Shading Pattern Oddity

Shading Pattern Oddity problems present five figures where four share the same fill pattern (solid, striped, dotted, or hatched) and one has a different pattern. You must identify which figure has a different internal shading. These problems test visual discrimination of patterns and attention to detail.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
MediumDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Shading Pattern Oddity

Shading Pattern Oddity problems present five figures where four share the same fill pattern (solid, striped, dotted, or hatched) and one has a different pattern. You must identify which figure has a different internal shading. These problems test visual discrimination of patterns and attention to detail.

Prerequisites

Understanding of solid vs hollow shapes Recognition of striped and dotted patterns Ability to see interior fill details Visual pattern discrimination
Why This Matters: Shading Pattern Oddity appears in 1-2 questions in SSC CGL and Banking PO exams. It tests pattern recognition and visual discrimination.

How to Solve Shading Pattern Oddity Problems

1

Step 1: Examine each figure's interior fill pattern

2

Step 2: Identify the pattern type (solid, hollow, striped, dotted, crosshatch)

3

Step 3: Count how many figures share each pattern type

4

Step 4: The figure with a different pattern is the odd one out

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Step 5: Verify that all other figures share the same pattern

Pro Strategy: Filled shapes have color inside the boundary; outlined shapes have only the border. Striped patterns have parallel lines; dotted patterns have dots. Crosshatch patterns have intersecting lines.

Example Problem

Example: Four solid-filled shapes, one striped shape. Which is odd? Solution: Step 1: Fill patterns: solid, solid, solid, solid, striped Step 2: Most common = solid Step 3: Striped shape is different Answer: The striped shape is the odd one out

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Solid fill = completely colored interior
  • Hollow/outlined = only border, transparent interior
  • Striped = parallel lines inside
  • Dotted = dots arranged regularly
  • Crosshatch = intersecting lines
  • The fill color itself doesn't matter - only pattern type

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If you can see the background through the shape, it's hollow
If the shape blocks the background, it's solid
All figures with same fill pattern belong to same group

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing thick outline with filled shape
Thinking patterned fill means no fill
Focusing on border color instead of interior fill

Exam Importance

Shading Pattern Oddity is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
1-2 questions
BANKING PO
1-2 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
1-2 questions
CAT
0-1 questions
GMAT
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
1-2 questions

Ready to Master Shading Pattern Oddity?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
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