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What is a figural pattern?
A figural pattern is a set of figures that forms an integral part of various aptitude examinations. The set of questions presents a figure that is either incomplete, asking you to complete the figure or to select any figure resembling the pattern after you unfold it. The pattern tests the non-verbal abilities of an applicant. The unfolding and completion questions have significant weightage in Bank PO, CAT, MAT, IAS-CAST, AFCAT, CLAT, SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC, SBI PO, NTSE, and other government examinations. The candidates should have profound knowledge and understanding of questions related to the pattern and how to solve them within the time limit.
Significant types of figural pattern questions
The section of the figural pattern is a highly-scoring section only if you practice the questions regularly and practice techniques associated with it before appearing in the examination. Find all the types of patterns mentioned below:
Paper folding- In this type of pattern question, one has to select the figure that resembles the given pattern in the questions when the figure unfolds with the dotted lines indicated in the paper.
Completion of figures- The completion of figures is another type of figural pattern question. It asks the candidate to find the missing figure for the incomplete pattern from the given answer choices.
Examples of figural patterns
Identify the figure that follows in the below figure series:
A. It flips vertically
B. It flips horizontally
C. The Figure rotates by 90 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction
D. The Figure rotates by 90 degrees in a clockwise direction
Answer- The correct option is C. The figure rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. The relative position of the two balls and arrows are the same.
In this question, a pattern of the square transparent sheet is given. Figure out what the pattern would look like when the transparent sheet folds along the dotted line from the four options.
Transparent sheet Answer figures
Answer- The correct answer figure is C. The right half of the sheet is folded along the dotted line and is kept on the left half of the transparent sheet. Hence, the correct figure obtaining favours option C.
Ways to solve questions of folding and completion for SSC examinations
Although there are no rules associated with the folding and completion for SSC, candidates only have to be aware of the time they are taking to solve the questions. Following are some tips you should keep in mind to solve the figural pattern while attempting the exams.
Observe the figures and make your analysis based on your knowledge and daily practice.
Do not overthink the complex figures and patterns.
Please read the questions properly to understand what it implies and what the question has asked you to do.
The figures don’t necessarily need to ask you to match the size of the figural pattern from the given answer choices.
You can also rotate the figure to find the correct answer if you don’t see any matching answers from the options.
Make sure that the figural orientation matches precisely.
Though it is a high-scoring section, one must time themselves to complete all the questions quickly. You can also download the reasoning practice set for SSC CGL exams and solve them regularly to avoid spending more than one minute on a question and form an optimal speed precisely. Regular practice of folding and completion for SSC exams will not only save your time but will also help you to master the techniques.
Conclusion
The figural patterns questions, i.e., folding and completion for SSC, are a part of the general intelligence and reasoning section. Aspirants should practice these patterns daily for an optimal speed. The set of figures either asks you to complete the figures for the missing figure or select any one answer from the given choices when you unfold them. Sometimes the figures are very complex and sometimes easier. Applicants should have profound knowledge and practice to solve such questions. You need to follow the above tips to come to the solution efficiently. Observe, analyse, and then find the matching answer from the given options.
