Lesson 5.1: Verbal Reasoning (Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding)
Verbal Reasoning is a crucial part of the Reasoning & Military Aptitude section for AFCAT, CDS, and NDA exams. It tests logical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.
1. Analogies
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Definition: Identify the relationship between two words and find a similar relationship in another pair.
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Types: Synonyms, Antonyms, Cause-Effect, Part-Whole
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Example:
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Army : Soldier :: Navy : Sailor
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Explanation: A soldier belongs to the army, similarly a sailor belongs to the navy.
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2. Classification
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Definition: Identify the word that does not belong to a group.
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Example:
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Apple, Banana, Carrot, Mango → Carrot (vegetable while others are fruits)
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Tips: Look for common features, categories, or properties.
3. Coding-Decoding
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Definition: Words or numbers are coded using a pattern; you must decode the logic.
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Example:
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If CAT → DBU, then DOG → ?
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Explanation: Each letter is shifted by +1, so DOG → EPH
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Types: Letter coding, number coding, mixed coding
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Tips: Identify pattern in positions, shifts, or arithmetic operations.
Exam Tips
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Practice 20–30 questions daily to improve speed and accuracy.
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Focus on common patterns in analogies and coding-decoding.
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Solve previous year AFCAT and CDS verbal reasoning questions.
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Use elimination techniques for classification problems.
