Question 1

Four city names are given – Lima, Algiers, New York and Tokyo. Choose the city that is least like the others in the group, that is, the one which does not share their common property.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a general knowledge based classification question that appears under logical reasoning or verbal reasoning. The task is to recognize the common feature shared by most of the given city names and to identify the city that does not share this feature. These questions often test awareness of world capitals and basic geography, along with the ability to categorise items quickly. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are four cities: Lima, Algiers, New York and Tokyo. You are expected to use basic world geography knowledge, especially about national capital cities. Exactly three of the cities share the same key property; one city is different on that basis and is the correct answer. We assume standard internationally recognized political capitals and not state or regional capitals unless clearly mentioned. Concept / Approach: A very common pattern in such questions is that three places are capital cities of countries, while one is not. Another approach is to check whether some cities are in a particular continent, but here the more obvious feature is the capital status of the cities. So you should recall which of the given cities are capital cities of sovereign countries and which one is not. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Lima is the capital city of Peru in South America. Step 2: Recall that Algiers is the capital city of Algeria in North Africa. Step 3: Recall that Tokyo is the capital city of Japan in East Asia. Step 4: Now consider New York. It is a major city in the United States of America and is located in the state of New York, but it is not the capital of the country. Step 5: The capital of the United States is Washington, District of Columbia, not New York. Therefore, New York differs from Lima, Algiers and Tokyo in terms of capital status. Step 6: Conclude that the three cities Lima, Algiers and Tokyo are all national capitals, while New York is not, making New York the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to cross check is to list each country and its capital city: Peru – Lima, Algeria – Algiers, Japan – Tokyo, United States – Washington. Only New York fails to match its country as the capital. No other simple classification, such as continent or language, gives a clean group of three and a clear odd one out as strongly as the capital city property does, so this is the intended logic. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Lima: It is the capital city of Peru, so it belongs with Algiers and Tokyo in the group of capital cities. Algiers: It is the capital of Algeria, so it also shares the same key property and is not the odd one. Tokyo: It is the capital of Japan and thus is clearly part of the capital city group. Common Pitfalls: A possible mistake is to think that New York is a capital because it is very famous and often mentioned in news and media. Candidates sometimes confuse economic or cultural importance with political capital status. Always remember that the political capital is the official seat of government, which for the United States is Washington, not New York. Another pitfall is overcomplicating the question by thinking about population size or coastal location; the exam normally expects the straightforward capital city pattern here. Final Answer: The only city that is not a national capital among the given options is New York.

Question 2

Four words related to places of dwelling are given – burrow, roof, den and nest. Choose the word that is least like the others in the group and thus represents the odd one out.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question checks your understanding of vocabulary related to animal homes and human dwellings. It appears in logical reasoning under the classification or odd one out category. You need to group together similar words and then identify the word that does not fit the same broad category as the others. Given Data / Assumptions: The words given are burrow, roof, den and nest. The context is general English and common knowledge about where animals live and how human houses are built. Exactly three of these words should refer to animal homes in a straightforward way, while one should refer to something structurally different. You are expected to use everyday meanings, not technical architectural definitions. Concept / Approach: A good starting point is to ask: which of these words directly names the place where an animal lives? Animal homes such as burrow, den and nest are common in reasoning questions. Roof, on the other hand, is a part of a house, not an entire home by itself. Once you recognise that three terms describe whole animal homes while one describes just a part of a structure, the odd word becomes obvious. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Consider burrow. A burrow is a hole or tunnel dug in the ground, typically used by animals such as rabbits, foxes or rodents as their home. Step 2: Consider den. A den is a lair or shelter where wild animals like lions, bears or foxes live and rest. Step 3: Consider nest. A nest is a structure built by birds, and sometimes by small mammals or insects, for laying eggs and raising young. It serves as the animals home. Step 4: Now consider roof. A roof is only the top covering of a building, usually a human house or other structure, which provides protection from sun and rain. Step 5: Notice that burrow, den and nest are complete animal homes, whereas roof is just one structural component of a human dwelling. Step 6: Therefore, roof does not belong to the group of animal home names and is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can also test this by asking, “Which of these can I directly associate with a specific animal as its main living place?” You might say a rabbit lives in a burrow, a lion in a den and a bird in a nest. However, you would not normally say that a person lives in a roof; instead, a person lives in a house or building which has a roof. This confirms that roof is conceptually different from the other three. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Burrow: This is a complete animal home and fits very well in the category of animal dwellings. Den: This is also an animal home, so it matches the basic theme and is not the odd one. Nest: This again is a full animal dwelling and therefore belongs with burrow and den. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes candidates overcomplicate the question by thinking about where humans live versus where animals live, but the simpler and correct approach is to see that three terms refer to whole animal homes, while roof is just one part of a building. Avoid trying to invent extra categories such as which words are underground or above ground; the exam pattern expects the broader distinction between whole animal homes and a structural component of a house. Final Answer: The only option that does not denote a complete animal home is Roof.

