Try our sample analytical questions

Strategies for Analytical Reasoning

• Simplify the information
• Be aware of key words that might limit the situation
• Eliminate incorrect answer choices
• Use the scratch paper to make diagrams or tables
• Do not use information specific to one question in a subsequent question
• Do not make assumptions. Use the information given

Each of the following questions is based on a passage or set of conditions. In answering some of the questions, it may be useful to draw a rough diagram. For each question, select the best answer choice given.

Six different runners - Andy, Brett, Chris, Dale, Eric, and Fred - compete in a race. The following statements are all true about the race results:

Brett finished either immediately before or immediately after Dale.
Eric finished third
Andy did not finish last.
There were no ties.

Question: Which of the following is a possible order of the racers at the finish line, from first place to last place?
(A) Andy, Eric, Brett, Dale, Fred, Chris
(B) Brett, Dale, Eric, Fred, Chris, Andy
(C) Dale, Andy, Eric, Brett, Chris, Fred
(D) Fred, Andy, Eric, Dale, Chris, Brett
(E) Chris, Andy, Eric, Fred, Dale, Brett

Answer: E

Explanation: Prepare a diagram with the information you are given.
1
2
3 Eric
4
5
6 (not Andy)

Brett/Dale or Dale/Brett must finish together therefore, they must finish either 1st and 2nd, 4th and 5th, or 5th and 6th.

Check each answer choice against the rules provided until you find a conflict with the rules. Answer A is incorrect because Eric must finish 3rd. Answer B is incorrect because Andy cannot finish last. Answers C and D are incorrect because Dale and Brett must finish adjacent to each other. Answer E is the only one that conforms to all the rules.

Question:
All of the following are possible orders of the racers at the finish line, from first place to last place, EXCEPT:
(A) Andy, Brett, Dale, Eric, Chris, Fred
(B) Chris, Fred, Eric, Andy, Dale, Brett
(C) Fred, Andy, Eric, Brett, Dale, Chris
(D) Dale, Brett, Eric, Fred, Andy, Chris
(E) Brett, Dale, Eric, Chris, Andy, Fred

Answer: A

Explanation: The same rules apply here as for the preceding question. Eric still has to finish third and A is the only option where he does not.

Question:
If Eric finishes before Brett, which of the following must be false?
(A) Andy finishes 1st
(B) Andy finishes 5th
(C) Chris finishes 2nd
(D) Fred finishes 2nd
(E) Chris finishes 6th

Answer: B

Explanation: If Eric, in 3rd place, finishes before Brett, then Brett must be either 4th, 5th, or 6th. Because Brett and Dale must finish in adjacent positions, then Dale must be 5th if Brett is 4th, Dale may be 4th or 6th if Brett is 5th, and Dale must be 5th if Brett is 6th. From this analysis, it is clear that the 5th position must be taken by either Brett or Dale, then answer B must be false and is therefore the correct answer. Each of the others could be true.

Five executives of a European corporation are in Madrid for a conference.
Mr A can speak Spanish and Italian
Mrs B can speak Spanish and English
Miss C can speak English and Italian
Ms D can speak French and Spanish
Rev. E from Italy, can also speak French

Question:
Which of the following can act as interpreter when Miss C and Ms D wish to confer?
(A) Only Mr A
(B) Only Mrs B
(C) Only Rev E
(D) Mr A or Mrs B
(E) Any of the other three executives.

Answer: E

Explanation: When C and D speak they can use English, Italian, French and Spanish between them. Mr A speaks Spanish and Italian. Mrs B speaks English and Spanish. Rev E speaks French and Italian.

Question:
If a sixth executive is brought in, to be understood by the maximum number of the original five, he should be fluent in
(A) English and French
(B) Italian and English
(C) French and Italian
(D) Italian and Spanish
(E) English and Spanish

Answer: D

Explanation: Three executives speak Spanish (A, B, and D). The other two (C and E) speak Italian.

[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Page 4] [Page 5]
[Page 6] [Page 7] [Page 8] [Page 9] [Page 10]
[Page 11] [Page 12] [Page 13] [Page 14] [Page 15]

Print This Page

This community service site is sponsored by www.goodstaff.com

© Copyright 2000. Galt Western Personnnel Ltd. you may reprint this article, quote from it, use it in research or projects, duplicate it or distribute it. Credit of authorship and source MUST be given to course411.com and goodstaff.com. Ownership of Copyright remains with Galt Western Personnel Ltd.