Analytical Ability
Logic, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams & Pattern Recognition (30% of exam)
Syllogisms
A syllogism is a logical argument with three parts: two premises and a conclusion.
Structure
- Major Premise: A general statement
- Minor Premise: A specific statement
- Conclusion: Logically follows from both premises
Example:
All Filipinos are Asians. (Major Premise)
Juan is a Filipino. (Minor Premise)
Therefore, Juan is an Asian. (Conclusion)
Valid Syllogism
All dogs are animals.
Buddy is a dog.
∴ Buddy is an animal. ✓
Invalid Syllogism
All dogs are animals.
Buddy is an animal.
∴ Buddy is a dog. ✗
Venn Diagrams
"All A are B"
Circle A is completely inside Circle B
Example: All doctors are professionals → Doctor circle inside Professional circle
"No A are B"
Circles A and B don't overlap at all
Example: No dogs are cats → Separate circles
"Some A are B"
Circles A and B partially overlap
Example: Some students are athletes → Overlapping circles
"Some A are not B"
Part of circle A is outside circle B
Example: Some birds are not flyers → Some of Bird circle is outside Flyers circle
Coding-Decoding
Common Patterns
- Letter shifting: Each letter moves by a fixed number (A→B→C)
- Reverse alphabet: A=Z, B=Y, C=X, D=W...
- Number substitution: A=1, B=2, C=3...
- Vowel/Consonant swap: Different rules for vowels and consonants
Example:
If CAT = DBU, then DOG = ?
Pattern: Each letter shifts +1 (C→D, A→B, T→U)
Answer: EPH (D→E, O→P, G→H)
Example (Reverse):
If BAD = YZW, then GOOD = ?
Pattern: Each letter is its reverse (A=Z, B=Y, C=X...)
Answer: TLLW (G=T, O=L, O=L, D=W)
Pattern Recognition Tips
Look for differences - What changes between each item?
Check for rotation - Is the pattern rotating clockwise or counterclockwise?
Count elements - Are shapes being added or removed?
Identify symmetry - Is there mirror or rotational symmetry?
Check color changes - Are colors alternating or following a sequence?