Question 3

Each option gives a pair of related words. In three options, the relationship is “object made of material”. Choose the pair in which the relationship between the two words is different from that of the other pairs.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a verbal reasoning question on analogy and classification. The task is to look at pairs of words and understand the relationship between them. Three of the pairs share a similar type of relationship and so form a group. One pair has a different type of relationship and is therefore the odd one out. Your job is to identify that different pair. Given Data / Assumptions: The given pairs are: Jewellery : Gold, Table : Wood, Shirt : Fabric, Iron : Axe. You are expected to use basic knowledge of everyday objects and the materials from which they are typically made. Exactly three pairs share the same directional relationship of “object made of material”. One pair reverses this relationship or changes it in a significant way. We assume the common, simple meaning of each word without considering rare or metaphorical usages. Concept / Approach: The best way to tackle such questions is to express each pair as a short sentence that describes the link. For example, “Jewellery is made of gold”. Then you see whether this pattern holds for each pair in the same direction. If one pair breaks that pattern, it is the odd one out. Direction matters here, because “object made of material” is different from “material used to make object”. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: For Jewellery : Gold, we can say that jewellery is typically made of gold or other precious metals. So the pattern is “object is made of material”. Step 2: For Table : Wood, a table is usually made of wood. Again, the first word is the finished object and the second word is the raw material. Step 3: For Shirt : Fabric, a shirt is made of cloth or fabric, so here also the first word is the finished product and the second is the material. Step 4: For Iron : Axe, read this as “iron and axe”. Here the correct relationship is that an axe is made of iron, not that iron is made of axe. So the sequence is reversed. Step 5: In the first three options, the pattern is “object : material”, whereas in the fourth option the order is “material : object”. Step 6: Therefore, Iron : Axe does not follow the same directional relationship and is the pair that is differently related. Verification / Alternative check: You can attempt to rewrite each pair in the format “X is made of Y”. For the first three, this rewrite is natural: jewellery is made of gold, table is made of wood, shirt is made of fabric. For the fourth, saying “iron is made of axe” is wrong; instead, we say “axe is made of iron”. This reversal of roles confirms that the last pair is different. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Jewellery : Gold – Fits the object to material pattern exactly. Table : Wood – Also clearly matches object to material, so it belongs to the main group. Shirt : Fabric – Again, an object made from a material; not the odd one out. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates think that all four options involve objects and materials, and therefore see no difference. The key is to notice the direction. In reasoning questions, the order of words in a pair is important. Only in Iron : Axe is the expected direction reversed, so careful reading is essential to avoid mistakes. Final Answer: The pair that is differently related from the others is Iron : Axe.

