There were a few questions where I couldn't tell if it was 'False' due to the wording of the questions (eg: redundant jobs vs people). I also couldn't tell if they were looking for me to use only the info in the article, or also imply from my own knowledge. Lots for me to work on!
What are verbal reasoning tests?
Verbal reasoning tests examine your ability to read, process and correctly relay information, vital skills you’ll need day-to-day in many technology roles. The great thing about the test is that you don’t need to have any knowledge of the subject you’re reading about - because you’re not being tested on your general knowledge, but instead, on your ability to extract the information you need from a long passage of text. It’s a skill that takes practice!
Why do employers use verbal reasoning tests?
Verbal reasoning tests are popular with employers in the tech sector as the skills they test are skills you’ll use in the workplace - reading, processing information and accurately communicating it. Getting a good mark on the verbal reasoning test is a strong indicator to future employers that you work well under pressure, have good literacy skills and know the crucial difference between fact and inference.
What is the verbal reasoning test format?
Every test is different, but more often than not you’ll answer multiple choice questions on several passages of text - often by selecting ‘true’, ‘false’. Or ‘cannot say.’ The test is timed, which means you won’t have ages to read and reread the text, so it’s vital to concentrate. Thankfully you won’t need to revise any particular subjects for the test as the answers are all to be found in the passage you’re reading - the skill is just extracting the right piece of information.
What skills does verbal reasoning test?
The key skills examined by the verbal reasoning test are language, communication and information extraction. When reading through the passages of text it’s easy to assume knowledge, so you need to ensure you pick out the key pieces of information and work to separate out fact from fiction. As you’d expect, the test is taken in timed conditions so finding the right balance between speed and accuracy is really important. It may sound like an impossible task, but by regularly practising verbal reasoning tests before the big day, you give yourself the best possible chance of success.
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Sample Verbal Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!
What does the passage imply about the future of the industry?
The pharmaceutical industry is at a crossroads, as numerous patents for high-revenue drugs are set to expire in the coming years. This 'patent cliff' is expected to lead to a rise in generic competition, forcing original manufacturers to innovate and diversify their product pipelines to sustain growth.
- Original manufacturers are not concerned about the expiration of drug patents.
- There will be a decline in the importance of innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.
- The industry will face increased generic competition due to patent expirations.
- The pharmaceutical industry is likely to reduce its product offerings.
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Verbal Reasoning Tests Tips
- Understand the Format
Before you dive into the actual content, get familiar with the structure of verbal reasoning tests. Knowing that you'll encounter passages followed by 'True, False, Cannot Say' questions helps you set the right strategy. At Techtest, we replicate the exact format of these assessments, giving you a comfortable level of predictability on the day of your real test.
- Hone Your Comprehension
The key to acing verbal reasoning is understanding the given text completely. Focus on improving your reading comprehension skills by practicing with diverse subjects and different writing styles. Techtest offers a variety of passages that incrementally increase in complexity to comprehensively prepare you for anything the job market's tests might throw your way.
- Time Management
These exams are often timed, so it's crucial to pace yourself. Use Techtest's practice exams to get used to the pressure of the clock. Practice dividing your time wisely - perhaps spend a fixed amount of time on each question - to ensure you have enough time to thoughtfully consider each one.
- Critical Thinking Is Key
Verbal reasoning tests evaluate your ability to dissect information and draw accurate conclusions. Develop an analytical approach to the text. Techtest encourages critical thinking by providing you with practice questions that challenge you to evaluate complex information under test conditions.
- Review and Reflect
After completing a practice test on Techtest, always take time to go over your results. Understand where you went wrong and why. Reflection is crucial for improvement as it helps to consolidate learning and hone your test-taking strategy for next time.
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Verbal Reasoning Tests FAQs
- How are verbal reasoning tests scored?
Once you’ve finished the test, your paper will be marked along with the papers of everyone else that took the test. There’s normally not a certain score you have to hit, instead your overall score, and how you answer will be compared to the results of your peers.
- What are verbal reasoning tests used for?
The tests help employers see how well you perform under pressure, and at what level your literacy and communication skills sit.
- What do verbal reasoning tests involve?
The test involves reading through passages of text, on a variety of different subjects. You’ll then answer questions on these passages, selecting either ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘cannot say.’
- What do verbal reasoning tests measure?
Broadly, the tests indicate how good your literacy and communication skills are. But other things such as how well you cope under pressure, are also being scrutinised.
- Where can I practice verbal reasoning tests?
You can practice verbal reasoning tests on the Practice Aptitude Tests website. Here you’ll find a whole host of different practice tests, and you can also access valuable hints, tips and tricks.
- Which employers use verbal reasoning tests?
Employers in the technology sector often use verbal reasoning tests to try and find the good communicators that’ll be an asset to a growing business.
Reviews
What our customers say about our Verbal Reasoning Tests
Daniel Fernandes
United Kingdom
December 20, 2021
I found this difficult
Daria Bondar
Germany
January 13, 2023
Helpful for practice
Can't say much about the test as I am taking it for the first time, but it seems that it can be really helpful to prepare for similar tests at work or else.
Neelima Tammineni
India
April 11, 2023
I was able to improve overtime!
I like these tests because I was able to increase my skill levels and to improve myself. Thank you for providing the best platform.
Alan Bint
United Kingdom
May 22, 2023
Be sure you read the questions carefully
I like the way the passages of text require users think more carefully.
Caitlin Martin Newnham
United States of America
June 27, 2023
Interesting test with interesting content!
I liked the information and questions asked, but there was some ambiguity in the way the content was phrased.