verbal · 20 minutes · OETT Sample Confirmed
Which One Does Not Belong?
Find the group, then the odd one out
What to know
- shared groups
- the word that does not fit
- checking all choices
You need a reason why three choices belong together and one does not.
The core rule
Find what three choices share. Choose the one that does not fit that rule.
For helmet, goggles, gloves, and wrench, the first three protect the person wearing them. A wrench is a tool, so it does not belong in that group. Judge the meaning, not the length or spelling of the word.
Worked examples
Example 1: easy
Helmet, goggles, gloves, wrench: wrench is not protective equipment.
- A helmet, goggles, and gloves protect the person wearing them.
- A wrench does work but is not worn for protection, so choose wrench.
Protective equipment is the shared category. A wrench does not belong.
Example 2: medium
Oak, pine, maple, copper: copper is not a tree.
- Oak, pine, and maple are types of trees.
- Copper is a metal, so it does not belong.
Trees is the shared category. Copper is a metal, so it does not belong.
Example 3: hard
Lift, raise, elevate, lower: lower reverses the shared upward action.
- Lift, raise, and elevate all mean move upward.
- Lower means move downward, so it does not belong.
Lower has the opposite meaning to the three words for upward movement.
Common mistakes
The word that looks different must be the answer.
Spelling and appearance do not decide the group. Check what each word means.
Put it into practice
Use guided explanations, check your answers, and try a new variation.