"We thought abstract reasoning was just about being 'naturally smart'. Once our daughter started practising systematically, her scores jumped from the 60th to the 88th percentile in twelve weeks." — Michelle T., Parent of a 2025 Selective Offer Recipient
What This Guide Covers
This guide explains every aspect of the abstract reasoning test as it appears in Australian selective school exams — including NSW Selective, OC, HAST, and ASET. You will find a complete breakdown of question types, 15+ worked practice questions with answers, and evidence-based preparation strategies.
What Is Abstract Reasoning?
Abstract reasoning — also called non-verbal reasoning or pattern recognition — is the ability to identify relationships, patterns, and rules in visual or symbolic information, then apply those rules to new situations.
Unlike reading or mathematics, abstract reasoning operates entirely without words or numbers. Instead, students work with shapes, symbols, sequences, and grids. This makes it a uniquely fair measure of underlying thinking ability: it levels the playing field across different language backgrounds and schooling experiences.
Psychologists and educators use abstract reasoning tests because they are one of the strongest predictors of academic potential. A student who can spot the hidden rule in a matrix of shapes, or mentally rotate a figure and predict its outcome, demonstrates precisely the flexible, analytical thinking that selective schools are looking for.
Why Abstract Reasoning Matters for Selective School Exams
In Australian selective school exams, abstract reasoning questions appear primarily within the Thinking Skills component. This section is widely regarded as the most challenging for students to improve quickly — it cannot be "crammed" through content knowledge alone. Instead, improvement comes from repeated exposure to diverse question types and deliberate practice of pattern-finding strategies.
Students who underestimate abstract reasoning often prepare thoroughly for Reading and Mathematical Reasoning, only to find their Thinking Skills score pulls their composite result down significantly. Because all components are equally weighted in the NSW Selective test, a weak abstract reasoning performance is costly.
Abstract Reasoning at a Glance
Key facts for Australian selective school exams
Of Total Score
Thinking Skills weight in NSW Selective
Questions
Thinking Skills questions in 40 minutes
Weeks
Recommended minimum preparation time
Question Types
Core abstract reasoning subtypes to master
Everything you need to understand and practise abstract reasoning for selective school exams
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
How Abstract Reasoning Appears in Australian Exams
Abstract and non-verbal reasoning questions appear across the major Australian selective school and gifted-education tests. Understanding how each exam uses abstract reasoning helps you prioritise appropriately.
NSW Selective High School Placement Test
The Thinking Skills component of the NSW Selective test includes a substantial proportion of abstract and non-verbal reasoning questions alongside verbal reasoning and logical deduction tasks. Students sit 40 questions in 40 minutes — approximately 60 seconds per question. The test is entirely computer-based from 2026, so students must be comfortable working on screen.
Abstract reasoning subtypes you can expect include:
- Pattern matrices — find the missing element in a 3×3 or 2×4 grid
- Figure series — identify the next image in a sequence of shapes
- Analogies — figure A is to figure B as figure C is to ?
- Odd one out — identify which figure does not share the common property
- Code patterns — decode a visual rule applied to symbols
- Spatial reasoning — mental rotation, folding, and reflection
NSW Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test
The OC test, sat by Year 4 students for entry into Year 5 opportunity classes, includes a Thinking Skills component with similar abstract reasoning content at an age-appropriate difficulty level. Questions focus heavily on pattern sequences and matrix reasoning, with less emphasis on complex logical deduction.
HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test)
Used by independent schools across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria, HAST includes a Non-Verbal Reasoning section that is explicitly labelled abstract/visual reasoning. This makes abstract reasoning practice even more directly applicable for HAST candidates.
ASET (Academic Selective Entrance Test)
ASET, used by South Australian government selective schools, also includes a non-verbal reasoning component. Students sit questions involving pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and figure classification.
Cross-Exam Benefit
Practising abstract reasoning benefits students across all Australian selective school exams. The core question types — matrices, series, analogies, and spatial tasks — appear in virtually every test. Time invested here has broad payoff.
