EPSO Abstract Reasoning Practice

This week’s ten questions, with the answers

Real questions from the bank, free and with no account. The set is the same for everyone all week and rotates every Monday.

1. Question 1 of 10Difficulty 2/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: C

   Why

   Observe the element visiting the corners of the frame. It moves to adjacent corners one by one, always clockwise — it never jumps diagonally. Also note: fill stays constant. Tip: determine the rotation direction by comparing frames 1-3, then apply one more step from frame 5.

   Option by option

   • AIncorrect — this is the counter-clockwise neighbour. Trap: once you identify the direction from frames 1-5, stay consistent. The series doesn't reverse.
   • BIncorrect — the corner is correct but the fill is wrong. Check: does fill alternate at each step or stay constant? Apply that rule to frame 6.
   • CCorrect — frame 6 is at the next adjacent corner clockwise from frame 5, with the correct fill. To verify: trace the corner sequence and confirm the direction is consistent.
   • DIncorrect — this repeats frame 5. The element must advance to the next corner.
   • EIncorrect — more than one of the rules is broken in this option. Trap: at a glance it matches most of the other options, which is exactly why guessing by elimination fails here. Check every element against frames 1-5, one rule at a time.
2. Question 2 of 10Difficulty 2/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: C

   Why

   Observe the element visiting the corners of the frame. It moves to adjacent corners one by one, always counter-clockwise — it never jumps diagonally. Also note: fill stays constant. Tip: determine the rotation direction by comparing frames 1-3, then apply one more step from frame 5.

   Option by option

   • AIncorrect — this repeats frame 5. The element must advance to the next corner.
   • BIncorrect — more than one of the rules is broken in this option. Trap: at a glance it matches most of the other options, which is exactly why guessing by elimination fails here. Check every element against frames 1-5, one rule at a time.
   • CCorrect — frame 6 is at the next adjacent corner counter-clockwise from frame 5, with the correct fill. To verify: trace the corner sequence and confirm the direction is consistent.
   • DIncorrect — the corner is correct but the fill is wrong. Check: does fill alternate at each step or stay constant? Apply that rule to frame 6.
   • EIncorrect — this is the clockwise neighbour. Trap: once you identify the direction from frames 1-5, stay consistent. The series doesn't reverse.
3. Question 3 of 10Difficulty 2/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: D

   Why

   The correct diagram is determined by tracking three independent nested layers moving from the outside inwards. The most prominent element, the outer ring, follows a three-shape cycle of square, circle, and diamond. An efficient candidate solves this by scanning the outer ring first to eliminate the most options, then verifying the middle fill and central core.

   Option by option

   • AA candidate might be misled if they fail to anchor the outer ring's sequence to the first three frames. This option is incorrect because the outer ring does not follow its established square, circle, diamond cycle. Scanning the outermost layer first immediately reveals this discrepancy.
   • BThis option creates a trap for those who perceive the sequence as static or looping prematurely. It is incorrect because it simply repeats frame 5 without advancing any of the three layers. This failure to progress is caught during the initial scan of the outer ring.
   • CA candidate who relies on a general visual impression rather than isolating rules may find this option plausible. It is incorrect because it violates multiple independent rules simultaneously across different layers. Only a systematic, layer-by-layer verification reveals that it fails the required sequence for both the outer and inner elements.
   • DLooking at the outer ring, frame 6 must advance to the next shape in its three-part cycle, which rules out several options. Next, scanning the middle ring shows the fill must flip from frame 5's state, and finally, the solid core must advance one step in its four-shape cycle. Only this option satisfies every scan in the elimination path, so it is correct.
   • EA candidate who focuses only on the shapes and ignores the shading will likely select this option. It is incorrect because it fails the middle ring's rule, where grey and outline fills must alternate every single frame. This is identified during the second scan of the elimination process.
4. Question 4 of 10Difficulty 2/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: B

   Why

   Observe the element visiting the corners of the frame. It moves to adjacent corners one by one, always counter-clockwise — it never jumps diagonally. Also note: fill alternates (solid / outline) at each step. Tip: determine the rotation direction by comparing frames 1-3, then apply one more step from frame 5.

