The same can be said about reading and writing. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of cookies. An overview of critical thinking with examples. Use your abstract reasoning skills to identify the missing figure. Which figure do you think logically belongs on the spot of the question mark? When children "read" these lines and scribbles to you, they are using their own symbol system to represent their thoughts. Abstract thinking is the ability to think about things that are not actually present. The definition of abstract thinking with examples. The definition of introspection with examples. A list of business strengths for brainstorming activities such as swot analysis. An abstract reasoning test is a fundamental part of any assessment. Symbolic play is the ability to take on a mental image of something that is not there, to substitute one object for another, or mime an object when no prop is available. The development of abstract or symbolic thought is characteristic of the kindergarten years.