Verbal Reasoning Tests and Verbal Critical Reasoning Tests often referred to as Verbal Tests are amongst the most common type of aptitude-psychometric test you are likely to face in any assessment centre you will participate in or recruitment process.
These tests, along with Numerical Reasoning Tests, are used in almost all selection processes since employers want to assess and measure the candidate's ability to comprehend, analyse and interpret written text since it is required in most positions.
Some of these tests, such as Verbal Comprehension tests and Verbal Reasoning tests, assess your ability understand written material while other tests require the reader to make inferences and analysis based on the information available.
The most common type of tests including, Verbal Critical Reasoning Tests, Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension usually consist of a paragraph or more of written text accompanied by a question, statement or series of questions/statement concerning the text. The reader is required to state if a certain statement made is 'True', 'False' or cannot be ascertained from the text, i.e. 'Cannot Say'. Alternatively other question types require that the reader identify a certain piece of information in the text thereby demonstrating their comprehension.
Other verbal reasoning test types include:
- Logical Reasoning Tests - measure your ability to read a text and establish relationships between groups.
- Word Analogies or Word Relationships – measures your understanding of word meanings and their relationships.
- Spelling – assesses your spelling abilities and fluency.
- Following Instructions – an English comprehension test.
- Verbal Application – assesses your reading comprehension and ability to fill in the missing words in a sentence.
- Mixed Sentences – requires the candidate to make sense of a sentence that the words in it have been mixed up.
Sample Questions:
1. Mixed Sentences
Please identify the two words in the sentence that have been misplaced.
Employment figures plunging hopes that the economy may not be raise into recession after all
A. figures; raise B. into; economy C. plunging; raise D. hopes; after
Solution: The misplaced words are – 'plunging' and 'raise.
'Employment figures plunging hopes that the economy may not be raise into recession after all.
The sentence should be: Employment figures raise hopes that the economy may not be plunging into recession after all.
The correct answer is C.
2. Verbal Critical Reasoning or Verbal Evaluation
The following passage discusses the growing market for organic foods. Following the passage, you'll be presented with a statement. Your task is to determine if the statement is:
A. True B. False C. Cannot Say (based on the information provided rather than on your previous assumptions and general knowledge).
Read the passage below and try to determine the correct answer.
The production of organic food products supplied in food stores continues to increase considerably, with demand particularly high in Europe and North America. Health awareness and higher standards of living are both enhancing consumption, and the market is likely to triple over the next decade. The organic food industry is facing the challenge of how it will cope with the forecasted future demand.
Statement: Organic food production is the fastest growing field in the food industry.
Solution: According to the text, "The production of organic food products… continues to increase considerably" and "is likely to triple over the next decade". However, the passage does not explicitly state that organic food production is the fastest growing field in the food industry. Based on prior knowledge and the tendency to make assumptions, we may assume that the answer is true. However, the correct answer in this case is 'cannot say'.
3. Verbal Application
Circle the combination of words that most suitably fills in the blanks.
The job applicants that have successfully _______ the selection tests will be _______ to take part in a group exercise.
A completed; invite B mastered; presented C completed; invited D ended;invited E completed; administered
Solution: The correct answer is C.
The job applicants that have successfully completed the selection tests will be invited to take part in a group exercise.
4. Logical Reasoning
Please choose one correct answer.
There are four famous topical pictures in a museum: scenery, a kitchen, a park and oranges. The paintings were painted by Jones, Smith, Hardy and Lane. The scenery painting is hanging next to Smith's painting. The scenery painting also hangs between the park and Hardy's painting. Jones didn’t paint the scenery' or the oranges. Who painted the kitchen?
A. Jones B. Smith C. Hardy D. None of the above
Solution: The scenery painting is hanging next to Smith's painting, and between Hardy's painting and the painting of the park. We can conclude, therefore, that Smith painted the park. Since Jones didn’t paint the scenery painting, the oranges painting or the park painting (done by Smith), then he must have painted the kitchen. The answer is A.
5. Following Instructions
What’s the last letter of the word describing where the sun sets?
A – t B – h C – w D – e E – s
The sun sets in the west, and the last letter in the word west is t. The answer is A.
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Naturally, non-native speakers have a significant disadvantage in the Verbal section of the psychometric tests as well as candidates with a weaker educational background.
However, verbal ability – comprehension, vocabulary and interpretation, can be improved significantly through practice. Understanding the underpinning principles as well as the mere exposure to these tests are all key contributors to your success. Similar, to Numerical Reasoning Tests – 'hands on' practice' will increase your self confidence and improve your results.
JobTestPrep offers you a range of aptitude preparation courses tailored per industry and position with a large variety of verbal ability and verbal reasoning tests for you to practice with and ensure your success at getting your aspired job.