   Option by option

   • AIncorrect — this repeats frame 5. The element must advance to the next corner.
   • BCorrect — frame 6 is at the next adjacent corner counter-clockwise from frame 5, with the correct fill. To verify: trace the corner sequence and confirm the direction is consistent.
   • CIncorrect — more than one of the rules is broken in this option. Trap: at a glance it matches most of the other options, which is exactly why guessing by elimination fails here. Check every element against frames 1-5, one rule at a time.
   • DIncorrect — the shape doesn't change in this series. Only position (and possibly fill) varies.
   • EIncorrect — this is the clockwise neighbour. Trap: once you identify the direction from frames 1-5, stay consistent. The series doesn't reverse.
5. Question 5 of 10Difficulty 2/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: E

   Why

   Observe that odd-numbered frames (1, 3, 5) and even-numbered frames (2, 4) show different elements — different shape, fill, and path. These are two interleaved series. Frame 6 is even (the 6th frame), so it follows the even-frame rule. Tip: mentally separate the series — look ONLY at frames 2 and 4 to predict frame 6, ignoring frames 1, 3, and 5.

   Option by option

   • AIncorrect — the shape is correct but the position is wrong. Trace the even-frame path: frames 2, 4, 6 move along their own trajectory.
   • BIncorrect — more than one of the rules is broken in this option. Trap: at a glance it matches most of the other options, which is exactly why guessing by elimination fails here. Check every element against frames 1-5, one rule at a time.
   • CIncorrect — the shape comes from one series but the position from the other. Trap: each interleaved series has its own shape AND its own path — don't combine elements from both.
   • DIncorrect — the fill belongs to the other series. Each interleaved series uses its own fill — check frames 2 and 4 to see which fill the even series uses.
   • ECorrect — frame 6 continues the even-frame series: the same shape at the next position along its path, with the correct fill. To verify: frame 6 should relate to frames 2 and 4 the same way frame 5 relates to frames 1 and 3.
6. Question 6 of 10Difficulty 3/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: C

   Why

   The correct diagram is determined by a vertical conveyor movement where each shape rises one position and inverts its fill. The top shape exits the frame while a new shape enters at the bottom following a repeating four-shape sequence. An efficient candidate should focus on the vertical shift of existing elements first to quickly eliminate static options.

   Option by option

   • AA candidate might be misled by the correct bottom shape, but this option fails because the column did not shift. The upper shapes remain identical to those in frame 5, violating the rule that all elements must rise one slot and the top shape must exit. Scanning for the vertical shift would immediately rule this out.
   • BThis option simply repeats frame 5 without applying any transformation. It fails the primary rule of movement, as it does not advance the sequence by one step. This is a common pitfall for candidates who mistake a static repetition for a pattern.
   • CLooking at the vertical shift, frame 5's bottom and middle shapes have risen one slot and inverted their fills, while the top shape has exited. Following the entry cycle established in frames 1-5, the correct next shape appears at the bottom. Only this option satisfies every scan of the conveyor movement and fill inversion.
   • DThis option is tempting because it shares common elements with other choices, but it violates multiple rules simultaneously. It fails both the fill inversion requirement and the specific entry sequence for the bottom shape. A systematic rule-by-rule check reveals these inconsistencies.
   • EA candidate who correctly identifies the vertical shift and fill inversion might still choose this if they miscalculate the entry sequence. While the upper shapes are correct, the wrong shape has entered at the bottom, failing to follow the repeating four-shape cycle established in the previous frames.
7. Question 7 of 10Difficulty 3/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: D

   Why

   Observe how the element moves: it jumps to a diagonally opposite corner each time, never to an adjacent corner. The trajectory crosses through the centre with every jump. Also note: fill stays constant. Tip: the key distinction is diagonal vs adjacent — if the element moved to a neighbouring corner, it would be a different pattern entirely.

   Option by option

   • AIncorrect — the element hasn't moved at all. The diagonal jump must happen every frame.
   • BIncorrect — this repeats frame 5. The element must jump to a new corner.
   • CIncorrect — more than one of the rules is broken in this option. Trap: at a glance it matches most of the other options, which is exactly why guessing by elimination fails here. Check every element against frames 1-5, one rule at a time.
   • DCorrect — frame 6 places the element at the next diagonal corner, continuing the established jump pattern. To verify: the element has crossed the centre from its frame 5 position.
   • EIncorrect — this is an adjacent corner (clockwise neighbour). Trap: adjacent movement looks natural, but this series jumps DIAGONALLY. Check: does the path cross the centre? If not, it's wrong.
8. Question 8 of 10Difficulty 4/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: E

   Why

   The correct diagram is determined by a relational pointer system where the arrow in each frame indicates the position of the marker in the subsequent frame. This primary rule is accompanied by a four-shape cycle for the marker, an alternating fill pattern, and a numerical count of marks along the bottom edge. An efficient candidate should first identify the marker's position based on the previous arrow, then verify the shape and fill before checking the bottom mark count.

