📚 Delhi TET – Reasoning Ability
Topic: Figure Series
Figure series questions ask you to look at a set of shapes and predict the next shape.
They test how well you see patterns and trends in visual information.
1️⃣ What is a Figure Series?
- A figure series is a row (or column) of pictures/shapes.
- You have to find the rule that connects all the shapes and then apply it to find the next shape.
- Think of it like a story made out of pictures.
2️⃣ Everyday Analogy
Imagine you’re watching a train with several carriages:
| Carriage # | What you see | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A red window | “Start with red” |
| 2 | A blue window | “Color changes” |
| 3 | A green window | “Color changes again” |
If you know the rule “color changes cyclically”, you can guess the color of carriage #4.
A figure series works the same way: shapes are the “carriages,” and the rule is the “train’s timetable.”
3️⃣ Common Pattern Types (Very Simple)
| Pattern | What to look for | Quick example |
|---|---|---|
| Shape change | The shape itself changes (circle → square → triangle). | 1️⃣ circle → 2️⃣ square → 3️⃣ triangle |
| Size change | Shape gets bigger or smaller. | 1️⃣ small circle → 2️⃣ medium circle → 3️⃣ big circle |
| Orientation change | Shape rotates 90°, 180°, etc. | 1️⃣ arrow pointing up → 2️⃣ arrow pointing right |
| Color change | Color cycles (red → blue → green). | 1️⃣ red dot → 2️⃣ blue dot |
| Number of parts | Adds or removes lines/points. | 1️⃣ one line → 2️⃣ two lines → 3️⃣ three lines |
| Combination | Two or more of the above happen together. | 1️⃣ small red circle → 2️⃣ medium blue square → 3️⃣ big green triangle |
Tip: If you can’t spot a single rule, try each type one by one.
4️⃣ Step‑by‑Step How to Solve
-
Look at all shapes
- Notice shape type, size, color, orientation, parts.
-
List the changes
- Write a short note: “Circle → Square”, “Size ↑”, “Color red → blue”.
-
Find a repeating cycle
- Does the change repeat every 2, 3, or 4 shapes?
-
Apply the rule
- Use the same change on the last shape to get the next one.
-
Check all options
- Compare your predicted shape with the choices. Pick the one that matches.
5️⃣ Tiny Example
Series:
1️⃣ Red circle
2️⃣ Blue square
3️⃣ Green triangle
4️⃣ ?
What changed each step?
| Step | Shape | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Circle | Red |
| 2 | Square | Blue |
| 3 | Triangle | Green |
- Shape sequence: circle → square → triangle (maybe a cycle of 3 shapes).
- Color sequence: red → blue → green (also 3 colors).
Prediction: Next shape should repeat the first shape and color.
- Shape: circle
- Color: red
Answer: The 4th shape is a red circle.
6️⃣ Quick Practice
| # | Shape & Color | Your guess |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue diamond | |
| 2 | Blue square | |
| 3 | Red square | |
| 4 | ? |
Hint: Look for what changes (shape or color) and the order they appear.
7️⃣ Tips for TET
- Keep it simple: Most TET questions use one rule (shape or color) or a simple combo.
- Time‑saving: If you see a clear cycle (3, 4, or 5 shapes), jump to the answer.
- Eliminate wrong options: If an option has a shape or color that never appeared, it’s wrong.
- Practice with sample papers; the more you practice, the faster you spot patterns.
8️⃣ Summary
- A figure series is like a short visual story.
- Identify shape, size, color, orientation, and parts.
- Spot the rule (or rules).
- Apply the rule to the last figure → choose the correct answer.
Happy practicing! 🎉