1.
Which number should be there next in this series?
25, 24, 22, 19, 15
Correct Answer
D. 10
Explanation
The series seems to be decreasing, and the differences between the numbers appear to be 1, 2, 3, and 4 successively. Hence, it's following a pattern where the differences between consecutive numbers are increasing by 1 each time. Starting from 25 and decreasing by 1, 2, 3, and 4 successively, the next number would decrease by 5. Therefore, if we continue this pattern, the next number in the series would be: 15 - 5 = 10
2.
Which one of the five is least like the other four?
Correct Answer
C. Snake
Explanation
The snake is least like the other four animals because it is a reptile, whereas the cow, tiger, dog, and bear are all mammals. Mammals have characteristics like warm-bloodedness, fur or hair, and they usually give live birth, whereas reptiles like snakes are cold-blooded, have scales, and typically lay eggs.
3.
If you rearrange the letters "BARBIT," you would have the name of a:
Correct Answer
E. Animal
Explanation
Rearranging the letters in "BARBIT" produces the word "RABBIT." A rabbit is a common mammal, making it the answer. Anagrams like this require reordering letters to form meaningful words. Identifying the correct arrangement involves trial and error or familiarity with common words. Other options, like "ocean" or "country," cannot be formed from these letters. Solving anagrams is a mental exercise that enhances vocabulary and pattern recognition. In this case, "RABBIT" is the only plausible and meaningful word formed by rearranging "BARBIT." Therefore, "animal" is the correct and logical answer.
4.
Which one of the five is least like the other four?
Correct Answer
E. Apple
Explanation
Among the given options, the apple is the least like the other four because it is a fruit, while the potato, carrot, bean, and corn are all vegetables. Fruits typically develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds, whereas vegetables are other edible parts of plants, such as roots, stems, and leaves. This botanical distinction makes the apple different from the other listed items.
5.
Nia, twelve years old, is three times as old as her sister. How old will Nia be when she is twice as old as her sister?
Correct Answer
C. 16
Explanation
Nia is currently 12 years old and three times as old as her sister, who is 12/3 = 4 years old. To find out when Nia will be twice as old as her sister, we need to determine the age difference between them. Currently, Nia is 12 - 4 = 8 years older than her sister. This age difference will remain constant as they both age. Therefore, when Nia is 16 years old, her sister will be 16 - 8 = 8 years old, making Nia twice as old as her sister. Thus, the correct answer is 16.
6.
Brother is to sister as niece is to:
Correct Answer
E. Nephew
Explanation
The relationship between a brother and a sister is one of siblings. Similarly, a niece and a nephew are siblings’ children. A niece is the daughter of someone’s sibling, and a nephew is the son of someone’s sibling. This parallel in familial relationships makes “nephew” the most appropriate comparison. The other options, such as mother or daughter, represent different family roles and do not align with the given analogy. Recognizing patterns in familial terms is key to understanding such relationships. Thus, nephew is the correct answer.
7.
Which one of these five letters is least like the others?Options:
Correct Answer
E. E
Explanation
The letter E stands out because it is a vowel, while the other letters (F, C, D, Z) are consonants. Vowels and consonants are categorized differently based on how they are pronounced. Vowels require an open vocal tract, whereas consonants involve partial or complete obstruction of airflow. This fundamental distinction in phonetics makes E different from the other letters. Understanding the classification of letters enhances linguistic skills and recognition. Therefore, E is the least like the others in this group.
8.
Milk is to glass as letter is to:
Correct Answer
C. Envelope
Explanation
Milk is usually stored or served in a glass, which acts as its container. Similarly, a letter is commonly placed in an envelope for storage or delivery. The relationship between the two pairs is based on the concept of containment. Glass holds milk, and envelopes hold letters. Other options, such as stamp or pen, do not serve as containers, making them incorrect. Recognizing functional relationships between objects is essential for solving such analogies. Hence, envelope is the correct answer.
9.
Which word is closest in meaning to "APPREHENSIVE"?
Correct Answer
C. Anxious
Explanation
The word "apprehensive" means feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about a potential future event. "Anxious" shares the same meaning, describing a state of nervous anticipation or worry. The other options have distinct meanings: "thorough" means detailed, "foolish" indicates a lack of good judgment, "distraught" means extremely upset, and "comprehensive" means covering all elements. Understanding synonyms and subtle differences in meanings is key to choosing the correct answer. Therefore, "anxious" is the most accurate synonym for "apprehensive."
10.
Light bulb is to filament as wheel is to:
Correct Answer
C. Spoke
Explanation
The filament is an essential part of a light bulb, enabling it to produce light. Similarly, the spoke is a crucial component of a wheel, connecting the hub to the rim and providing structural support. Both objects rely on these components to function effectively. The other options, like electricity or road, are not intrinsic parts of the given objects and do not fit the analogy. Recognizing the relationship between parts and wholes helps identify the correct answer. Thus, "spoke" is the best choice.
11.
Two people can make two bicycles in 2 hours. How many people are required to make 12 bicycles in 6 hours?
Correct Answer
B. 4
Explanation
Find the production rate per person per hour:
Two people make 2 bicycles in 2 hours, meaning they make 2 bicycles / 2 hours = 1 bicycle per hour.
