Talent-Q Elements Verbal Test: Free Practice & Top Tips 2024

The Talent Q Elements verbal assessment is a verbal reasoning test that measures your ability to understand and interpret written information. The test is one of three Talent Q Elements assessments, which also include numerical and logical reasoning.

The Talent Q Elements assessment, administered by Korn Ferry, is an essential step in the recruitment process of many organisations and employers and is used to evaluate candidates’ different reasoning competencies required in the workplace.

All of the Talent Q Elements tests are considered challenging, but the strict time constraint and the multiple correct answers to some of the question makes the verbal section particularly hard to pass.

On this page, you will find all the information needed to ace the Talent Q Elements verbal assessment, with practice questions, full explanations, and solving tips.

💡 Check our Free Talent Q Elements Verbal Assessment test to understand what you will face. 

Shir, Korn Ferry / Talent-Q Assessments Expert at JobTestPrep
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What Is the Talent Q Elements Verbal Assessment?

The Talent Q Elements Verbal assessment is a verbal reasoning test measuring your language skills and ability to comprehend a written passage and draw conclusions from textual data.

The test is often taken together with the Talent Q Elements assessment’s logical and numerical tests.

You will be presented with a written passage followed by three questions. For each question, you will be presented with several possible answers to choose from. In some cases, there is only one correct answer; in other cases, there are two correct answers you need to choose.

The test is adaptive, which means that the difficulty of the questions changes according to your performance, and they become harder when answering correctly and easier when answering incorrectly.

The test consists of 15 questions, and while there is no overall time limit for the test, there is a time limit for each question – 75 seconds for the first question on each passage of the text and 60 seconds for subsequent questions.

Let’s see how it looks!

Talent Q Elements Verbal Practice Questions

Talent Q Elements Verbal Practice Question #1

Bee Deaths

Wild species of bees are said by researchers to be responsible for pollinating around one-third of the world's crop production, performing an important role in preventing world starvation. Pollinating crops would be very costly without them. Lately, there has been great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists have identified a number of risks posed to bees by neonicotinoid chemicals used in pesticides. Neonicotinoid pesticides are nicotine-like chemicals and act on the nervous systems of insects. The EFSA has found that these pesticides have acute and chronic effects on bee colony survival and development.

Although the European Commission is adamantly pushing towards restricting the use of neonicotinoid chemicals for crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators, and in some countries such restrictions are already in place, many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data to make such drastic restrictions that might harm food production. They argue that the report published by the EFSA last January specifically stated that in some cases it was ‘unable to finalise the assessments due to shortcomings in the available data’ since many of the studies it reviewed were conducted in a lab, and that other possible causes of colony collapse, such as the parasitic varroa mite, viruses that attack bees and neglect of hives, were not considered in the report.

A solution to this dispute may be found when examining the general principles of risk management. Apparently, in cases of action being taken under the precautionary principle, the producer/manufacturer may be required to prove the absence of danger from using their product, rather than waiting until hard evidence of the contrary has come to light.

Adapted from BBC News

Which two of the following are definitely correct in light of the text?

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

This type of question is not based on any one section of the passage; rather it compels us to scan the entire text.

It is recommended in these cases to work with the statements themselves and try to locate them in the text (confirming or refuting them) instead of vice versa:

  • A. ‘Wild species of bees are said by researchers to be responsible for pollinating around one-third of the world's crop production’.
    It is never said that wild bees are the only species responsible for pollination. Incorrect.
  • B. ‘Wild species of bees…perform[ing] an important role in preventing world starvation’- Correct.
  • C. ‘They [the farmers] argue that the report published by EFSA last January specifically stated that in some cases it was "unable to finalise the assessments due to shortcomings in the available data".‘
    Regardless of who is right, the very fact that the effects of neonicotinoid is contested means we cannot be certain that it is harmful to bees. Incorrect.
  • D. Although this might be the case, there is no evidence in the passage regarding the motives of the farmers and therefore we cannot evaluate the truthfulness of this statement. Incorrect.
  • E. ‘European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists have identified…risks posed to bees by neonicotinoid… [and] found that these pesticides have acute and chronic effects on bee colony survival and development.’
    They did not prohibit the use of pesticides. Incorrect.
  • F. ‘Lately there has been great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations.’
    The collapse of a living colony means the endangerment of a species. Correct.

