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.