1. Understanding Pattern Types 🔄

Abstract reasoning tests your ability to identify patterns and relationships in shapes, figures, and sequences. The DOST-SEI uses complex patterns that require careful observation.

Pattern Type	What to Look For	Example Transformation
Rotation	Figure turns clockwise or counterclockwise	90°, 180°, 270° rotation of shapes
Reflection	Mirror image (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)	L-shape becomes reversed L
Size Change	Growing, shrinking, or alternating sizes	Small → Medium → Large
Position Shift	Elements move within the frame	Dot moves corner to corner
Addition/Subtraction	Elements are added or removed	+1 line each frame
Color/Shading	Fill patterns change (solid, striped, empty)	Black → Gray → White → Black

💡 Key Insight:

DOST-SEI often uses MULTIPLE transformations at once! A shape might rotate AND change color simultaneously. Always check for combined patterns.

2. Matrix & Series Completion 🔢

These questions present a sequence or grid with a missing element. You must identify the pattern to find the correct answer.

Series Completion:

Figures arranged in a row or sequence
Find what comes next in the pattern
Look at differences between adjacent items
Check for alternating patterns

Matrix (3x3 Grid):

9 boxes with one missing (usually bottom-right)
Check patterns across rows
Check patterns down columns
Sometimes diagonal patterns exist

Matrix Strategy - Row by Row:

Examine the first complete row to identify the rule
Verify the rule works for the second row
Apply the rule to the third row to find the answer
If rows don't work, try columns or diagonals

3. Spatial Visualization 📐

These questions test your ability to mentally manipulate 3D objects. Essential skills for future engineers, architects, and scientists!

Question Type	Description	Strategy
Cube Nets	Unfold a cube to flat pattern, or vice versa	Remember: opposite faces are NEVER adjacent in the net
Block Counting	Count visible and hidden blocks in a 3D stack	Count layer by layer, don't forget hidden blocks
3D Rotation	Identify how an object looks from different angles	Use a fixed reference point to track rotation
Paper Folding	Fold paper, punch hole, predict where holes appear	Unfold step by step; holes multiply with each unfold
Cross-Sections	What shape results from cutting a 3D solid	Visualize slicing through the object

Cube Net Rules:

A cube has 6 faces arranged in a specific pattern when unfolded
Opposite faces: Top-Bottom, Front-Back, Left-Right
When folding, adjacent squares in the net become adjacent faces
There are exactly 11 different valid cube nets

4. Odd One Out & Classification 🎯

These questions require you to identify which figure doesn't belong to a group based on shared characteristics.

What Makes Something "Different":

Number of sides (polygon types)
Open vs closed figures
Curved vs straight lines
Symmetry (or lack of)

Rotation direction
Number of elements
Size relationships
Shading/fill pattern

⚠️ Common Trap:

Don't pick the first difference you see! All figures might share a deeper common trait, and only one lacks it. Check ALL options before deciding.

5. Analogy Problems 🔗

Figure A is to Figure B as Figure C is to ______. These test your ability to recognize relationships between pairs.

Relationship Type	Example
Rotation	Arrow pointing right → Arrow pointing up (90° clockwise)
Inversion	Black circle → White circle (color reversal)
Simplification	Complex figure → Same figure with one element removed
Combination	Two shapes → Overlapped or combined version
Part to Whole	Single triangle → Triangle within hexagon

Analogy Solving Steps:

Compare A to B - list EVERY difference
Express the relationship as a rule
Apply the EXACT same rule to C
Find the answer that matches

6. Test-Taking Strategies ⏱️

Time management and strategy are crucial for abstract reasoning success.

Time Management:

Aim for 30-45 seconds per item
Don't get stuck - mark and move on
Return to skipped items if time permits
Practice with a timer regularly

Problem-Solving Order:

Start with what you notice first
Simplify by looking at one element
Check if the rule applies consistently
Use process of elimination

🎯 Pro Tips for DOST-SEI Abstract:

Practice regularly - spatial skills improve with exercise
Draw out patterns if allowed (trace with finger during exam)
Look for the SIMPLEST explanation first
When stuck, check answer choices - sometimes working backward helps
Stay calm - anxiety reduces pattern recognition ability

7. Practice Questions 📝

Question 1: Pattern Recognition

A sequence shows: Triangle → Square → Pentagon → ?

Answer: Hexagon - The pattern adds one side to the polygon with each step (3→4→5→6 sides).

Question 2: Block Counting

A 3D structure shows 3 blocks on the bottom layer, 2 on the middle, and 1 on top (pyramid style). How many blocks total?

Answer: 6 blocks (3+2+1). Don't forget hidden blocks in the bottom layer supporting upper blocks.

Question 3: Rotation

An arrow points to the right in frame 1, then up in frame 2. What direction in frame 3?

Answer: Left - The arrow rotates 90° counterclockwise each frame. Right → Up → Left → Down.

Question 4: Odd One Out

Five figures: Circle, Square, Triangle, Rectangle, Hexagon. Which is the odd one?

Answer: Circle - It's the only figure without straight sides/angles. All others are polygons.

Question 5: Figure Analogy

White square is to black square as white circle is to ______?

Answer: Black circle - The relationship is color inversion (white→black), applied to the shape.

Abstract Reasoning