The correct answers are B and F

Talent Q Elements Verbal Practice Question #2

Generation without Frontiers

The current generation of young Europeans is the first to have grown up in a largely borderless and peaceful Europe, with all that implies in terms of mobility, multilingualism, and new cultural and economic opportunities. Whereas their parents and grandparents defined themselves along national lines, many young people today have added a European dimension to that description.

The EU’s Youth in Action programme aims to inspire a sense of active European citizenship, solidarity and tolerance, as there is still a certain measure of political disengagement among young Europeans. The programme promotes non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue among European youth, as well as the inclusion of all young people, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. Its main goal is to bring young Europeans closer to the EU decision-shaping process by backing activities that encourage a sense of active European citizenship amongst them. Another important goal is promoting mutual understanding, by giving young people from different countries the opportunity to meet and learn from one another through intercultural youth exchanges. In addition, The Youth in Action programme encourages young people’s mobility within and beyond the EU borders, thus giving them the opportunity to expand their horizons and gain valuable life and work experiences.

Adapted from europa.eu

Which one of the following does the passage suggest about the older generation?

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The question deals with the older generation. It is based on the introductory section in the passage.

Notice that the question is phrased: ’what does the passage suggest…?’

In other words, we can use the information in the passage to make inferences regarding the older generation.

Now that we understand the question and have identified the corresponding section in the passage, let us eliminate distractors:

  • A. ‘The current generation of young Europeans is the first to have grown up in a largely borderless and peaceful Europe’.
    We can infer that if the younger generation is the first to have lived in a peaceful Europe, then the older generations must have lived in times of turbulence and war.
  • B. Cannot be inferred from the passage. The Youth in Action programme might promote tolerance but this does not imply that the older generation was necessarily intolerant.
  • C. Cannot be inferred from the passage. The Youth in Action programme might promote political engagement but that has nothing to do with the older generation.
  • D. The text implies that today's generation lives in a multilingual environment, so the opposite can be inferred from the text regarding the older generation.
  • E. Cannot be inferred from the passage. The Youth in Action programme might promote informal learning among youth, but says nothing about the older generation.
  • F. Cannot be inferred from the passage. The Youth in Action programme might promote mobility within and beyond EU borders but doesn’t imply that the older generation didn’t leave their countries.

The only statement that is suggested by the passage regarding the older generation is statement A.

Talent Q Elements Verbal Practice Question #3

Fire Resistant Furniture

The Upholstered Furniture Regulations (1983) impose requirements in relation to domestic furniture. All upholstered furniture sold in the UK must meet fire resistance standards. New furniture must be permanently labelled. Any second-hand furniture made after 1950 must be fire resistant. This includes sofas, beds, garden furniture, cushion fillings and all other types of upholstered household furniture.

The standards all furniture must adhere to are: (a) filling materials must meet standards so they don’t catch fire easily; (b) upholstery must be cigarette resistant; (c) covers must be match resistant; (d) a permanent label must be fitted to every item of new furniture.

The UK Fire Safety Advice centre advises that should a piece of furniture not meet the fire safety standards, this furniture should not be used anymore. If a proof of purchase such as a receipt or credit card receipt is available, a complaint should be made to the trader. In the complaint, it should be stated that this item isn't fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act. A refund or other goods that do meet the standards should be supplied.If a piece of furniture isn't fire resistant for certain, a report should be filed to Trading Standards against the trader.

These Regulations apply to all persons in the business supply chain from the supply of materials for use in furniture, through to the supply of the finished article as well as re-upholstery and re-covering. They affect all persons who supply furniture, furnishings or re-upholstery services including manufacturers, retailers and importers, and they also apply to persons who hire out furniture in the course of a business.

As manufacturers and importers are exposed to consumers’ complaints, they need to retain the information about the relevant ignitability test for a period of five years from the date on which the furniture is supplied to the retailer.

Adapted from legislation.gov.uk

Which of the below is NOT mentioned as required to meet fire resistance standards?

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

This question deals with the type of furniture that must be fire-resistant.

Note that this is a "negative" question, so we need to find five types of furniture that are obligated to be fire-resistant and one that isn’t.

Also, the text includes a list of furniture that must meet the standards: “sofas, beds, garden furniture, cushion fillings and all other types of upholstered household furniture.”

