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Watson-Glaser Assessments: Guidelines & Practice Examples

Originally designed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (Form AM) was a measurement of “how well you are able to reason analytically and logically.” After their extensive use during World War One, experts increasingly used the tests as a tool to rank and filter individuals in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment. In this article, we’ll be providing you with an overview of The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, its test format, and question examples for your practice.

Table of Contents

What is a Watson Glaser test?

The Watson Glaser Assessment (Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal) is designed by Pearson Talentlens – a part of the famous Pearson education publishing house. The assessment is a quick, consistent, and accurate measurement of the test-takers ability to analyze, reason, interpret and draw logical conclusions from written information .

This critical thinking test has five scales which are the elementary units of critical thinking and reasoning . These five units serve as parameters to measure all areas of critical thinking ability.

The test is administered to appraising adults (16 years and above) with questions of varying difficulty and format.

Watson Glaser Test format

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a timed test. It can be administered both online and offline, depending on the company you are applying to.

• For the online version (W-G III), the test is suitable for the unproctored screening of job applicants . Questions are selected randomly from a larger pool of questions called “item bank”. This helps minimize the possibility of cheating due to the fact that there are no applicants having the same set of questions.
• For the offline version (W-G II Forms D and E), applicants have to take the test under supervised conditions .

Upon finishing, applicants receive a percentile score with norm groups either provided by Pearson Talentlens or designed by the company.

Popular test formats are as follows:

• 40 questions – 30 minutes
• 80 questions – 60 minutes

The question distribution in a 40-question Watson Glaser test includes the following:

• Inference – 5 questions
• Recognition of assumptions – 12 questions
• Deduction – 5 questions
• Interpretation – 6 questions
• Evaluation – 12 questions

Watson Glaser test: 5 question types & examples

Five types of questions appearing in the test are

Infer questions

• Recognize Assumption questions

Deduce questions

Interpret questions.

• Evaluate Argument questions

You will find five choices of answers for each inference in the question: True, Probably True, Insufficient Data, Probably False, and False. Your job is to determine which choice best fits the hypothesis.

• True : If you think the inference is definitely TRUE; that it properly follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the statement of facts given.
• Probably True : If, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is Probably True; that it is more likely to be true than false.
• Insufficient Data : If you decide that there are Insufficient Data; that you cannot tell from the facts given whether the inference is likely to be true or false; if the facts provide no basis for judging one way or another.
• Probably False : If, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is Probably False; that it is more likely to be true than false.
• False : If you think the inference is definitely False; that it is wrong, either because it misinterprets the facts given, or because it contradicts the facts or necessary inferences from those facts.

Unlike popular aptitude tests where you use solely given information, this test allows the use of specific commonly accepted knowledge or information that practically every person has.

Source: Pearson Talentlens

During the past month, managers scheduled for international assignments voluntarily attended our company’s cross-cultural business training workshop. All of the managers reported that the quality of the training was high and focused on valuable work skills that could be immediately applied.

The majority of training was devoted to rules and regulations for doing business in this country. 

A. True B. Probably True C. Insufficient Data D. Probably False E. False

Answer : Probably False

Explanation : Probably False because the training focused on cross-cultural business. It cannot be considered definitely false because the specific course content is not provided.

Practice Example:

Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. Last year, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley authorities introduced a climate and energy action plan, the first in the French Alps. The plan commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the area by 22 percent. Among the proposed measures is a ban on the most polluting lorries using the nearby Mont Blanc tunnel. Climate change will have a major impact on the valley’s main economic activities: less snow on low-altitude ski slopes and the risk of increased pressure on high-altitude ski slopes have been recorded in recent studies. Natural habitats, river patterns, forests, and agriculture might be radically transformed, increasing the likelihood of hazards such as avalanches, floods, and landslides.

Although air quality is a great concern for those living at the foot of Mont Blanc, noise pollution is arguably the most noticeable at a local level.

A. True B. ProbablyTrue C. Insufficient Data D. Probably False E. False

Answer : Insufficient Data

Explanation : The passage does not mention noise pollution, as well as its existence at local level.

Recognize assumption questions

In this question, you are presented with a statement and two choices “ Assumption made ” or “ Assumption not made “. Your job is to determine whether the statement is an assumption taken for granted (Assumption made) or an assumption not necessarily taken for granted (Assumption not made).

We need to save time in getting there so we’d better go by plane.

There is a plane service available to us for at least part of the distance to the destination. 

A. Assumption made B. Assumption not made

Answer : Assumption made

Explanation :

This is assumed in the statement because, in order to save time by plane, it must be possible to go by plane.

While owning a pet can be expensive and is occasionally an inconvenience, it’s a good thing to do if you want to improve your chances of living a satisfying life.

Pet owners will always lead more satisfying lives than those who don’t own pets.

Answer : Assumption not made

From the given premises, we can only see that: if you want a satisfying life, it is a good thing to have a pet. However, having a pet does not definitely lead to a satisfying life. There is no indication to compare the satisfaction between having a pet or not having a pet as a way to live a satisfying life. 

In this type of question, each item contains several statements (premises) followed by several suggested conclusions. For the purposes of the test, you must consider the given statements as true without exception. The question presents you with two options

• Conclusion follows : If you think the conclusion necessarily follows from the statements given;
• Conclusion does not follow : If you think it is not a necessary conclusion from the statements given. 

Since the test requires you to regard given statements as completely true, you have to try not to let your common sense and existing knowledge interfere. You have to stick to only the given statements (premises) and make judgments as to whether it necessarily follows from the statement or not.

One thing to note is the use of the word “Some” in this type of question. It means an indefinite part or quantity of a class of things. It can be either a portion or perhaps all of the class.

Sample: 

Some Sundays are rainy. All rainy days are boring. Therefore …

Some Sundays are boring.

A. Conclusion follows B. Conclusion does not follow

Answer : Conclusion follows

The conclusion necessarily follows from the statements because, according to them, rainy Sundays must be boring.

Damage to roads in the area has made them unsuitable for loads over one ton. These loads are being transported to the capital by air, but as air resources are limited they are restricted to carrying food and medical supplies. Roads cannot be repaired until medical emergencies are dealt with. Therefore, …

Food can be taken to the capital by road.

Answer : Conclusion does not follow

Roads can not be used to transport food in loads over one ton. Food loads over one ton are being transported by air. We are not sure whether food in loads under one ton are delivered by road or anything else.

An interpret question provides you with a short paragraph followed by several suggested conclusions. You must assume that everything in the short paragraph is true, for the purpose of the test. To answer the question, you have to judge whether or not each of the suggested conclusions logically follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the information presented in the paragraph.

You have two answer choices:

• Conclusion follows : If you think the conclusions follow beyond a reasonable doubt (although they may not follow absolutely and necessarily);
• Conclusion does not follow : If you think the conclusions doesn’t follow beyond a reasonable doubt from the facts given in the short paragraph. 

As a rule of thumb, you should judge each conclusion independently from your common sense or outside knowledge.

Source: Watson Glaser

A study of vocabulary growth in children from ages eight months to six years old shows that the size of spoken vocabulary increases from zero words at age eight months to 2562 words at age six years.