Since there are two people, each person makes 1 bicycle/hour / 2 people = 0.5 bicycles per hour.
Find the total bicycles produced per person in 6 hours:
Each person produces 0.5 bicycles/hour * 6 hours = 3 bicycles in 6 hours.
Find the number of people needed to make 12 bicycles:
To make 12 bicycles, you would need 12 bicycles / 3 bicycles/person = 4 people.
12.
SOLICITOR is to ADVISOR as SYCOpHANT is to:
Correct Answer
B. Fawner
Explanation
A solicitor is someone who acts as an advisor, providing legal guidance. Similarly, a sycophant is someone who acts as a fawner, excessively flattering or behaving obsequiously toward someone, typically to gain favor. The other options do not match the relationship in the same way.
13.
Which one of the five makes the best comparison? CAACCAC is to 3113313 as CACAACAC is to:
Correct Answer
B. 31311313
Explanation
In the given question, the pattern is that each letter in the first set is repeated the same number of times as its corresponding number in the second set. In the first set, C is repeated 3 times, A is repeated 1 time, and C is repeated 2 times, which corresponds to the numbers 3, 1, and 3 in the second set. Similarly, in the second set, C is repeated 3 times, A is repeated 1 time, and C is repeated 2 times, which corresponds to the numbers 3, 1, and 3 in the answer choice 31311313. Therefore, the answer is 31311313.
14.
Jack is taller than Peter, and Bill is shorter than Jack.
Which of the following statements would be more accurate?
Correct Answer
B. It is impossible to tell whether Bill or Peter is taller.
Explanation
Based on the given information, we know that Jack is taller than Peter and Bill is shorter than Jack. However, we do not have any direct comparison between Bill and Peter. Therefore, we cannot determine whether Bill is taller than Peter, Peter is taller than Bill, or if they are of the same height. Hence, the most accurate statement is that it is impossible to tell whether Bill or Peter is taller.
15.
The price of an article was cut by 20% for sale. By what percent must the discounted item be increased to again sell the article at the original price?
Correct Answer
C. 25%
Explanation
If an item’s price was reduced by 20%, it means it’s now being sold at 80% of its original price. To get back to the original price, the discounted price needs to be increased by a certain percentage.
Let’s denote the original price as ( P ), and the discounted price as ( D ). We have:
( D = P - 0.20P = 0.80P )
We want to find out by what percent ( D ) must be increased to get back to ( P ). Let’s denote this percentage as ( x ). So we have:
( D + xD = P )
Substituting ( D = 0.80P ) into the equation gives:
( 0.80P + 0.80Px = P )
Solving for ( x ) gives:
( x = \frac{P - 0.80P}{0.80P} = 0.25 )
So, the discounted item must be increased by 25% to again sell the article at the original price.
16.
Which one of the following five options is least like the other four?
Correct Answer
A. Brass
Explanation
Brass is unique among the options because it is not a pure element. It is an alloy, which is a mixture of copper and zinc, used for its durability and resistance to corrosion. On the other hand, copper, iron, tin, and lead are all elements found on the periodic table and exist in their natural states. They are metals with distinct properties and uses. This distinction between an alloy and pure elements makes brass the least like the others in this group. Therefore, the correct answer is brass.
17.
Mary had several cookies. After eating one, she gave half the remainder to her sister. After eating another cookie, she gave half of what was left to her brother. Mary now had only five cookies left. How many cookies did she start with?
Correct Answer
B. 23
Explanation
This problem is best solved by working backward:After giving half to her brother, Mary had 5 cookies remaining. Therefore, before this, she must have had 5 × 2 = 10 cookies.Before eating one cookie, Mary had 10 + 1 = 11 cookies.Before giving half to her sister, she must have had 11 × 2 = 22 cookies.Before eating the first cookie, Mary had 22 + 1 = 23 cookies.Thus, the total number of cookies Mary started with was 23. Working backward ensures the calculation is accurate.
18.
Which number comes next in the following sequence- 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
Correct Answer
B. 42
Explanation
This sequence follows a pattern where each number increases by consecutive even numbers:Start with 2. Add 4 to get 6.Add 6 to 6, resulting in 12.Add 8 to 12, giving 20.Add 10 to 20, resulting in 30.Finally, add 12 to 30 to get 42.The increments in the sequence are 4, 6, 8, 10, and so on, increasing by 2 each time. Continuing this pattern, the next increment after 10 is 12. Adding 12 to 30 gives the next number in the sequence, 42.
19.
Some months have 31 days. How many have 28 days?
Correct Answer
E. 12
Explanation
Every month of the calendar year has at least 28 days. February, the shortest month, has 28 days in a typical year and 29 days in a leap year. However, the question asks for months with at least 28 days, not only February. Therefore, all 12 months—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December—fit this criterion. This question often appears as a trick question to test attention to detail, as people may focus solely on February without considering all the months. The correct answer is 12.
20.
How many "birth days" does the average man have?
Correct Answer
A. One
Explanation
A "birth day" specifically refers to the actual day a person was born, which occurs only once in their lifetime. People celebrate birthdays annually to mark the anniversary of their birth, but this does not change the fact that the original birth day happens only once. Celebrating birthdays each year is a tradition, not a literal occurrence of being born again. Hence, the average person has only one true "birth day" in their lifetime, making "one" the correct answer to this question.