Verbal Reasoning

This is the type of verbal reasoning test most commonly used to assess job candidates. It is not the same verbal reasoning test used in intelligence tests.

• Practice Verbal Reasoning Test at the bottom of this page.

What is a Verbal Reasoning Test?

Verbal reasoning tests are a form of aptitude test used by interviewers to find out how well a candidate can assess verbal logic. SHL is perhaps the most well known producer of verbal reasoning tests, and the most widely used.

SHL style practice numerical and verbal reasoning tests are available here

In a verbal reasoning test, you are typically provided with a passage, or several passages, of information and required to evaluate a set of statements by selecting one of the following possible answers:

True - (The statement follows logically from the information or opinions contained in the passage)

False - (The statement is logically false from the information or opinions contained in the passage)

Cannot Say - (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information)

You are to assume that all the information in each of these written passages is true, and you should only use the information in each passage to work out your answer. Candidates should not use prior knowledge when answering verbal reasoning questions.

Candidates should respond to each question by clicking on the answer that is correct. If you make a mistake or want to change an answer just click to go back, or forward, through the questions.

Verbal Reasoning Test Technique Work out how much time you can spend on each question and make sure it does not take you longer than this. Be very careful- the questions are designed to trick you. If displayed, read the question(s) before you read the text, so you know what you are looking for. Do not use any general knowledge when answering questions. Everything you need to answer the question is included in the passage. Passages must be interpretted literally as written- assertions that are implied are not necessarily true unless explicitly stated.

SHL style practice numerical and verbal reasoning tests are available here

Books & Websites That Can Help

There aren't any perfect books for helping with verbal tests, but we think the following are quite good. Practising before can really improve your chances of success and help ensure you pass aptitude tests first time.

How to Pass Advanced Verbal Reasoning Tests

Everything You Need to Know to Pass Verbal Reasoning Tests

SHL style practice numerical and verbal reasoning tests are available here

The following website offers a wide range of professionally constructed verbal reasoning questions, written in the same style as PSL and SHL tests (the tests most graduate emloyers use to assess candidates). There is a charge for using the tests, but the extent of the questions available is vast.

Practice Psychometric Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

WikiJob has a series of online tests you can take as practice for the real thing.

This test consists of 40 questions to be answered in 20 minutes (although there is no timer on the test itself). Unlike the real the test, you are not permitted to change your previous answers, so be careful. Our test is slightly harder than the real thing, in order to make it challenging practice.

You can take tests as many times as you like.

Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 1 - Free!

Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 2

Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 3

Verbal Reasoning Practice Test 4

You must be logged in to take the free tests and must subscribe to take the other tests.

Advanced SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests

WikiJob users are now able to practice 180 further verbal reasoning test questions available in a structured professional format of six individual tests, each just like the real thing. Click here for more information.

SHL Style Verbal Reasoning Test Practice Pack