It's my first attempt to complete a VR test, it was so easy and so difficult at the same time. But I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and breadth of examples! Looking forward to practising further.
What are verbal reasoning tests?
Verbal reasoning tests use long passages of text paired with questions on that text to determine how well you can pull out key pieces of information.
With more and more content to consume than ever before, reading and understanding, and the ability to demonstrate this under pressure are skills increasingly valued by employers.
Verbal reasoning tests don’t require prior knowledge of a subject as all the answers you’ll need can be found by reading what’s in front of you.
Why do employers use verbal reasoning tests?
In the legal sector in particular, reading through long passages of text and digesting crucial information is part of the day job.
Employers at law firms are therefore likely to use these tests to find the candidates who can show their strengths in this key area.
Not only do verbal reasoning tests help employers find strong communicators, they also give a good indication of the people who work well under pressure, and those who are able to separate out fact from fiction.
What is the verbal reasoning test format?
There are lots of different verbal reasoning tests out there. But perhaps the most common format involves multiple choice answers. After reading through a passage of text, you’ll be faced with questions that you can answer as ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘cannot say.’
You won’t need to revise any subjects for the text, as every answer is possible to get right just by carefully reading the test paper.
What skills does verbal reasoning test?
The verbal reasoning test helps people showcase their language and communication skills. As well as reading and processing information, you’re also being tested on your ability to identify whether something is a fact, or if it's just been alluded to.
It might not sound hard, but when you add time pressure, as well as lots of complex information to process, it’s certainly not as easy as it looks!
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Sample Verbal Reasoning Test question Test your knowledge!
Score: /5
What conclusion can be drawn from the passage regarding the research findings?
Recent research on consumer behavior indicates that transparency in business practices is becoming increasingly important for buyers. Consumers are showing a willingness to pay premium prices for products from companies that demonstrate ethical operations and sustainable sourcing. This trend is gaining momentum, especially among younger demographics.
- Transparency in business practices is largely irrelevant to purchasing decisions.
- Companies lacking transparency in business practices are favored among younger buyers.
- Ethical operations and sustainable sourcing are not critical factors for sales.
- Transparency and ethical business practices are likely to command higher prices in the market.
- The research indicates a declining interest in sustainable sourcing.
Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the company's new initiative?
The company has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. The initiative includes a comprehensive plan to lower emissions through various means such as adopting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in operations, and encouraging employees to participate in environmentally friendly practices. While the initial costs are high, the strategy is expected to result in long-term savings and a better corporate image.
- The company aims to become completely carbon neutral immediately.
- The initiative will involve higher initial expenses but expects to save money over time.
- Employees are solely responsible for the success of the initiative.
- The plan does not include any changes to energy sources or efficiency.
- The company will no longer focus on its corporate image.
Which statement aligns best with the author's viewpoint?
The rapid advancement of technology has outpaced the development of ethical guidelines. There is an increasing need for a discussion about the governance of these technological advancements to ensure they serve the wider public interest. Historically, technological leaps have been guided by a loose framework of norms and regulations, which may no longer suffice in the modern age.
- Ethical guidelines have kept pace with the advancement of technology.
- Norms and regulations should be tightened for governing technological progress.
- There is no requirement for ethical discussion on technology advancement.
- The author believes the current framework is adequate for modern needs.
- Technological advancements are detrimental to public interest.
If the passage is fully accurate, which action would most likely be futile?
Notwithstanding the severe market competition, our company has consistently prioritized quality over rapid expansion. While this approach has limited our market share growth, it has cemented our reputation among customers who value superior products. As a result, we have enjoyed high levels of customer loyalty and low turnover rates.
- Attempting to increase the company's customer base rapidly without focusing on quality
- Maintaining the focus on high-quality product output
- Continuing efforts to solidify the company's reputation for superior products
- Investing in marketing strategies that highlight product quality
- Developing initiatives to further increase customer loyalty
The passage suggests which future outcome for the industry?
The industry has seen a drastic shift toward automation, with many companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning. This trend is likely to continue as the technology becomes more sophisticated and cost-effective. Analysts predict that this will lead to significant workforce changes, with a shift in the types of skills that are in demand.
- There will be a decrease in demand for technologically skilled labor.
- The trend of automation will likely be reversed in the near future.
- Companies will focus less on artificial intelligence in the years to come.
- Workforce changes will occur as the industry adapts to more automation.
- The technology will become less sophisticated over time.
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Caitlin used Law Tests to help her secure a position at Allen & Overy
Verbal Reasoning Test Tips
- Read Actively!
To ace verbal reasoning tests, engage with the text actively. This means not just reading the words but thinking critically about what is being said. Make brief mental or physical notes of key points within the passage. This active engagement will make it easier to answer 'True, False, or Cannot Say' questions accurately.
- Understand the Question
Sometimes, the trickiest part is understanding what the question is asking. Take a brief moment to ensure you grasp what information you're being tested on. Look for specific details, and don't make assumptions beyond the provided text. The answer should be directly supported by the passage.
- Time Management
Time can slip away quickly during these exams. While practicing with Law Tests, keep an eye on the clock to develop a sense of how much time to allot per question. Learning to distribute your time effectively can be as crucial as knowing the material.
- Don't Overthink It
With 'True, False, or Cannot Say' questions, it's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking. Stick to the information given in the text—don't let your knowledge or opinions influence your answer. If the text doesn't mention something, then the answer cannot be inferred.
- Practice in Realistic Conditions
Finally, the best way to get comfortable with these tests is to simulate the actual exam environment. Use Law Tests to practice without distractions, keeping your practice as close to the real thing as possible. This helps build confidence and reduces anxiety when the real test day comes.
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Verbal Reasoning Test FAQs
- How are verbal reasoning tests scored?
Most verbal reasoning tests don’t have a certain mark or percentage you have to hit. Instead, your result is compared to the result of everyone else who took the same test.
- What are verbal reasoning tests used for?
The tests are used to get a clearer idea of how well you process and filter information - an important skill in the legal world.
- What do verbal reasoning tests involve?
The test involves reading through passages of text looking for the answers to a series of questions. Normally you’re looking to answer each one as either ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘cannot say.’ The art of determining whether something is a fact or has just been suggested is what takes practice.
- What do verbal reasoning tests measure?
The tests measure people’s ability to extract important information from lots of text, as well as the ability to cope in a time pressure situation.
- Where can I practice verbal reasoning tests?
You can practice verbal reasoning tests on our website. You’ll be able to practice as many tests as you need, and you can also access valuable hints, tips and tricks that’ll ensure you get better with every go.
- Which employers use verbal reasoning tests?
In short, lots of employers do! The legal sector in particular uses verbal reasoning tests as the skills measured in the tests are ones you’ll need every day if you want a career in law.
Reviews
What our customers say about our Verbal Reasoning Tests
Polina Krivoshejeva
Latvia
December 12, 2022
Great practice
D H
United Kingdom
June 05, 2023
Well Structured
The passages are well structured, I like that you have to confirm your answer rather than the next statement automatically appearing after selecting an answer, and I really appreciate that solutions are given at the end of the test.