I liked the verbal reasoning questions because it challenges your mind to think.
What are verbal reasoning tests?
Verbal reasoning tests are used by employers to assess candidates' reading and communication skills. If you are about to take one of these tests, you can expect to read through long passages of text on a variety of different subjects before answering questions related to the content.
Being able to read and extract important information from dense pieces of writing is a crucial skill - and one that’ll serve you well in the public sector.
You won’t need any prior knowledge of the subjects you’re reading about because verbal reasoning tests analyse your ability to process the information in front of you.
Why do employers use verbal reasoning tests?
There are many jobs within the public sector that require excellent communication skills - because reading and extracting important information is something you’ll do every day.
As a result, public sector employers often use verbal reasoning tests as part of the hiring process. They’ll be looking for candidates who are able to answer questions efficiently and accurately, and show examples of differentiating between fact and fiction.
The best way you can prepare yourself for the test is to practice verbal reasoning tests beforehand - and as many as you can.
What is the verbal reasoning test format?
Most tests contain multiples passage of long-form text, and require candidates to answer multiple-choice questions on the text.
More often than not, the form these answers take are a choice between, ‘true’, ‘false’, or ‘cannot say.’ Multiple choice may sound easy, but learning to differentiate between solid facts and suggested ideas is a skill that takes practice to hone.
However, the good news is that reading up on the subjects you’ll encounter on the test isn’t necessary - all the answers will be right there in front of you!
What skills does verbal reasoning test?
Your reading and processing skills will be put to the test. Employers are looking to find people who can read through dense blocks of text under considerable time pressure, while extracting the information needed to correctly interpret each question’s meaning.
A successful verbal reasoning candidate will show that they can take instruction, remain calm under pressure and demonstrate solid communication skills.
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Verbal Reasoning Tests FAQs
- How are verbal reasoning tests scored?
Your individual result will be compared to the results of everyone who took the test. It’s then up to the employer to determine which candidate(s) to take forwards to the next stage.
- What are verbal reasoning tests used for?
In the public sector, verbal reasoning tests are used to establish how strong your communication skills are.
- What do verbal reasoning tests involve?
The verbal reasoning test involves reading long pieces of writing in order to answer a series of questions. You’ll normally select a multiple choice answer such as, ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘cannot say.’
- What do verbal reasoning tests measure?
As well as your language skills, verbal reasoning tests also measure how good you are at reading and processing information against the clock.
- Where can I practice verbal reasoning tests?
You can practice verbal reasoning tests on our website. Here you’ll also find tips on how to make the process as easy as possible.
- Which employers use verbal reasoning tests?
Employers from all different industries use verbal reasoning tests to filter out applicants with strong communication skills. You’ll often see these tests used in the hiring process for public sector jobs, because such skills are tested on a daily basis.
Reviews
What our customers say about our Verbal Reasoning Tests
Enee Igiraneza
Rwanda
April 11, 2023
Always think twice and analyze questions
Njideka Okoro
Nigeria
June 12, 2023
Good and worth it
I liked that it made me adjust my thinking and required fast responses when having to read the different passages in the shortest possible time.
Bushy Percy Mmatli
Botswana
November 03, 2023
A good test of deducing correct meaning
Tricky questions, need you to pay attention to the stem and what the passage is saying rather than what you think you know.
Bree King
Kenya
November 03, 2023
Exhilarating
Being the first time I have taken this kind of test, it felt like i was on a mad rush to finish. Very good way to practice.
Simeon Gesora Omwoyo
Kenya
November 03, 2023
Customers
The test highlights and gives a clear picture on how to deal with customers. That is both on a call and physical. It gives a clear picture of the best approach on dealing with customers and even concerns. On the other hand it clears on how to attract customers.
Soyeb Luhar
India
November 03, 2023
Amazing
Before start of test , there should be instruction that how the questions are come and how to answer them. But overall nice.
Evans Ochieng Juma
Kenya
November 03, 2023
Cognitive ability
I liked the test as it measures the generally cognitive, verbal reasoning and guidelines for a professional in a work environment.
Yvonne Ngima Muthungu
Kenya
November 03, 2023
Be timely and keen
Time and keenness are of the essence to the test. You need to be keen to read and understand the question so that you can give the correct answer and time yourself to avoid delays.
Alistair James Muir
United Kingdom
November 03, 2023
Pretty Good
The practice test gave me an opportunity to reflect on the corrections and errors I made and hopefully I have rectified them in the timed version
Ditsapelo Theo Majeka
Botswana
April 01, 2024
CHALLENGING
The test was impressive and quite challenging, i enjoyed the questions as they were testing my cognitive skills.