Vocabulary is slowest during the period when children are learning to walk.

Answer : Conclusion does not follow.

The conclusion does not follow because there is no information given that relates the growth of vocabulary to walking.

An accounting computer program, MagicNumber, is Wisdom Software’s biggest-selling product, with its development involving 20% of programmers and 30% of marketing staff. DesignAid, a graphic design program, is the latest offering from the company. It is definitely expected to sell more copies than MagicNumber and will have fewer programmers working on its design, but more marketing staff.

DesignAid will bring in greater profits for the company than MagicNumber.

The paragraph only mentioned that DesignAid is expected to sell more than MagicNumber. This does not necessarily mean that DesignAid uiwll bring greater profit than MagicNumber.

Evaluate argument questions

The question involves distinguishing between strong and weak arguments, as far as the question at issue is concerned. In each question, there is a series of arguments that you must regard as true. Your job is to determine whether or not each of these arguments is a strong or a weak one.

• Argument strong : If you think the argument is strong;
• Argument weak: If you think the argument is weak.

For an objective evaluation of the argument, you must judge each argument independently on its own merit, without the influence of your personal perception.

One thing to note is the use of the word Should. By using Should at the beginning of each question, it means “Would the proposed action promote the general welfare of the people in your country?”

Should young adults in this country go to university?

No; a large percentage of young adults do not have enough ability or interest to derive any benefit from university training.

A. Argument strong B. Argument weak

Answer : Argument strong.

If this is true, as the directions require us to assume, it is a weighty argument against all young adults going to university.

Practice Example 5:

Is it worthwhile for a business to invest in training employees?

Yes, research shows the amount of money spent on training is positively related to profitability.

A. Argument Strong B. Argument Weak

Answer : Argument Strong

The explanation show that business can increase their profit by invest more money on training. This is a direct back up evidence for the claim.

Which companies use Watson Glaser tests?

Watson Glaser Tests are popular in the pre-employment process across sectors such as medical, marketing, education, legal, and professional services. The test can be used for different job levels like Graduates, Execs and Managerial, Supervisors, and Professionals., depending on the company hiring request.

There are a great number of UK companies using it for their pre-employment screening process. The names include the following

• Simmons & Simmons
• Hill Dickinson
• Bank of England
• Burges Salmon
• Ince & Co
• Government Legal Service
• Irwin Mitchell
• Clifford Chance
• Hogan Lovells

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• Saville Assessment
• Talent Q / Korn Ferry
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Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

Complex and challenging critical thinking tests, including the Watson-Glaser, are used mostly by law firms.

Page contents:

About critical thinking tests and how they work, free practice critical thinking test, the watson glaser critical thinking appraisal, what is measured by a watson glaser critical thinking test, what should i know before taking a watson glaser critical thinking test, major publishers' critical thinking tests, advice for all critical thinking tests, assessmentday's practice tests can help you to prepare for a critical thinking test, one final point, other test publishers.

Updated: 08 September 2022

Critical thinking tests, or critical reasoning tests, are psychometric tests used in recruitment at all levels, graduate, professional and managerial, but predominantly in the legal sector. However, it is not uncommon to find companies in other sectors using critical thinking tests as part of their selection process. This is an intense test, focusing primarily on your analytical, or critical thinking, skills. Some tests are still conducted by paper and pen, but, just like other psychometric tests, critical thinking tests are mostly administered online at home or on a computer at a testing center.

The questions are multiple choice, and these choices and the style of questions are explained in more detail further down the page. The tests will often follow these two common timings:

• 30 questions with a 40 minute time limit
• 80 questions with a 60 minute time limit

Critical Thinking can be defined in many ways and an exact description is disputed, however, most agree on a broad definition of critical thinking, that 'critical thinking involves rational, purposeful, and goal-directed thinking...by using certain cognitive skills and strategies.' An absence or lack of critical thinking skills at times may lead us to believe things which aren't true, because we haven't sufficiently analysed and criticized the information we've received or used this to formulate and independently test our own theories, arguments and ideas. These are all examples of critical thinking skills put into practice. Glaser (An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, 1941) stated that to think critically involved three key parts:

• An attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences
• Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning
• Some skill in applying those methods

Note: AssessmentDay and its products are not affiliated with Pearson or TalentLens. Our practice tests are for candidates to prepare for the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal; we do not sell tests for employers to select candidates.

Free Critical Thinking Test

Here, we have a full critical thinking test for you to practice for free. You can dive straight in and practice the full test (in blue at the bottom), or tackle each individual section one at a time.

All answers and explanations are included at the end of the test, or alternatively you can download the Solutions PDF. Each test has been given a generous time limit.

Critical Thinking Test 1

• 40 questions

Critical Thinking Test 2

Critical thinking test 3, critical thinking test 4.

TalentLens' Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is the most common critical thinking test. You can visit their official site here: Watson Glaser . Most other critical thinking tests are based on the Watson Glaser format. More than 90 years' of experience have led to many modifications and improvements in the test.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is widely regarded as a good predictor of work productivity and at identifying candidates with a good potential to become managers and occupy other positions as a senior member of staff. The latest edition of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test has improved its validity, appealed more to businesses by focusing on business-relevant topics, switched to the Item Response Theory (IRT) for its scoring, updated norm groups, and integrated anti-cheat measures by having an online retest, which can be used to validate results.

Developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, the Watson Glaser test is favored by law firms , keen to measure people's abilities to reason, reach conclusions and know when leaps in logic have been made. Skills which are required in the legal sector. The questions in each of the 5 sections aims to evaluate the candidate's ability to:

• 1. Arrive at correct inferences
• 2. Identify when an assumption has been made
• 3. Use deductive reasoning
• 4. Reach logical conclusions
• 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of arguments

Did You Know

The most recent revision of the W-GCTA was published in 2011 with notable improvements being better face validity and business-relevant items, scoring based on Item Response Theory (IRT), updated norm groups, and an online retest which can be used to validate a paper and pencil test result.

A Critical thinking tests assesses your ability in 5 key areas mentioned above; assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. Often in this order. A short paragraph of text a few sentences long or a single sentence is used as a starting point. This passage will contain information which you will base your answer to the question on. Another sentence is then presented to you and you will be asked to judge something about this sentence based on the information in the short paragraph. The five sections are explained in more detail here:

