Rotation
Elements rotate around a fixed point by a constant angle each step. The most common single rule in EPSO abstract reasoning.
Understanding this pattern
Rotation patterns involve one or more elements turning clockwise or anti-clockwise by a fixed number of degrees between each frame. An arrow might rotate 90° per step, or a dot might orbit around the perimeter of a square. The key is measuring the angle between two consecutive positions and verifying it stays constant. About 40% of EPSO abstract reasoning questions involve at least one rotation.
Example Question
Pattern Rule
Two elements (X and O) move along parallel vertical paths in alternating directions. Frame 1: X at top-left, O at top-right. Frame 2: X moves down one step to middle-left, O moves down one step to middle-right. Frame 3: Both reach center — X and O overlap in the middle. Frame 4: X continues down to middle-left, O continues down to middle-right (now O is below center, X is below center). Frame 5: X at bottom-left, O at bottom-right. The sequence is symmetric: positions descend together to center (frames 1→3), then descend further apart (frames 3→5). Frame 6 should complete the cycle by returning both elements to the center overlap.
Explanation
Option E shows both elements at center overlap, matching the next position in the descending path (frame 6). Option A shows X at top-left and O at top-right — this is frame 1, one full cycle behind. Option B shows X at middle-left and O at middle-right (split, not overlapping) — this is frame 2 or frame 4, out of phase. Option C shows X at top-left and O at center-right — elements are on different rows, breaking the parallel descent rule. Option D shows X at bottom-left and O at bottom-right — this repeats frame 5 instead of advancing.
How to spot it
- An element appears in different orientations across frames
- A dot or marker moves to adjacent positions around a shape boundary
- The overall shape stays the same but its angle changes systematically
Common traps
- Confusing clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation — check frames 1→2 vs 2→3
- Assuming 90° when the actual step is 45° or 60°
- Missing that two elements rotate at different speeds (see: dual-speed)
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