What is Similarities?
Similarity questions show you two groups of shapes. Each group follows its own rule. You are given a new shape and must decide which group it belongs to based on its features.
These questions are like a more advanced version of odd one out. Instead of finding one shape that does not fit, you need to understand two different rules and classify a new shape.
Step-by-Step Method
Analyse Group A
Look at all shapes in Group A. What do they have in common? List the features they share.
Analyse Group B
Do the same for Group B. What rule makes these shapes belong together?
Compare the rules
How do the two group rules differ? This is the key distinction you will use to classify the new shape.
Classify the target shape
Check the new shape against both rules. Which group does it fit?
Worked Examples
Group A: three shapes, all with curved edges (circle, oval, semicircle). Group B: three shapes, all with straight edges (triangle, square, rectangle). Which group does a pentagon belong to?
Working
- Group A rule: all shapes have curved edges.
- Group B rule: all shapes have straight edges.
- A pentagon has straight edges.
- Pentagon belongs to Group B.
Group A: shapes that are all shaded dark with a small white element inside. Group B: shapes that are all white with a small dark element inside. A new shape is white with a small black dot inside. Which group?
Working
- Group A: dark outside, light inside.
- Group B: light outside, dark inside.
- New shape: white (light) outside, black (dark) dot inside.
- Matches Group B.
Common Mistakes
Finding a rule that works for some shapes in the group but not all.
Your rule must apply to EVERY shape in the group. If one shape does not fit, your rule is wrong.
Focusing on an obvious feature and missing the actual distinguishing rule.
Sometimes the groups differ on a subtle feature like the number of enclosed spaces or the direction of a small arrow.
Top Tips
- Find the rule for each group independently, then compare.
- Start with obvious features: shape, shading, size. Move to subtler features if needed.
- The two group rules are usually related but opposite (e.g. Group A has even numbers of sides, Group B has odd numbers).
- Sometimes the distinguishing feature is about counting: lines, shapes, corners, or enclosed areas.
- If you cannot find the rule, look at what is different between the groups rather than what is the same within each group.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions