(ThyBlackMan.com) With the increase in the number of competitions be it for jobs or for higher studies, the number of tests has increased as well. Aptitude test, personality test, psychometric test, attention to detail test and verbal reasoning tests are some of the important tests required for the evaluation of potential candidates.
Coming to the verbal reasoning test part, it is used mainly to reveal how well the candidate is capable of analyzing the written information. The format of verbal reasoning test is that it consists of a short passage of text which is followed by either true, false or cannot say questions. They’re mainly designed for assessing the ability of the candidates to understand what they are reading, if they are thinking constructively and ultimately whether they are reaching an accurate conclusion. EU nations use EPSO Verbal reasoning test, for applicants in EU institutions’ vacant positions. Below are some of the most helpful tips on verbal reasoning tests:
Some useful tips for the tests are:
* Finding out the right test provider is very important. When you know that you are going to sit for a verbal reasoning test, make sure to go through some of the sample questions which is available online as well as in paperback form. This is necessary since all the verbal reasoning tests are not the same. Several test providers produce a different one. So, once you know that the test provider who is responsible for the test you are going sit for, it will be easier to practice on the right type of test. This will eventually be a huge success.
* Always make sure to read the piece of texts thoroughly. The text passages given in a verbal reasoning test, is made complex, purposely. Sometimes it is also written in a convoluted language. Even small assumptions can bring difficulty. So, it is really very important to read each and every passage two or three times thoroughly in order to make sure that you understand what is being said and not being said before you go on to answer the questions further. Again reading the instructions carefully is also vital so that you don’t miss out on important information and instructions as well.
* Keep in mind not to jump into conclusions or go on to make assumptions. Never factor your own general knowledge or even your real life experiences in the given statements. Also do not try to prove or disprove any given statement. You have to take into account the given statements literally. Suppose, if something is not included in the given passage in a verbal reasoning test then you cannot let it affect your decision making process while you are answering the questions.
* Time management is another big factor that you have to take into account and should never ignore it. First of all, make sure to note how long the assessment is going to last and how many questions are given which you need to answer in the time provided. After that calculate how much time you are capable of spending to each question and stick to it. Most of the verbal reasoning tests last for almost around 20 minutes. As a rough idea, you should be spending only about a minute on each question given in the test. Check to see how many questions relate to the statement that you are about to read. Usually there are three and five questions. This will help you to have an idea of the timing you need to allocate for each questions. Getting stuck on a particular question does not mean you get to waste your time on that so always avoid such situations. Taking five minutes to ponder on one tricky question then you could correctly answer five other questions easily. Always keep in mind, accuracy is much more important than speed.
* Having analytical skill is necessary as well. Try to nurture your ability to absorb the information or any minute details and pinpoint key themes and in fact reading business articles will help you a lot. Try picking out the main key points and the arguments as well and then try identifying how the author supports them.
* Good communication skill is important. So, improving your English speaking and writing skill is important and if you have English as your second language then some of you even find verbal reasoning tests harder. Practicing is even more important for you and is perhaps the only way to help yourself out in the verbal reasoning tests. Some ways that would help you to improve your English is reading articles in English newspapers, good English novels etc.
* Learning from our mistakes should be the main target for each and every situation of our life including our exams as well. While you are practicing the questions for the verbal reasoning tests, keep in mind to invest your time in reviewing the questions that you got wrong. In this way, you will learn much better than from the times you get your questions right.
* Do not stress or panic before the tests. Relax yourself because stressing too much on the night before the tests can make it worse. Less amount of sleep before the test can lower the mental agility. So make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the tests. A good amount of sleep will give you a head start in the positive, simple and obvious way.
* Practice is something that makes mam perfect. It is in fact, a very famous proverb known by all. Preparing yourself better for the test will separate you from the others. Getting used to the type of questions and the style of solving them take a lot of time and practice as well. So prepare well, take help from the solved previous year questions so that you have an idea. You can also solve online practice test papers that are available. A good practice or preparation will definitely increase your self-confidence and will also lower your stress levels, which is very important. It also allows you to learn from your mistakes and helps you answer each question faster efficiently.
Staff Writer; George Johnson