• Assumptions - You are being asked to state whether the information in the second set of text you are presented is an assumption made in the first paragraph. Quite a tricky concept to get your head around at first. In a nutshell, when people speak or make arguments, there are underlying assumptions in those arguments. Here you are presented with some assumptions and are asked to judge if that is being made in the original statement. For example in the statement "only people earning a high salary can afford a fast car," what's being assumed is that fast cars are expensive because only people who are earning a lot of money can buy one, however, what's not being assumed is that people without high salaries aren't legally allowed to buy a fast car. You are asked to choose whether an assumption has been made or has not been made.
• Arguments - You are presented with an argument, such as "Should college fees be abolished?" Regardless of your own opinions and thoughts on the argument, you are then presented with statements related to this original argument. You are asked to say whether the responses to the original argument of "Should college fees be abolished?" make for strong or weak arguments. Arguments are considered strong if they are related to the topic such as, "Yes, many people who would benefit from a college education do not because they cannot afford it. This hurts the country's economic growth." The argument presented is sound, related to the original question. Compare this with a weak argument, "No, I do not trust people who read a lot of books." It is clear that the second argument bears very little relation to the subject of the abolition of college tuition fees. This is not to say that an argument against the original argument will always be a weak one, or that an argument in favor will always be a strong one. For example, "Yes, I like people that read books," is in favor of the abolition as indicated by "yes," but that person's like or dislike of others that read books isn't related, or hasn't been explained how it's related to removing the fees. Carefully considering what is being said, remove it from your own personal opinions and political views to objectively analyse what someone else has put forward.
• Deductions - A few sentences of information are presented to you. Another separate short statement will also be shown to you, which is supposed to represent a conclusion that someone has reached. You will have to determine whether this conclusion logically follows from the information given to you. Can the statement be deduced from the information available>? If so, and without a doubt, then the conclusion follows, if not, then the conclusion does not follow. Your decision must be based on the information given and not from your own knowledge.
• Inferences - A short scenario is described to you, followed by possible inferences. The inferences are short statements. Imagine that these are what people have said is inferred from the scenario. Use your judgement and the short scenario to assess whether what's being said has actually been inferred from the passage and the likelihood of this inference. You are asked to rank each inference as either 'true,' 'false,' 'possibly true,' 'possibly false.' For some proposed inferences there isn't enough information to say either 'true' or 'false' so a fifth option is included; 'more information required.' You can only select one option from the five.
• Interpreting Information - Following a similar format to the previous four sections, a short passage of information and then a series of statements are shown to you. You are asked to judge whether the information in the passage can be interpreted as the statements suggest. The answer options are straightforward here; you either select 'conclusion follows,' or 'conclusion does not follow,' depending on whether or not you believe that the statement can be logically reached from the information given. Again, for this section and all others, you are to base your choice of answer on what you're given, not on any specialized knowledge you might have.

If a watson glaser critical thinking test is used in the early stages of the application process it's likely to be used as a screening tool. This puts some pressure on candidates to meet a minimum pass mark, which will allow them to be selected to go on to the next stage of the selection process. If it's used at a later stage in the process, the results from this will be combined with performance in other assessments, tests, exercises and interviews. All the information you need to answer the questions will be in the test. Below the details of a few companies' critical thinking tests are pointed out.

Here is a list of critical reasoning tests on the market at present, which candidates may be likely to encounter for recruitment, selection or development.

• W-GCTA - The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as it is formally called is the most ubiquitous critical thinking test out there. This is the one that you are most likely to encounter.
• GMAT - The general management aptitude test, used by business schools and colleges test students' critical thinking ability. The critical thinking questions are written in a business or finance context.
• SHL - SHL have produced the Critical Reasoning Test Battery composed of 60 critical reasoning questions with a strict time limit of 30 minutes.
• Cornell - Cornell have developed a critical thinking test to be used in educational environments. The two levels, X and Z, are aimed at children and adults, respectively.
• Area-specific - There are tests which focus on either numerical critical reasoning skills and verbal critical reasoning skills. These tests will ask only numerical or only verbal questions to assess your skills in a specific area.

Here is some general advice to help you perform to the best of your ability for your critical reasoning test.

• No prior knowledge - The key point here is that critical reasoning tests are measuring your ability to think, or the method that you use to reach a conclusion. You should therefore not rely on prior knowledge to answer the question. Questions will be written so that you do not need to know any specialist knowledge to answer the question. For example, you will not be expected to know mathematical formulas or laws of nature and to answer questions with that information. If you are given the formula and its description in the questions, you are expected to use that information to reach the answer.
• Carefully read the instructions - There are 5 sections to most critical thinking tests and each will assess a slightly different skill. Make sure you have read the instructions and understand what it is you are expected to do to answer the questions for this section. There is quite a difference between the Assumptions section and the Deductions section for example. Applying the rules of one to the other would lead to just guessing the answers and making many mistakes.
• Keep your eye on the timer - These tests are complex. You might find yourself fixated on answering one question and taking up a lot of the time you are allowed. Checking how much time you have every so often can help you to more evenly distribute your time between the questions. This is done to avoid spending too much time on one question when that time would be better spent answering more or checking your answers. This time management applies to all tests, but is particularly important with Critical Thinking tests, as many people believe they have such a large amount of time, but underestimate the number of questions they have to answer.
• Logical fallacies - Identifying logical fallacies is key to many parts of this test, and researching the difference between sound and fallacious logic will prove helpful in a critical reasoning test. A fallacy is an error in reasoning due to a misconception or a presumption, and an argument which employs a formal fallacy, logical fallacy or a deductive fallacy in its reasoning becomes an invalid argument. Researching the different types of fallacy (i.e. red herring argument, straw man argument, confusing correlation and causation etc.) can help you spot these in the test and correctly answer the question.

The practice tests that we have cover all of the sections of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test and these overlap with many of the variations in Critical Thinking tests produced by major publishers. practice helps to increase your confidence, gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes in a risk-free environment, and can reduce stress before an exam.

The best place to get advice on taking a critical thinking tests is the test publisher's website, for example this one for the Watson Glaser .

If you have already successfully passed a few initial stages of the application process, it's unlikely that companies will focus solely on your results in the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test when deciding whether or not to hire you. This type of selection by results on one test is more likely if it is part of the early stages of the process. However, towards the later stages the company will look at your results across interviews, group exercises, other aptitude tests and your résumé and will collate all of this information before reaching a decision. If you have been invited to undertake a critical reasoning test then the organisation clearly has an interest in hiring you, let that fact inspire confidence and perform to the best of your ability on your test, good luck!

You may also be interested in these popular tests sections.

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

Who uses the watson glaser test and why, why is it so important to be a critical thinker, what is the watson glaser red model, how to pass a watson glaser test in 2024, how to prepare for a watson glaser critical appraisal in 2024, frequently asked questions, the watson glaser critical thinking appraisal.

Updated May 10, 2024

Modern employers have changed the way that they recruit new candidates. They are no longer looking for people who have the technical skills on paper that match the job description.

Instead, they are looking for candidates who can demonstrably prove that they have a wider range of transferrable skills.

One of those key skills is the ability to think critically .

Firms (particularly those in sectors such as law, finance, HR and marketing ) need to know that their employees can look beyond the surface of the information presented to them.

They want confidence that their staff members can understand, analyze and evaluate situations or work-related tasks. There is more on the importance of critical thinking later in this article.

This is where the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test comes into play.

The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is a unique assessment that provides a detailed analysis of a participant’s ability to think critically.

The test lasts 30 minutes and applicants can expect to be tested on around 40 questions in five distinct areas :

Assumptions

Interpretation.

The questions are multiple-choice and may be phrased as true/false statements in a bid to see how well the participant has understood and interpreted the information provided.

Employers around the world use it during recruitment campaigns to help hiring managers effectively filter their prospective candidates .

The Watson Glaser test has been used for more than 85 years; employers trust the insights that the test can provide.

