Logical Reasoning Test Tips for Sequences and Patterns

Logical and abstract reasoning tests look at how you identify rules in unfamiliar information. They are commonly grouped with numerical and verbal ability tests, but the content is designed to rely less on learned subject knowledge.^[1]

You are not expected to invent a complicated theory. Most questions use one or two consistent changes. Your job is to find the simplest rule that explains every step.

For number sequences, check the differences first. If they are not constant, check whether the differences themselves change. Then test multiplication, division, alternating operations and two interwoven sequences.

For letter sequences, convert letters to their alphabet positions when the movement is not obvious. A, D, H, M becomes 1, 4, 8, 13. The jumps are plus 3, plus 4 and plus 5, so the next jump is plus 6.

Remember that some sequences wrap from Z back to A. Also check whether two letter sequences alternate rather than forcing one rule across every position.

Do not stare at the whole diagram. List the features: position, rotation, number, shading, size and direction. Track one feature at a time. A shape may rotate clockwise while the shaded corner moves in the opposite direction.

Eliminate answer choices that break a confirmed rule. You often do not need to solve every feature if only one option preserves what you already know.

After answering, state the rule in one sentence. If you cannot explain it, you may have guessed from appearance. The Open University recommends practice that matches the assessment you will take. For logical reasoning, that means working across several rule types rather than repeating one familiar pattern.^[2]

Take the sequence 3, 7, 13, 21, 31. The jumps are 4, 6, 8 and 10. The difference increases by 2 each time, so the next jump is 12 and the next term is 43. Writing the jumps makes the rule visible and gives you a quick way to check it against every term.

Now consider 2, 9, 4, 11, 6, 13. Reading it as one sequence looks messy. Splitting odd and even positions gives 2, 4, 6 and 9, 11, 13. Both increase by 2. This is why checking interwoven sequences should be part of your routine, not a last-minute trick.

Start untimed and name the rule for every answer. Once your method is stable, use short timed sets of five or ten questions. Keep a note of the rule families that slow you down. If alternating sequences are the problem, practise those directly before returning to a mixed test.