Abstract Reasoning Tests
What are abstract reasoning tests?
Abstract reasoning tests require you to identify the relationships between shapes and figures, identify rules and similarities, and quickly apply these to establish the answer.
What skills does abstract reasoning test?
Abstract reasoning tests assess how you think and reveal the level of dominance from your two sides of the brain.
To be successful you need to be able to think creatively, and use lateral thinking to solve the questions you are faced with.
The more you practice them, the more likely you will succeed.
Abstract reasoning questions have been designed to be difficult. This is so that employers can differentiate between applicants and identify the potential of an individual.
You will typically have less than a minute to resolve each question and come to a conclusion, which can often cause individuals to make errors. As you progress throughout the test, it is common for the complexity of the questions to increase. Because of this, we recognise that candidates need to be familiar with the format of these exams, and practice in order to be successful in their performance.
What is the abstract reasoning test format?
You will be presented with multiple options, and have to choose which one fits. To do this, you’ll need to view the shapes to find rules which can be applied across the sequence.
As this is the type of activity you’ll rarely come across in day-to-day life, it’s important to practice beforehand to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you’ll face.
Like with other psychometric tests, you’ll typically have about one minute per question.
Why do employers use abstract reasoning tests?
Employers use these tests to assess your general intellectual potential and ability to evaluate new concepts. They are very similar to IQ tests and rely on your ability to see the underlying logic in a pattern or symbols or shapes. For jobs that are looking for you to demonstrate problem-solving and initiative, you can expect to be faced with an abstract reasoning test.
How to prepare for abstract reasoning tests?
As you can see from the above, these tests are not easy. We recommend completing our free abstract reasoning test questions and answers and downloading our abstract reasoning test pdf.
You should also read our abstract reasoning test tips to help you improve your scores as quickly as possible.
Prepare yourself for leading employers
Abstract reasoning example questions
Q) Identify a quality that the two images have in common. Select which of the suggested answers also possesses the same quality.
Answer: C The 4 shapes that make up each square image are rotating in a clockwise direction
Q) Identify a quality that the two images have in common. Select which of the suggested answers also possesses the same quality.
Answer: B There is always an odd number of inner shapes
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How are abstract reasoning tests scored?
Abstract reasoning test scores typically use the normative approach which means your scores are compared to a group of others. This type of scoring allows employers to rank candidates and set a minimum cut-off point. It also means the difficulty of the tests are automatically taken into account.
What are abstract reasoning tests used for?
Abstract reasoning tests are designed to analyze a person’s thinking process. In order to pass these tests, you will evaluate patterns, logical correlations, and trends between shapes and figures. The results, such as speed and the number of correct answers, are considered and reveal a number of things about a person such as the prevailing side of their brain.
What do abstract reasoning tests involve?
Abstract reasoning tests involve various symbol based problems where you will need to identify patterns, logical correlations, and trends. Most of the abstract reasoning tests consist of a series of images or diagrams that need to be matched with an odd/missing part in order to logically complete the series.
What do abstract reasoning tests measure?
Abstract reasoning tests measure one's fluid intelligence also known as lateral thinking. Such tests assess a person’s ability to act in an unprecedented situation by identifying logical rules or patterns and implementing them for problem-solving.
Where can I practice abstract reasoning tests?
Abstract reasoning tests are designed to be difficult. Therefore, to achieve the highest performance, the best idea is to practice solving them. Our website is the leading aptitude test provider. We host a number of most relevant reasoning assessments so you could keep improving your skills anytime and anywhere you want.
Which employers use abstract reasoning tests?
The fundamental idea behind abstract reasoning tests is to assess your concept evaluation skills and intellectual capability. Hence, you might expect that employers will use these tests for jobs where initiative and problem-solving are crucial. Researchers, software developers, engineers, or managers all qualify as such jobs.
Abstract reasoning test tips
1One question = one minute rule
Make sure you understand how many questions you will have to answer and how long you have to complete the test. Usually, abstract reasoning tests consist of 10 to 15 questions and don’t last longer than 15 - 20 minutes.
2Watch your timing
Don’t let one question to stop. Work out roughly how much time you have per question before you start each test. If it feels like going through hell, keep going!
3Practice in exam conditions
When you practice for your assessment, try to do so in the same conditions in which you will be sitting your real abstract reasoning test. Try a quiet surrounding with a minimal distraction at a table. This will not only keep you more focused but also make silence less daunting while sitting your real assessment.
4Remember to research
Try to find out as much as possible about the assessment’s format the employer is going to tests you with. Employers typically provide that information to candidates on their careers websites.
5Answer the question
It might be obvious but the fact that we mention it means it is not. At least not always. Although there is only one correct answer, the questions may try to trick you. Stay calm and focused and be careful with identifying the patterns. Some of them might look suspiciously similar.
6Be competitive
Try to measure your achievements against other users in order to make sure you stand out in a crowd. The average results might help you to pass to next stage, but might not be enough to bag you that job. Practice makes perfect, particularly with abstract reasoning tests which take some getting used to.
Diagrammatic reasoning video tutorials
Unfolded Shapes
Similar Shapes
Rotated Views
Mirror Images
Input Type
Sequencing
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