Classification

Verbal classification test which is popularly known as “odd man out” test requires assorting of the items of a given group on the basis of a certain common quality they possess and then spotting the odd one in the group—the stranger out. These questions test the abilities of the candidates to observe the differences and similarities among objects or things. In this type of questions out of 5-6 objects (may be letters, words, numbers or figures) all but one is similar in some respect. You have to sort out which one is different (i.e., does not bear the same characteristics as the others in the group) and that gives you the correct answer. There is no rule of thumb to solve problems of this type. You have to sort each answer choice to find out whether it has any association or connection with the other items of the question. The correct answer choice will be that item which has/does not has an association with the other words. Verbal classification questions may involve alphabet/letter, word or numbers.

Verbal classification is based on homogeneity or similarity between things like objects, pictures, letters, ideas and words. In this test, homogeneous items are grouped together but one will be different in some way. Your task is to identify the thing that does NOT belong to the group. For instance take the group “apple, orange, fruit, banana”. Of course they have many things in common but there is a fine distinction. While apple, orange and banana are specific, ‘fruit’ is a generic term: any fruit.

All probable relationships have to be explored while attempting such tests. Such relationships may be based on
1. Meanings and interpretations
2. Characteristics
3. Common prefixes/suffixes
As far as letter series is concerned, concern is given to
1. Position of letters in the alphabetical order
2. Capital and small letter relationship
3. Vowel-consonant relationship
4. Frequency or omission of letters