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Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning
2023 ENTRY
MASTER THE
UCAT
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2000+ Practice Questions
100+ Comprehensive Lessons
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DR KUNAL DASANI
DR MOHIL SHAH
DR SHWETA MADHU
DR JOHN ADAM
ARUSHI RAMANI
Copyright © 2022 by Mohil Shah
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First edition
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I Introduction
II
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3 Preparing for the UCAT
4 How to Use This Book
10 Passage Adjustments 53
11 Correlation and Causation 56
IV Decision Making
18 Introduction 89
19 Logical Puzzles I: An Introduction 92
20 Logical Puzzles II: Mathematical Puzzles 107
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21 Logical Puzzles III: Spatial Equations 112
22 Logical Puzzles IV: Visual Puzzles 121
23 Logical Puzzles V: Cross Hatch vs. Fill In 132
24 Logical Puzzles VI: Ordered Questions 142
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25 Logical Puzzles VII: Conditional Scenarios
26 Syllogisms I: Introduction
27 Syllogisms II: Venn Diagram Approach
28 Syllogisms III: Shorthand Approach
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154
156
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29 Interpreting Information I: Fictional Text 171
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30 Interpreting Information II: Non-Fiction Text 177
31 Interpreting Information III: Tables 181
32 Interpreting Information IV: Graphs 187
33 Recognising Assumptions 195
34 Venn Diagrams I: Introduction 202
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V Quantitative Reasoning
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45 Introduction 285
46 Estimation vs. Precision 288
47 Interpreting Question Stems 296
48 Units in the UCAT 303
49 Percentages
50 Proportion
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Mean, Median and Mode
52 Ratios I
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319
321
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53 Ratios II 334
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54 Resources in the Quantitative Reasoning Section 341
55 Interest Questions 348
56 Tax Questions 354
57 Geometry I 360
58 Geometry II 366
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VI Abstract Reasoning
63 Introduction 393
64 SPONCS 396
65 Triggers 407
66 Finding the Pattern 417
67 Distractors 430
68 Shape Patterns 440
69 Position Patterns 449
70 Orientation Patterns 457
71 Number Patterns 465
72 Colour Patterns 475
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73 Size Patterns 485
74 Dependent Patterns 494
75 Type 2 Questions 505
76 Type 3 Questions 515
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77 Type 4 Questions
78 AR Timing Strategies
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CO-WRITTEN BY DR KUNAL DASANI WHO SCORED 900
MASTER THE
UCAT
100+ comprehensive lessons
pl
e
SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE 2023
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medical and dentistry students at a
London hospital
MEDICINE: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-work-
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experience/
MEDICINE DENTISTRY
VI
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Abstract Reasoning
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Abstract Reasoning is the fourth out of five sections of
the UCAT. The section asks candidates to find patterns
between series’ of shapes using deductive reasoning,
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whilst ignoring extraneous information. Here, we will
discuss the different types of questions that make up
the Abstract Reasoning section and provide strategies
for identifying patterns and coming to conclusions
within the time constraints of the section.
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Introduction
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Abstract Reasoning in Clinical Practice
393
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
• 13 minutes
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• 55 questions
• 11 sets
• Therefore, candidates have roughly 14 seconds per question
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Acing Abstract Reasoning
Don’t:
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INTRODUCTION
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MEDICINE DENTISTRY
64
SPONCS
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When trying to recognise patterns, it often helps to have a
mental checklist of possible patterns to consider. This is
useful as patterns may not jump out immediately, and so,
another way to arrive at the correct pattern is to consider the
possibilities under a common framework. Through practice with
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the framework, the time spent thinking about how to approach
the question is removed and the overall times will improve
significantly.
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SPONCS
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arrows, right-angle triangles or clocks.
• Number: consider the number of a particular shape or its
sides, lines, or any other characteristic. Number patterns
are commonly seen alongside other elements of SPONCS,
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so keep this in mind.
• Colour: note the colour of different shapes. Colour is often
used in conjunction with other aspects of SPONCS.
• Size: assess the size of the shapes in the boxes, relative
to one another. Size patterns should be considered if there
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happens to be a particularly large or particularly small shape
in each box.
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397
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
Timing Tip
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Think about the possible patterns in a systematic way
and work through them in order. As this is practiced
more, it becomes second nature and will eventually
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Expert's Advice
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Note that multiple categories of patterns can be used
together. For instance, there are 2 black triangles
in each box (number, colour, shape).
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Examples
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SPONCS
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There does not seem to be a shape, position, or orientation
pattern. Moving along, there does appear to be a number pat-
tern. If after approximately 40 seconds, there is no discernible
secondary pattern, stick with the one obtained pattern and move
on. Of note, remember that not every question set contains a
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secondary pattern.
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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Consider these sample questions.