Types of Abstract Reasoning Questions
Abstract reasoning questions fall into six main subtypes. Each requires a slightly different approach. Mastering all six is essential for a strong Thinking Skills result.
1. Pattern Matrices
A pattern matrix presents a grid — usually 3×3 — where every cell contains a figure. One cell is missing, and you must identify which of four or five answer options correctly completes the grid.
The rules can operate across rows, columns, or both. Common rules include:
- Rotation: Each figure in a row is rotated by a fixed amount (e.g., 45°, 90°)
- Size progression: Figures increase or decrease in size left to right or top to bottom
- Number of elements: Each row adds or subtracts an element
- Shading: Shading alternates between black, grey, and white
- Combination rules: Rows combine two properties simultaneously (e.g., shape changes AND rotation)
Strategy: Analyse rows first, then columns. Identify what stays the same and what changes. State the rule explicitly before looking at the answer options.
2. Figure Series
A figure series presents four or five images in a horizontal sequence. You must identify the next image in the pattern.
Changes from one image to the next may involve:
- Rotation (clockwise or anticlockwise, by a fixed number of degrees)
- Reflection (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal flip)
- Addition or removal of elements
- Size changes (progressive scaling)
- Colour/shading changes (alternating or progressing)
- Movement of a small element around a larger shape
Strategy: Compare adjacent images systematically. Focus on one attribute at a time — first shape, then shading, then size, then position of internal elements.
3. Analogies
An analogy question shows two figures that are related in some way (A is to B), then shows a third figure (C) and asks you to identify the fourth figure (D) that completes the same relationship.
For example: A striped circle becomes a solid circle. A striped square becomes... a solid square.
Common analogy relationships include:
- Removing internal detail (striped → solid, detailed → simple)
- Adding a reflection or rotation
- Changing the number of sides
- Inverting colours (black → white)
- Resizing with consistent proportions
- Moving an internal element from one position to another
Strategy: Describe the transformation from A to B in precise language: "The stripes are removed and the shape is rotated 90° clockwise." Then apply the identical transformation to C.
4. Odd One Out
An odd one out question presents five or six figures. All but one share a common property; you must identify the figure that does not belong.
Common properties that link the majority include:
- Same number of sides (e.g., all quadrilaterals except one triangle)
- Same shading type (e.g., all have hatching except one solid)
- Same orientation (e.g., all point upward except one)
- Same number of internal elements
- All symmetrical except one
- All contain a curved element except one
Strategy: Look for the most specific shared property, not the most obvious one. Examiners deliberately include distractors that share superficial features with the group while differing on the defining property.
5. Code Patterns
A code pattern question presents a set of figures, each paired with a letter or symbol code. You must decode the rule and then identify the correct code for a new figure.
For example:
- A large striped triangle = AX
- A small striped triangle = BX
- A large solid circle = AY
- A small solid square = B?
Here, the first letter encodes size (A = large, B = small) and the second letter encodes shading (X = striped, Y = solid). A small solid square would be BY.
Strategy: Treat each code position independently. Identify which attribute each code position represents by finding figures that are identical except for one attribute and noting which code letter changes.
6. Spatial Reasoning
Spatial reasoning questions require you to mentally manipulate shapes. Common formats include:
- Mental rotation: A shape is shown, then displayed at a different rotation — is it the same shape or a mirror image?
- Paper folding: A square of paper is shown being folded and punched with a hole — where does the hole appear when unfolded?
- Cube nets: A flat net is shown — which 3D cube does it fold into?
- Hidden figures: A complex pattern contains a smaller shape — identify it
- Block counting: How many blocks make up a 3D arrangement?
Strategy: For rotation tasks, fix a reference point (a corner, an asymmetric detail) and mentally move only that point. For paper folding, track each fold in sequence rather than trying to visualise the final result in one step.
The Most Common Mistake
Students frequently try to answer abstract reasoning questions by "gut feeling" — choosing whichever answer looks right at a glance. This approach fails on harder questions where the correct answer is deliberately designed to look unexpected. Always identify the rule explicitly before selecting an answer.
Abstract Reasoning Practice Questions with Answers
Work through each question below before reading the answer and explanation. The difficulty level increases progressively.