Question 4

Consider the numbers 8, 13, 29 and 38. Three of these numbers can be expressed as the sum of two prime numbers, while one number cannot. Which number does not belong to that group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question is a number classification problem that quietly uses knowledge about prime numbers and their sums. The test checks whether you can identify a property related to representation of numbers as sums of two primes and then use that property to classify the given numbers. One number will break the pattern and will therefore be the odd one out. Given Data / Assumptions: The numbers presented are 8, 13, 29 and 38. You should recall what a prime number is – a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. The question suggests that the classification may rely on a structural property, such as representation of each number as a sum of two prime numbers. Exactly one of these numbers will fail to have the same property as the others. Concept / Approach: A useful idea here is inspired by the general concept that many numbers can be written as sums of two primes. If you can show that three of the given numbers can be expressed as a sum of two prime numbers, while one number cannot be so expressed, then the number that fails will be the odd one out. This gives a clear and logical distinction that separates one number from the rest. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with 8. Try writing 8 as a sum of two primes. We have 3 + 5 = 8, and both 3 and 5 are prime numbers. So 8 can be expressed as a sum of two primes. Step 2: Consider 13. Try combinations like 2 + 11 = 13. Here, 2 and 11 are both prime numbers, so 13 can also be expressed as a sum of two primes. Step 3: Consider 38. We can write 38 as 19 + 19. Both 19 and 19 are prime numbers, so 38 is also expressible as a sum of two primes. Step 4: Now examine 29. Try possible pairs of primes that could sum to 29. Start with 2: 29 - 2 = 27, but 27 is not prime. Next 3: 29 - 3 = 26, not prime. Next 5: 29 - 5 = 24, not prime. Next 7: 29 - 7 = 22, not prime. Next 11: 29 - 11 = 18, not prime. Next 13: 29 - 13 = 16, not prime. We run out of options without finding two primes that sum to 29. Step 5: Therefore, 29 cannot be represented as the sum of two prime numbers, while 8, 13 and 38 can. This makes 29 different from the others. Verification / Alternative check: To be thorough, you can check that there is no overlooked pair of primes. Since one of the primes must be at most half of 29, you only need to test primes 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 13 as one of the addends. None of the corresponding differences are prime, so there is no valid prime pair for 29. For the other numbers, we already have explicit decompositions into sums of primes. This confirms that 29 alone fails the property. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 8: Can be written as 3 + 5, both primes, so it satisfies the required property. 13: Can be written as 2 + 11, again both prime numbers, so it fits the pattern. 38: Can be written as 19 + 19, with both addends prime, so it also belongs to the main group. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes look only at simple properties like “odd versus even” or “prime versus composite”. Here 13 and 29 are prime, while 8 and 38 are composite, which does not isolate a single odd one out. The question instead uses a slightly more subtle property. Remember that in classification problems with numbers, it often helps to think about how numbers can be decomposed using primes, squares, or other structures, not just their basic parity or divisibility. Final Answer: The unique number that cannot be expressed as a sum of two prime numbers is 29.

