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SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Tests

    • 30 tests |
    • 450 questions

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.

Sample SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!

The text suggests that the company's cybersecurity policy:

The company’s new cybersecurity policy outlines a multifaceted approach to safeguarding digital assets. It integrates advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response measures. While enhancing security, the policy also emphasizes the importance of user training to prevent breaches due to human error.

  • Disregards the need for prompt incident response.
  • Favors encryption over other forms of security.
  • Is reactive rather than proactive.
  • Considers several aspects of security.

Based on the passage, what is the primary objective of the text?

The company’s new cybersecurity policy outlines a multifaceted approach to safeguarding digital assets. It integrates advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response measures. While enhancing security, the policy also emphasizes the importance of user training to prevent breaches due to human error.

  • To outline a new employment structure
  • To introduce a robust cybersecurity policy
  • To present the annual financial report
  • To recommend investment in new technology

According to the passage, which component is NOT mentioned as a part of the company's cybersecurity measures?

The company’s new cybersecurity policy outlines a multifaceted approach to safeguarding digital assets. It integrates advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response measures. While enhancing security, the policy also emphasizes the importance of user training to prevent breaches due to human error.

  • User training
  • Incident response measures
  • Password management
  • Continuous monitoring

What can be inferred about the company's approach to cybersecurity?

The company’s new cybersecurity policy outlines a multifaceted approach to safeguarding digital assets. It integrates advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response measures. While enhancing security, the policy also emphasizes the importance of user training to prevent breaches due to human error.

  • It relies solely on encryption technologies.
  • It considers user training as one of its key components.
  • It is primarily focused on incident response.
  • It delegates security responsibilities to third parties.

The passage implies that breaches due to human error:

The company’s new cybersecurity policy outlines a multifaceted approach to safeguarding digital assets. It integrates advanced encryption, continuous monitoring, and prompt incident response measures. While enhancing security, the policy also emphasizes the importance of user training to prevent breaches due to human error.

  • Are the sole focus of the new policy.
  • Can be addressed through technical measures alone.
  • Are not considered a serious threat.
  • Can be mitigated through effective user training.

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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

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2 mins

Analogies

2 mins
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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.

Reviews of our Verbal Reasoning tests

What our customers say about our Verbal Reasoning tests

  • United Kingdom

    October 18, 2024

    Challenging without being too obtuse.

    I often find these tests to be very frustrating, containing far too many ''gotcha'' moments. This was clear, challenging and will help massively for my applications going forward.

  • Norway

    October 16, 2024

    Short and accurate

    I found the test to be very precise in how the questions were phrased compared to the real test you take, and I see it as a good exercise before the real test

  • Pakistan

    August 29, 2024

    Efficient and Insightful Test Experience

    The test was well-structured and provided clear, concise questions. It effectively assessed comprehension and reasoning skills. I appreciated the relevance and clarity of the questions, making it a valuable assessment tool.

  • May 14, 2024

    Good practice

    I like how it gives and option for time or untimed and is realistic and close to the questions I've taken for job application assessments

  • Singapore

    March 30, 2024

    Smooth and easy access

    Great experience in using the free test as it was easy to get around questions, selecting answers etc.

  • Singapore

    March 14, 2024

    Good practice test

    I liked its accuracy and relevance. This has helped me greatly in practicing for my internship online assessment!

  • New Zealand

    January 25, 2024

    Verbal reasoning Test

    Great test! It gives a general indicator of how good I am at doing verbal reasoning tests. Practice definitely makes perfect.

  • Australia

    January 18, 2024

    First test experience

    The test was a well-structured assignment to complete. It was exactly what I was hoping for regarding verbal reasoning practice. However, it is more of a reading comprehension than verbal reasoning. The test is neither extremely easy nor very hard; perfect for a first test.

  • India

    December 18, 2023

    Good experience

    I liked the vast range of topics covered and how the difficulty of the questions had a properly distributed range.

  • Italy

    December 07, 2023

    Simple but effective

    I liked the simplicity and effectiveness of the test. Simple mind-stimulating passages and questions about it.