The four figures at a glance

Proof: Syllogism, Induction, Analogy and the Four Figures

All four figures use a shared middle term; what differs is its location in the premises.

First: predicate of minor, subject of major.
Second: predicate of both.
Third: subject of both.
Fourth: subject of minor, predicate of major.

First mark the minor, major and middle terms. Identify figure from middle-term position, not from whether you already believe the conclusion.