Step one : check the outer shape
To pick two matching pots we first look at their shape and only then at what is inside. Figures work the same way.
A figure that is exactly like the question figure has the same outer shape, the same symbols, the same places and the same directions. The easiest difference is the outer shape, so check it first.
Outer shapes
| Shape | How to know it |
|---|---|
| Square | four equal sides, standing straight |
| Circle | round, no corners |
| Rhombus (diamond) | like a square turned on its corner |
| Hexagon | six sides |
Look at the outer shape first.
- e.g. if the question figure is a hexagon the options with a circle or square are out.
Strike out at once the option with a different outer shape.
- e.g. if you see a diamond instead of a hexagon, it is out.
Do not take a square and a diamond as the same; a diamond is a turned square and a different shape.
- e.g. a diamond among the options for a square question is out.
When only options with the same outer shape remain, go to the next step.
- e.g. if three options are out the fourth is the answer.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 2 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 3 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 4 is out : the outer shape is different.
- The option left is 1. Answer : 1.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- Option 2 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- The option left is 3. Answer : 3.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 2 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- The option left is 1. Answer : 1.
If the outer shape is different the option is out; no need to look inside.
Looking at the symbols inside first and the outer shape last; it wastes time.
Memory clue : "First the shell, then what is inside."
Run your finger over the options and check the outer shapes; two or three options go out in one look.
Spot the difference
| Shape | Square / diamond |
|---|---|
| Square | sides straight up and across |
| Diamond | sides slanted, a corner on top |
| Hexagon | six sides, two of them flat |
Practice questions
- 1 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 2 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 3 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 4 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 5 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 6 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 7 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 8 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 12 (1 : the outer shape is different; 3 : the outer shape is different; 4 : the outer shape is different).
- 23 (1 : the outer shape is different; 2 : the outer shape is different; 4 : the outer shape is different).
- 31 (2 : the outer shape is different; 3 : the outer shape is different; 4 : the outer shape is different).
- 41 (2 : one symbol is of a different kind; 3 : the outer shape is different; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 53 (1 : one symbol is of a different kind; 2 : the outer shape is different; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 63 (1 : the outer shape is different; 2 : one symbol is of a different kind; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 74 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 2 : the outer shape is different; 3 : two symbols have swapped places).
- 82 (1 : one symbol is missing; 3 : the outer shape is different; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
Checking the places of the symbols
When children have fixed seats you notice at once if someone changes the seat. Symbols are the same; each has its own place.
A figure has five places for symbols : top, bottom, left, right and the middle. Pick one symbol at a time and check its place in every option.
Names of the places
| Place | Name |
|---|---|
| Top | N |
| Right | E |
| Bottom | S |
| Left | W |
Pick one symbol and remember its place : top, bottom, left, right, middle.
- e.g. the square symbol is at the top.
Strike out the options where that symbol has moved.
- e.g. if the square is at the bottom instead of the top, the option is out.
If two symbols have swapped places the option is still different; check both places.
- e.g. if the top and bottom symbols have changed places it is out.
If one symbol does not finish the job take the next symbol; in the end one option is left.
- e.g. the first symbol removes two options, the second removes the third.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 2 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- The option left is 1. Answer : 1.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 2 is out : two symbols have swapped places.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- The option left is 4. Answer : 4.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 4 is out : two symbols have swapped places.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Pick one symbol at a time; check its place; if it has moved the option is out.
Looking at all the symbols at once; a change then goes unnoticed.
Memory clue : "One symbol, one place."
Start with the most distinctive symbol (for example the filled triangle); it is quick to find.
Spot the difference
| Change | What you see |
|---|---|
| Moved | the same symbol elsewhere |
| Swapped | two symbols on each other's places |
| Turned | all the symbols moved one step round |
Practice questions
- 1 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 2 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 3 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 4 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 5 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 6 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 7 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 8 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 12 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 3 : one symbol sits in another place; 4 : one symbol sits in another place).
- 22 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 3 : one symbol sits in another place; 4 : one symbol sits in another place).
- 34 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 2 : one symbol sits in another place; 3 : one symbol sits in another place).
- 42 (1 : two symbols have swapped places; 3 : one symbol sits in another place; 4 : two symbols have swapped places).
