Skip to main content

Sorting and odd one out

Strategy card

Every group has a rule that fits all its members.

  1. Step 1: Name what all the group members share.
  2. Step 2: Make the rule exact (not just "animals", but "animals that fly").
  3. Step 3: Test each choice against the rule.
  4. Step 4: Pick the one that fits every part of the rule.

Tip: If more than one answer fits, your rule is too loose. Tighten it.

Worked example

Which word does NOT belong with the others?

  • A: desk
  • B: worry (the answer)
  • C: table
  • D: shelf

Why: The other words are all furniture. “worry” is not.

Your turn

Your turn 1 of 3

The figures in the box follow one rule. Which answer follows the same rule?

2 outlined purple squares2 striped blue stars2 striped green stars

Your turn 2 of 3

Which word does NOT belong with the others?

Your turn 3 of 3

The figures in the box follow one rule. Which answer follows the same rule?

outlined blue staryellow starsmall outlined blue star

Keep practicing

Grown-ups: Ask: "Could there be another rule? Which is better?" Parent guide

Next lesson: Number patterns