Question 5

Four four-digit numbers are given – 8314, 3249, 2518 and 1315. Exactly one of these numbers has a special property that the others lack. Which of the following numbers is the odd one out in this group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This logical reasoning question involves identifying a special mathematical property among four four-digit numbers. Three numbers are similar in the sense that they do not have this property, while one number stands apart and is therefore the odd one out. These types of questions test familiarity with square numbers and quick mental recognition of perfect squares. Given Data / Assumptions: The numbers are 8314, 3249, 2518 and 1315. We are looking for a simple, well known mathematical property, suitable for an aptitude exam setting. A common property for such questions is whether a number is a perfect square of some integer. Exactly one of the numbers is expected to satisfy this property, with the remaining three failing it. Concept / Approach: A perfect square is a number that can be expressed as n multiplied by n, where n is an integer. Aptitude questions often hide one perfect square among other non square numbers. Your task is to check whether any of the four numbers is an exact square of an integer. If only one is a perfect square and the others are not, that square number will be the odd one out because it has a special structural property that the others do not share. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall some nearby perfect squares of two digit numbers: 50 squared is 2500, 55 squared is 3025, 57 squared is 3249, 60 squared is 3600 and so on. Step 2: Compare 3249 with 57 squared. Compute 57 multiplied by 57: 50 multiplied by 57 is 2850, and 7 multiplied by 57 is 399. Adding 2850 and 399 gives 3249. Therefore, 3249 is equal to 57 squared, so it is a perfect square. Step 3: Check 8314. It lies between 91 squared (8281) and 92 squared (8464). Since it does not match either value, 8314 is not a perfect square. Step 4: Check 2518. It lies between 50 squared (2500) and 51 squared (2601), but 2518 does not equal 2500 or 2601, so it is not a perfect square. Step 5: Check 1315. It lies between 36 squared (1296) and 37 squared (1369). Since it does not equal any of these exact squares, it is not a perfect square. Step 6: Conclude that 3249 is the only perfect square among the four given numbers, which makes it the odd one out, as the others are non square numbers. Verification / Alternative check: You can also confirm by estimating the square roots of each number. The square root of 3249 is exactly 57. On the other hand, the approximate square roots of 8314, 2518 and 1315 are not integers; they fall between consecutive integers. Since the square root of a perfect square must be an integer, only 3249 qualifies as a perfect square. This independent method confirms that 3249 is different from the other numbers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 8314: Not equal to the square of any integer, so it shares the “non square” property with 2518 and 1315. 2518: Lies between consecutive perfect squares but is itself not a square, so it does not have the special property. 1315: Also not equal to any integer squared and therefore similar to 8314 and 2518 in this respect. Common Pitfalls: A common error is to check only divisibility rules or parity, such as whether the numbers are odd or even. That does not isolate a single odd one out because more than one number will share each such property. The question is designed so that a more distinctive property, like being a perfect square, is the key. Practice recognising nearby perfect squares to speed up this process in exams. Final Answer: The only perfect square among the given numbers is 3249, so it is the odd one out.

Question 6

Four pairs of words are given that mostly show opposite meanings (antonyms). Select the pair in which the words are not opposites in meaning and therefore are related differently from the others.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This verbal reasoning problem involves identifying antonym pairs and spotting the one pair that is not an antonym pair. In such classification questions, three options exhibit a common relationship, such as opposite meanings, while one option shows a different relationship, often similar meanings. Your job is to pick the differently related pair, which becomes the odd one out. Given Data / Assumptions: The given pairs are: Robust : Weak, Chaos : Peace, Cruel : kind, Sink : Float, Abduct : Kidnap. The context is standard English vocabulary, as used in competitive examinations. Three pairs are expected to be clear antonym pairs, with opposite meanings, and one pair will be a synonym pair, with similar meanings. Spelling differences like small letters and capital letters do not affect the meaning in this question. Concept / Approach: First, you should paraphrase each pair in your own words to understand whether the two words are opposite or similar. Robust means strong, chaos refers to disorder, cruel refers to being very harsh or unkind, sink means go down in liquid, and abduct means to take someone away by force. Once you recognise which pairs are opposites and which are similar, the synonym pair will immediately stand out as the odd one. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Robust versus weak. Robust means strong, healthy or sturdy. Weak means not strong or lacking strength. These are opposite ideas, so this pair is an antonym pair. Step 2: Chaos versus peace. Chaos stands for complete disorder, confusion or lack of order. Peace means calm, order and the absence of disturbance. These meanings are opposite to each other, so this pair is also an antonym pair. Step 3: Cruel versus kind. Cruel describes someone who enjoys causing pain or is extremely harsh, while kind describes someone who is gentle, caring and considerate. Again, these two words are clear opposites, so this pair is an antonym pair. Step 4: Sink versus float. To sink means to go down below the surface of a liquid due to greater density, whereas to float means to stay on or rise to the surface of the liquid. These actions are opposite, so this is also an antonym pair. Step 5: Abduct versus kidnap. Abduct means to take someone away illegally, often by force. Kidnap has essentially the same meaning, referring to seizing and carrying away a person, usually to demand ransom or exert pressure. These two words are similar in meaning, so they form a synonym pair, not an antonym pair. Verification / Alternative check: You can confirm by trying to replace one word with the other in a sentence. For example, “The criminal planned to abduct the child” can be rewritten as “The criminal planned to kidnap the child” without changing the meaning significantly. However, you cannot replace robust with weak, chaos with peace, cruel with kind or sink with float without reversing the meaning. This replacement test clearly shows which pair is a synonym pair. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Robust : Weak – Strong versus not strong; clear opposites, so part of the main antonym group. Chaos : Peace – Disorder versus calm; another clear pair of antonyms. Cruel : kind – Harsh versus gentle and caring; again clearly opposite in meaning. Sink : Float – Going down versus staying or rising up on the surface; opposite actions in a physical sense. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates quickly recognise only one or two antonym pairs and may get confused by the presence of a synonym pair. Remember that exam setters often include one synonym pair among antonym pairs. Always check whether the words are truly opposite or merely associated. If they can be used in similar contexts without reversing the meaning, they are likely synonyms rather than antonyms. Final Answer: The only synonym pair among the options, and hence the differently related pair, is Abduct : Kidnap.