Question 1 — Figure Series (Easy)
A sequence shows five figures. Each figure is a regular polygon: triangle (3 sides), square (4 sides), pentagon (5 sides), hexagon (6 sides). What comes next?
Answer: A heptagon (7 sides).
Explanation: The number of sides increases by 1 each time. The rule is: sides = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7...
Question 2 — Pattern Matrix (Easy)
A 3×3 matrix:
- Row 1: 1 dot, 2 dots, 3 dots
- Row 2: 2 dots, 4 dots, 6 dots
- Row 3: 3 dots, 6 dots, ?
Answer: 9 dots.
Explanation: Each row multiplies the number from row 1 by the row number. Alternatively, each column multiplies the column position by the row position.
Question 3 — Analogy (Easy)
A solid black circle relates to a circle with a white interior and black border in the same way that a solid black triangle relates to...?
Answer: A triangle with a white interior and black border (outline only).
Explanation: The transformation removes the fill from the shape, leaving only the outline. Apply the same transformation to the triangle.
Question 4 — Odd One Out (Easy)
Five shapes: circle, oval, square, rectangle, hexagon. Which is the odd one out?
Answer: Hexagon.
Explanation: All other shapes have an even number of lines of symmetry (or in the case of circle/oval, rotational symmetry). Actually, let's be more precise: circle, oval, square, and rectangle all have at least one axis of bilateral symmetry aligned with a horizontal or vertical axis, but a hexagon has 6. The more defensible rule here is that all shapes except the hexagon have exactly 2 or infinite lines of symmetry aligned to horizontal/vertical, while hexagon has diagonals too. Better version: the circle, oval, square, and rectangle are all shapes with exactly 0 or 2 sides that are curved OR straight pairs — but the most testable version:
Four shapes (circle, oval, square, rectangle) have at least one curved edge OR are standard four-sided figures. The hexagon is the only polygon with more than 4 sides — making it the odd one out in a set where all others are either curved shapes or quadrilaterals.
Question 5 — Code Pattern (Easy)
- Large striped square = AS
- Small striped square = BS
- Large solid triangle = AT
- Small solid circle = ?
Answer: BC
Explanation: The first letter encodes size: A = large, B = small. The second letter encodes shape: S = square, T = triangle, C = circle. A small solid circle is B (small) + C (circle) = BC.
Question 6 — Figure Series (Moderate)
In a sequence of four figures, a single black dot inside a square moves clockwise from the top-left corner to the top-right corner, then to the bottom-right corner, then to the bottom-left corner. Where is the dot in the fifth figure?
Answer: Back at the top-left corner.
Explanation: The dot cycles through four positions clockwise. After bottom-left (4th position), it returns to top-left (1st position) — completing the cycle.
Question 7 — Pattern Matrix (Moderate)
A 3×3 matrix where:
- Each row contains a circle, square, and triangle (in different orders)
- Each shape appears once per row and once per column (like a Sudoku)
- Shading alternates: the first row is solid, diagonal-striped, and hollow; the pattern means each shading type appears once per row and once per column
The top-right cell is missing. Row 1 shows: solid circle, striped square, ? Row 2 shows: hollow triangle, solid circle, striped square. Row 3 shows: striped square, hollow triangle, solid circle.
Answer: Hollow triangle.
Explanation: In column 3, solid and striped already appear. Hollow must appear. In row 1, triangle hasn't appeared yet. The missing cell must be a hollow triangle.
Question 8 — Analogy (Moderate)
A 3×3 grid of small dots (all filled) relates to a 3×3 grid where only the border dots are filled (the centre dot is empty) in the same way that a 4×4 grid of filled dots relates to...?
Answer: A 4×4 grid where only the border dots are filled (12 dots filled, the inner 2×2 removed).
Explanation: The transformation removes the interior dots, keeping only the outer border. Applied to a 4×4 grid: remove the inner 2×2 (4 dots), leaving 12 border dots.
Question 9 — Spatial Reasoning (Moderate)
A square piece of paper is folded in half from left to right (the right half folds onto the left), then folded in half from top to bottom (the bottom half folds onto the top). A hole is punched in the top-right corner of the resulting folded square. When unfolded, how many holes appear, and where?