In today’s competitive jobs market where every candidate has brought the best of themselves, it can be increasingly difficult for employers to decide between applicants.

On paper, two candidates may appear identical, with a similar level of education, work experience, and even interests and skills.

But that does not necessarily mean both or either of them is right for the job.

There is much information available on creating an effective cover letter and resume, not to mention advice on making a good impression during an interview.

As a result, employers are increasingly turning to psychometric testing to look beyond the information that they have.

They want to find the right fit: someone who has the skills that they need now and in the future. And with recruitment costs rising each year, making the wrong hiring decision can be catastrophic.

This is where the Watson Glaser test can help.

It can provide hiring managers with the additional support and guidance they need to help them make an informed decision.

The Watson Glaser test is popular among firms working in professional services (such as law, banking and insurance) . It is used for recruitment for junior and senior positions and some of the world’s most recognized establishments are known for their use of the test.

The Bank of England, Deloitte, Hiscox, Linklaters and Hogan Lovells are just a few employers who enhance their recruitment processes through Watson Glaser testing.

Critical thinking is all about logic and rational thought. Finding out someone’s critical thinking skill level is about knowing whether they can assess whether they are being told the truth and how they can use inferences and assumptions to aid their decision-making.

If you are working in a high-pressure environment, having an instinctive ability to look beyond the information provided to the underlying patterns of cause-and-effect can be crucial to do your job well.

Although it is often thought of concerning law firms and finance teams, it is easy to see how critical thinking skills could be applied to a wide range of professions.

For example, HR professionals dealing with internal disputes may need to think critically. Or social workers and other health professionals may need to use critical thinking to assess whether someone is vulnerable and in need of help and support when that person does not or cannot say openly.

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Critical thinking is about questioning what you already know . It is about understanding how to find the facts and the truth about a situation or argument without being influenced by other people’s opinions .

It is also about looking at the bigger picture and seeing how decisions made now may have short-term benefits but long-term consequences.

For those working in senior managerial roles, this ability to think objectively can make a big difference to business success.

As part of the critical thinking assessment, the Watson Glaser Test focuses on the acronym, 'RED':

• R ecognize assumptions
• E valuate arguments
• D raw conclusions

Put simply, the RED model ensures you can understand how to move beyond subconscious bias in your thinking. It ensures that you can identify the truth and understand the differences between fact and opinion.

To recognize assumptions , you must understand yourself and others: what your thought patterns and past experiences have led you to conclude about the world.

Evaluating arguments requires you to genuinely consider the merits of all options in a situation, and not just choose the one you feel that you ‘ought’ to.

Finally, to draw an accurate and beneficial conclusion you must trust your decision-making and understanding of the situation.

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions & Answers

As mentioned earlier, the Watson Glaser Test assesses five core elements. Here, they will be examined in more depth:

This part of the test is about your ability to draw conclusions based on facts . These facts may be directly provided or may be assumptions that you have previously made.

Within the assessment, you can expect to be provided with a selection of text. Along with the text will be a statement.

You may need to decide whether that statement is true, probably true, insufficient data (neither true nor false), probably false or false.

The test looks to see if your answer was based on a conclusion that could be inferred from the text provided or if it is based on an assumption you previously made.

Take a Watson Glaser Practice Test

Example Statement:

500 students recently attended a voluntary conference in New York. During the conference, two of the main topics discussed were issues relating to diversity and climate change. This is because these are the two issues that the students selected that are important to them.

Many people make decisions based on assumptions. But you need to be able to identify when assumptions are being made.

Within the Watson Glaser test , you will be provided with a written statement as well as an assumption.

You will be asked to declare whether that assumption was made in the text provided or not .

This is an important part of the test; it allows employers to understand if you have any expectations about whether things are true or not . For roles in law or finance, this is a vital skill.

We need to save money, so we’ll visit the local shops in the nearest town rather than the local supermarket

As a core part of critical thinking, 'deduction' is the ability to use logic and reasoning to come to an informed decision .

You will be presented with several facts, along with a variety of conclusions. You will be tasked with confirming whether those conclusions can be made from the information provided in that statement.

The answers are commonly in a ‘Yes, it follows/No, it does not follow’ form.

It is sometimes sunny on Wednesdays. All sunny days are fun. Therefore…

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Critical thinking is also about interpreting the information correctly. It is about using the information provided to come to a valuable, informed decision .

Like the deduction questions, you will be provided with a written statement, which you must assume to be true.

You will also be provided with a suggested interpretation of that written statement. You must decide if that interpretation is correct based on the information provided, using a yes/no format.

A study of toddlers shows that their speech can change significantly between the ages of 10 months and three years old. At 1 year old, a child may learn their first word whereas at three years old they may know 200 words

Evaluation of Arguments

This final part requires you to identify whether an argument is strong or weak . You will be presented with a written statement and several arguments that can be used for or against it. You need to identify which is the strongest argument and which is the weakest based on the information provided.

Should all 18-year-olds go to college to study for a degree after they have graduated from high school?

There are no confirmed pass/fail scores for Watson Glaser tests; different sectors have different interpretations of what is a good score .

Law firms, for example, will require a pass mark of at least 75–80% because the ability to think critically is an essential aspect of working as a lawyer.

As a comparative test, you need to consider what the comparative ‘norm’ is for your chosen profession. Your score will be compared to other candidates taking the test and you need to score better than them.

It is important to try and score as highly as you possibly can. Your Watson Glaser test score can set you apart from other candidates; you need to impress the recruiters as much as possible.

Your best chance of achieving a high score is to practice as much as possible in advance.

Everyone will have their own preferred study methods, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

However, there are some basic techniques everyone can use, which will enhance your study preparation ahead of the test:

Step 1 . Pay Attention to Online Practice Tests

There are numerous free online training aids available; these can be beneficial as a starting point to your preparation.

However, it should be noted that they are often not as detailed as the actual exam questions.

When researching for online test questions, make sure that any questions are specific to the Watson Glaser Test , not just critical thinking.

General critical thinking questions can help you improve your skills but will not familiarize you with this test. Therefore, make sure you practice any questions which follow the ‘rules’ and structure of a Watson Glaser Test .

Step 2 . Paid-for Preparation Packs Can Be Effective

If you are looking for something that mimics the complexity of a Watson Glaser test , you may wish to look at investing in a preparation pack.

There are plenty of options available from sites such as TestHQ . These are often far more comprehensive than free practice tests.

They may also include specific drills (which take you through each of the five stages of the test) as well as study guides, practice tests and suggestions of how to improve your score.

Psychologically, if you have purchased a preparation pack, you may be more inclined to increase your pre-test practice/study when compared to using free tools, due to having invested money.

Step 3 . Apply Critical Thinking to All Aspects of Your Daily Routine

The best way to improve your critical thinking score is to practice it every day.

It is not just about using your skills to pass an exam question; it is about being able to think critically in everyday scenarios.

Therefore, when you are reading the news or online articles, try to think whether you are being given facts or you are making deductions and assumptions from the information provided.

The more you practice your critical thinking in these scenarios, the more it will become second nature to you.

