Reasoning – Classification
What is Classification?
Classification questions assess your ability to identify which item in a group does not belong based on a shared attribute among the remaining items. These questions measure your logical reasoning and ability to recognize patterns.
Types of Classification
1. Word-based: Based on meaning or category.
2. Number-based: Involves properties like even/odd, prime/composite.
3. Alphabet-based: Involves letter positioning or patterns.
4. General Knowledge: Requires awareness of real-world categories like countries, animals, professions.
Example Questions
- Tiger, Lion, Dog, Rose
Answer: Rose (Not an animal)
- Apple, Banana, Mango, Carrot
Answer: Carrot (Vegetable; others are fruits)
- 2, 3, 5, 9
Answer: 9 (Not a prime number)
- A, E, I, O, G
Answer: G (Consonant; others are vowels)
Exam Tips
- Focus on what the majority of items have in common and identify the outlier.
- Check categories (fruits, colors, countries, tools, etc.) first before evaluating deeper relationships.
- Number series? Test for prime, square, even/odd, divisibility.
- For letter-based classification, check alphabetical positions, symmetry, and common groups like vowels or consonants.
Common Mistakes
- Overthinking and creating forced logic that doesn’t match the majority rule.
- Ignoring subtle similarities like functionality or usage.
- Misclassifying words due to lack of general knowledge.
Quick Revision Checklist
- Revise common categories (animals, objects, geography, professions).
- Know number properties (even/odd, prime/composite, multiples).
- Learn vowel/consonant groupings and letter positions.
- Solve at least 20 mixed classification questions for practice.
Summary: Classification problems strengthen your cognitive skills by requiring you to group and differentiate logically. It’s all about spotting patterns, eliminating the outlier, and applying general knowledge along with logical analysis.