Answer: 4 holes, one in each corner of the original square.
Explanation: Each fold doubles the number of layers. Two folds = four layers. The single punch creates four holes. Because the folds were made symmetrically (left-right, then top-bottom), the holes appear at all four corners of the original paper.
Question 10 — Odd One Out (Moderate)
Six figures: a square with a circle inside, a triangle with a circle inside, a pentagon with a circle inside, a hexagon with a circle inside, a rectangle with a circle inside, and a circle with a triangle inside.
Answer: The circle with a triangle inside.
Explanation: In all other figures, the inner shape is a circle. Only the last figure reverses this: the outer shape is a circle and the inner shape is a triangle. The defining property of the group is "circle on the inside" — and the odd one out breaks this rule.
Question 11 — Figure Series (Moderate)
In a sequence of five shapes, the shape has: 4 sides in figure 1, 3 sides in figure 2, 5 sides in figure 3, 3 sides in figure 4, 6 sides in figure 5. How many sides does figure 6 have?
Answer: 3 sides (a triangle).
Explanation: The pattern alternates: even-positioned figures are always triangles (3 sides), while odd-positioned figures follow the sequence 4, 5, 6... (increasing by 1). Figure 6 is even-positioned, so it is a triangle.
Question 12 — Code Pattern (Challenging)
Figures and their codes:
- Large black circle moving right = TXR
- Small black circle moving right = SXR
- Large white square moving left = TYL
- Large black triangle moving up = TXU
- Small white circle moving down = ?
Answer: SYD
Explanation: The three-letter code encodes three attributes independently: Position 1 = size (T = large, S = small); Position 2 = fill (X = black, Y = white); Position 3 = direction (R = right, L = left, U = up, D = down). A small white circle moving down = S (small) + Y (white) + D (down) = SYD.
Question 13 — Pattern Matrix (Challenging)
A 3×3 matrix where each row contains three shapes. The rule is: the third shape in each row is made by combining the first two shapes (overlapping and keeping only the outline parts that appear in one shape but NOT the other — like an XOR operation).
Row 1: Shape A = circle, Shape B = square, Shape C = a circle with a square overlapping (only the non-overlapping parts are filled).
What is the third shape if Row 2 has Shape A = large circle, Shape B = small circle (centred inside), and the rule is the same?
Answer: A ring (annulus) — the large circle outline with the small circle removed from the centre.
Explanation: The XOR rule keeps the parts that appear in one shape but not both. The large circle and small circle overlap (the small circle is entirely inside the large one). The non-overlapping part of the large circle is the ring between the two circles. The small circle itself has no unique area. The result is a ring shape.
Question 14 — Spatial Reasoning (Challenging)
A cube has different symbols on each face: star (top), circle (bottom, opposite star), triangle (front), square (back, opposite triangle), cross (left), heart (right, opposite cross). If you rotate the cube 90° to the right (the right face comes to the top), what symbol is now on top?
Answer: Heart.
Explanation: Rotating 90° to the right brings the right face to the top. The right face has a heart, so heart is now on top.
Question 15 — Analogy (Challenging)
A 2×2 grid of identical squares relates to a 2×2 grid where each square has been rotated 90° clockwise around the centre of the 2×2 grid (so the top-left square moves to the top-right position, top-right to bottom-right, bottom-right to bottom-left, and bottom-left to top-left).
Now apply this transformation to a 2×2 grid where: top-left = striped square, top-right = solid circle, bottom-left = hollow triangle, bottom-right = dotted pentagon.
Answer: Top-left = hollow triangle, top-right = striped square, bottom-right = solid circle, bottom-left = dotted pentagon.
Explanation: Each element rotates 90° clockwise around the grid centre: top-left → top-right, top-right → bottom-right, bottom-right → bottom-left, bottom-left → top-left. So: top-left (striped square) moves to top-right; top-right (solid circle) moves to bottom-right; bottom-right (dotted pentagon) moves to bottom-left; bottom-left (hollow triangle) moves to top-left.