Question 7

Four terms are given – watchman, retailer, abattoir and boatman – that are connected with occupations or work. Three of them name persons, while one names something different. Which word is the odd one out?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This question belongs to the classification type in logical reasoning, where you are given words from a similar domain and asked to find the odd one out. Here, all the words are connected with jobs or occupations, but they do not belong to exactly the same category. Three of the words describe people who perform certain jobs, while one refers to a place connected with a particular type of work. Given Data / Assumptions: The given words are watchman, retailer, abattoir and boatman. You are expected to know basic vocabulary about professions and related places. Three options refer to human workers, and one refers to a location or establishment rather than a person. The correct answer is the one that does not denote a person by role or profession. Concept / Approach: To solve this question, identify the grammatical category and meaning of each word. Watchman, retailer and boatman can all refer to individual people who work in specific roles. Abattoir, however, is the name of an establishment where animals are slaughtered. The odd one out is therefore the word that names a place instead of a person with a job title. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Watchman is a person who guards a building, area or property, especially at night. This clearly describes an individual worker. Step 2: Retailer is a person or business that sells goods directly to consumers, often in shops or online. In this context, it refers to a person involved in selling. Step 3: Boatman is a person whose work is to row or operate a boat, sometimes to transport people or goods across water. Step 4: Abattoir is not a person. It is the name of a place, specifically a slaughterhouse where animals are killed for meat. Step 5: Group the options. Watchman, retailer and boatman are all human workers, while abattoir is a location related to the meat industry. Step 6: Therefore, abattoir does not belong to the same category as the other three and is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: A quick verification method is to see which words can naturally follow personal pronouns such as he or she. You can say “He is a watchman”, “She is a retailer” or “He is a boatman”. In contrast, you would not say “He is an abattoir”; instead, you would say “He works in an abattoir”. This shows that abattoir functions as a noun for a place rather than a person, confirming it as the odd one. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Watchman: A human guard; fits the category of a person with a job title. Retailer: A person engaged in retail trade; again a role or occupation, not the odd one. Boatman: A person who works with or rows boats; yet another occupation, not the odd element. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes learners focus only on the general theme, such as “all are related to work”, and miss the finer categorisation. In classification questions, you must often go one step deeper and see whether the words denote people, places, tools or actions. Here, the person versus place distinction is the key. Avoid overcomplicating the question by searching for less obvious similarities or differences when a straightforward grammatical and conceptual distinction is available. Final Answer: The only word that denotes a place and not a person is Abattoir.

