NTS NAT-IM Analytical Reasoning Syllabus

Analytical Reasoning syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Analytical Reasoning in NTS NAT-IM, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Scenario-Based Reasoning

   5 topics

   • Reading and Diagramming the Scenario
   • Linear Ordering and Sequencing
   • Grouping and Selection
   • Seating and Arrangement Puzzles
   • Matching and Assignment
2. 2

   Logical Conditions

   3 topics

   • Interpreting Conditional Statements
   • Contrapositive and Inference Chains
   • Combining Multiple Conditions
3. 3

   Statement-Based Reasoning

   4 topics

   • Drawing Conclusions from Statements
   • Assumptions and Implications
   • Strengthening and Weakening Arguments
   • Cause and Effect Relationships
4. 4

   Deductive and Inductive Logic

   3 topics

   • Syllogisms
   • Venn Diagram Reasoning
   • Identifying Logical Fallacies
5. 5

   Critical Thinking

   3 topics

   • Evaluating Evidence
   • Identifying Patterns
   • Elimination Strategy

Analytical Reasoning flashcards for NTS NAT-IM

20 of 51 cards from the Analytical Reasoning deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. In an analytical reasoning question, what is a "scenario" (or stimulus)?

   The opening setup that introduces a fixed set of entities (people, objects, events) and the rules/conditions governing how they can be ordered, grouped, or matched.

2. What is the recommended first step when you read an analytical reasoning scenario?

   Identify the entities (the players), the action (ordering, grouping, matching), and the number of slots/positions before reading the rules.

3. Why is it useful to draw a diagram for an analytical reasoning game?

   A diagram externalizes the rules into a visual frame so you can track relationships, test deductions quickly, and avoid holding everything in memory.

4. What does a "global" (or absolute) rule mean in a scenario?

   A condition that is always true for every arrangement, so it can be drawn permanently into the base diagram.

5. What is a "local" condition in an analytical reasoning question?

   A temporary condition stated only within a single question stem (e.g., "If P is third...") that applies to that question alone, not the whole game.

6. What is the difference between a determinate and an indeterminate setup?

   A determinate setup forces every entity into exactly one position; an indeterminate (loose) setup leaves some placements variable, requiring case analysis.

7. In linear ordering, what does the rule "A is immediately before B" mean and how is it diagrammed?

   A and B are adjacent with A directly preceding B, with no entity between them; diagram as the block [AB].

8. In linear sequencing, what is the difference between "A is before B" and "A is immediately before B"?

   "A is before B" means A precedes B with any number of entities allowed between them; "immediately before" means A is directly adjacent and just ahead of B.

9. How do you represent the rule "A is exactly two places before B" in a 6-slot line?

   As a fixed-gap block with one empty slot between them: A _ B, which can slide along positions 1-4 for A.

10. In ordering games, what is a "block" (or chunk)?

    Two or more entities locked into a fixed relative position (adjacent or fixed-gap) that move together as a single unit.

11. What is a useful technique for finding the earliest/latest position an entity can occupy in a sequencing game?

    Count the entities that must come before it (push it later) and after it (push it earlier) using the ordering chain to bound its range.

12. In a pure ordering chain, if A>B, B>C, and C>D (A earliest), what positions can D occupy?

    D must be last among these four; with at least three entities before it, D can only sit at or after the 4th available position.

13. What is the core question type in a grouping/selection game?

    Choosing which entities are IN versus OUT (or splitting them into 2+ groups), governed by inclusion/exclusion rules rather than order.

14. In selection games, how do you diagram the rule "If A is selected, then B is selected"?

    As a conditional A → B, with contrapositive not-B → not-A; A's presence forces B, and B's absence forces A out.

15. What does the rule "A and B cannot both be selected" mean?

    At most one of A or B is chosen; selecting A excludes B and selecting B excludes A (A → not-B), but both may be left out.

16. What does "At least one of A or B must be selected" mean logically?

    They cannot both be absent; not-A → B and not-B → A. Both may be selected, but never neither.

17. In grouping games, what is the difference between "defined" and "undefined" group sizes?

    Defined means each group's number of members is fixed; undefined means group sizes can vary, requiring you to track minimums and maximums.

18. What deduction follows when a fixed number must be selected and several exclusion rules apply?

    Use the numbers: if exclusions force out enough entities that only exactly the required number remain eligible, those remaining are all forced IN.

19. What distinguishes a seating/arrangement puzzle from a simple linear ordering one?

    Seating puzzles often involve a 2D layout (rows facing each other, or a circular table), so "left/right" and "facing" relationships matter, not just before/after.

20. In a circular seating arrangement facing the center, how do left and right of a person relate to clockwise/anticlockwise?

    For a person facing center, their right hand points clockwise and their left hand points anticlockwise (the reverse of facing outward).

See more Analytical Reasoning flashcards →

Planning Analytical Reasoning for NTS NAT-IM

Analytical Reasoning (NTS NAT-IM) FAQ