Watson Glaser Practice Test - Free Sample Questions

Updated: July 20, 2025 | Trusted by 14,400+ candidates

The Watson Glaser test, also known as the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA), assesses candidates’ critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Hadassah, Cognitive Test Developer at JobTestPrep

The Watson Glaser test is a widely-used pre-employment test and a crucial requirement for candidates applying for training contracts and vacation schemes, particularly in the legal profession. Read on to learn how to master the test with our Watson Glaser practice test. This page provides:

✅ An interactive simulation of the test
✅ Free Watson Glaser practice test questions
✅ Tips & strategies for each test section

The Watson Glaser test is comprised of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 30 minutes. Generally used by law firms and government legal services, this test evaluates your critical thinking skills, focusing on key areas such as drawing conclusions, evaluating arguments, and recognizing assumptions. Practicing with accurate tests, such as the sample questions below and our comprehensive preparation pack, will help you develop these abilities. Preparation for this assessment is highly recommended. On this page, you'll find a free Watson Glaser practice test with 15 questions and full answers.

Did You Know?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is generally known as one of the more difficult assessment tests provided for candidates. To rank in the top 80% of the most desirable positions, like managers and lawyers, it is recommended to get a Watson Glaser exam score of at least 33-34. Head to our Watson Glaser test guide page to learn more about the test structure, scoring, and more.


Watson Glaser Practice Test

  • Interactive Simulation: Try out our interactive test simulation to experience the test environment firsthand.
  • Detailed Practice Questions: Each section includes a sample question, tips, and full answers to help you understand the reasoning behind each correct answer.

Watson Glaser Practice Test Simulation

Practice Watson Glaser Sample Questions

As outlined in the test structure above, the following sample questions cover the 5 sections of the Watson Glaser Test. Each section contains a sample question, tips, and practice questions with answers.


Assessment of Inferences

We will begin our Watson Glaser practice test with the first section – Assessment of Inferences. An inference is a conclusion based on evidence.

Each exercise begins with a statement of facts you are to regard as true. Afterwards, you will find several possible inferences or conclusions that can be drawn from the stated facts. Your job is to evaluate the truthfulness of the inference based on the text, using the following range:

  • True
  • Probably True
  • Insufficient Data
  • Probably False
  • False

Note: You'll need to examine each inference separately and decide its degree of truth or falsity.

What does it assess?: The ability to assess the probability that inferences are true based on the information provided.

Example Question

Sample Question – Assessment of Inferences

The Inference section will present a statement and a series of inferences (conclusions).

Your task is to determine how true or false each inference is. Read the text below and select the correct answer. 

James is a human rights activist who was fined £60 on three different days during the past month for smoking in public at his workplace. On each occasion, he admitted to the act peacefully, telling policemen he was unwilling to conform to such a breach of people's right to privacy. James paid the three fines shortly after receiving them.

This year, James has spent several hundred pounds in his struggle to oppose violations of civil liberties.

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

Correct Answer

You know that James had paid 180 pounds in the past month alone. You also know he is a human rights activist who is willing to spend money for his cause, based on his actions and testimony.

As such, even though it is not explicitly mentioned in the text, it is safe to assume that sometime in the year James had spent at least 20 more pounds on his activism, smoking-related or otherwise.

Practice Questions

Read the following text, and then choose whether the questions below are true or false to varying degrees according to the following text:

Virtual employees, or employees who work from home via a computer, are an increasing trend. In the US, the number of virtual employees has increased by 39% in the last two years and 74% over the previous five years. Employing virtual workers reduces costs and makes it possible to use talented workers no matter where they are located globally. Yet, running a workplace with virtual employees might entail miscommunication and less camaraderie and can be more time-consuming than face-to-face interaction.

When evaluating inferences:

  • Prioritize the facts given in the question
  • Use common knowledge sparingly
  • Base your assessment primarily on the evidence presented

This approach will help you accurately judge whether an inference is true, probably true, insufficient data, probably false, or false.

Tips

Tip

The “Probably True” and “Probably False” answer choices are unique to the Watson Glaser and are considered the main challenge of the inference section. Grasping the distinction between common knowledge (permitted in the Inference section of the test) and other forms of knowledge (prohibited) is key to accurately answering the questions. Learn more about this tip here.


Recognition of Assumptions

The following section is Recognition of Assumptions. An assumption is something presupposed or taken for granted. In this section, you will encounter a statement followed by a proposed assumption. Your task is to determine whether the statement implies the proposed assumption, treating it as true without needing to justify it. Keep in mind that these assumptions don’t have to be logical or accurate. The key is simply determining whether the assumption is present, not whether it's reasonable.

Most candidates consider the Recognition of Assumptions section the most challenging section of the Watson-Glaser test.

What does it assess?: The ability to identify whether assumptions are needed to support a given statement.

