Reasoning Skills Book

Understand how to solve. Then practise with purpose.

This book takes you from the foundations of each reasoning test to practical application. It combines theory, solution strategies, targeted exercises and practice tests so that you can study independently and understand the reasoning behind the answer.

Written and academically edited by Pantelis Pattakos and Eva Pattakou, the guide focuses on accuracy, recognising common traps and developing a consistent approach under time pressure.

What the eight chapters cover

01 · Verbal Reasoning: learn to check every claim

The theory explains what verbal reasoning measures and why answers must be grounded in the passage. You learn to distinguish what is stated from what is merely plausible, then evaluate each option systematically.

• Break options into claims: check who, what, when, conditions and degree of certainty.
• Read logical markers precisely: quantifiers, probability, obligation, time frames and scope.
• Recognise common traps: altered wording, partly correct options, unsupported additions and overgeneralisation.
• Learn from the explanations: study why the correct answer is supported and why competing options are rejected.

A real example from page 32: “reduced” and “eliminated” are not equivalent. An answer that turns a reduction into complete elimination makes a stronger claim. The book trains you to detect such small changes in meaning.

What you develop: a repeatable process for checking the whole answer, rather than choosing familiar words.

Inside the book · p. 32 · Verbal reasoning traps and worked examples · View larger →

02 · Numerical Reasoning: select the right data and calculation

The numerical section builds the mathematical tools needed to interpret tables, charts and numerical relationships. It explains how to read the question first, select the relevant figures, check units and decide whether estimation can save time.

• Core foundations: fractions, ratios, proportions, equations and translating word problems into mathematical relationships.
• Data interpretation: absolute and percentage change, per-capita measures, part-to-whole calculations and scale checks.
• Applied topics: speed–time–distance, exchange rates, measurement conversions, present and future value, and interacting changes in quantities.
• Progressive practice: 37 exercise sets in Chapter 5, followed by five numerical reasoning tests in Chapter 6.

A real example from page 645: the exercise starts with an exports table, calculates the relevant percentage and converts millions into thousands. The explanation shows the unit conversion explicitly instead of giving only an answer letter.

What you develop: a more reliable approach to selecting data, calculating efficiently and checking whether a result makes sense.

Inside the book · p. 645 · Numerical data, question and step-by-step solution · View larger →

03 · Abstract Reasoning: turn a puzzle into a routine

The abstract section explains how visual sequences are constructed and how several rules may operate together. You learn to inspect individual properties before combining the rules into a complete explanation.

• Observe systematically: number, position, orientation, shape, size and shading.
• Recognise transformations: movement, rotation, reflection, addition and removal.
• Follow changing operations: reset, repetition, reversal, progressive changes and clock-face rotation.
• Combine rules: indicators, colour reversal and visual arithmetic; eliminate options that satisfy only part of a pattern.

A real example from page 1033: the sequence contains three shapes and a set of answer options. The explanation begins by identifying which objects remain present and which properties may change, before developing the rule.

What you develop: a consistent observation routine that supports practice, self-correction and better use of time.

Inside the book · p. 1033 · Abstract sequence and the beginning of its analysis · View larger →

A study process you can repeat

1. Learn: read the theory and work through the examples.
2. Attempt: answer questions before checking the explanations.
3. Review: identify which word, calculation or visual rule caused a mistake.
4. Refine: revisit difficult question types and gradually work on speed.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the book for?

Candidates preparing for reasoning assessments in AD, AST and CAST selection procedures. Your own competition notice determines the applicable tests, languages, time limits and scoring arrangements.

Which language can I choose?

The e-book is available in all 24 official EU languages. Select your preferred language from the dropdown on the product page before adding it to your cart. No separate email is needed to confirm that selection. The extracts on this page are from the English edition.

Is it a printed book?

This purchase is for the digital e-book.

Are online mock exams or live lessons included?

This page presents the standalone Reasoning Skills e-book. Online mock exams and live lessons are separate services.

What is the price?

The standalone e-book costs €80. Review the purchase details on the product page.

Independent preparation material by Your Study Community. Not affiliated with EPSO or the European Union institutions.