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SPONCS
In Set A, all the arrows point up and down. In Set B, all the arrows
point to the right. Since this is quickly noticeable, there is time to
consider the presence of a secondary pattern. Indeed, one exists.
In Set A, the number of white arrows is equal to the number of
sides on the white shape. Set B comprises boxes wherein the
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number of black arrows is equal to the number of sides on the
black shape.
401
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
Common Pitfall
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Let us look at another example.
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SPONCS
Expert's Advice
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Many pattern categories exist in conjunction, so
though a pattern may be found involving shape, other
components of SPONCS should not be excluded from
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consideration. SPONCS merely provides a framework to
recall possible patterns. The experienced candidate
will quickly consider each letter of SPONCS to find
all probable patterns.
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Consolidating SPONCS
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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On first impression of the above sets, there are some grey shapes
within Set A and there are none within Set B. This may be a
clue that colour is implicated in the pattern(s) that are present.
Shapes within Set A can only be grey or white and shapes within
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Expert's Advice
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SPONCS
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position or orientation of the shapes. Let us consider number.
The boxes in Set A all have an odd number of shapes whereas
Set B features boxes with an even number of shapes.
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We have two patterns now, so let us answer the questions using
this obtained information:
1) A - Set A
2) C - Neither
3) C - Neither
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4) B - Set B
5) C - Neither
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Take-Home Points
405
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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406
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pl
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THIS PDF IS A FREE SAMPLE
SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE 2023
5-day work experience courses for
medical and dentistry students at a
London hospital
MEDICINE: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-work-
experience/
DENTISTRY: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/dentistry-work-
experience/
MEDICINE DENTISTRY
CO-WRITTEN BY DR KUNAL DASANI WHO SCORED 900
MASTER THE
UCAT
100+ comprehensive lessons
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Triggers
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The Abstract Reasoning section is highly time-pressured, so
there is likely insufficient time to consider every possible pattern
present in the SPONCS framework. This chapter will teach can-
didates to look for particular triggers that provide an indication
that some patterns may be more likely than others.
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S - SHAPE
Beginning with shape, here are some common triggers that may
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appear.
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
P - POSITION
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• Many similar shapes - If Sets A and B have many similar
shapes, the pattern may be positional, for instance, differ-
ing arrangements in the location of key and/or repetitive
shapes.
O - ORIENTATION
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Let us move onto orientation. There are a few triggers that
might make a candidate consider a pattern of this nature first.
in or the shape they point at, and this will often elucidate a
pattern.
• Triangles - Triangles can also point in a particular direction,
so consider this, particularly with right-angled or isosceles
triangles.
• Clocks - Experienced candidates will not use clocks in AR to
tell time, but rather view them as shapes in their own right.
Clocks often indicate that the pattern relates to the angles
formed by the hands of the clock.
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TRIGGERS
Common Pitfall
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N - NUMBER
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Consider numbers next.
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• Few shapes - If there are very few shapes in each box, think
of number (both of shapes and of varying characteristics of
the shapes). In boxes with many shapes, it is usually not
worth it to start counting them as such boxes often do not
hold a numbers pattern.
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
C - COLOUR
Let us now think about colour. Note that colour is very fre-
quently used as a distractor, which may detract test-takers’
attention from the pattern at hand. That being said, a trigger
that is still beneficial to consider is as follows.
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consider colour as a part of the pattern. Notably, they are
often found alongside other components of the SPONCS
framework, such as shape or number.
Expert's Advice
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For some aspects of SPONCS, such as colour, it is
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worth considering secondary patterns as colour rarely
presents alone.
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S - SIZE
• Big shapes - If there are some shapes that are very big,
by comparison, to other shapes in the box, it is worth
considering a size pattern.
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TRIGGERS
Expert's Advice
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Consolidating Triggers
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411
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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patterns that relate to the arrows. Then we can consider
secondary patterns by quickly going through SPONCS.
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The arrows in both, Set A and Set B, point either upwards or
downwards. Let us consider the circumstances in which they
point in either direction. In Set A, all the boxes with upward-
pointing arrows contain a white circle. Conversely, in Set B, all
the boxes with upward-pointing arrows have a black circle.
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Always consider the possibility of secondary patterns. Here,
there are secondary colour and shape patterns. In Set A, the
arrow is black if there is a four-sided shape within the box. In
Set B, the arrow is black if there is a three-sided shape within
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the box.
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TRIGGERS
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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the possibility that colour may play a role in a secondary pattern,
as it will be easy to rule out if not.
5) A - Set A
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TRIGGERS
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Thinking of the SPONCS acronym, are there any triggers that
are prominent within the above sets? Consulting the list we have
started to draw up, the trigger here should be the presence of a
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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2) B - Set B
3) A - Set A
4) A - Set A
5) C - Neither
Take-Home Points
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1. Recognise common AR triggers. These serve as great
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starting points in quickly identifying patterns.
