Verbal Reasoning: The Basics

Verbal Reasoning is an aptitude test that is used for recruitment purposes. It may be used by law firms to find candidates who are suitable for the job and/or work experience you are applying for. Read on to find out our top tips on how to succeed in Verbal Reasoning tests.

What does Verbal Reasoning involve?

The test will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will require you to read a series of texts that are based on a variety of sources. You are to read the various passages and state whether the statement given to you is:

1. True. This means that the statement can be definitively assumed from the information given to you.
2. False. This statement does not logically follow the text that has been given.
3. Cannot say. There is no enough information given to you for you to be able to conclude that it is true or false.

What skills does the test look for?

• You must be able to comprehend a variety of sources of texts and deduce information correctly from these.
• You are able to work under time constraints and manage your timing effectively.
• You have a high literacy level so you are able to grasp the more complex passages.
• You reach the pass mark. Most employers will have a standard level that they expect, particularly where there is a large pool of candidates. If you do not reach this mark, you are most often automatically mean your application process will end.

Verbal Reasoning: Top 5 Tips

1. Practice before you take part in the assessed Verbal Reasoning test. There are plenty of free tests online, which will help you get a sense of the format and types of questions you can expect. These online tests will often tell you the correct answers as well as answer explanations, which will be particularly helpful. Understanding the logic behind these tests is the key to doing well. 
2. Keep an eye on the time. Verbal Reasoning tests are timed and that means you need to make a note of how many questions there are in total so you can work out how long you should roughly spend on each one. If you become stuck on a particular question, then move on and return at the end if there is enough time.
3. Do not use your own knowledge when answering the questions. They are designed so that you only use the information presented to you. This is an easy trap to fall into!
4. Be vigilant. The test aims to deceive you and sometimes the only difference between the right and wrong answer is only a tiny discrepancy.
5. Remember to discuss anything which may affect your ability to participate in the test, like dyslexia, with the company before taking part to see if they have any alternative examination arrangements.

Good luck!

Words: Shannon Aiken