Verbal Reasoning Practice Test

This is a practice verbal reasoning test that simulates a real verbal reasoning aptitude test.

The test has 10 questions and you should aim to complete the test within 5 minutes.

All questions are multiple-choice.

Make sure you read a question in full before answering.

Answers and explanations to the questions are provided at the end of the test.

    Powered byJobTestPrep
    Verbal Reasoning: question 1 of 10

    The gas provider Centrica has seen its half-year profits fall by 20% to £992 million. Despite this it has decided to increase its dividend to shareholders to 3.9p per share. The rise in energy prices released before the announcement of Centrica's profits was designed, said the company, to restore "reasonable profitability". The chief executive, Sam Laidlaw, said, "We produced a good set of results in tough market conditions... we will continue to concentrate on improving customer service in British Gas..." This is an interesting statement given the record rise in prices to households. The announcement of profits which are not far off one billion pounds, a day after the announcement of the rise in price and the increase in dividend to shareholders, is likely to provoke angry reaction. Many will question the extent of the market power that Centrica possesses. There will also be those that will question what the phrase 'reasonable profitability' means in the context of profits of nearly one billion pounds.

    Companies increase shareholder dividends when profits fall.