In this page, you will find our famous verbal reasoning test guide. In this guide you will have access to a lot of useful resources, tips and practice tests.
2 useful starting-point resources
- Get a copy of our recommended high quality, industry- standard tests verbal practice tests here. These practice tests include clear, easy to understand explanations.
- Download the 4-Step Verbal Reasoning Cheatsheet.
The verbal reasoning test is one of the tests that most candidates worry about before taking their interview assessment test.
Do not worry, as with the right tools and advice/s, you would definitely succeed.
First, let us cover all the basics before we go into details of how to pass a verbal reasoning test.
What is a verbal reasoning test?
Verbal reasoning test is a widely psychometric aptitude test used by corporate employers as part of their assessment in interviewing and assessing individuals for a new employee role.
What is measured by a verbal reasoning test?
Verbal reasoning test mainly measures English language skills. It also provides employers an idea on your overall intelligence, business acumen and judgement.
What should I expect during a verbal reasoning test?
Usually, in verbal reasoning tests, you will be provided with a passage of information. You will also be provided with different statements about the passage and you will have to select one of the following possible answers:
- True = the statement follows logically from the information in the passage.
- False = the statement is logically false from the information in the passage.
- Cannot Say = cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information.
Are all verbal reasoning tests the same?
No, verbal reasoning tests are not all the same. There are different variety of tests. However, they assess if not the same, similar criteria.
Before taking your verbal reasoning test, we suggest that you check and try to find out who created the test that you will take and do their verbal reasoning practice tests. This way, you will have a higher chance of succeeding.
You will get this information from your prospective employer’s HR or the agency who is representing you. Do not feel that you are being pushy when you are requesting this as it is reasonable and fair question to ask.
- SHL – Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Cut-E Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Cubiks – Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Kenexa Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Saville Verbal reasoning practice test
- Talent Q Verbal reasoning practice test
Can you show me a practice verbal reasoning test example?
Of course! Here is a verbal reasoning question from a real world assessment center test. In this test question, you will need to read the passage first and will have to answer if the statement is either True or False or Cannot say.
“Many organizations find it beneficial to employ students over the summer. Permanent staff often wish to take their own holidays over this period. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and so require extra staff.
Summer employment also attracts students who may return as well qualified recruits to an organization when they have complete their education.
Ensuring that the students learn as much as possible about the organization encourages interest in working on a permanent basis.
Organizations pay students on a fixed rate without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or sick leave.”
Here are some questions:
Statement 1
“It is possible that permanent staff who are on holiday can have their work carried out students.” Is the statement:
1) True (The statement follows logically from the information in the passage)
2) False (The statement is logically false from the information in the passage)
3) Cannot Say (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information).
Statement 2
“Students in summer employment are given the same paid holiday benefit as permanent staff.” Is this statement:
1) True (The statement follows logically from the information in the passage)
2) False (The statement is logically false from the information in the passage)
3) Cannot Say (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information)
Statement 3
“Students are subject to the organization’s standard disciplinary and grievance procedures.” Is this statement:
1) True (The statement follow logically from the information in the passage)
2) False (The statement is logically false from the information in the passage)
3) Cannot Say (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information)
Statement 4
“Some companies have more work to do in the summer when students are available for vacation work.” Is this statement:
1) True (The statement follows logically from the information in the passage)
2) False (The statement is logically false from the information in the passage)
3) Cannot Say (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information)
Test quick-links
Here is our recommended list of supplier-specific tests:
- SHL- Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Cut-E Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Cubiks- Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Kenexa Verbal reasoning practice tests
- Saville Verbal reasoning practice test
- Talent Q Verbal reasoning practice test
These practice tests are supplier-specific and includes easy to understand explanations and scoring reports.
Do not forget to check this out…
Download a copy of our free report, The 4-Step Verbal Reasoning Cheatsheet.
Ok, now I understand how the verbal reasoning test looks like. Can I take the verbal reasoning test now?
Of course but before you take the test, we have a few tips that we recommend you take in mind. These tips will improve your test performance.
