verbal · 20 minutes · OETT Sample Confirmed
Finding the Shared Group
Name what the words have in common
What to know
- categories: groups of similar things
- shared features
- the most specific group that fits
Naming the group helps you check each answer instead of guessing.
The core rule
Choose the most specific group that includes all the listed words.
Look at two words and ask what they have in common. Then check the other words against that group. Copper, brass, and steel are all metals. Materials is true too, but metals is a more specific answer.
Worked examples
Example 1: easy
Copper, brass, and steel can be grouped as metals.
- Copper, brass, and steel are all materials.
- More specifically, they are metals. Brass is an alloy, or mixture of metals.
Metals fits all three more closely than the broad word materials.
Example 2: medium
Hammer, wrench, and pliers can be grouped as hand tools.
- A hammer, wrench, and pliers are all used by hand.
- Hand tools fits all three. Equipment is a much wider group.
The category hand tools fits every item more closely than equipment.
Example 3: hard
Minute, hour, and day share units of time despite different scales.
- A minute, an hour, and a day all measure time.
- They fit the group units of time, even though their lengths differ.
The category is units of time: all three measure duration.
Common mistakes
The widest possible group is always best.
Choose the most specific group that still fits every word.
Put it into practice
Use guided explanations, check your answers, and try a new variation.