Question 8

The numbers 42, 72, 110 and 152 are given. Three of them can be expressed as the product of two consecutive natural numbers (for example n and n + 1). Which number does not belong to this group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a classification problem involving number properties. You are given four numbers and asked to identify the one that does not share a particular structural property with the others. In this case, the property is that three of the numbers can be expressed as a product of two consecutive natural numbers, while one number cannot. Such questions help evaluate your number sense and your familiarity with simple factorizations. Given Data / Assumptions: The numbers presented are 42, 72, 110 and 152. We are looking for a simple relationship such as representation as n multiplied by n plus 1 for some integer n. Exactly three of the numbers should satisfy this relationship; one number will not and will be the odd one out. All numbers are positive and reasonably small, making mental factorisation practical in exams. Concept / Approach: Two consecutive natural numbers are numbers that differ by one, such as 6 and 7, or 9 and 10. Their product is n multiplied by n plus 1. To solve this question, factor each number into its natural number factors and see whether it can be represented in the form n multiplied by n plus 1. The numbers that can be expressed this way form the main group, and the one that cannot is the odd number out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Factor 42. We have 42 = 6 multiplied by 7. Here, 6 and 7 are consecutive natural numbers, so 42 fits the pattern. Step 2: Factor 72. One convenient factorisation is 72 = 8 multiplied by 9. Again, 8 and 9 are consecutive natural numbers, so 72 fits the pattern. Step 3: Factor 110. We can write 110 = 10 multiplied by 11. These two numbers, 10 and 11, are consecutive integers, so 110 also fits the pattern. Step 4: Factor 152. Try factoring 152 into two integers that differ by one. The factors of 152 are 1 multiplied by 152, 2 multiplied by 76, 4 multiplied by 38 and 8 multiplied by 19. None of these factor pairs consist of consecutive numbers because 1 and 152 differ greatly, 2 and 76 differ by 74, 4 and 38 differ by 34, and 8 and 19 differ by 11. Step 5: Since no factor pair of 152 is made up of two consecutive integers, 152 cannot be written in the form n multiplied by n plus 1. Step 6: Thus, 42, 72 and 110 share the property of being products of consecutive natural numbers, while 152 does not, making 152 the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: You can check for n multiplied by n plus 1 directly by trial. For n equal to 6, 6 multiplied by 7 equals 42. For n equal to 8, 8 multiplied by 9 equals 72. For n equal to 10, 10 multiplied by 11 equals 110. For n equal to 11, 11 multiplied by 12 equals 132, and for n equal to 12, 12 multiplied by 13 equals 156. The number 152 does not appear in this list or for any nearby n, confirming that it is not a product of two consecutive integers. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 42: Equal to 6 multiplied by 7, so it clearly belongs to the main group. 72: Equal to 8 multiplied by 9, another product of consecutive numbers, so it is not the odd one. 110: Equal to 10 multiplied by 11, again fitting the pattern of consecutive factors. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may mistakenly look at properties like divisibility by 3 or 7, or whether the numbers are even. Those checks do not isolate a single odd one out, since all numbers are even and share several divisibility properties. Always try to factor the numbers and look for a structural pattern, such as products of consecutive numbers, perfect squares or cubes, especially when numbers are of moderate size as in this question. Final Answer: The only number that is not a product of two consecutive natural numbers is 152.

