Watson Glaser Guide - Explanation, Scoring, & More

The structure of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is as follows, highlighting the key skills and question types assessed:

• Inference: Drawing conclusions from observed or assumed facts.

• Assumptions: Identifying whether an assumption is being made in the statement.

• Deduction: Assessing whether conclusions logically follow from given premises.

• Interpretation: Determining whether conclusions logically follow from the given information.

• Evaluation of Arguments: Assessing whether an argument is strong or weak based on its relevance and importance to the question.

The Watson-Glaser test is typically scored based on the number of correct answers out of 40. The raw score is converted into a percentile ranking that reflects how well the test taker performed compared to others who have taken the test.

This test measures your critical thinking ability through several sections, including drawing conclusions, evaluation of arguments, and assumption recognition. This critical reasoning test  includes typically a multiple-choice format, challenging test takers to use a creative and logical manner to navigate tricky questions and insufficient data.

The test often includes questions which push candidates to rely on structured logic rather than gut feeling. Scoring around 80% (about 33–34 correct answers) typically indicates strong critical thinking - placing you among the top performers sought by law firms and other analytical professions.

The Watson Glaser test is generally used by law firms and government legal services. These include:

• Trainee Solicitors and Solicitors
• Graduate Trainees
• Lawyers
• Vacation Scheme
• Public Health Registrars
• Analysts

Critical thinking skills are crucial in all of the above, which is why companies use the WG in their recruitment process - to assess critical thinking accurately.

Note: For different law firm pre-employment tests, check out our page on the Suited Assessment or visit our tailored preparation for Clifford Chance, Linklaters or other critical thinking tests. 

Methodical preparation is highly important as the Watson Glaser 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.

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.

The Watson Glaser test is made up of five sections that assess distinct aspects of critical thinking:

• Inference

• Recognition of assumptions

• Deduction

• Interpretation

• Evaluation of arguments

Each section measures how you analyze information, assess logical connections, and distinguish sound reasoning from flawed arguments. Begin your preparation by learning what each of the five sections measures and how questions are structured, so you know exactly what skills to focus on.

The full test includes 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 30 minutes, meaning you have less than a minute per question.
To simulate real testing pressure:

• Take timed practice sessions.

• Track your pacing to ensure you can complete each section efficiently.

• Review your mistakes immediately after finishing to identify patterns and weak areas.

Practicing with realistic simulations - including the sample questions below and our comprehensive Watson Glaser PrepPack - is the most effective way to build these skills and boost your performance.

Beyond simple question drills, focus on strengthening your reasoning and comprehension skills:

• Read complex texts (editorials, legal cases, reports) and identify main arguments.

• Train yourself to separate facts from opinions.

• Practice forming conclusions only when supported by clear evidence.

• Stay objective: Don’t rely on outside knowledge and use the information provided.

• Read the questions carefully: Many questions hinge on precise wording.

• Manage your time: Make sure to manage your time carefully, as the strict time limit is a key part of the challenge.

• Check assumptions: Make sure each conclusion is logically supported by the text.