You could revert to the RED model: recognize the assumptions being made, by you and the author; evaluate the arguments and decide which, if any, are strong; and draw conclusions from the information provided and perhaps see if they differ from conclusions drawn using your external knowledge.

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Nine Top Tips for Ensuring Success in Your Watson Glaser Test

If you are getting ready to participate in a Watson Glaser test, you must be clear about what you are being asked to do.

Here are a few tips that can help you to improve your Watson Glaser test score.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Critical thinking is a skill that should become second nature to you. You should practice as much as possible, not just so that you can pass the test, but also to feel confident in using your skills in reality.

2. The Best Success Is Based on the Long-Term Study

To succeed in your Watson Glaser test , you need to spend time preparing.

Those who begin studying in the weeks and months beforehand will be far more successful than those who leave their study to the last minute.

3. Acquaint Yourself With the Test Format

The Watson Glaser test has a different type of question to other critical thinking tests.

Make sure that you are aware of what to expect from the test questions. The last thing you want is to be surprised on test day.

4. Read the Instructions Carefully

This is one of the simplest but most effective tips. Your critical thinking skills start with understanding what you are being asked to do. Take your time over the question.

Although you may only have 30 minutes to complete the test, it is still important that you do not rush through and submit the wrong answers. You do not get a higher score if you finish early, so use your time wisely.

5. Only Use the Information Provided in the Question

Remember, the purpose of the test is to see if you can come to a decision based on the provided written statement.

This means that you must ignore anything that you think you already know and focus only on the information given in the question.

6. Widen Your Non-Fictional Reading

Reading a variety of journals, newspapers and reports, and watching examples of debates and arguments will help you to improve your skills.

You will start to understand how the same basic facts can be presented in different ways and cause people to draw different conclusions.

From there, you can start to enhance your critical thinking skills to go beyond the perspective provided in any given situation.

7. Be Self-Aware

We all have our own biases and prejudices whether we know them or not. It is important to think about how your own opinions and life experiences may impact how you perceive and understand situations.

For example, someone who has grown up with a lot of money may have a different interpretation of what it is like to go without, compared to someone who has grown up in extreme poverty.

It is important to have this self-awareness as it is important for understanding other people; this is useful if you are working in sectors such as law.

8. Read the Explanations During Your Preparation

To make the most of practice tests, make sure you read the analysis explaining the answers, regardless of if you got the question right or wrong.

This is the crux of your study; it will explain the reasoning why a certain answer is correct, and this will help you understand how to choose the correct answers.

9. Practice Your Timings

You know that you will have five sections to complete in the test. You also know that you have 30 minutes to complete the test.

Therefore, make sure that your timings are in sync within your practice, so you can work your way through the test in its entirety.

Time yourself on how long each section takes you and put in extra work on your slowest.

What score do you need to pass the Watson Glaser test?

There is no standard benchmark score to pass the Watson Glaser test . Each business sector has its own perception of what constitutes a good score and every employer will set its own requirements.

It is wise to aim for a Watson Glaser test score of at least 75%. To score 75% or higher, you will need to correctly answer at least 30 of the 40 questions.

The employing organization will use your test results to compare your performance with other candidates within the selection pool. The higher you score in the Watson Glaser test , the better your chances of being hired.

Can you fail a Watson Glaser test?

It is not possible to fail a Watson Glaser test . However, your score may not be high enough to meet the benchmark set by the employing organization.

By aiming for a score of at least 75%, you stand a good chance of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Are Watson Glaser tests hard?

Many candidates find the Watson Glaser test hard. The test is designed to assess five different aspects of logical reasoning skills. Candidates must work under pressure, which adds another dimension of difficulty.

By practicing your critical thinking skills, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score on the Watson Glaser test .

How do I prepare for Watson Glaser?

To prepare for Watson Glaser , you will need to practice your critical thinking abilities. This can be achieved through a range of activities; for example, reading a variety of newspapers, journals and other literature.

Try applying the RED model to your reading – recognize the assumptions being made (both by you and the writer), evaluate the arguments and decide which of these (if any) are strong.

You should also practice drawing conclusions from the information available to you.

Online Watson Glaser practice assessments are a useful way to prepare for Watson Glaser. These practice tests will give you an idea of what to expect on the day, although the questions are not usually as detailed as those in the actual test.

You might also consider using a paid-for Watson Glaser preparation pack, such as the one available from TestHQ . Preparation packs provide a comprehensive test guide, including practice tests and recommendations on how to improve your test score.

How long does the Watson Glaser test take?

Candidates are allowed 30 minutes to complete the Watson Glaser test . The multiple-choice test questions are grouped into five distinct areas – assumptions, deduction, evaluation, inference and interpretation.

Which firms use the Watson Glaser test?

Companies all over the world use the Watson Glaser test as part of their recruitment campaigns.

It is a popular choice for professional service firms, including banking, law, and insurance. Firms using the Watson Glaser test include the Bank of England, Hiscox, Deloitte and Clifford Chance.

How many times can you take the Watson Glaser test?

Most employers will only allow you to take the Watson Glaser test once per application. However, you may take the Watson Glaser test more than once throughout your career.

What is the next step after passing the Watson Glaser test?

The next step after passing the Watson Glaser test will vary between employers. Some firms will ask you to attend a face-to-face interview after passing the Watson Glaser test, others will ask you to attend an assessment center. Speak to the hiring manager to find out the process for the firm you are applying for.

Start preparing in advance for the Watson Glaser test

The Watson Glaser test differs from other critical thinking tests. It has its own rules and formations, and the exam is incredibly competitive. If you are asked to participate in a Watson Glaser test it is because your prospective employer is looking for the ‘best of the best’. Your aim is not to simply pass the test; it is to achieve a higher score than anyone else taking that test .

Therefore, taking the time to prepare for the Watson Glaser test is vital for your chances of success. You need to be confident that you know what you are being asked to do, and that you can use your critical thinking skills to make informed decisions.

Your study is about more than helping you to pass a test; it is about providing you with the skills and capability to think critically about information in the ‘real world’ .

You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

What Is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

What does the watson glaser test assess, what is the watson glaser red model, how to prepare for the watson glaser test, free practice watson glaser test questions, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, watson glaser critical thinking practice test 2024.

Updated May 16, 2024

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test, often referred to as the Watson-Glaser test, is a widely used assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual's critical thinking skills.

It is commonly administered as part of the hiring process for various professional and managerial positions, particularly in fields where critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are highly valued, such as law, finance and management.

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The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test assesses a range of cognitive skills and critical thinking abilities.

Specifically, the test is designed to evaluate a person's capacity to think critically, analyze information, and make reasoned and informed judgments.

The Watson-Glaser RED Model is a framework used in the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test to assess and evaluate critical thinking skills.

The RED Model is a structured approach that helps individuals and organizations understand and apply critical thinking principles.

It stands for Recognize, Evaluate, and Draw Conclusions.

Begin with a thorough review of critical thinking principles, logical reasoning and argument evaluation. Explore sample questions and practice tests provided by reputable sources to gain insight into the types of questions you'll encounter.