Question 9

Four crop names are given – rice, wheat, barley and mustard. Three of these are cereal grains, while one belongs to a different category. Which of the following is the odd one out?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This is a simple general knowledge and classification question related to agriculture. You are given four crop names and asked to pick the one that does not belong to the same category as the others. Such questions frequently test your familiarity with basic crop classification, especially the distinction between cereals and oilseeds. Given Data / Assumptions: The options are rice, wheat, barley and mustard. You are expected to know which of these crops are cereal grains and which belong to other agricultural categories. Three of the crops are staple cereal grains, usually grown for their edible seeds, while one is mainly grown as an oilseed and a spice crop. The answer is the crop that is not a cereal grain. Concept / Approach: Cereal crops are grasses cultivated for their edible grains or seeds. In many parts of the world, cereals are the main component of staple food. Rice, wheat and barley are classic cereal crops. Mustard, however, belongs to the mustard family and is primarily grown for its seeds, which are used to produce mustard oil and to make condiments. Recognising this difference in agricultural category helps you correctly identify the odd one out. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify rice. Rice is a major cereal grain grown in many regions, especially in Asia. It belongs to the grass family and its grains are eaten as a staple food. Step 2: Identify wheat. Wheat is another very important cereal grain from the grass family. Its grains are used to make flour, bread, chapati, pasta and many other food products. Step 3: Identify barley. Barley is also a cereal crop, belonging to the grass family, used for animal feed, malt production and various foods. Step 4: Now examine mustard. Mustard is not a cereal grain. It is an oilseed crop from the mustard family, and its seeds are used to produce mustard oil and to spice foods. Step 5: Categorise the crops: rice, wheat and barley belong to the cereal group, while mustard belongs to the oilseed and spice category. Step 6: Therefore, mustard is different from the others and is the odd one out. Verification / Alternative check: Another way to think about it is to recall what part of the plant is mainly used and in what way. For rice, wheat and barley, the main usable part is the grain, which is consumed directly as food. For mustard, the seeds are pressed for oil or used as a spice, and it is not a staple grain. This confirms that mustard does not share the primary cereal grain category with the other three crops. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rice: A major cereal crop, so it clearly belongs to the group of cereals. Wheat: Another staple cereal grain, similar in nature to rice and barley. Barley: Also a cereal crop used for food and malt, so it is not the odd one out. Common Pitfalls: Sometimes candidates misclassify barley because it is less commonly eaten directly as a staple compared to rice or wheat, but it is still a cereal. Remember that cereals are defined botanically as grasses grown for edible grains, and barley fits this definition. Mustard stands out clearly as an oilseed crop used mainly for oil and spice, so that should be your focus. Final Answer: The only crop among the options that is not a cereal grain is Mustard.

Question 10

Four occupation-related words are given – mechanic, blacksmith, engineer and mason. Three of them refer mainly to skilled manual workers or tradespeople. Which word is least like the others in this group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This verbal reasoning question asks you to classify occupations and identify the one that is different from the others. Such problems test your understanding of job roles and categories, especially the distinction between professional occupations and skilled manual trades. You need to decide which job title does not belong to the same broad class as the others. Given Data / Assumptions: The occupations listed are mechanic, blacksmith, engineer and mason. You are expected to know, at a basic level, what type of work each occupation involves. Three of the occupations are primarily skilled manual trades, typically involving hands on physical work, while one is commonly treated as a professional or technical job requiring higher formal education. The answer is the job title that differs in this classification. Concept / Approach: In aptitude tests, a common pattern is to group blue collar or manual trades together and contrast them with white collar or professional occupations. A mechanic, blacksmith and mason are well known as tradespeople who work mainly with tools and materials in a manual way. An engineer, by contrast, is usually associated with design, planning and technical analysis, often requiring a formal engineering degree and less exclusively manual labour. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: A mechanic is a skilled worker who repairs or maintains machines, engines or vehicles. The work is largely manual and technical, involving tools and physical labour. Step 2: A blacksmith is a tradesperson who works with metal, especially iron, by heating and hammering it to create or repair objects such as tools, horseshoes and hardware. This is clearly a physical trade. Step 3: A mason is a skilled worker who builds or repairs structures using stone, brick or concrete. Masonry involves heavy manual work at construction sites. Step 4: An engineer, on the other hand, usually refers to a professional who designs, plans and analyses systems, structures or machines. While an engineer may sometimes visit sites or handle equipment, the core role is professional and intellectual, supported by specialized technical education. Step 5: Group the occupations: mechanic, blacksmith and mason are skilled manual workers or tradespeople, whereas engineer is a professional role that relies more on formal education and design responsibilities. Step 6: Therefore, engineer is the odd one out because it represents a different category of occupation. Verification / Alternative check: As a quick check, you can consider typical educational pathways. Mechanics, blacksmiths and masons usually train through apprenticeships, vocational courses or on the job experience. Engineers normally complete a formal engineering degree and often work in offices, design departments or as supervisors at sites. This difference in training and primary work focus confirms that engineer belongs to a different classification than the other three jobs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mechanic: A hands on technical worker repairing machines; fits the manual trade category. Blacksmith: A classic manual craftsperson working with hot metal; also part of the trade group. Mason: A construction site worker specialising in brick and stone; clearly a skilled manual labourer. Common Pitfalls: Candidates sometimes get confused because engineers may also work at industrial sites and wear similar safety gear. However, the nature of their role is mainly planning and design rather than direct manual crafting. Focus on the usual classification of the job titles rather than on possible overlapping environments. Final Answer: The occupation that is least like the others, and thus the odd one out, is Engineer.