   Option by option

   • AA candidate who correctly identifies the marker's position but fails to track the arrow's movement pattern will be led here. While the marker is placed correctly, the new arrow points to a corner that does not follow the established jump sequence. This violates the relational rule governing the arrow's direction.
   • BThis option serves as a general distractor that appears plausible at a glance but fails multiple independent rules. It ignores the specific shape cycle and the required marker position derived from the previous frame's arrow. A systematic rule-by-rule scan quickly eliminates this option.
   • CThis option is designed to tempt candidates who do not perform a complete check of all visual elements. It fails both the marker position rule and the bottom mark count, which must advance consistently. By scanning the most eliminative axis first, this option is ruled out immediately.
   • DA candidate who focuses on the arrow and marker position but neglects the shape sequence will select this option. Although the positioning is correct, the marker's shape does not follow the four-step cycle established in frames 1 through 5. It applies only one of the necessary rules while ignoring the shape progression.
   • ELooking at the arrow in frame 5, the marker must be placed in the corner it points to, which rules out options with incorrect positioning. Following the four-shape cycle and fill alternation, the marker must be a square with no fill, which further narrows the selection. Finally, the bottom marks must advance to three, and the new arrow must follow the jump sequence; only this option satisfies every scan.
9. Question 9 of 10Difficulty 4/5

   From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

   • A
   • B
   • C
   • D
   • E
   Show the answer and the reasoning

   Correct answer: C

   Why

   The correct diagram is determined by the intersection of two independent shapes, where the overlapping area follows its own fill rule. The large outer shape follows a three-shape cycle, while the smaller internal disc moves across four horizontal positions. Simultaneously, the overlapping lens area alternates between being filled with grey and remaining empty. An efficient candidate should first scan the large outer shape to eliminate options that deviate from its cycle.

   Option by option

   • AA candidate focusing only on the internal disc might be tempted by this option. However, it violates the primary rule of the large outer shape, which must follow a three-shape cycle. Because it presents the wrong shape for this step in the sequence, it can be immediately ruled out.
   • BThis option serves as a general distractor that appears plausible at a glance but fails multiple criteria. It ignores the rule regarding the grey fill of the overlapping lens and deviates from the established movement patterns. This highlights why a systematic check of every element is necessary rather than relying on visual intuition.
   • CLooking at the large outer shape, frame 6 must return to the diamond seen in frame 3, which rules out options with circles or squares. Looking at the internal disc, it must advance one position to the right, and the overlapping lens must flip from empty back to grey. Only this option satisfies every scan, so it is correct.
   • DThis option represents a common pitfall where the candidate assumes the sequence resets or pauses. It simply repeats the visual state of frame 5 without applying any of the three transformation rules. Since the shape, disc, and lens must all advance, this option is incorrect.
   • EA candidate who correctly identifies the outer shape and lens fill but miscalculates the disc's movement will arrive here. The internal disc moves one step to the right per frame and wraps back to the left; this option places the disc in the wrong position for the sixth frame.
10. Question 10 of 10Difficulty 5/5

    From the options available, please choose which diagram would come next in the series above.

    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E
    Show the answer and the reasoning

    Correct answer: C

    Why

    The correct diagram is determined by the interaction of four distinct rules, most notably the movement of the dot on a changing polygon. The primary rule involves a polygon that increases its number of sides each frame, while the dot advances one vertex clockwise based on the current polygon's geometry. An efficient candidate should first identify the required number of sides for frame 6, then track the dot's clockwise progression and the cycle of the inner fill. Finally, verify the count of small marks along the bottom edge, which follows a descending sequence.

    Option by option

    • AA candidate who correctly identifies the polygon but fails to precisely track the dot's movement will arrive here. This option violates the clockwise progression rule by placing the dot on the wrong vertex for frame 6. Scanning the dot's position relative to the vertices would immediately reveal this error.
    • BThis option is designed to tempt candidates who rely on superficial similarities rather than a systematic rule check. It fails multiple criteria, including the required count of marks at the bottom and the correct dot position. A step-by-step scan of each visual element is necessary to rule this out.
    • CLooking at the polygon, frame 6 must follow the side-increment cycle, which this option satisfies. Checking the inner fill and the dot's clockwise advancement on that specific polygon confirms they match the established sequences. Finally, the bottom marks correctly follow the descending count, meaning only this option satisfies every scan.
    • DThis option is a trap for those who overlook the specific sequence of the inner ring's fill. It ignores the established grey to outline to solid cycle, providing a fill that does not match the required state for frame 6. This can be caught quickly by isolating the inner fill rule before checking other elements.
    • EA candidate who tracks only one or two rules while ignoring the others will find this option plausible. It violates multiple independent rules, specifically regarding the inner fill and the dot's vertex position. Following the elimination path from the most prominent element to the smallest would rule this out early.