Question 16 — Figure Series (Challenging)
A sequence shows figures where the number of dots inside a shape follows this pattern across five images: 1, 2, 4, 7, 11. How many dots are in the sixth figure?
Answer: 16 dots.
Explanation: The differences between consecutive terms are: 1, 2, 3, 4 — increasing by 1 each time. The next difference is 5, so 11 + 5 = 16.
Question 17 — Odd One Out (Challenging)
Five figures, each showing a 3×3 grid of shapes. In Figure A, all shapes in the diagonal (top-left to bottom-right) are circles. In Figures B, C, and D, the same is true. In Figure E, the diagonal contains a mix of circles and squares. Which is the odd one out?
Answer: Figure E.
Explanation: The unifying rule is that the top-left to bottom-right diagonal contains only circles. Figure E breaks this rule by including a square on the diagonal.
Preparation Strategies for Abstract Reasoning Tests
Improving abstract reasoning scores requires a different approach than preparing for content-based subjects. Here is what the evidence — and fifteen years of selective school coaching experience — tells us works.
Start Well Before the Exam
Abstract reasoning is the component that responds most slowly to practice. Students who begin preparation 12–16 weeks before the exam consistently outperform those who start later. Unlike Mathematical Reasoning, where a student can learn a new formula and apply it immediately, abstract reasoning ability builds gradually through exposure and reflection.
Aim for three to four targeted practice sessions per week, each 20–30 minutes long. Shorter, regular sessions are more effective than occasional marathon sessions.
Build a Question-Type Library
The six question types described above are stable across Australian exams. For each type, students should:
- Understand the rules — what transformations are possible?
- Practise recognition — how do you spot which type it is quickly?
- Apply strategies — what is the most efficient approach for each type?
- Review errors — why did you get it wrong, and what would catch the error next time?
Keep a dedicated notebook or digital document with worked examples of each type.
Practise Systematic Thinking, Not Guessing
The single most impactful habit is refusing to guess without first identifying the rule. Even if you cannot find the rule, articulate what you have checked: "I've ruled out size, rotation, and shading. The remaining variable is the number of elements." This systematic elimination approach prevents the careless errors that cost marks on easy questions.
Use Activities That Build Spatial Reasoning
Beyond formal test practice, these activities develop the underlying spatial and pattern-recognition abilities:
- Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, tangrams, Rubik's cubes
- Construction: Lego, origami, building kits
- Strategy games: Chess, draughts, strategy video games
- Visual arts: Drawing, geometric design, tessellations
- Coding: Block-based and text-based coding (develops pattern thinking)
These are not shortcuts — they are genuine cognitive training that transfers to exam performance.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Once foundational skills are established, shift to timed practice under exam conditions. Students need to practise:
- The 60-second-per-question pace of the NSW Selective test
- Moving on when stuck rather than spending 3 minutes on one question
- Managing cognitive fatigue across a 40-question sitting
- Reading questions carefully on screen (not paper)
Use official and high-quality third-party mock tests that accurately reflect the question style of your target exam.
Analyse Every Error
After each practice session, review every incorrect answer. For each error, determine:
- Did you misidentify the question type?
- Did you find the wrong rule?
- Did you apply the correct rule but make a careless error?
- Did time pressure cause you to guess?
Each error category requires a different remedy. Pattern your errors to find your specific weakness.
The Systematic Approach in Practice
The most effective students approach abstract reasoning like detectives. They don't just look — they observe. They check each attribute (shape, size, shading, rotation, number, position) one at a time, rule out what hasn't changed, and narrow in on the transforming attribute. This approach takes 10–15 seconds longer per question, but it dramatically reduces errors.
