Analytical Reasoning - Circular Ordering
In the next most common type of ordering question the elements are placed around a circle—typically,
people who are evenly spaced around a table.
First, circular diagrams are not fixed. That is, circular diagrams do not have a first, second, . . ., or last position. You can envision a circle as derived from a line by bending the line until the left end point (say, the first) and the right end point (say, the last) meet—forcing the first and last elements to become one and the same. Hence there is no beginning or end on a circle.
For this reason, you can initially place an element anywhere on the diagram—it can be fixed only in
relation to other elements. It is conventional to place the first element at the top of the circle. Then place
any additional elements (where applicable) to the left of it, clockwise around the circle.
Next, although there is no first, second, etc., on a circle, there is left-right orientation (at least locally).
So if a condition states that one element is next to another element but does not state whether it’s to the left
or the right, then two diagrams that are mirror images of each other will be possible.
However, if there is no mention of the circle’s orientation (left or right), then the mirror image of the diagram need not be considered.
For example, if it is given that A is next to B, and it is not specified whether A is to the left or right of
B, then only one of the following two possible diagrams need be considered. They will generate the same
answer to any question.
When you draw your circle, insert spokes. Invariably, circular questions involve an even number of people (usually 6 or 8) spaced evenly around a circle. Therefore, a particular element will always be
directly opposite another element. Drawing spokes inside the circle clarifies and highlights whether two
elements are directly opposite each other, which often is a relevant issue.
The relative position of elements around a circle can be fixed in either of two major ways.
First, two elements can be directly opposite each other. This forms a base axis, which separates all the remaining elements to either side of it. Place the base axis on your diagram first. For example, if A is directly
opposite B, then A and B form a base axis as follows:
Second, the elements can be immediately next to each other. This forms a base group. For example,
if B is immediately between A and C, then we have the following base group:
Place the base group on your circle after you have placed the base axis. Place it first if there is no
base axis.
The complete video lesson on Circular Ordering helps you understand the underlying concepts to solve the questions on the test. After taking the lesson, take practice tests based on Circular Ordering.