Visualising Solids - Question Type 1 - Example 3

In the process of solving this item, it is initially unclear whether the side view we are looking for is a view from the left or one from the right. On the basis of the view from above, it can be deduced that in the view from the left side (VSL), one of the two protruding beams at the upper end of the figure points towards the viewer, the other towards the right. In the view from the right side (VSR), only one of the two protruding beams can be seen; it points towards the left.
The answers (B) and (D) are therefore options for the VSL, and the answers (A) and (C) are options for the VSR. Answer (B) is out of the question because there is no line indicating an edge at the transition from the figure’s base to the vertical element, or “pillar”, on top of it. – On the basis of the view from above it can be deduced that the base of the figure is square. Therefore any view from the side would have to indicate the upper edge of the base, just as the view from the front does.
In the case of answer (D) there is a vertical line at the transition between the upper end of the “pillar” and the protruding beam. In the view from above, however, this line cannot be accounted for.
In the case of answer (A), on the other hand, there is likewise a vertical line at the transition between the upper end of the “pillar” and the protruding beam. Here that line is correct, because this is one of the two options for a VSR. – The left, vertical edge of the pillar must therefore be visible in front of the protruding beam. The other elements of answer (A) also correspond with the view of the three-dimensional figure from above and the view of it from the side, and (A) is accordingly the correct solution to this task.
Answer (C) cannot be the correct solution because the transition between the upper end of the pillar and the upper protruding beam is shown as a single plane. According to the view from above, however, the vertical edge of the uppermost end of the pillar would have to be visible here.