Next, sharpen your reading comprehension skills by regularly reading complex texts and analyzing their content critically.

Consider seeking guidance from professional test prep materials, courses, or tutors if available. They can provide valuable insights and strategies for success.

Statement: In the UK, some schools are state-funded. All state-funded schools need to follow the National Curriculum. Therefore, no private schools follow the National Curriculum.

Is the Watson Glaser Test hard?

The difficulty of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test can vary from person to person, depending on their individual critical thinking skills, familiarity with the content and level of preparation.

What is covered in the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson-Glaser Test typically covers the following key areas:

• Inference Skills
• Recognition of Assumptions
• Deductive Reasoning
• Interpretation of Information
• Evaluation of Arguments
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making

How is the Watson Glaser Test scored?

Each question in the Watson-Glaser Test is assigned a specific point value. Test takers earn points for each correct answer. The number of points awarded for each question may vary depending on the difficulty level of the question.

The total score is calculated by summing the points earned for all the questions on the test.

What are the best tips to ensure success in the Watson Glaser Test?

Understand the types of questions you will encounter, such as inference questions, assumption recognition and argument evaluation.

Use practice materials and sample questions to develop your critical thinking skills and become accustomed to the test format.

Read each question carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.

Understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect.

How long does the Watson Glaser Test take?

The Watson-Glaser Test is typically administered with a time limit. The total test duration can vary but is often around 30 to 40 minutes for the full test. However, this can vary depending on the version and purpose of the test

Can I do the Watson Glaser Test more than once?

Whether or not you can take the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test more than once depends on the policies and requirements of the organization or employer that is administering the test.

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a valuable tool that plays a pivotal role in assessing an individual's critical thinking skills and abilities.

This standardized assessment, recognized and utilized by a wide range of employers and educational institutions, provides valuable insights into one's capacity to think critically, evaluate arguments, recognize assumptions and draw logical conclusions.

Success on the Watson-Glaser Test is attainable through practice, familiarity with the test format and a sound understanding of critical thinking principles.

It is a testament to the importance of critical thinking in today's complex and rapidly evolving world.

By honing these essential skills, individuals not only enhance their performance on the test but also empower themselves to make better-informed decisions, solve problems effectively and thrive in various academic and professional pursuits.

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

Mastering the Watson Glaser Test 2024: Essential Preparation and Strategies

Higher positions, especially within known difficult areas such as law, require more than the usual technical and interpersonal skills. Critical thinking is a long-valued skill that many employers seek for managerial roles. The Watson-Glaser Practice Test is an assessment tool specifically designed to measure one’s critical thinking skills. It is considered as one of the more difficult critical thinking tests, because it tries to “trick” the test taker and challenges them to think beyond the surface meaning of given passages. 

For a critical area such as law, it is important that professionals embody a higher level of critical thinking, especially when coming up with strong arguments. Thus it is administered to those seeking or applying for higher positions in firms and other related organizations. 

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What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

Critical thinking is defined as the “intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” In short, it goes beyond the ability to read and comprehend a piece of information, or even extract data from it. Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and interpret information to form judgments and informed decisions.

The Watson Glaser Tests were developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, two psychologists, in 1925. The psychometric test , also abbreviated to W-GCTA, is one of the most widely used assessment tools in various fields. It is being continuously improved and developed.

When applied in law, critical thinking is important in making arguments and drawing conclusions that are sufficiently supported by information or evidence provided. The ability to perform such tasks within time pressure shows expertise not just in law, but in critical thinking as well.

The W-GCTA is divided into five sections, all of which measure different aspects of critical thinking and logical reasoning. The test can come in two forms: 40 questions with a 30 minute time, or 80 questions with a 60 minute or one hour time limit. The Watson Glaser 111 is a 30-minute test, where questions are split into the following sections or subjects:

• Inference (5 questions)
• Recognition of Assumptions (12 questions)
• Deduction (5 questions)
• Interpretation (6 questions)
• Evaluation of Arguments (12 questions)

The questions themselves are presented differently. Understanding how to answer and what these choices mean is the first step in preparing for the Watson Glaser Practice Test. In the end, showing that you are highly skilled in all five traits significantly increases your chances of getting to the next level of the hiring process.

What Companies Use Watson Glaser?

Given its unique ability to measure critical thinking or critical reasoning skills, many law firms and other companies administer the W-GCTA, as it helps them determine skills beyond a CV or reference:

• Clifford Chance – the largest law firm based in the UK
• Allen and Overy – the second largest law firm in the UK
• Baker and McKenzie – an international law firm based in Illinois, USA and has offices in 46 countries
• Burges Salmon – a general practice law firm based in England
• Dentons – a global law firm merged with Dacheng from China, making it the biggest in the world by number of lawyers and offices
• Government Legal Profession – the official group of lawyers working as civil servants in UK government departments

These law firms and organizations use critical thinking tests as lawyers under their wing require great skills to perform under pressure, present arguments in a creative and logical manner, and process information objectively.

Why is Watson Glaser Practice Test Used?

Like most employment assessment tools, the Watson Glaser Practice Test helps hiring managers and personnel to speed up the hiring process, which can take up an unnecessary amount of time and resources. As a psychometric or pre-employment test, it helps employers assess strangers early on if they have what it takes for the demand of the role.  

Is the Watson Glaser Test Difficult?

If you are taking the Watson Glaser test you are involved in or applying for, a prestigious role in the legal or managerial field. So, yes the test is difficult and reflects the prestige attached to the role you are interested in.

Considered one of the most difficult pre-employment tests , the test assesses candidates under the headings that apply to the role in question.

To get an idea of the level of difficulty posed try this free Watson Glaser sample test by Job Test Prep.

How Do I Prepare for the Watson Glaser Test?

Preparing for any test is a wise investment in your career. However, given the level of difficulty of the Watson Glaser Test, preparation is essential. You need to become familiar with the test and with the questioning format.

For this, we recommend using the services of a reliable test preparation company such as Job Test Prep .

Using this company you will have access to accurate information. You will also be able to use their test prep packs . With the test prep pack, you will get a range of sample test papers modelled on the real test where you can hone your skills in advance of the real test.

The advantage of using job test prep is it cuts down on the need for time-wasting searches for information that may not always be accurate. It gives a structure to your preparation for the test and allows you to approach the test with confidence.

Preparing for any test there are 2 essential steps you must take:

• Become very familiar with the test. This will ensure your preparation is taking the right direction.
• Put a preparation plan in place ensuring you are using the time you devote to preparation wisely.

Become Familiar with the Test

Becoming familiar with the test is the first crucial step in getting prepared for the Watson Glaser Assessment. Only then will you realise the level of difficulty posed by the test and you will have a clearer idea of the level of preparation you have to do.

Head to Job Test Prep to take a totally free Watson Glaser practice test .

Is the Watson Glaser Test Timed?

The newest version of the test is called Watson Glaser 111 and is a timed test. This adds to the level of difficulty. Thinking clearly within the time restrictions is demanding but especially so when you have to think logically and clearly.

The test consists of 5 sections and you will have to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes. The individual sections are spaced out with sample questions to study between sections leading to approximately 40 minutes of test time.

