Odd One Out (Figures) Notes for SSC Reasoning
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
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PDF Notes: Odd One Out (Figures) Notes for SSC Reasoning
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In an odd one out question with figures, four figures follow one rule and one does not. Your job is to find the rule. This note lists the features to check, in the order that saves the most time.
Features to Check
| Feature | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Number of sides or lines | Count straight lines, curves and corners |
| Shading | Which part is black or white |
| Symmetry | Number of lines of symmetry |
| Direction | Pointing direction of arrows and shapes |
| Closed or open | Closed figures versus open figures |
| Number of parts | Count of regions or components |
| Rotation or flip | One figure may be a mirror image of the others |
Method
- Look at all the figures for the obvious differences first (open and closed, curved and straight).
- Count the lines, angles and regions.
- Check symmetry and shading.
- If four figures share a feature, the fifth is the odd one.
- If no feature matches, check the position of the elements inside the figure.
Examples
- Square, rectangle, rhombus, triangle: the triangle has 3 sides, the others have 4.
- Circle, ellipse, square, oval: the square has straight sides, the others are curved.
- Four arrows pointing up and one pointing down: the downward arrow is the odd one.
Quick Tips
- Check open or closed first.
- Count the corners.
- Check the symmetry lines.
- Do not spend more than 30 seconds on one question.
Quick Revision Points
- Find the common rule for four figures.
- Check lines, sides and shading.
- Open and closed figures differ.
- Symmetry can be the rule.
- Direction can be the rule.
- Count the regions.
Practice Questions With Answers
- Which is the odd one: square, rectangle, rhombus, triangle?
Answer: Triangle (3 sides) - Which is the odd one: circle, ellipse, oval, square?
Answer: Square (straight sides) - Which is the odd one: four closed figures and one open figure?
Answer: The open figure - Which is the odd one: arrows pointing up, up, up, down?
Answer: The downward arrow - Which is the odd one: pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, circle?
Answer: Circle - Which is the odd one: four figures with 2 shaded parts and one with 3?
Answer: The figure with 3 shaded parts - Which is the odd one: three symmetric figures and one asymmetric?
Answer: The asymmetric figure - Which is the odd one: four figures with 5 lines and one with 6?
Answer: The figure with 6 lines
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Non-Verbal Reasoning notes page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an odd one out question?
A question where four items share a property and one does not.
What is the first thing to check?
Whether the figures are open or closed.
What is symmetry?
When a figure looks the same after reflection or rotation.
Should I count lines?
Yes, line count is often the rule.
Can two rules be used?
Sometimes shading and sides are both needed.
How much time per question?
About 30 seconds.
What if I cannot find the rule?
Move on and return later.
Is it asked in SSC?
Yes, in CGL, CHSL and MTS.
What is classification?
Grouping items with the same property.
How to practise?
Take ten figure sets daily and write the rule.
Previous chapter
Dot Situation and Grouping of Identical Figures: Method and Practice for SSC Non-Verbal Reasoning
Next chapter
Figure Series in Non-Verbal Reasoning: Rotation, Shading, Addition and Movement Patterns with Solved Examples for SSC
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.