How to Improve on and Succeed in Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning is the most difficult of all verbal tests as it requires you to use logical reasoning to answer questions. Simply understanding the vocabulary and phrasing used is not enough when it comes to verbal reasoning, although it is still necessary.
Verbal reasoning can be summarised as the understanding of concepts framed in words within the use of reasoning. Such tests and exercises evaluate your ability to think constructively and do not usually rely on your language fluency or vocabulary recognition.
The soundest advice that can be given regarding improving your verbal reasoning skills to pass your test will be to practise. Practising for this or any test will give you the insight you need to tackle each of the questions with confidence. Because many verbal reasoning tests are timed, practising can also help boost your answering speed and accuracy.
Verbal Reasoning Test Tips & Tricks
The way that you approach your verbal reasoning test can determine how successful you will be. Below you will find several verbal reasoning test tips and tricks to successfully pass your verbal reasoning test.
Reading the instructions before jumping into the actual test will give you an idea regarding the format, number of questions and the amount of time available to complete the test. With this knowledge, you should be able to quickly calculate how much time you will have to answer each question in the time allotted.
Try not to spend more time than necessary on any one problem. If you do happen to get stuck, move on with the test and come back to the question you had trouble with later.
Everything you need to answer will be contained in the passage associated with each question. Even if you know something to be true outside of the text, you should disregard it and go by the information provided in the test.
Solving Strategies & Techniques
Read on to learn more about the two main solving strategies and their techniques for getting through your verbal assessment:
In this method, you first familiarize yourself with the text, its themes, its arguments, etc., making mental notes as you read. Only then you start answering the questions. You should make note of where names, abbreviations, acronyms, qualifiers and conjunctures appear, as these can help you locate information needed to answer the questions.
If anything is unclear, re-read the passage. Always keep the time limit in mind to allow yourself ample time to read, understand and answer the questions.
In this method, you skim the questions and only then read the text, in a more focused and precise way, when you already know what you are looking first.
Both methods have merit, and different people find either one more effective. Practice them both to discover which one suits you better.
Practising verbal reasoning tests will help you get familiarized with the different types of question, find which solving method best suits you, improve your deduction and reasoning skills, recognize popular tricks to avoid common mistakes and learn useful solving tips, such as how to use elimination and how to find keywords in the text.
What You Need to Know About Vocabulary
Generally speaking, vocabulary will not play a major role in most verbal reasoning tests. There are some verbal tests, however, where your level of vocabulary will be at the forefront. These tests will often include word analogy questions and those combining both reading comprehension and vocabulary (e.g. verbal analysis tests).
Knowing which test you will be taking will help you to better prepare for the types of questions you will encounter. If you know that you will be taking a test that includes analogies or verbal analysis you should practise for those sorts of questions. If you know that your test will not emphasise vocabulary but focus on your reasoning skills, it will be better for you to use preparation materials for verbal reasoning.
Below are just some examples of questions you are likely to encounter when taking vocabulary-based verbal tests:
Analogy Example
Verbal Analysis Example
(Saville-style)
General Help & Advice
- Practise free of distractions. To make sure that you get the most out of your practise sessions, you should find a quiet area to prepare. You should have all electronics switched off and put out of sight while you are practising to heighten your mental focus and ability to learn.
- Practise under similar conditions as the actual test. Our verbal practice tests come in two modes: timed and step-by-step. Since most psychometric tests are timed, using the timed mode will help you further prepare for each aspect of your assessment.
- Use the step-by-step mode offered with our practice tests. The step-by-step mode offered in our preparation packs gives you access to full answer explanations as you practise. This, in turn, gives you the ability to stimulate your learning process as you go.
We offer dozens of verbal preparation materials stylized after tests provided by the following testing companies: SHL, Kenexa, Saville, Talent Q, Cubiks and Cut-e. Start practising today to ensure your ability to pass your pre-employment assessments.
Verbal Reasoning FAQs
Below you will find some commonly asked questions regarding verbal reasoning tests.
A: Yes, in fact, verbal reasoning tests are some of the most common aptitude tests used by employers during the selection process.
A: Though they all may share similar characteristics and concepts, they are not all identical. Taking one verbal reasoning test will not necessarily prepare you for another. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to know who the test provider will be prior to your test day. Each provider (e.g. SHL, Kenexa, Cubiks, etc.)
A: Verbal reasoning tests do not usually test your English skills. These tests are, for the most part, designed to evaluate your ability to analyse, interpret and use information to reach conclusions.
A: Contrary to belief, verbal tests are not easy. Verbal tests can get tricky and challenge even the most bookish of candidates. To ensure that you know what to expect prior to your testing date, we recommend that you practise extensively.
A: Yes, you can improve your verbal reasoning skills. Whether you consider verbal reasoning tests to be your strong suit or not, there are tips and methods that you can learn to set you apart from the competition. You can apply these tips and strategies to the practice tests we offer to improve your verbal reasoning skills prior to your test date.
Useful Resources
Below you will find many useful resources on how to do and what to expect during your verbal reasoning test:
| Free Verbal Reasoning Test | Free Verbal Reasoning Test PDF |
| Free SHL Test Practice | Verbal Reasoning - Wikipedia |
More Free Practice
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