Example Question

Sample Question – Recognition of Assumptions

The Assumptions section will present a statement followed by a proposed assumption.

Your task is to decide whether a person making the given statement is making the proposed assumption. Read the text below and select the correct answer.

Complaints were raised against the town's sole French teacher for using her monopoly to charge more than her late predecessor. However, she does not earn more money on each lesson than she would have before, because she lives out of town and her fee reflects higher transportation costs than those of her predecessor, who lived in town.

Service providers who spend more on transportation are more expensive.

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

Correct Answer

This is a generalisation of what happened in the town. This statement is a logical rule—it refers to all service providers in the world.

The author might think this is true, but he doesn't have to assume it in order for the passage to make sense. Therefore, it is not assumed.

 

Practice Questions

For each statement:

  • Select "Assumption Made" if the assumption is taken for granted in the statement
  • Select "Assumption Not Made" if the assumption is not necessarily taken for granted
  • Judge each assumption independently

Discover more tips about the Recognition of Assumptions Section.

Tips

Tip

The Negative Test algorithm is an extremely effective method for uncovering underlying assumptions. It’s demonstrated in the explanation in Question 4 above. Practice it until you master it!


Watson Glaser Full Course PrepPack

  • Real test simulations and expert solutions.
  • Comprehensive strategies, tips, and interactive video guides
  • Instant access for just £49.

★ 4.7 (190+ reviews) Don't just hope to pass - prepare to excel!


Deduction

The following section is Deduction. Assume all information provided is true. For each conclusion:

  • Select "Conclusion Follows" if it logically follows beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Select "Conclusion Does Not Follow" if it does not.

Your task is to determine whether the conclusion absolutely and necessarily follows the premise.

What does it assess?: The ability to assess whether conclusions are logically derived from the provided information.

Example Question

Sample Question – Deduction

In the Deduction section, you will be presented with a premise and a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion ABSOLUTELY AND NECESSARILY follows the premise.

Some citizens pay taxes. Many citizens receive income support.


More citizens receive income support than those who pay taxes.

 

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

Correct Answer

Let's solve this question with the safest possible method for solving deduction questions - Letter Coding.

Citizens = A, pay taxes = B, receive income support = C.
According to the premises, (A+B)some, and (A+C)many.

The conclusion states (A+C) > (A+B).

Some refer to a portion - a quantity between 1 to everything, while many others refer to multiplicity – at least 2 and up to everything.
However, you have no grounds to infer an accurate quantity of either statement; therefore, the conclusion does not necessarily follow.

In other words:

This one is tricky. Although there is a hierarchy between words that indicate a quantity, and “many” is more than “some”, that is only true when discussing the same group.

For example, if the conclusion was “there are some citizens who receive income support”, it would follow, because you can infer “some” from “many”. However, you cannot compare the quantities of two different groups this way.

Practice Questions

When evaluating conclusions:

  • Rely only on the given premises
  • Set aside your general knowledge or personal beliefs
  • Avoid letting prejudices influence your judgment
  • Focus on whether each conclusion necessarily follows from the premises
Tips

Tip

The NOT Triangle (Negative, Transpose, Only) is one of the most useful methods in the Deduction section, allowing you to rephrase premises to suit the needs of a specific question.

Here’s the gist of it:

You may convert a premise without changing its meaning by using TWO elements of the NOT Triangle.

For instance:

All carrots are orange.

  • (N+T) – All things that are not orange are not carrots.
  • (O+T) – Only orange things are carrots.
  • (O+N) – Only if something is not a carrot, it is not orange.

Don't just hope to pass - prepare to excel!


Interpretation

In the Interpretation section, you will be presented with a premise followed by a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion follows the premise beyond a reasonable doubt. The structure of this section is pretty much the same as the Deduction section - however the rules differ between the two sections. The Deduction section mainly relies on formal logic, while the Interpretation section is less structured, making it deceptively more challenging.

What does it assess?: The ability to evaluate whether conclusions drawn from data (usually presented in a paragraph) are logically supported beyond a reasonable doubt, as opposed to data in one-to-few statements.

Example Question

Sample Question – Interpretation

Determine if the conclusion logically follows the premise beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

In the years 2011-12, 32% of pupils entitled to free school meals (an indicator of low socioeconomic status) achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above. This is compared to 65% of pupils who were not entitled to free school meals.


Most of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above.

 

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

Correct Answer

The logic behind this answer is mathematical: the passage states that 65% of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at a minimum of a C grade.

Since 65% is greater than 50%, we can conclude that they are the majority.

Practice Questions

The Interpretation section requires rigorous logic. Consider implementing the following:

  • Follow the provided information closely
  • Draw conclusions only from well-supported evidence
  • Consider all reasonable possibilities
  • For "beyond a reasonable doubt," choose only the most logical, direct inferences
  • Avoid speculation and additional assumptions
Tips

Tip

Beware of these 4 main fallacies! These are the most common pitfalls to avoid in the Interpretation section.