2. Continue compiling a list. Add more triggers to your list
as you continue practicing, so you become familiar with
how to best approach these questions.
3. Distractors still exist. Although a trigger has been identi-
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fied, this does not mean the pattern will definitely pertain
to this finding. Common triggers are quite frequently used
as distractors.
4. Secondary patterns are common. Time permitting, always
entertain the idea of a secondary pattern.
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pl
e
THIS PDF IS A FREE SAMPLE
SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE 2023
5-day work experience courses for
medical and dentistry students at a
London hospital
MEDICINE: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-work-
experience/
DENTISTRY: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/dentistry-work-
experience/
MEDICINE DENTISTRY
66
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Here, we will discuss strategies to identify patterns in the
Abstract Reasoning section of the UCAT. It will cover a few
strategies and topics so that students feel more confident in
their ability to recognise patterns. Explored below is our tried-
and-tested formula.
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• Identify the simplest box
• Apply our 4-step method
• Look at Set A & Set B together
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417
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
Examples
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Which box looks the simplest in Set A?
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Then, pick the second simplest box to start comparing the two.
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FINDING THE PATTERN
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Consider the link between these two boxes. If a commonality
can be found, compare it to a third and fourth box in the set to
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confirm whether this is a pattern that seems to hold true for the
entirety of the set. Did you find the links between two boxes?
The total number of sides in the shapes in both boxes equals 12.
This is also true for the other boxes in Set A.
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419
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
1) B - Set B
2) A - Set A
3) A - Set A
4) B - Set B
5) B - Set B
Expert's Advice
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When comparing two simple boxes within a set, try and
pick a box adjacent to (next to, above, below) the
simplest box to make it easier to analyse quickly.
This may seem an insignificant adjustment to make,
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but will cumulatively save time and prevent confusion
across the AR section.
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Timing Tip
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FINDING THE PATTERN
Four-Step Method
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1. Look at the simplest box and compare it to another box
within the set.
2. Focus on Set A first when looking for the simplest box
rather than looking at both sets together. It does not
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actually matter whether students start with Set A or Set
B, but it will save time to pick one set to start with, rather
than looking at all twelve boxes altogether.
3. Use the inverse rule when considering possible patterns
for the next set. Once the rule for Set A is known, thinking
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along similar lines will quickly elucidate the pattern for Set
B.
4. Consider AR triggers before applying ‘SPONCS.’ Develop
an awareness of common patterns that arise when boxes
contain particular characteristics. Recognising some of
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As can be seen, this is the exact strategy that was applied to the
earlier question in this chapter.
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
Timing Tip
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FINDING THE PATTERN
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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to notice an immediate pattern or glaring difference. Think of
this technique as “zooming out” on the sets instead of diving
into its minutiae as it is easy to get carried away with the latter
in the tension of the moment.
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Let us try the following questions using this approach.
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Perhaps Set A looks neater and Set B looks more chaotic and
424
FINDING THE PATTERN
disorganised.
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1) A - Set A
2) A - Set A
3) B - Set B
4) A - Set A
5) B - Set B
Expert's Advice
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Taking a step back to visualise what 'feels'
different between two sets can be a help even if an
exact pattern has not been identified. This will at
least provide a basis for an educated guess if a
pattern has not yet been identified in 40 seconds.
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UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
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Consider the set of Abstract Reasoning questions below.
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FINDING THE PATTERN
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2) A - Set A
3) C - Neither
4) C - Neither
5) A - Set A
Summary
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To recap, let us consider some of the strategies we do and don’t
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recommend when finding patterns in the AR section.
Do:
pattern possibilities
• Focus on the simplest boxes
• Sit back and look at the two sets together if you are unable
to narrow in on a pattern
• Be very strict with timings of 1 minute per question set
Don’t:
427
UCAT GUIDE FINAL V1.0
• Spend too long going through every type of pattern for each
set
• Fall for distractors - common ones include colour or shape
• Make up a pattern to suit your thinking
• Get bogged down and spend too long on one question set
Timing Tip
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The AR section is not ordered in level of difficulty.
If you are struggling with a pattern, it might be a
particularly tricky one. If you have not yet
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identified a pattern within 40 seconds, make your
best-educated guesses and flag it to return to later,
time permitting. It may be the case that later
questions have simpler patterns, so leaving
sufficient time to correctly answer these rather is
good practice and gives easy marks.
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Take-Home Points
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FINDING THE PATTERN
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CO-WRITTEN BY DR KUNAL DASANI WHO SCORED 900
MASTER THE
UCAT
100+ comprehensive lessons
pl
e
SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE 2023
5-day work experience courses for
medical and dentistry students at a
London hospital
MEDICINE: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/medicine-work-
experience/
DENTISTRY: https://www.medicmind.co.uk/dentistry-work-
experience/
MEDICINE DENTISTRY
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