Classification Tips and Tricks for Government Exams

Introduction

Classification means to assort items of a given group on the basis of a certain common quality they possess and then spot the stranger or odd one out. In this case, candidates will be given a group of certain items, out of which all except one are similar to one another in some manner; candidates should choose this one item that does not fit into the given group.

Types of Classification Reasoning 

Let us see the various types of questions that may come one by one from below. 

• Choosing the Odd Word Based on General Knowledge: In this type of classification reasoning, candidates will be given a bunch of words and they have to pick out the correct one.
• Choosing the Odd Number: In this type of classification reasoning, certain pairs of numbers are given, and candidates need to find out that one by differentiating the relationship of the given numbers.
• Choosing the Odd Numeral Pair/Group: In this type of classification reasoning, candidates will be given some pairs of groups then they have to find out the wrong one.
• Choosing the Odd Letter Group: In this type of classification reasoning, candidates will be given some odd letters then they have to find out the wrong one.
• Choosing the Odd Pair of Words Based on Synonyms and Antonyms: In this type of classification reasoning, candidates will be given some pair of words that have some meaning (synonyms and antonyms)from there they need to choose the correct answer.
• Choosing the Odd Pair of Words Based on Image-Based: In this type of classification reasoning, candidates will be given images among which they have to choose the odd one.

How to Solve Question Based on Classification – Know all Tips and Tricks 

Candidates can find various tips and tricks from below for solving the questions related to the Classification reasoning section. 

• Tip # 1: Classification and odd one out questions aim to judge the candidate’s information processing capabilities, creative thinking ability, and evaluation skills. 
• Tip # 2: Questions on classification require a strong vocabulary and general knowledge. So be well versed in these subject areas. 

Examples

Example 1: Choose the pair of words which are different from others in the group.
(a) Length : Extend
(b) Duration : Period
(c) Time : Span
(d) Expanse : Stretch
Ans: (d)
Solution: Here, in all options, the first word is the synonyms of the second word except the last one.
The last one is the antonyms of the first one.
Hence., the correct answer is Expanse : Stretch.

Example 2: In the following question, find the odd one from the given alternatives.
(a) Linen
(b) Cotton
(c) Iron
(d) Silk
Ans: (c)
Solution: Linen, Cotton and Silk are types of clothes.
Hence, Iron is the odd one from the given alternative.

Example 3: In the following question, find the odd one from the given alternatives.
(a) Netherlands
(b) Brunei
(d) Croatia
(e) Serbia
Ans: (b)
Solution: The Netherlands, Croatia and Serbia are European countries.
Hence, Brunei is the odd one from the given alternative.

Example 4: In the following question, find the odd one from the given alternatives.
(a) Electrician
(b) Paediatrician
(c) Oncologist
(d) Cardiologist
Ans: (a)
Solution: Pediatrician, Oncologist and Cardiologist are Doctors.
Hence, Electrician is the odd one from the given alternative.

Example 5: Select the odd number pair from the given alternatives.
(a) 13, 169
(b) 17, 269
(c) 14, 196
(d) 16, 256
Ans: (b)
Solution: Here
13, 169 → (13)2 = 169
17, 269 → (17)2 = 269 ≠ 289
14, 196 → (14)2 = 196
16, 256 → (16)2 = 256
Hence, 17, 269 is the odd number pair.

Example 6: Choose the word which is least like the other words in the group.
(a) Tiger
(b) Lion
(c) Leopard
(d) Cow
Ans: (d)
Solution: In this group of words, all animals are carnivorous but cows are herbivorous.
Hence, the correct answer is Cow.

Example 7: Choose the odd pair.
(a) Volume : Liter
(b) Time : Second
(c) Length : Meter
(d) Pressure : Barometer
Ans: (d)
Solution: In all options, the second pair is the unit to measure the first one but in option 4, the barometer is the instrument to measure pressure.
Hence, the correct answer is Pressure : Barometer.

Example 8: Choose the number which is different from others in the group.
(a) 13
(b) 17
(c) 23
(d) 27
Ans: (d)
Solution: All numbers from all the options are prime numbers except option 4.
Hence, the correct answer is 27.

Example 9: Choose the number pair which is different from others in the group
(a) 14 – 7
(b) 24 – 3
(c) 37 – 5
(d) 42 – 2
Ans: (c)
Solution: The first number is the multiple of the second term except for the third term.
Hence, the correct answer is 37 – 5.

Example 10: Choose the letter pair which is different from others in the group.
(a) BD
(b) IK
(c) PN
(d) SU
Ans: (c)
Solution: Clearly, all the groups consist of two alternate letters in order, while in the group they are in reverse order.
Hence, the correct answer is PN.