44  Non-Verbal Reasoning

44.1 Introduction

Non-verbal reasoning tests the ability to analyze visual information, identify patterns, and apply logical rules without the use of language or numbers. It measures pure logical ability, often using figures, diagrams, and visual puzzles.
Typical question types include series, analogy, classification, mirror/water images, paper folding, cubes, and embedded figures.

44.2 1) Key Types of Non-Verbal Reasoning

44.2.1 1.1 Series Completion

Identify the missing figure in a sequence.
Patterns may be based on: - Rotation (clockwise/anticlockwise)
- Shading or filling
- Size change
- Number of elements increasing/decreasing

44.2.2 1.2 Analogy (Figure Relationships)

Choose the figure that relates to the second figure as the first does to the given one.
Example: Circle → Sphere : Square → ? (Answer: Cube)

44.2.3 1.3 Classification (Odd One Out)

Four/five figures are given. Identify the one that does not follow the pattern.

44.2.4 1.4 Mirror and Water Images

  • Mirror image: Reflection along a vertical axis.
  • Water image: Reflection along a horizontal axis.

44.2.5 1.5 Paper Folding and Cutting

A paper is folded and then cut/punched. Identify the unfolded pattern.

44.2.6 1.6 Cubes and Dice

  • Cubes: Predict the hidden face, count painted faces, etc.
  • Dice: Given opposite/adjacent faces, find unknown relations.

44.2.7 1.7 Embedded Figures

Find a simple figure hidden inside a complex figure.

44.2.8 1.8 Pattern Completion

A part of a design is missing. Choose the correct option that completes it.

44.3 2) Strategies for Solving

  1. Observe carefully: Look for rotation, symmetry, addition/subtraction of elements.
  2. Eliminate wrong options: Remove options that clearly don’t fit.
  3. Break complex figures into smaller components.
  4. Practice visualizing: For mirror/water images, actually flip in mind.
  5. Count features: For cubes/dice, track dots, lines, or faces systematically.

44.4 3) Solved Examples

44.4.1 Example 1 (Series)

Q: Find the missing figure: ●, ●●, ●●●, ?
A: ●●●● (increasing dots by 1).

44.4.2 Example 2 (Analogy)

Q: Triangle : Pyramid :: Square : ?
A: Cube (2D → 3D analogy).

44.4.3 Example 3 (Classification)

Q: Which is odd? (a) Circle (b) Square (c) Triangle (d) Rectangle.
A: Triangle (only 3 sides, others have 4 or more equal sides).

44.4.4 Example 4 (Mirror Image)

Word “CAT” in a mirror.
Answer: Letters reversed → “TAC” (mirror symmetry of shapes also considered).

44.4.5 Example 5 (Dice)

If opposite faces of a dice are (1–6), (2–5), (3–4), then opposite of 2 is?
A: 5.

44.5 4) Practice Questions

  1. Identify the next figure in the series: ▲, ▼, ▲, ▼, ?
  2. Circle : Sphere :: Square : ?
  3. Which is the odd figure? (a) Pentagon (b) Hexagon (c) Octagon (d) Circle
  4. Find the mirror image of “LION”.
  5. A cube has faces painted red, blue, and green. How many faces are left unpainted?

44.6 5) Answer Key

  1. ▲
  2. Cube
  3. Circle (no sides)
  4. NIOΛ (mirror-reversed)
  5. If 3 faces are painted, 3 remain unpainted.

44.7 Summary

  • Non-verbal reasoning relies on visual logic rather than words or numbers.
  • Key question types: series, analogy, classification, mirror/water image, paper folding, cubes/dice, embedded figures.
  • Strategies: observe carefully, eliminate options, count features, and visualize transformations.
  • With practice, these become quick and highly scoring.