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shl verbal reasoning

SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Tests

  • 30 tests
  • 450 questions
shl verbal reasoning

SHL’s verbal tests are used by many employers as part of their recruitment process. The tests allow the employer to assess a candidate’s aptitude for comprehension, understanding and evaluation of written passages, and compare that score to those of other applicants.

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Free example SHL style verbal questions

We recommend you start with our free SHL style verbal practice tests and questions. Each example practice question includes one passage and then multiple questions relating to that same passage.

Answers and explanations follow beneath the questions.

Verbal critical reasoning

shl verbal reasoning practice test

Statement: The passage suggests that it is safer to spread your savings across a range of different investments.

  • A) True
  • B) False
  • C) Cannot say

Reading comprehension

shl verbal reasoning practice test

If more tourists come to this country, it will mean:

  • A) Fewer jobs in some restaurants
  • B) Fewer people wanting fast food
  • C) More jobs in many hotels
  • D) The government doesn’t worry about job creation

Word analogy

shl verbal reasoning practice test

Which of the following would best replace the word ‘outstanding’ in sentence 3?

  • A) Remaining
  • B) Superb
  • C) Multiple
  • D) Supportive

Answers

Verbal critical reasoning: True – the third sentence explains that the very rich have been diversifying their portfolios to reduce the risk of sudden changes in share prices.

Reading comprehension: The second paragraph talks about the fact that if more tourists are encouraged to come to this country it will translate into more business for hotels and this will result in more jobs (‘Just think of the new jobs this will generate!’). This makes C) the only correct response.

Word analogy: The use of the word ‘outstanding’ suggests that customer service has to be really great. Option B – superb – is the best word to replace outstanding in this case.

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SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Tests FAQs

Are SHL verbal tests difficult?

SHL verbal tests are not difficult once you are familiar with the format, and are confident assessing whether the question bears any relation or relevance to the contents of the passage of text. SHL verbal tests are pitched at an appropriate level for the job applied for – a graduate role will be harder than an apprentice level role, for example.

How are SHL verbal tests scored?

SHL verbal tests are scored by awarding one mark per correct answer. There is no pass mark as such, as it will depend on the scores of the other candidates also interviewing for the same role. Candidates should aim to be in the top 20% of scores to succeed, which at a graduate assessment centre is likely to mean scoring 27 or higher out of 30.

How long is an SHL verbal test?

An SHL verbal test will take between 17 and 19 minutes to complete and you will need to answer 30 questions.

What if English isn’t my first language?

If English is your second language, you will find an SHL verbal test harder. You will need to practice more, concentrating as much effort on practising reading different publications about different subjects, as much as you practice set format tests.

Where can I practice verbal reasoning tests?

You can practice verbal reasoning tests using our free practice tests and example questions. You can also find our entire suite of practice questions here.

How can I improve my verbal reasoning?

We recommend finding as many practice questions and answers as you can, and familiarising yourself as much as possible with different written passages and styles of questions. Once you have a good idea of what to expect and how to answer the types of questions posed, you will be able to practice answering the questions faster.

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SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Tests Tips

1Practice

This is always our number one tip, as we know that candidates who have spent time preparing and practising – and are familiar with the style and format of the SHL verbal test – will perform better than those who don’t.

2Keep an eye on the time

When you take the test, it’s no good getting all the answers right if you don’t finish the test, as you will automatically get no score for the answers you don’t complete. Make sure that you keep practising to a timer, and that when you sit the test, you keep to the time you’ve allocated per question (just over 30 seconds per question).

3Read

Read widely and about subjects outside of your area of interest, so that you are used to reading unfamiliar text. Turn reading into more practice by identifying themes and concepts; try explaining what you have read to someone else.

4Understand where you go wrong

When assessing the answers to your practice tests, try to understand whether your issue is in inaccurately reading the passage or question (e.g. skim reading), making assumptions or perhaps introducing additional knowledge. Take time to eliminate each of these errors.

5Be prepared

Make sure you know where you are taking the test and that your brain is in the right state. Sounds obvious, but ensure you’ve had sleep and are not thirsty, as both of these can affect your ability to read and think under pressure.

Verbal Reasoning Video Tutorials

SHL Tests: A Guide

5 mins

English Language

2 mins

Analogies

2 mins

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Reviews of our Verbal Reasoning tests

What our customers say about our Verbal Reasoning tests

  • Nigeria

    November 01, 2023

    To understand to read the passage well before answering the questions

    My like is that they give options that are complete and my dislike isnthani need more understanding comprehensive passage

  • Philippines

    October 30, 2023

    Thinking Fast

    The thing I like in this test is I was able to think fast and at the same time I am thinking critically because of the time given to me

  • Ireland

    October 30, 2023

    Reading carefully

    I like that it seems quick and simply however you do have to really read the questions as carefully as you can. It is easy to misunderstand what the question is that's been asked.

  • South Africa

    October 29, 2023

    I loved the experience

    The questions really trained your mind. They required you to think as fast as you could given the time

  • United Kingdom

    October 27, 2023

    Challenging

    Good amount of relevant information - challenging to get through given the time limit though realistic

  • Viet Nam

    October 23, 2023

    This might be a good example of verbal reasoning test

    I have done this test with a do-it-to-know attitude so I am not sure about my result, it might not be very good

  • United Kingdom

    October 20, 2023

    Interesting

    Interesting test but with my lack of experience I am unsure if this is reflective of industry standard

  • United Kingdom

    October 20, 2023

    Challenging

    I liked the range of texts used. This encouraged lateral thinking and ensured it was always interesting

  • Sri Lanka

    October 16, 2023

    Tips & help

    Although it was quite challenging, test is effectively well designed to test candidates' ability to respond accurately.

  • Greece

    October 15, 2023

    Best practice tests for verbal reasoning

    It resembles very well the real aptitude tests that I have given for job interviews. The texts are bigger than usual but overall highly simulative and distinctive work!