- 52 (1 : two symbols have swapped places; 3 : one symbol sits in another place; 4 : two symbols have swapped places).
- 63 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 2 : two symbols have swapped places; 4 : one symbol sits in another place).
- 72 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 3 : two symbols have swapped places; 4 : the outer shape is different).
- 84 (1 : two symbols have swapped places; 2 : one symbol sits in another place; 3 : two symbols have swapped places).
Checking the kind and number of symbols
If two bags look alike we count to see whether one item is missing. In figures too we have to count to find a symbol that has changed, or one too few or too many.
Symbols are of several kinds : a filled dot, an empty circle, a cross, a filled box, an empty diamond and a triangle. An option may have a symbol of another kind or a different number of symbols.
Kinds of symbols
| Symbol | Name |
|---|---|
| Filled dot | dot |
| Empty circle | ring |
| X | cross |
| Filled box | box |
First count the symbols in the question figure : how many and which.
- e.g. 3 symbols : dot, cross, triangle.
Strike out the options with a different number of symbols.
- e.g. 3 symbols in the question; 2 or 4 in an option means it is out.
A filled symbol and an empty symbol are different; do not take a dot and a ring as the same.
- e.g. a ring in place of a dot is out.
Check symbols like the triangle for kind and for number.
- e.g. one triangle less and the option is out.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : one symbol is missing.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol is missing.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol is missing.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol is missing.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : one symbol extra.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol is missing.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Count the symbols first, then look at the kind; a changed number or kind means out.
Taking a filled dot for an empty circle.
Memory clue : "Count, then identify."
If the options differ in the number of symbols the counting itself gives the answer; no need to check the kinds.
Spot the difference
| Symbol | Filled or empty |
|---|---|
| dot | filled |
| ring | empty |
| diamond | empty |
Practice questions
- 1 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 2 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 3 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 4 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 5 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 6 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 7 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 8 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 14 (1 : one symbol is missing; 2 : one symbol is missing; 3 : one symbol is missing).
- 22 (1 : one symbol is missing; 3 : one symbol is missing; 4 : one symbol is missing).
- 34 (1 : one symbol is missing; 2 : one symbol is missing; 3 : one symbol is missing).
- 42 (1 : one symbol is missing; 3 : one symbol is of a different kind; 4 : one symbol is missing).
- 53 (1 : one symbol is missing; 2 : one symbol is of a different kind; 4 : one symbol is missing).
- 64 (1 : one symbol is of a different kind; 2 : one symbol is missing; 3 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 71 (2 : one symbol extra; 3 : one symbol is missing; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 83 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 2 : one symbol is of a different kind; 4 : one symbol sits in another place).
Direction and turned figures
A clock hung upside down is the same clock but you cannot read the time. When a figure is turned the places and directions of its symbols change.
The side to which the tip of the triangle points is its direction. If the direction changes or the whole figure is turned, the figure is no longer exactly like the question figure.
Kinds of change
| Change | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Direction changed | the tip of the triangle points elsewhere |
| Figure turned | all symbols change place and direction |
First decide where the tip of the triangle points : up, right, down, left.
- e.g. the tip points to the right.
The option where the tip points another way is out.
- e.g. tip pointing up means out.
If the whole figure is turned every symbol moves one step round; it is not exactly the same.
- e.g. a symbol that was at the top now at the right means a turned figure.
Even if a figure looks merely turned check both the triangle direction and the symbol places.
- e.g. in a turned figure both the tip and the places change.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 2 is out : the triangle points another way.
- Option 3 is out : the triangle points another way.
- Option 4 is out : the triangle points another way.
- The option left is 1. Answer : 1.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : the triangle points another way.
- Option 2 is out : the whole figure is turned.
- Option 3 is out : the triangle points another way.
- The option left is 4. Answer : 4.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : the triangle points another way.
- Option 3 is out : the whole figure is turned.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Check the tip of the triangle and all the places; a turned figure is a different figure.
Taking a turned figure for the same figure.
Memory clue : "Where is the tip? Where are the places?"
The tip of the triangle is the easiest direction mark; start from it.
Spot the difference
| Figure | Result |
|---|---|
| tip elsewhere | different figure |
| figure turned | different figure |
| everything the same | exactly alike |
Practice questions
- 1 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 2 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 3 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 4 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 5 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 6 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 7 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 8 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 12 (1 : the triangle points another way; 3 : the triangle points another way; 4 : the triangle points another way).
