Linear ordering questions are the easiest questions, and fortunately they also appear the most often. They can be classified according to whether they order elements spatially or sequentially.
- Spatial Questions
- Hybrid Questions
- Sequential Questions
Spatial Ordering
The Line-Up
As the term “line-up” suggests, these questions involve ordering elements in a line, from left to right or from
front to back.
Some Important Conditions and Their Meaning
- A sits next to B. OR A sits immediately next to B.:
Both conditions mean that no one sits between A and B. Although A is to the left of B in the text, that order cannot be assumed on the line. The phrase “immediately next to” is redundant; however, that style is often used on the Test.
- B sits immediately between A and C. OR B sits between and next to A and C. OR B sits directly between A and C.:
All three conditions mean that no element separates B from A, nor B from C.
- Two spaces separate A and B. OR A and B are two spaces apart.:
Students often confuse these two conditions. They do not mean the same thing. “A and B are two spaces apart” means that only one spot separates them.
