Similarities and Differences for SSC and Railways Exams

By : Neha Uppal

Updated : Sep 14, 2022, 19:33

Similarities and Differences are essential components of the General Intelligence and Reasoning section of the Tier 1 SSC exam and other Railway Exams. Two of the key skills any human being naturally develops, such that they can put the world around them into perspective, are, first, the gift of recognizing differences between things that appear to be similar and, secondly, seeing the commonalities in the seemingly disparate elements in the world.

So, the set of questions asked in this section in a way requires the use of this simple logic. However, additional skills like general knowledge, good vocabulary and basic arithmetic skills are also needed for Similarities and Differences Reasoning. We have provided a list and examples of the different types of Similarities and Differences Reasoning questions asked in SSC exams and provide answers and explanations wherever required. This will boost your confidence and help you easily face Similarities and Differences questions in the SSC exams. Students can use the questions hereunder as a Similarities and Differences Quiz for SSC exams.

Similarities and Differences Reasoning Questions

1- Verbal and General Knowledge Questions

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. Zoology
  2. Botany
  3. Entomology
  4. Lobotomy

Answer: Lobotomy

Explanation:

Zoology, botany, entomology fall in the field of biological science. Lobotomy is a surgical procedure.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. Greedy
  2. Avaricious
  3. Deceitful
  4. Lustful

Answer: Deceitful

Explanation:

Greedy, avaricious and lustful are synonyms--all three words mean wanting more than one needs and deserves. Deceitful means dishonest or one who has the intention of cheating.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. George W. Bush
  2. Emmanuel Macron
  3. Vladimir Putin
  4. Narendra Modi

Answer: Narendra Modi

Explanation:

Bush, Macron and Putin are the Presidents of the US, Russia and France, whereas Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. Banana
  2. Grape
  3. Orange
  4. Pomegranate

Answer: Grape

Explanation: Bananas, Oranges and Pomegranates are peeled before they are eaten. Grapes are not.

2- Numerical Questions

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. 12:48
  2. 13: 52
  3. 14: 58
  4. 15: 60

Answer: 14:58

Explanation: 48/12=4, 52/13=4, 60/15=4. However, 58/14 > 4.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. 64
  2. 125
  3. 1
  4. 2

Answer: 2

Explanation: The first three numbers are respectively the cubes of 64, 125, and 1. 2 is not the cube of any number.

Pick out the odd one from the following.

Options:

5, 12, 27, 58, 122, 248, 503

Answer: 122

Explanation:

5x2+2=12

12x2+3=27

27x2+4=58

248x2+7=503

Given this pattern: 58x2+5=121, 121x2+6=248.

3- Questions Based on Letters

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. R
  2. S
  3. O
  4. Q

Answer: O

Explanation: O is a vowel and the rest are consonants.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. CFJ
  2. EJO
  3. FLR
  4. GNU

Answer: CFJ

Explanation: Assign numbers to all the letters of the alphabet: A = 1, B =2 . . . Y = 25, Z = 26.

EJO = 5, 10, 15 (multiples of 5)

FLR = 6, 12, 18 (multiples of 6)

GNU = 7, 14, 21 (Multiples of 7)

CFJ = 3, 6, 10. These are not multiples of any number.

Pick out the odd one from the following:

Option:

  1. FC
  2. JE
  3. NH
  4. PH

Answer: NH

Explanation: Assign numbers to each of the letters of the alphabet.

FC = 6, 3. 6 / 3 = 2

JE = 10, 5. 10 / 5 = 2

PH = 16, 8. 16 / 8 = 2

NH = 14, 8. 14 / 8 < 2.

NH does not follow the pattern of the other 3.

Tips/Tricks to Solve Similarities and Differences Reasoning Questions

  • If one prepares for the general awareness section, the tier 1 arithmetic section in the SSC exam, and English language section, one will be ready for the questions in the Similarities and Differences section.
  • Since these are easy questions, with enough practice, the student can do these quickly and save time for more complicated problems.
  • Attempting these questions will first give the student a sense of having begun well in the exam.
  • Students must focus on old papers and get a sense of the “types” of questions asked. Once a student has a sense of these, this section will become easy to crack.

Importance of Similarities and Differences Questions in SSC Exams

  • Since these are easy questions, they will earn students easy marks.
  • As students attempt quizzes, tests and for this section, they will simultaneously be preparing for the arithmetic, English and general awareness sections.
  • These are easy questions that can be done quickly.
  • This is a more entertaining section than most others and will be a source of fun for the students.

Recommended Books for Similarities and Differences Questions in SSC Exams

Book Name

Details

Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R. S. Aggrawal (S. Chand Publishing)

Explains the fundamentals of reasoning questions asked in various competitive exams in a simple and lucid way and includes Similarities and Differences questions and answers for SSC exams, Similarities and Differences Practice Set for SSC exams. This book also includes questions from previous exams and offers solutions to these questions. It provides quick ways of solving Similarities and Differences Problems for SSC exams among other questions. This book also provides solved problems with explanations such that the students know exactly how to address the questions.

Logical and Analytical Reasoning by A. K. Gupta (Ramesh Publishing House)

A book that can be used for students preparing for various competitive exams that will cover the General Intelligence and Reasoning Section in SSC exams.

Why Prepare Similarities and Differences Questions for SSC Exams from BYJU'S Exam Prep?

BYJU's Exam Prep prepares students for competitive exams such as SSC & Railway Exams. The course material is developed taking into consideration the most updated design of the exams and helps you cover all the important aspects of Similarities and Differences. Since BYJU'S Exam Prep is an online portal, students can learn from anywhere in the world. BYJU'S Exam Prep students are also given an all-India rank that keeps them aware of where they stand regarding their peers and propels them to do better.

SSC CGL General Intelligence And Reasoning Similarities and Differences

SSC CGL is one of the reputed exams held by the Staff Selection Commission. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for this exam and cracking it is not a cakewalk. Therefore, candidates leave no stone unturned in strategizing their preparation. One of the most important topic of the Reasoning section of SSC CGL Syllabus is Similarities and Differences. Around 3 to 4 questions are based on Similarities and Differences, and losing even one mark can come in between you and your dream job. Therefore, below we have mentioned a few questions based on SSC CGL General Intelligence And Reasoning Similarities and Differences.

1)Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. Spider
  2. Lizard
  3. Mouse
  4. Sparrow

Answer: Spider

(Only the spider does not have a tail!)

2) Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. Whisper
  2. Murmur
  3. Sigh
  4. Roar

Answer: Sigh

(Murmur, roar and whisper are manners of speaking. A sigh is a sound of sadness or relief.)

3) Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. 17
  2. 27
  3. 57
  4. 97

Answer: 27

(17, 57, 97 are prime numbers and 27 is not.)

4) Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. 20-->40-->100
  2. 3-->6-->15
  3. 4-->8-->20
  4. 5-->10-->30

Answer: 5-->10-->30

(20x2 = 40; 40 x2.5 = 100

3x2 = 6; 6x2.5 = 15

4x2 = 8; 8x2.5 = 20

But 5x2 = 10; and 10x2.5 = 25. Hence 10 is the odd one here.)

5) Pick out the odd one from the following:

Options:

  1. VNG
  2. PJD
  3. XVA
  4. MGE

Answer: PJD

(Assign numbers to letters: A = 1, Z = 26

VNG = 22 / 14 / 7. 22 – 14 – 7 = 1

XVA = 24 / 22 / 1. 24 – 22 – 1 = 1

MGE = 13 / 7 / 5. 13 – 7 – 5 = 1

PJD = 16 / 10 / 4 = 16 – 10 – 4 = 2.)