6 Expert Tips for Verbal Reasoning Test Success
1) Read the statement 2 to 3 times
The passages in the test are usually written in a complicated style. This means, it is important that you fully understand the statements in the test. Even a small assumption could lead you to making a mistake. Hence, we recommend that you read the passages and statements two to three times.
2) If you are stuck, try starting at the END of the sentence
One way to understand a confusing piece of writing is to start at the end of the sentence and work backwards. Long statements usually have contradictory points and circular references. Hence, using this style of “decoding” the meaning could be very useful and helpful.
3) Stay calm
One of the most dangerous things that could damage your performance during taking the test is losing focus. Tests like Verbal reasoning are timed and this could bring huge pressure which makes it difficult to concentrate.
Here are two articles which could help you:
How to Prepare for an Interview or Assessment Centre: The Ultimate Guide
How to Deal with Nerves & Anxiety at Your Interview or Assessment Centre
4) Practice as much as possible before your real test
There are two things that could help you when you are taking the verbal reasoning test. The first one expert advice and the second one is familiarity with the style of the test. This will not only improve your test performance but it will also help you gain confidence and relax.
Tip: If you wish to practice for your verbal reasoning test, these two tests are used by most employers. Click here ?idev_username=ACHQ-JTP and here to access them. Though these tests are not for free, but if you are serious about succeeding, you would try these mentioned practice tests.
You could also check books on Amazon to improve your grammar and interpretation skills.
Check our podcast on verbal reasoning test success.
5. Manage your time carefully
As mentioned earlier, most verbal reasoning tests are timed and is limited to around 20 minutes. Hence, it is important that you manage your time. We suggest that you scan ahead and check how many questions are there in one passage. This will help you manage your time.
Tip: As a general rule, you should spend about 1 minute on each question. If you are stuck, we suggest for you not to waste your time trying to figure out as every five minutes you spend on one question, you could already have answered five others.
6. Make no assumptions
Do not factor in real-life situations when you are answering the test. You must answer the questions based on the passage provided and if one thing is not included do not include it when you are deciding for an answer.
Remember the golden rule: find out who makes the test and use the practice tests created by them.
SHL- Verbal reasoning practice tests
Cut-E Verbal reasoning practice tests
Cubiks- Verbal reasoning practice tests
Kenexa Verbal reasoning practice tests
Saville Verbal reasoning practice test
Talent Q Verbal reasoning practice test
Two good verbal reasoning test books
1) “You’re Hired! Psychometric Tests: Proven tactics to help you pass”
Authored by James Meachin and Ceri Roderick, this book will help you have a deeper understanding on psychometric tests. You will be able to learn what to expect and how you could succeed.
2) “Practice & Pass: Verbal Reasoning”
By Alan Redman, this book will help you gain confidence in passing verbal reasoning tests. This book is highly recommended for those who are struggling in practice tests.
“Okay, I am ready to try a practice verbal reasoning test!”
Okay! Let us do it. Drink water and clear your head before. Cool down and clear your head for 5 minutes before you begin. This example test has a 15-minute time limit. Remember, ensure that you are free from any distractions.
Test 1 https://www.practiceaptitudetests.com/verbal-reasoning-tests/
Again, as a reminder, we highly recommend that you try to find out the supplier of the test that your prospect employer is using.
The 4-Steps to Verbal Reasoning cheatsheet – download here
Some questions for you:
- Will you be taking a numerical reasoning test or verbal reasoning test? If yes, we suggest that you check out our aptitude tests section.
- You could find practice tests and get free advice on other types of reasoning tests like numerical, logical, verbal, abstract, inductive, Watson- Glaser, spatial, diagrammatic, mechanical comprehension and UKCAT
- Are you worried about your assessment day or performing a presentation or preparing for an interview or group/in-tray exercise?
- Would you like to get some guidance on how to deal with nerves and anxiety at your interview?
- Check our tools and resources page.
- Listen to our podcast on verbal reasoning here.