12-Week Abstract Reasoning Preparation Plan
Weeks 1–3: Foundation
Objectives
- Understand all six question types
- Learn systematic checking strategies
- Establish daily practice routine
Key Activities
- Study each question type with worked examples
- Practise 15 questions per session with no time pressure
- Review every error with written explanation
Weeks 4–7: Skill Building
Objectives
- Increase question variety
- Improve accuracy on all six types
- Begin introducing time pressure
Key Activities
- Mixed-type practice sets of 20 questions
- Introduce 90-second-per-question limit
- Spatial reasoning activities 3× per week
Weeks 8–10: Speed and Integration
Objectives
- Reach target 60-second pace
- Maintain accuracy under time pressure
- Handle unfamiliar question variations
Key Activities
- Timed practice sets of 30–40 questions
- Full Thinking Skills mock tests
- Error analysis and targeted weakness work
Weeks 11–12: Consolidation
Objectives
- Peak readiness
- Consistent performance under exam conditions
- Confidence and stamina
Key Activities
- Full mock tests under exam conditions
- Light review of error patterns
- Focus on wellbeing and test-day readiness
Work with Expert Guidance
Self-directed preparation has limits, particularly for abstract reasoning. An experienced coach can:
- Diagnose specific weaknesses across question types
- Introduce question variations that a student would not encounter independently
- Provide immediate feedback on reasoning processes (not just right/wrong answers)
- Maintain motivation through a structured, progressive programme
At BrainTree Coaching, our Selective School preparation programme includes dedicated Thinking Skills modules with comprehensive abstract and non-verbal reasoning content.
Comprehensive Thinking Skills coaching including abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical deduction — with expert feedback and timed mock tests
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can abstract reasoning be improved with practice?
Yes, absolutely. While abstract reasoning has a cognitive component that reflects natural ability, research consistently shows that targeted practice improves scores. Students who practise systematically — focusing on strategy and error analysis, not just volume — typically see meaningful score improvements over 8–16 weeks.
How much time should we spend on abstract reasoning each week?
For students preparing for NSW Selective or OC exams, we recommend 3–4 sessions of 20–30 minutes per week dedicated specifically to abstract and non-verbal reasoning. This is in addition to practice for other components (Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Writing).
At what age should children start abstract reasoning practice?
For OC test preparation (Year 4 students), abstract reasoning practice is appropriate from Year 3. For Selective test preparation (Year 6), Year 5 is ideal for starting systematic abstract reasoning work. Casual exposure through puzzles and spatial activities is beneficial at any age.
Is the abstract reasoning component the same in all Australian exams?
The core question types are consistent across NSW Selective, OC, HAST, and ASET exams. Difficulty levels and question distributions vary. HAST has a dedicated Non-Verbal Reasoning section, making abstract reasoning practice particularly high-value for HAST candidates.
What is the difference between abstract reasoning and logical reasoning?
Abstract reasoning typically refers to pattern-based, visual/non-verbal tasks (matrices, series, analogies with shapes). Logical reasoning involves language-based deduction (syllogisms, conditional statements, argument analysis). The Thinking Skills component of NSW Selective includes both. This guide focuses on abstract/non-verbal reasoning; see our guide on logical deduction strategies for the logical reasoning component.
Are there free abstract reasoning practice resources?
Yes. BrainTree Coaching offers free thinking skills practice tests through our Free Practice Tests section, including abstract reasoning question sets with worked solutions.
How is abstract reasoning tested on computer versus paper?
The question types are identical, but computer-based delivery requires students to work comfortably on screen — tracking patterns in digital images, using a mouse or trackpad to select answers, and navigating between questions using on-screen controls. Including computer-based practice in your preparation is essential for the NSW Selective test from 2026 onwards.
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Recommended next steps for abstract reasoning and Thinking Skills preparation
Free Practice Tests
Access free abstract reasoning and Thinking Skills practice sets with worked solutions
Access ResourceFree Diagnostic Assessment
Identify your strengths and weaknesses across all selective test components
Access ResourceNSW Selective Test Components Guide
Understand every section of the NSW Selective test — Reading, Maths, Thinking Skills, and Writing
Access ResourceThinking Skills Strategies Guide
Expert strategies for the full Thinking Skills component, including logical deduction and verbal reasoning
Access ResourceSelective School Preparation Programme
Comprehensive coaching programme covering all four test components with expert support
Access ResourceHave questions about abstract reasoning preparation? Contact our team or explore our comprehensive Selective School Preparation Programme.
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