  • The Reason Fallacy - finding a reason for something which is not actually in the premise.
  • The Indefinite Pronoun Fallacy - incorrectly using terms like "all" or "none" in the premise.
  • The Correlation-Causation Fallacy - inferring causation where only correlation is given.
  • The Jumping Into Conclusions Fallacy - adding details that is not included in the premise.

Evaluation of Arguments

The last section is Evaluation of Arguments. You will be provided with a yes/no question, followed by an argument. This tests your ability to distinguish between strong and weak arguments.

For an argument to be strong, it must be:

  • Important to the issue
  • Directly related to the question

An argument is weak if it:

  • Is not directly related to the question
  • Is of minor importance
  • Relates only to trivial aspects of the question

What does it assess?: The ability to assess the validity and strength of arguments in relation to a specific question or issue

Example Question

Sample Question – Evaluation of Arguments

In the Arguments section, you will be presented with a yes/no question, followed by an argument. Your task is to determine whether the argument is strong or weak in answering the question.

Should parents put their children in preparation courses for gifted tests, in order for them to reach their full potential?


Yes. Parents are responsible for their children’s future and should do whatever they can to help them succeed in life.

 

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

Correct Answer

This argument, although of great general importance, is not directly related to the question. The question specifically asked about preparation courses for gifted tests, and the arguments do not even mention them.

If, for example, the argument made the connection between preparation courses and job success itself, the argument would have been strong. Since it does not, it is weak.

 

Practice Questions

Decide the correct answer on whether each of the arguments is strong or weak:

Tips

Tip

The most common mistake in the Arguments section is letting one's own views and opinions affect one's judgment. Remember to ignore your own views! Additionally, it is important to remember that an argument is weak if it's not directly relevant to the question, if it's of little significance, or if it only addresses minor details.

The Arguments Evaluation section tests your decision-making about importance and relevance:

  • Focus on information that directly influences the scenario's outcome
  • Prioritize relevant data over peripheral information
  • Not all information carries equal weight
  • Critically evaluate each argument based on its impact on the conclusion
Tips

Additional Tip

It is also essential to 'remove the fluff'. Only then will you be able to see an argument for what it actually states.

Let’s take the example from above:

  • No – employees are likely to use the free time to clean their homes, run errands, and meet with friends, and thus bring no benefit to the company whatsoever.

Will turn to:

  • No – free time for employees will not bring any benefit to the company.

It is now easier to see that this argument is both relevant to the topic and touches on the main issue – which was somewhat clouded with all the “fluff” about the ways employees can spend their free time.


Be fully prepared with our comprehensive Watson Glaser PrepPack

✅ A Watson Glaser Diagnostic Test - Identify areas for improvement and target weak spots.

✅ 23 Additional Practice Tests - Focus on your weakest areas with tailored questions.

✅ Full-Length Watson Glaser Test Simulations - Experience the actual test format and track your progress.

✅ Interactive Study Guides - Master the theory and strategies to maximize your score. 

★ 4.7 (190+ reviews) • 14,000+ already enrolled.


Watson Glaser Assessment Sample Questions with Solutions (Video)



Watson Glaser Assessment
The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) challenges thousands of future solicitors/lawyers every year. Have a look at our prep materials to succeed.

FAQs:

The best way to practice for the Watson Glaser Test (WGCTA) is through methodical preparation, as it is known for its difficulty and focus on critical thinking. The test uses five strategies and question types, and success requires mastering all of them. Additionally, the test can mislead and deceive, challenging intuition and knowledge. A high score, generally 80%, requires answering 33-34 questions correctly. To achieve this, you should familiarize yourself with the question types, understand the rules for each section, and practice solving techniques and tips to ensure you're fully prepared.


Your Watson Glaser test score is calculated based on your performance in various test sections, each assessing different aspects of critical thinking.

Scores are often compared against a norm group of previous test takers to gauge your relative performance, and it is known that the larger the number of applicants, the higher the score requirements become.

A typical score on the Watson Glaser Test is around 55%. This score fluctuates based on the version of the test, difficulty, and the test takers' demographics.

Our PrepPack also explains how to interpret your results in each section and how they might impact your chances in the selection process for competitive training contracts.


Because of the challenging nature of the assessment, preparation for the Watson Glaser Test involves utilizing Watson Glaser practice tests to enhance your critical thinking skills. 

Resources like our practice tests, sample questions, and critical thinking test tips will surely help you familiarise yourself with the test format and types of questions. 

Check out our tailored resources that provide practice in critical reasoning tests and help you understand how to tackle tricky assumptions, solid argument formulation, and time constraints effectively.



Watson Glaser PrepPack Reviews


More Free Practice

Additional Cognitive and Personality Test Providers