EPSO abstract reasoning practice trains you to explain a visual change using a consistent rule. Instead of choosing the option that looks most familiar, check what changes from one frame to the next: number, position, orientation, shading or a combination of these features.
This lesson provides four original visual exercises with explained answers. They are independent ReasoningCampus practice examples, not official EPSO questions or a reproduction of its test interface.
Check one feature at a time
- Count: how many objects, corners or marks appear?
- Locate: does an object move between fixed positions?
- Rotate: does its orientation change by a consistent amount?
- Compare shading: does filled or unfilled alternate?
- Verify: does your rule explain every displayed transition or completed row?
A rule that explains only one pair of frames is weak evidence. Test it against the whole example before committing to an answer. If two features change, track them separately and then combine their next states.
Use the official EPSO reasoning samples for familiarisation. Your competition notice and invitation determine the assessment format, language, timing and instructions. The introductory examples below practise useful reasoning skills without claiming to match the difficulty of a particular competition.
Four EPSO abstract reasoning practice examples
Read each diagram from left to right unless the question specifies rows. The written description below each diagram also states the visible information. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
1. Count the marks
How many dots should the next frame contain if the same count rule continues?
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
Show the answer and explanation
C — five dots. The count increases by one at each step: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Check all three visible changes; each adds exactly one dot.
This question asks only for the number of dots. It does not require you to invent a new movement or rotation rule. In a more complex item, count and position may both matter, so read the required answer carefully.
2. Follow a constant rotation
Which direction should the next triangle point if the rotation continues?
- Up
- Right
- Down
- Left
Show the answer and explanation
A — up. The triangle turns 90 degrees clockwise at each step. After four quarter-turns it returns to its original orientation.
Work through the directions in order: up → right → down → left → up. Do not confuse the triangle’s pointing direction with the direction of rotation. The object stays in the same place while its orientation changes.
3. Combine position with shading
Which description completes both patterns?
- Top left, unfilled
- Top left, filled
- Top right, filled
- Bottom right, unfilled
Show the answer and explanation
B — top left, filled. Position moves clockwise around the four corners: top left, top right, bottom right, bottom left, then top left again. Shading alternates filled, unfilled, filled, unfilled, then filled.
Both conditions must hold. A follows the position rule but fails the shading rule. C has the correct shading but advances to the wrong corner. Track one feature in a short sequence, then repeat for the other feature.
4. Apply the same relationship across rows
In each completed row, the third box contains the sum of the dot counts in the first two boxes. How many dots belong in the missing box?
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
Show the answer and explanation
C — four dots. The top row gives 1 + 2 = 3 and the middle row gives 2 + 1 = 3. Applying the stated row relationship to the bottom row gives 1 + 3 = 4.
The rule is checked in both completed rows before it is used in the incomplete row. This exercise specifies a count relationship. Do not impose an unrelated column rule or copy the value in the box immediately above the gap.
Review the rule, not just the answer
After each attempt, describe the rule in one sentence. For example: “The dot moves clockwise by one corner and changes shading at every step.” A precise explanation makes it easier to recognise the skill you need to practise.
If your answer was wrong, identify whether you missed a feature, reversed a direction, applied a rule to only part of the diagram or combined two correct features incorrectly. Re-solving the same item immediately can test your understanding, but remembering its answer is not evidence that a new item will be easy.
Can there be more than one imaginable rule?
A short sequence can support several invented continuations. In these introductory exercises, use the rule stated in the question or the simple consistent rule supported by every displayed transition and the answer options. In an actual assessment, follow its instructions and compare the available options carefully.
When should I start timed practice?
First make your checking method consistent. Then practise mixed examples under the conditions allowed by your actual assessment. Review the errors afterwards; simply completing more timed sets will not tell you why you keep missing a rotation or shading change.
Prepare across the three reasoning areas
Continue with EPSO numerical reasoning practice and EPSO verbal reasoning practice. For the wider programme, visit ReasoningCampus EPSO preparation.
Explore the EPSO preparation programme
For an overview of the different assessments and study planning, read our EPSO preparation guide.
ReasoningCampus provides independent preparation and is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPSO or the EU institutions. These examples do not predict an official score or pass result.