- 24 (1 : the triangle points another way; 2 : the triangle points another way; 3 : the triangle points another way).
- 33 (1 : the triangle points another way; 2 : the triangle points another way; 4 : the triangle points another way).
- 41 (2 : the whole figure is turned; 3 : the triangle points another way; 4 : the triangle points another way).
- 54 (1 : the triangle points another way; 2 : the whole figure is turned; 3 : the triangle points another way).
- 64 (1 : the whole figure is turned; 2 : the triangle points another way; 3 : the triangle points another way).
- 73 (1 : the whole figure is turned; 2 : one symbol sits in another place; 4 : the triangle points another way).
- 83 (1 : the triangle points another way; 2 : the outer shape is different; 4 : two symbols have swapped places).
Mixed questions and exam tricks
In the exam time is short. So instead of hunting for each difference, strike out options in a fixed order.
Five steps : outer shape, number of symbols, kind of symbols, places of the symbols, direction of the triangle. At every step strike out the wrong options.
Five steps
| Step | Check |
|---|---|
| 1 | outer shape |
| 2 | number of symbols |
| 3 | kind of symbols |
| 4 | places of the symbols |
| 5 | direction of the triangle |
Do the steps in order; stop as soon as one option is left.
- e.g. if three options are out after two steps the remaining one is the answer.
Check the remaining option fully once at the end.
- e.g. look again at all the symbols and the outer shape.
If two options look very alike compare symbol by symbol.
- e.g. only the triangle direction may differ in one option.
There is always exactly one option that is exactly alike.
- e.g. if more than one seems to match check again.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- Option 4 is out : the outer shape is different.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 1 is out : the triangle points another way.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol is missing.
- Option 4 is out : one symbol sits in another place.
- The option left is 2. Answer : 2.
Which figure is exactly like the question figure on the left?
- Option 2 is out : the outer shape is different.
- Option 3 is out : one symbol is of a different kind.
- Option 4 is out : two symbols have swapped places.
- The option left is 1. Answer : 1.
Five steps in order : shape, number, kind, place, direction.
Deciding the answer after checking an option only half.
Memory clue : "S-N-K-P-D" (shape, number, kind, place, direction).
Even if one option is left after two steps, do a last check once.
Spot the difference
| Change in the option | Which step |
|---|---|
| different outer shape | 1 |
| a symbol less or more | 2 |
| ring instead of dot | 3 |
| symbol in another place | 4 |
| triangle points another way | 5 |
Practice questions
- 1 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 2 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 3 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 4 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 5 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 6 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 7 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
- 8 Which figure is exactly like the figure on the left?
Show answers (try them yourself first)
- 13 (1 : one symbol sits in another place; 2 : two symbols have swapped places; 4 : the triangle points another way).
- 22 (1 : the whole figure is turned; 3 : the triangle points another way; 4 : one symbol is of a different kind).
- 34 (1 : the outer shape is different; 2 : one symbol extra; 3 : the triangle points another way).
- 42 (1 : one symbol is of a different kind; 3 : two symbols have swapped places; 4 : one symbol extra).
- 52 (1 : one symbol is missing; 3 : the triangle points another way; 4 : two symbols have swapped places).
- 62 (1 : one symbol is of a different kind; 3 : the outer shape is different; 4 : one symbol sits in another place).
- 71 (2 : one symbol is missing; 3 : two symbols have swapped places; 4 : the outer shape is different).
- 81 (2 : two symbols have swapped places; 3 : the triangle points another way; 4 : one symbol is missing).
Quick revision of the whole lesson
| Topic | Memory clue |
|---|---|
| Outer shape | First the shell, then what is inside |
| Places | One symbol, one place |
| Number and kind | Count, then identify |
| Direction | Where is the tip? Where are the places? |
| Steps | shape, number, kind, place, direction |
🎯 Most important points for the exam
- An exactly alike figure has the same shape, symbols, places and directions.
- Check the outer shape first and strike out the wrong options.
- Pick one symbol at a time and check its place in all options.
- Count the symbols and tell filled from empty.
- A turned figure is not exactly alike.
- Do a last check even after two steps.
"First the shell, then the inside; one symbol, one place."