Question 11

Four fruits are given – apple, litchi, guava and orange. Three of these are non-citrus fruits, while one is a citrus fruit. Which of the following fruits is the odd one out in this group?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This classification question is based on basic knowledge of fruits and their categories. In aptitude and reasoning examinations, questions often ask you to identify a fruit that belongs to a different botanical or culinary group from the rest. Here, three fruits are non citrus, while one fruit is clearly a citrus fruit known for its high vitamin C and tangy taste. Given Data / Assumptions: The fruits listed are apple, litchi, guava and orange. You are expected to know which fruits are commonly considered citrus fruits (such as orange, lemon and lime) and which are not. Three fruits should belong to the non citrus group, and one fruit should be a citrus fruit with characteristic sour taste and juicy segments. The fruit that differs in this way will be the odd one out. Concept / Approach: Citrus fruits belong to the citrus family and include fruits like orange, lemon and grapefruit. They generally have a segmented juicy pulp and a distinctly tangy or sour flavour. Non citrus fruits like apple, litchi and guava do not fall into this botanical group and have different internal structures and taste profiles. Identifying which one among the options is a citrus fruit allows you to choose the odd one out easily. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Apple is a non citrus fruit. It has firm flesh, many small seeds in the core and is sweet or slightly tangy, but it is not a member of the citrus family. Step 2: Litchi is also a non citrus fruit. It has a single large seed surrounded by sweet, translucent pulp and does not have the typical citrus segments. Step 3: Guava is another non citrus fruit. While guava is rich in vitamin C, it belongs to a different botanical family and has multiple small seeds embedded in its flesh rather than citrus like segments. Step 4: Orange is a classic citrus fruit. It belongs to the citrus family, has segmented juicy pulp, a distinctly acidic or tangy taste and a characteristic citrus aroma. Step 5: Group the fruits: apple, litchi and guava are non citrus varieties, while orange is a citrus fruit. Step 6: Therefore, orange is different in category and is the odd one out among the four options. Verification / Alternative check: Another quick check is to remember which fruits are typically listed when people talk about citrus fruits. Orange is always in that list along with lemon and lime. Apple, litchi and guava are never grouped with citrus fruits, even though some may also be rich in vitamin C. This confirms that the obvious classification difference is citrus versus non citrus, and orange alone belongs to the citrus side. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Apple: A non citrus fruit; it shares this category with litchi and guava. Litchi: Also a non citrus fruit and not the odd one out. Guava: Non citrus fruit despite its high vitamin C content; it still is grouped with apple and litchi rather than with citrus fruits. Common Pitfalls: Some candidates may get confused because guava is also associated with vitamin C, similar to citrus fruits. However, vitamin C content does not alone determine the citrus category. Always rely on the common classification and structural properties like segments and typical citrus flavour. Among the given options, orange is unmistakably the citrus fruit. Final Answer: The fruit that belongs to the citrus family and is therefore the odd one out is Orange.

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