SPATIAL REASONING QUESTIONS

On your spatial reasoning test, you will typically encounter a number of questions that will require
you to manipulate 2D and 3D images. Typical question types involve mirror images, three-
dimensional cubes and matching similar types of shapes. Some of the more common question types
are explored below.

Organizing 2D shapes (also known as broken shapes)

In these questions you will be presented with a number of shapes and asked to identify which shape
they will make if combined. A variant on this question is to be given a whole shape and then identify
which shapes would fit together to make it. These questions test your ability to aggregate spatial
information and understand their relative size and angles.

The answer in each case is just below the diagram, so don't scroll down too far!
Question 1: Which image can be made from the three shapes shown?

The answer is C.
Some tips for solving broken shapes questions: think about the relative lengths and widths of the
different shapes. Consider the angles and which might fit together well. Look for any extra or
different shapes in the answers.
Reflection and rotation
In these questions you will be presented with an image (which could be 2D or 3D) and asked to
identify the same image from another perspective; for example, its mirror image.
This assesses your understanding of the properties of the object, your ability to remember it, and
your ability to mentally manipulate your perspective and see it differently.
Question 2: Which answer shows a reflection of the image below?

The answer is D.
Some tips for solving reflection questions: first check whether any elements of the answers have
changed in relation to one another. For example, in answer A, the triangles are no longer next to the
square - which is not possible in a reflection. Then look for any elements which have not been
manipulated in the same way - for example, in answer E, the triangles have been inverted but the
arrow has not.

Block counting
In these questions you will be presented with shapes composed of a number of blocks, some of
which may be hidden, and asked to calculate how many blocks are needed to make the shape. This
tests your understanding of how 3D shapes are composed.
Question 3: How many blocks make up the shape below?
The answer is E.
Some tips for solving block-counting exercises: it can be helpful if you are able to break the large
block into a series of smaller blocks. For example, in the exercise above, there is a block of three 5-
cube pillars (which together makes 15 blocks), a group of three 3-cube pillars (which together makes
9 blocks), and 2 single blocks. Adding together 15 + 9 + 2 gives 26.
This is quicker and produces easier sums, leading to more robust answers.

Transforming 2D images to 3D images

In these questions you will be shown a shape that can be folded to make a cube. You need to
mentally make that cube and understand what it looks like. You will then need to identify which
cubes can or cannot be made from the 2D image.
This assesses your ability to understand 2D plans in 3D and to mentally manipulate and rotate
objects.
Question 4: When folded, which box can be made from the 2D image shown below?
The answer is E.
Some tips for solving 2D to 3D questions: check whether there are any answers that have rotated
only one element. For example, in answer D, the triangle points now face the circle, which shows
that they have rotated relative to other elements and are incorrect.
Look for any elements that physically could not be next to one another. For example, in answer B,
the two white squares are next to one another, which is physically not possible as on the diagram
they are always separated.

Tips and best techniques for spatial reasoning tests

These five tips are well worth remembering before you take the spatial reasoning test for real:
 Bring and use a stopwatch.
 Learn the differences between test providers in terms of how they frame questions and
how long the test will be.
 Work swiftly but carefully.
 Calculate the maximum amount of time to be allocated to a question and stick to it,
using your stopwatch.
 Keep practising until you are able to answer questions like those above with ease.
The tests are timed, and typically there is time pressure. Most online tests are designed to be
completed within the time allocated.
How to develop your spatial reasoning ability
As with many skills, practice will help you develop your spatial reasoning ability. To enhance your
ability, you can take practice tests which will help familiarize you with the types of questions
involved.

You can also develop your skills with practical day-to-day activities, such as looking at diagrams,
plans and blueprints for items and imagining how they might fit together. Perhaps you could have a
go at making or assembling something yourself using a set of plans?

Drawing things in 3D can also be helpful, as you start to understand how different shapes look from
different perspectives. Similarly you can draw a shape, have a go at creating its reflection and then
check whether you are right using a mirror.