  • A. The text specifically mentions that “furniture made after 1950 must be fire resistant”. This is the correct answer.
  • B. “All types of upholstered household furniture” is mentioned in the list above.
  • C. This one, too, is specifically mentioned in the list above.
  • D. It is mentioned later in the text that all standards apply to people who hire out furniture.
  • E. Any piece of furniture sold needs to have a permanent label, as mentioned in the second paragraph, but that only means it was tested and proven to be fire-resistant.
  • F. Manufacturers should retain proof of the relevant tests for five years, but after that period furniture is still expected to remain fire-resistant.

So, the only statement that is NOT mentioned as required to meet fire resistance standards is statement A.

JobTestPreps’ Talent-Q Elements PrePack includes tailored practice materials, such as a detailed step-by-step study guide and timed practice tests that will enhance your verbal skills and help you ace the test.


Talent Q Elements Verbal Challenges

Time limit per question

Most reasoning tests have a time limit for the whole test, which allows you to manage your time by choosing which question to answer first.
However, on the Talent Q Elements Verbal test, each question has a time limit of its own, and once the time is up, you have to move on to the next one.

Several correct answers

As opposed to standard multiple-choice tests where you only need to choose one correct answer, on this test you will face questions for which there are two correct answers you will need to identify.

Adaptive questions

As you go through the test, the questions will become easier or harder, depending on whether you answered the previous answer correctly or incorrectly.
Adaptivity can lead to overthinking and constantly wondering if the current question is more difficult, and therefore, you answered correctly, or is it easier, and thus you chose the wrong answer.

No turning back

Once you submit your answer, it will automatically be calculated into your score. That means that you will not have the opportunity to go back and change your answer; thus, you need to be sure you chose the correct one before moving on to the next question.

JobTestPrep offers the complete Talent Q Elements PrePack that includes the complete preparation that will teach you all you need to master your reading comprehension abilities and overcome any of the challenges of the Talent Q Elements verbal assessment.


Talent Q Elements Verbal Test Tips

The Elements Verbal has a way of throwing copious amounts of information at the test-takers, expecting them to mentally organize it in short lengths of time. Doing this repeatedly can seem daunting, but with the right tricks up your sleeve, the test can be rather simple and intuitive.

 

note

Pay attention to the instructions
Some questions only ask for one answer, while others ask for two.
Make sure to read the instructions carefully, so you don’t waste time searching for two answers when only one is correct and vice versa.

note

Use your increasing familiarity with the passage
Read all the questions question first, before turning to the passage itself. If you do this, each set's second and third questions should be easier for you and take less time than the first, because you will have read the passage knowing what to look for.

note

Avoid previous knowledge
The answer to the question lies within the text. Even if you know by fact that the true answer is different from what is written, ignore it and rely only on the information provided to you in the passage. The Elements Verbal is not a general knowledge test.

note

Once you answer a question, there’s no going back
Don’t skip over questions thinking you’ll get back to them later – the strict time constraints in the Talent Q Elements verbal test make this impossible.
If you think a question is taking too long, take your best guess and move on to the next.

note

Don’t underestimate the inherent challenge in verbal reasoning
While jobseekers often find numerical reasoning tests intimidating, some have the opposite approach towards verbal reasoning tests.
But be careful not to fall into complacency. Verbal reasoning tests are not easy, and especially this Talent Q Elements verbal test and its unique features that can cause considerable trouble.


FAQs

Yes. In addition to all the difficulties concealed in any verbal reasoning test, the Talent Q Elements verbal test has extra features that make it even more challenging – a strict time limit per question and the possibility of more than one correct answer.


The Talent Q Element verbal test consists of 5 written passages, followed by three multiple-choice questions per passage – a total of 15 questions.


When taking this exam, you will be given a strict time limit of 75-60 seconds for each of the 15 questions provided.


The Talent Q Elements verbal test does not have a pass or fail score. However, your final result will be determined according to the number of questions you answered correctly.


Usually, the test is taken as part of a hiring process; thus, you will probably not get a chance to take this test a second time.


Absolutely! With the proper preparation and specially tailored practice materials, you can familiarize yourself with the test’s structure, questions, and difficulties. Thus, on the real test, you will be fully ready for any challenge that will come your way.

Korn Ferry, the company that administers the Talent-Q tests say as much on their website:

"Putting time into practising the kinds of questions you may face in ability tests is the best way of maximising your performance and boosting your confidence."


Other Korn Ferry Assessments and Information


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