Logical and Abstract Reasoning tests a candidate’s ability to think clearly, analyze patterns, draw valid conclusions, and solve unfamiliar problems without relying on memorized facts.

For the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), this skill is crucial because officers must:

• Make quick decisions at borders

• Detect inconsistencies in documents

• Analyze situations involving travelers

• Solve problems under pressure

This section does not depend on prior knowledge, but on how well you think.

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4.1 Pattern Recognition

Definition

Pattern recognition is the ability to identify rules, relationships, or regular changes in numbers, letters, shapes, or symbols.

The test checks whether you can:

• Observe differences and similarities

• Identify repetition or progression

• Predict what comes next

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Types of Patterns

A. Number Patterns

These involve numbers changing according to a rule.

Common Rules Used

Rule Type	Description	Example
Addition	Same number added each time	3, 6, 9, 12
Subtraction	Same number subtracted	20, 17, 14
Multiplication	Same number multiplied	2, 4, 8, 16
Division	Same number divided	81, 27, 9
Alternating	Two different rules alternate	+2, ×2

Example

2, 4, 8, 16

Rule:

Each term is multiplied by 2

Next number:

16 × 2 = 32

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B. Letter Patterns

Letters follow alphabetical positions.

Alphabet positions:

A=1, B=2, C=3, ..., Z=26

Example:

A, C, E, G

Rule:

Skipping one letter each time (+2)

Next letter:

I

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C. Shape and Symbol Patterns

These include:

• Rotation

• Increase/decrease in number of shapes

• Shading changes

• Directional movement

Example:

• A triangle rotates 90° clockwise each step

• A square gains one dot each time

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Exam Strategy

1. Look at differences, not just values

2. Check addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

3. Watch for alternating rules

4. For shapes, observe rotation, count, direction, color

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4.2 Sequence Completion

Definition

Sequence completion requires you to find the missing value or object in a sequence by identifying the rule governing the series.

These sequences can involve:

• Numbers

• Letters

• Shapes

• Mixed patterns

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A. Numerical Sequences

Arithmetic Sequences

A constant number is added or subtracted.

Formula:

aₙ = a₁ + (n − 1)d

Where:

• aₙ = nth term

• a₁ = first term

• d = common difference

Example:

5, 10, 15, 20, ?

Rule:

+5

Next term:

25

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Geometric Sequences

Each term is multiplied or divided by a constant.

Formula:

aₙ = a₁ × r⁽ⁿ⁻¹⁾

Where:

• r = common ratio

Example:

3, 6, 12, 24, ?

Rule:

×2

Next term:

48

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Alternating Sequences

Two different rules alternate.

Example:

2, 6, 7, 21, 22, ?

Rules:

×3, +1

Solution:

22 × 3 = 66

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B. Shape Sequences

You may be asked to:

• Count objects

• Track rotation

• Identify added or removed elements

Example:

• Circle → Circle + dot → Circle + 2 dots → ?

Answer:

Circle + 3 dots

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Exam Tip

Always:

1. Check first differences

2. Check ratios

3. Look for two alternating patterns

4. Observe position and direction in shapes

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4.3 Deductive Reasoning

Definition

Deductive reasoning is the process of drawing a logically certain conclusion from given statements (premises).

If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

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Basic Structure

General Rule → Specific Case → Conclusion

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Example 1

All GIS officers wear uniforms.
Kwame is a GIS officer.

Conclusion:

Kwame wears a uniform.

This is a valid deduction.

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Common Deductive Patterns

A. Syllogism

Structure:

All A are B
C is A
Therefore, C is B

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B. Conditional Statements

If A, then B
A is true
Therefore, B is true

Example:

If a traveler has no passport, entry is denied.
The traveler has no passport.
Therefore, entry is denied.

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Invalid Deduction (Trap)

All officers wear uniforms.
Ama wears a uniform.
Therefore, Ama is an officer.

❌ This conclusion is not logically guaranteed.

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Exam Tips

• Do not add outside information

• Use only what is stated

• Ensure the conclusion must follow, not “might follow”

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4.4 Problem-Solving Scenarios

Definition

Problem-solving scenarios test your ability to apply logic to real-life or abstract situations.

They measure:

• Decision-making

• Analytical thinking

• Logical consistency

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Types of Problems

A. Practical Logic Problems

Example:

An officer checks 3 travelers every 10 minutes.
How many travelers are checked in 1 hour?

Solution:

1 hour = 60 minutes
60 ÷ 10 = 6
6 × 3 = 18 travelers

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B. Constraint-Based Problems

Example:

Three officers cannot work together.
Officer A must be present.
Who can work with A?

You must:

• Eliminate impossible options

• Select the only valid combination

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C. Flow and Process Problems

Example:

• If document is valid → allow entry

• If document is invalid → deny entry

Candidates choose the correct logical outcome.

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Useful Logic Formula

Work = Rate × Time

Example:

Rate = 3 travelers per 10 minutes
Time = 60 minutes

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SUMMARY TABLE

Sub-Unit	Skill Tested
Pattern Recognition	Observing rules and repetition
Sequence Completion	Predicting missing elements
Deductive Reasoning	Drawing valid conclusions
Problem-Solving	Applying logic to scenarios

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