In answering the questions you will be revealing to your potential employer your ability to look at a situation and assess/evaluate it, look at different perspectives and distinguish between facts and assumptions.

If your reason for doing the test is because you want to pursue a career in law, or a career that will involve wading through formidable amounts of information, scoring well in the test will make a significant difference to your career advancement.

What Are the Questions on the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Test assesses candidates under the following headings.

Inference Assessment

Here your abilities to draw inferences from information are assessed. Provided with limited information this section measures your abilities to draw conclusions.

Avoid the pitfall of assuming this is something we do in everyday life. Our everyday method of drawing inferences is much more casual than drawing inferences in legal terms.

Having read a piece you will have to decide if the statement that follows it is

a) True b) Probably True c) Inadequate data d) Probably False e) False

Sample question 1:

In the following sample question, how would you answer?

Passage: One hundred young adults in their 20s and 30s paid to participate in a recent speed dating event at a bar in a big city. At this event, education and occupation were the most commonly discussed topics among the speed daters because young adults today view these topics as the most important for finding an ideal partner.

Statement: A majority of young adults had not previously discussed education and occupation with their previous potential partners.

True Probably True Insufficient Data Probably False False

Sample question 2:

Recognising Assumptions

Presented with two statements you assume the first statement is true. Using this assumption you must decide if the statement that follows is true based on your assumption that the first is true.

This question requires a definite “Yes”, or “No” answer. Consider your answer to the following question.

Statement: About 330 marketing professionals attended this year’s Media Innovations Forum. This indicates that social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans.

Proposed Assumption: The extent of attendance in professional media forums is not negligible.

Assumption Made Assumption Not Made

Here your deductive reasoning skills are measured.

You are presented with a statement followed by another. You must deduce if the second statement is true based on the first statement. Again you can answer “Yes”, or “No”.

Your answer must be based on the information contained in the statements.

Avoid falling into the trap of bringing your own outside knowledge into play. Picture yourself for a moment as a courtroom lawyer. You will realize how extraneous factors cannot be brought into a case being argued.

Test your deductive reasoning skills on the following question while avoiding any temptation to bring something you may have heard or experienced into play!

Sample question:

Decide in the following example if the conclusion follows or does not follow the initial statement.

Passage: Bonds and stocks are securities, which differ in that stockholders bought and own a share in the company, whereas bondholders lend money to company owners. Another difference is that bonds have a defined term, after which the bond is redeemed by the owners, whereas stocks may be outstanding indefinitely. So I invested money in company C’s stocks.

Conclusion: I didn’t lend money to company C.

Interpretation

This is where your logical interpretation skills are assessed. You are given a passage to read. The passage is followed by a conclusion. You have to decide if based on the passage the conclusion is true beyond reasonable doubt.

Obviously, careful reading will help you make a decision on the interpretation. In this reading exercise, engage the logical part of your brain. But don’t forget that in the test you will be reading at speed.

Coming to the correct answer in those circumstances requires a clear head and a great deal of practice.

Once again you answer “Yes” or “No”, and your answer must be drawn from the material in the passage. Try your logical interpretation skills on the following exercise.

Passage: In a particular recycling company that generously rewarded workers for each new client they brought in, it was found that 15 per cent of the workers brought in three or more new clients last year. However, among workers who had bribed clients to get their business, 25 per cent brought in three or more new clients last year.

Conclusion: The workers who had not used bribes earned more money than those who did because the bribers also lost money in bringing in clients.

Conclusion follows Conclusion does not follow

You probably agree that doing an interpretation of this sort is not an inborn skill, but rather one acquired with a great deal of practice. Working on exercises of this type will sharpen your skills in arriving at the correct answer.

Evaluation of Arguments

Here you have to decide if arguments are weak or strong. You are asked to read a question statement followed by an answer statement. Your task is to decide on the arguments put forward in the answer statement. Are these arguments strong or weak?

Consider this as a test of your legal ability. If you have applied for a legal role making strong arguments is one of the skills you will require as well as the skill of picking holes in others’ arguments.

Sample question: Use your legal eye to evaluate the arguments in the following question.

Question statement: Should the government close ageing and polluting power stations even if the result is more energy imports?.

Answer statement: No, importing is highly expensive, and the worldwide financial crisis has had a significant impact on the government’s ability to pay for such costly schemes.

Strong argument Weak argument

Now that you have reached your answer, sit back for a moment and decide why you think the answer is correct. Can you pick holes in the answering statement?

A Career Oriented Test

Each skill being assessed is necessary for a career in the legal profession.

An outside observer may feel these are the types of skills we use in our day to day routines. Perhaps they are but not at the level of finesse you are going to be using them in your legal career. In everyday life, we either accept or discount what somebody is saying without giving a great deal of thought to the matter.

This is why you are being given this level of testing when applying for a legal position. The testing is asking you to raise your everyday thought patterns to the level of critical thinking.

Your test prep pack will provide you with samples of these tests and solid explanations for the answers arrived at. Using them you can hone your critical thinking skills and prepare to ace the Watson Glaser assessment.

To get a taste of these questions in an exam format, take the Watson Glaser free practice test .

What Is the Employer Looking for?

The employer needs to know if you can look at a situation and assess and evaluate it. And looking at the names of some of the companies who use the Watson Glaser Assessment it is hardly surprising they want some of the more astute people they can find working for them.

So, rather than being discouraged by the difficulties posed by the assessment, it is your task to prepare for it in a way that will show your astuteness.

Test Your Skills

You can try doing some of this by looking over the above assumptions question and applying the following tricks.

In the assumptions, have a look at the first statement. The statement is known as the premise, it lays down the bones of the argument. Mentally, place the two statements side by side.

Now ask yourself if the second sentence, the conclusion, is drawn correctly from the premise. Compare the language used in the two statements. If there are changes from the first statement to the second one it could suggest that a new idea is being introduced so the second sentence could be an assumption.

Now Try Your Skills at Recognising Assumptions

Recognising assumptions sample question:.

Passage: Complaints were raised against the town’s sole French teacher for using her monopoly to charge more than her late predecessor. In fact, however, she does not earn more money on each lesson than she would have before, because she lives out of town and her fee reflects higher transportation costs than those of her predecessor, who lived in town.

Proposed Assumption: Service providers who spend more on transportation are more expensive.

Using your skills, decide if the proposed assumption is a legitimate one to take from the passage (answering assumption made) or not legitimate (answering assumption not made). In deciding on your answer check if you can find any differences in the language used in the proposed assumption to the language used in the statement.

Now apply those same skills to this question on interpretation

Passage: In the years 2011-12, 32% of pupils entitled to free school meals (an indicator of low socioeconomic status) achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above. This is compared to 65% of pupils who were not entitled to free school meals.

Conclusion: Most of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above.

In deciding if the conclusion follows or does not follow the text you have to use mathematical logic.

Now try your hand at evaluating arguments in the following question:

Question: Should parents put their children in preparation courses for gifted kids, in order for them to reach their full potential?

Argument: Yes; parents are responsible for their children’s future and should do whatever they can to help them succeed in life.

