the ‘U’ shape on each alternate turn. So the correct answer is D).

Sample Abstract Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!

Following the rule that with each step, a shape loses one angle and gains one side, what would directly succeed a pentagon?

  • Circle
  • Hexagon
  • Square
  • Triangle

Imagine a sequence of operations where each operation flips a shape horizontally and then changes its color. If the original shape is a red triangle, what is the result after one operation?

  • A red triangle
  • A blue triangle
  • A red circle
  • A blue circle

Which of the following would come next in a series where each figure rotates 90 degrees clockwise followed by an increase in the number of sides?

  • Hexagon
  • Pentagon
  • Heptagon
  • Octagon

If in a sequence the position of a dot moves one corner clockwise in a square and then the square is duplicated with the dot moving one corner counterclockwise, what is the position of the dot in the third step?

  • The original starting corner
  • Two corners away from the original position clockwise
  • Two corners away from the original position counterclockwise
  • Opposite corner from the original starting position

In a pattern where each shape adds one line of symmetry while maintaining the original, what would follow an equilateral triangle?

  • Square
  • Circle
  • Rectangle
  • Rhombus

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Abstract Reasoning Tests Tips

1Do your research

First, check online which test types the company you’re applying for uses, the test publisher and anything else you think might give you the edge.

2Practice like it's the real deal

The value of practice when it comes to aptitude tests can never be underestimated, but it’s even more worthwhile if you practice in exam conditions. Find a quiet room, get everything you need together before you start, and time yourself for the duration of the test.

3Don't forget what you've learnt

Ensure your hard work pays off by taking it with you into the test. Keep a mental list of things you need to run through when you’re answering the questions: the different rules that you might be able to apply, or the strategies that might help you answer a problem quicker.

4Timing is critical

Work out how long, roughly, you have to answer each question. This will help ensure you don’t spend too long on a challenging problem at the expense of answering more questions. Remember that the problems often get harder as the test progresses.

5Vary your practice methods

As well as taking past tests, use puzzle apps and puzzle books to help you improve your abstract reasoning.

6Is the answer in front of you?

You can often find clues in the answers. Look for recurring patterns in the multiple-choice answers. This can help you to gauge what you should be looking out for.

7Stay calm

It’s easy to rush into answering the questions, but calmly and carefully reading through what you need to do can ensure you don’t get caught out by any trickier problems.

8Confidence is key

Preparing will help you feel confident on the day and confidence is key when it comes to aptitude tests.

Abstract Reasoning Video Tutorials

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Abstract Reasoning Tests FAQs

How are abstract reasoning tests scored?

Your abstract reasoning test is scored and then compared with a normative group (those who have previously taken the test). This allows employers to rank candidates, set a minimum cut-off point and take the difficulty of the test set into consideration when making their decision.

What defines abstract reasoning skill?

Abstract reasoning tests assess a wide range of skills, which is why they are such a useful hiring tool. Your aptitude for logical reasoning, critical thinking, problem solving and time management are all being scrutinised, as is your ability to keep calm under pressure. All of these skills are vital in a number of different industries.

Why are abstract reasoning tests hard?

The test needs to be challenging to help employers differentiate between large numbers of candidates. If it were easy, it wouldn’t indicate which people taking the test had better-than-average skills and abilities.

What do abstract reasoning tests measure?

Abstract reasoning tests measure fluid intelligence, much like an IQ test. As well as this, they showcase your ability to see patterns, think outside the box and solve problems quickly.

Where can I practice abstract reasoning tests?

This website is a good place to start! We have numerous aptitude tests you can practice, including abstract reasoning, as well as lots of additional hints, tips and tricks to help you succeed.

Which employers use abstract reasoning tests?

Research roles, software development, engineering, and various management positions are the types of jobs for which an abstract reasoning test is normally set. This is because these roles tend to require you to think logically, solve problems and pick up new ideas quickly on a day-to-day basis.

Reviews of our Abstract Reasoning tests

What our customers say about our Abstract Reasoning tests

  • United Kingdom

    July 26, 2024

    The test was of good standard and the difficulty was moderate.

    The test, in my opinion, was an excellent indicator as to how good your timing is as that is probably my main takeaway. Of course, understandably the real UCAT Abstract Reasoning test is going to be harder. A good indication of what you should look out for in the real test.

  • Philippines

    May 27, 2024

    The contains about the test

    What I like about the test is that the questions are normal but some numbers are difficult to solve which is good to check your abstract reasoning skills

  • May 10, 2024

    Very easy and fun

    I like that it is not over complicated. Simulates critical thinking and taking many of those will help a lot in acing your aptitude tests.

  • United Arab Emirates

    January 23, 2024

    Mind stimulating

    It is a good set of questions. Difficulty level is not hard but requires presence of mind and application.

  • Australia

    November 17, 2023

    To search for patterns and pay attention to details

    The layout of the test pages are simple, easy to navigate and there is a timer at the top right - hand side of the page that lets you know how much time you have left.

  • Nigeria

    October 12, 2023

    Challenging

    The test increased my instinct of giving attention to detail, watch movement and critically analyzing pictures.

  • United States of America

    October 11, 2023

    Pretty simple patterns

    The patterns on the test I will be taking are going to be quite a bit more complex than any on this test.

  • Australia

    October 09, 2023

    Good Questions

    I liked the questions and how realistic they are. They do seem pretty hard, but thats a good thing in practise!

  • United States of America

    October 01, 2023

    FIND THE PATTERN

    I liked how the test didn't have extremely complicated questions. They were fun and I never felt like I had to guess. Great test.

  • Australia

    September 12, 2023

    Very good

    Its so good. Its a very good practice for people who want ot improve their Abstract Reasoning skills.