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verbal reasoning tests

Verbal Reasoning Tests

  • 30 tests
  • 450 questions
verbal reasoning tests

Verbal reasoning tests assess your understanding and comprehension skills. You will be presented with a short passage of text, which you’ll be required to interpret and then answer questions on. These are typically in the ‘True, False, Cannot Say’ multiple-choice format, although there are a range of alternatives too.

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Free example verbal reasoning questions

Below are some example questions for the types of test you may encounter. Answers to each are below the questions.

Verbal critical reasoning

practice verbal reasoning questions

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

practice verbal reasoning questions

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

practice verbal reasoning questions

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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Verbal Reasoning Tests FAQs

Are verbal reasoning tests difficult?

While the difficulty level varies from test to test, candidates struggle most when they are unfamiliar with the format and have not prepared thoroughly. You will find the test easier if you have checked what to expect and practised beforehand.

What do verbal reasoning tests measure?

Verbal reasoning tests measure how well a person can process and interpret information. By giving correct answers, test-takers show how well and fast they can filter information. Such skills are crucial for many white-collar jobs nowadays.

Do I need to be a fast reader?

Being able to read quickly will help, but it’s more important that you can understand the information in front of you and draw logical conclusions from the facts. The assessor can check how many questions you attempted, and how many of these you answered correctly. So you need to find a balance between racing through the questions and giving accurate responses to those you attempt.

What is the pass score for verbal reasoning tests?

After completing your test, you’ll be presented with your raw score as well as your percentile. The percentile shows you how you performed compared to others taking the test. So if you are placed in the 90th percentile you have performed well above average. while if you fall in the 30th percentile your performance was only average. Your aim is to outperform other candidates, rather than simply ‘passing’ the test.

Where can I practice verbal reasoning tests?

The best way to become familiar with verbal reasoning is through regular practice. Our website provides all the most popular types of verbal reasoning tests for you to practise. The major verbal reasoning publishers usually offer free sample tests too, including Cubiks, Kenexa, Cut-e, Korn Ferry and SHL.

How should I answer verbal reasoning tests?

You should make decisions based on the information provided, not your own expertise. The objective of verbal reasoning tests is to reveal your skills, not check your knowledge. If it’s neither true or false, it can be ‘hard to say’. While it is often tempting to strive for black and white answers to complex or troubling questions, that might not be the right approach.

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Verbal Reasoning Tests Tips

1Rely on the facts alone

Remember that you are not expected to have any prior knowledge and all the information you need will be included in the text, either explicitly or implicitly. Do not try to assume anything that cannot be supported by the information provided. In the case of true, false or cannot say questions, if you are having trouble deciding whether or not the statement is supported by the text, it is most likely that the answer is ‘cannot say’.

2One question = one minute rule

Make sure you understand how many questions you will have to answer and how long you have to complete the test. Usually, verbal reasoning tests consist of 15 to 20 questions and don’t last longer than 15 to 20 minutes. Also note that while some tests have a number of questions per passage of prose, others have a new one for each.

3Go with the flow

Don’t get stuck on one question, as easier ones may follow. It’s as important to stick to timings as it is to get a right answer. Some assessments allow you to review or amend answers at the end. If you finish early, go back and look again at the questions you flagged earlier.

4Learn from your mistakes

Focus on reviewing the questions you got wrong at the end of each practice verbal reasoning test. Read the solutions and try to understand why you have answered incorrectly. You will learn more from your errors than from the answers you got right.

5Practise under exam conditions

This means completing practice tests in one sitting and to time. Do not practise in an environment where you are easily distracted and not fully engaged. This will maximise the efficiency of your preparation time and help you to accurately track your progress.

6Be competitive

Try to measure your achievements against other users to make sure you stand out in a crowd. The average results might help you get to the next stage, but may not be enough to secure the job. Preparation can be tedious and stressful, but think of this time as an opportunity to differentiate yourself from the competition.

7Ask questions

On the day, make sure you are clear on what you need to do. If you are taking the test at an assessment centre, the administrator will explain the instructions and you will usually have the opportunity to try one or two example questions first. Raise any issues at this point, as you won’t be able to ask questions once the test has begun for real.

Verbal Reasoning Video Tutorials

Analogies

2 mins

English Language

2 mins

Find the New Word

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!