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Essential Guide to Verbal Reasoning Tests

The Verbal Reasoning Test Workbook provides essential information on preparing for verbal reasoning tests, including details on test structure, types of questions, and recommended practice materials. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the test format and suggests various resources for additional practice. The workbook also addresses accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including dyslexia, and offers guidance for non-native English speakers on how to prepare effectively.

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11 views2 pages

Essential Guide to Verbal Reasoning Tests

The Verbal Reasoning Test Workbook provides essential information on preparing for verbal reasoning tests, including details on test structure, types of questions, and recommended practice materials. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the test format and suggests various resources for additional practice. The workbook also addresses accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including dyslexia, and offers guidance for non-native English speakers on how to prepare effectively.

Uploaded by

555k
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Verbal Reasoning Test Workbook

when the test administrator describes them just before the test begins for
real. Don’t make this mistake. You need to know the nature of the chal-
lenge as soon as possible. Get details on:
• how many sub-tests the test battery comprises;
• what the title of each sub-test is;
• what sort of question makes up a sub-test (find an example of each
type of question);
• how many questions each sub-test includes;
• how long you are allowed to complete each sub-test;
• whether it is multiple-choice or short answer;
• whether you complete it with pen and paper or at a computer
terminal;
• whether there is a numeracy paper and if a calculator is allowed.

Once you have a clear idea of the test you face you need to set about
finding hundreds of relevant practice questions. If you struggle in verbal
tests then you will have to practise a lot. This book contains 700 questions.
In the Kogan Page series you will find complementary publications that
offer lots more practice and alternative explanations of the key compe-
tencies. There are also titles containing advanced material on verbal and
numerical tests and specialist titles intended for particular tests such as
those for the Police, Fire Service or UK Civil Service.
To obtain more practice material for verbal tests at the intermediate
level I recommend The Ultimate Psychometric Test Book and How to Pass
Selection Tests. For practice for numerical tests at the intermediate level use
The Numeracy Test Workbook. At the graduate and advanced level verbal tests
I propose How to Pass Graduate Psychometric Tests, The Graduate Psychometric
Test Workbook and How to Pass Advanced Verbal Reasoning Tests. For numerical
tests at the advanced level I suggest How to Pass Advanced Numeracy Tests and
The Advanced Numeracy Test Workbook. All these titles are published by Kogan
Page and you will find descriptions of them at [Link].

4
Adopt the Winning Approach

Special situations
If you suffer a disability
If you suffer a disability that will adversely affect your ability to complete
a test or any aspect of a recruitment process then inform the organization
concerned at the first opportunity. It should be prepared to organize
things differently to better accommodate your needs, and for certain
conditions may allow extra time to complete the test.
If you suffer from dyslexia then a test of verbal reasoning can
represent a significant obstacle. Inform the organization that has invited
you for the test of your condition. Many organizations will allow dyslexic
candidates extra time to complete the test but they are likely to want proof
that you are indeed dyslexic. If you have not already obtained a formal
assessment then now is the time to get one. This will involve meeting an
educational psychologist or other trained professional who will assess you
and provide a written report of his or her findings. This process can take
some weeks and it is for this reason that I suggest that you inform the
organization straight away. The cost of such an assessment can be a quite
significant sum and that cost is very likely to be yours. If you are dyslexic
then with practice you can still greatly improve your performance in these
common tests and pass.
After the test the organization should be willing to provide infor-
mation on your performance, although you may have to ask for it. It
should indicate the areas in which you performed most strongly and areas
in which you might work to improve. Some will be willing to discuss your
score with you over the telephone; this is often the way to get the most
valuable feedback.

If English is not your first language


Tests of verbal reasoning are likely to present a great challenge to you if
your first language is not English, and you need to adjust your
programme of revision accordingly. For a speaker of English as a second
language the reading comprehension and critical reading style of

Common questions

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Understanding the structure and specifics of a test is crucial because it enables candidates to tailor their preparation effectively. Candidates need to know about the number and type of sub-tests, question format, time limits, and whether tools like calculators are allowed. This information can be gathered from the test administrator or relevant test preparation books .

Dyslexic candidates can use practice tests to improve their verbal reasoning outcomes by repeatedly exposing themselves to the test format, helping them build confidence and develop techniques that work for them individually. This consistent practice can mitigate the challenges posed by their learning difficulties .

Using multiple resources, such as books from publishers like Kogan Page, offers a variety of practice questions and explanations that can cater to different levels of difficulty and specific tests. It provides comprehensive coverage, especially when different titles focus on specific abilities like verbal or numerical reasoning, ensuring well-rounded preparation .

Non-native English speakers may face significant challenges with reading comprehension and critical reading in verbal reasoning tests. Effective preparation involves adjusting their revision program to better tackle these areas, focusing on reading comprehension and practicing extensively .

Organizations may allow extra time for dyslexic candidates during verbal reasoning tests. Some require proof of dyslexia, which can be obtained through a formal assessment by an educational psychologist. Informing the organization about the condition early can lead to accommodations that better suit the candidate's needs .

Obtaining detailed performance insights is important because it highlights specific strengths and weaknesses, guiding future preparation. Insights into underperforming areas allow candidates to focus their efforts on improvement, while understanding their strengths can help maintain confidence and build on existing capabilities .

Formal assessments conducted by educational psychologists are crucial for diagnosing dyslexia, allowing for tailored accommodations during recruitment tests. These assessments provide official documentation needed by organizations to extend benefits like extra time, ensuring the process is equitable and based on verified needs .

Specialized test preparation books offer extensive practice questions that help candidates familiarize themselves with different question types and improve specific skills. They often provide detailed explanations and strategies for tackling questions efficiently, which can significantly enhance test performance .

Understanding the question format, such as multiple-choice versus short answer, is vital as it directly influences preparation strategies. Multiple-choice questions might require skills in quick elimination of incorrect answers, while short answer questions might necessitate concise articulation skills. This understanding allows candidates to tailor their practice accordingly .

Requesting feedback after a verbal reasoning test is important as it helps identify strengths and areas needing improvement. This feedback is often the most valuable when discussed over a call, allowing candidates to understand their performance better and focus their preparation on weaker areas for future tests .

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