Analogy

State the relationship in a short sentence before evaluating choices: “A is used to do B,” “A is a type of B,” “A causes B,” or “A is the opposite degree of B.” The correct pair should preserve both direction and specificity.

Abstract reasoning

Track one attribute at a time: count, position, rotation, shading, size, symmetry, or alternation. Compare changes between consecutive figures rather than staring only at the last figure. If several rules appear possible, prefer the rule that explains every step with the fewest exceptions.

Assumptions and conclusions

An assumption is an unstated idea the argument needs. Use the negation test: if denying a proposed assumption seriously weakens the reasoning, the assumption may be necessary. A conclusion must follow from the stated information; it cannot be merely likely in real life.

• Watch for shifts from “some” to “all.”
• Do not reverse a conditional statement.
• Distinguish correlation from causation.
• Treat absence of evidence carefully; it is not always evidence of absence.

Data interpretation

Read the title, units, legend, time period, and base population before calculating. Decide whether a question asks for a count, proportion, percentage-point change, or percent change. Those are different quantities.