The Question That Keeps On Giving

by Mary Richter Aug 15, 2012

The first question on a logic game often asks for a possible ordering (or assignment, or grouping) of the elements. We call these Orientation questions, and they can usually be answered by simply applying the rules, one by one, to the answer choices. For example, if there is a rule that Sam arrives fourth (yay, simple rules!), scan the answer choices to check for Sam. There’s almost certainly going to be one where he’s not fourth—get rid of that one.

While moving through the rules this way is, generally, a reliable and efficient approach for Orientation questions, we also teach that you can use your diagram. On some games, such as relative ordering, this is a good idea. It can be faster.

But without a clear advantage presented by your diagram, there are a couple of bonus benefits to using the rules, themselves.

1. By using the rules themselves, you avoid applying any mistakes you have made in your diagram. If the rule states that X and Y are separated by one position and you’ve incorrectly notated that this means X and Y are right next to each other, maybe you won’t pick the wrong answer if you read the rule correctly this time around.

2. As this same example illustrates, Orientation questions pose a final opportunity to catch diagramming mistakes before you move on to use your diagram for the rest of the game. Think of it as the last exit before the toll, or the last therapy session before the wedding. Let’s spot the issue now before it ends in tragedy. (No? Moving on.)

For these reasons, I am a big fan of using the text of the rules themselves on Orientation questions. The perks just keep coming.