The argument, in this case, is considered weak. Can you see why that might be? Ask yourself if the question asked has been answered. If you were the person answering the question, what would you say to make the answer stronger?

How to Ace the Assessment

Doing these questions may have left you with the impression that the Watson Glaser is a challenging assessment. And it is. But becoming familiar with the exam and with the preparation you have to do are the important first steps in acing any exam.

How Do I Get Better at Watson Glaser?

You may have found while testing yourself on the sample questions that you fell short of the mark and this was without an imposed time limit. But with careful preparation, you can avoid the likelihood of this happening in the real test.

With a rigorous preparation program and using accurate preparation materials, you will manage to offset that problem.

Put a Test Preparation Plan in Place

Getting to your current point in your career more than likely involved a great deal of study and examinations. Preparing for the Watson Glaser involves more of the same.

However, there are the added difficulties that you may be working a job while preparing and may have spent some time away from the world of study and tests.

With your test prep pack in hand, it is time to put a preparation plan in place.

Doing this you may find the following tips helpful:

• Select a place that will be your designated preparation place for test preparation. Ensure it is free from distraction and is a place you can leave when you take a break.
• Draw up a timetable. Be realistic in this and ensure it is a timetable you can stick with.

Planning how you will use your timetable take into account how we get the best from our brains:

• The brain works most efficiently when we work in short bursts of time. Limit each span of working to 50 minutes.
• Breaks work wonders for our mental abilities. Take a 10-minute break after each 50-minute session.
• Our brains rely on our bodies to enhance our mental powers. Build in adequate rest if possible and good nutrition.

Give structure to your preparation. Nothing interferes with preparation like working without a structure. Especially if you are dealing with the rigours of working a job you do not need to waste your time.

Use Your Sample Questions for Every Test Preparation Session

This ensures your work has a structure but also provides the following benefits:

• You are working on tests mirrored on the real test leaving you with no surprises on test day
• With each paper your familiarity with the test increases
• You can measure your progress from test to test
• You are learning how to work within the time confines of the test
• Your scores are indicating the areas that need extra revision and more work

Pitfalls to Avoid

You have probably found during preparation for previous tests there are pitfalls we all fall into. Try to avoid:

• Allowing your familiarity with material to lull you into a false sense of security. Knowing the material and marrying it to an examination question are very different skills.
• Taking a half-hearted approach to material you may not like. If you dislike material this is probably the area that needs the most attention. We generally dislike things we find difficult.

Doing the Watson Glaser Test

The shortness of the test, 40 or so minutes, is one of its challenges. You will have learned through your work on the sample papers that you will be working under intense pressure for those 40 minutes.

It is important that you are well-rested on the day of the test. Doing a late-night study marathon before it will jeopardise your chances of success.

You need to be clear-headed if you are to give the test your optimum.

When you are given sample questions to look at between sections make sure you read them. They are your guide to what is coming next. Working between different types of questions is in itself challenging.

Reading through those questions will help you adjust your brain from one type of questioning to another and capitalize on the work you have done.

If you have been invited to do a Watson Glaser Assessment Congratulations! To help you ace the test you will find the resources you need here.

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• BCAT Aptitude Test – Ultimate Study Guide 

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Learn about the different types of questions asked in the Watson Glaser assessment with this sample practice test. Good luck!

Watson Glaser Tests

Prepare for your next Watson Glaser test with tailor-made practice tests and questions.

• What Is A Watson Glaser Assessment?

Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a well known aptitude assessment that is published by TalentLens . It was first created by American psychologists Watson and Glaser in the 1920s and has over 80 years of scientific development and research backing its methodology.

Critical thinking is a sought after skill for employers and is one of the four C's, which indicate competencies expected from most employers:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

It shows that someone is capable of assessing a situation while considering different perspectives and differentiating facts and opinions to reach a rational solution.

• The Structure Of Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Assessments

The assessment is designed to be quick, consistent, and effective. It breaks down critical thinking into five subsets, which all require different kinds of analytical thought and create a more complete picture of someone's critical thinking abilities. The test has 40 questions and candidates are given a maximum of 30 minutes to complete it, meaning that you must average 45 seconds per question.

Making Correct Inferences

Inference is about understanding the veracity of a conclusion and being able to decipher facts. For these types of questions you will be presented with a short passage and then a list of inferences, from which you will have to answer on whether you think they are true, probably true, probably false, false, or insufficient data. Many people find inference questions difficult as they draw conclusions without enough information, or do not use common knowledge to help them answer.

Recognising Assumptions

This section is similar to the inference questions in that it asks you about the validity of conclusions based on the statements of information given. However, there is less complexity to the answers - you will just have to decide whether the statement is making an assumption and is not necessarily true. Recognising assumptions is a part of critical thinking as it shows your ability to analyse and separate fact from fiction, as well as taking into consideration multiple perspectives rather than the common expectation.

Making Deductions

A deduction is made from following the information to a logical conclusion, which is usually phrased as if the conclusion 'follows' or 'does not follow' the statement. With deduction questions, you only have a choice of yes the answer is logical or no the answer is not, there is not a scale of logic unlike with inferences, which allow for more possibilities.

Interpretation

Interpretation is very similar to deduction as it asks you to process information and then come to a logical conclusion based on the evidence given. You should assume that everything in the statement is true for the purposes of the assessment and work from there, showing that you can identify key information and use it to make an informed decision.

Evaluating Arguments

This section requires you to analyse a statement and determine the strength of the arguments based on this statement. You will have to decide whether the arguments are 'weak' or 'strong' by assessing qualities such as relevancy to the topic, how realistic the statement is, and if it provides a meaningful contribution to the argument.

• Tips To Pass Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

1. Only Use The Information Contained In The Test

When it comes to this kind of test, you might be tempted to use the knowledge that you have on a subject that is not given on the test, but this is not how they are designed. Beyond common knowledge that almost everyone would know, you should only take into account what is written in the question or you will not show the skills that the test is looking for.

2. Watch The Time Limit

You only have 30 minutes for the test, which means that you have an average of 45 seconds per question. Some questions may take more or less time than this, but if you get stuck then it is better to move on and come back. You are marked on how many questions you answer, not on how quickly you complete the test, so answering more questions will help to give you a better chance at scoring higher.

3. Practice Example Tests

For any test, the best way to improve your performance is practicing . As the Watson Glaser focuses on more abstract skills related to critical thinking, it can be a lot more difficult than other aptitude tests for technical skills. Through practice, you can become familiar with the structure of the questions and what is expected of you to answer them correctly.

4. Understand Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is a flaw in an argument, which undermines its validity and is also called a non sequitur meaning it does not follow the logic. If you can quickly identify holes in an argument such as false comparisons and disconnects between the proof and the information, then you will be much more effective at determining correct conclusions and deductions.

5. Read The Questions Carefully

The abstract nature of these questions means it is very important to take your time and read the questions carefully. How you are expected to approach the information will be in the wording of the question and will tell you exactly how to apply your critical thinking, otherwise you may interpret the information in the wrong way.

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• Watson Glaser Tests Sample Questions

Watson Glaser Tests Tips

Watson glaser tests faqs, more publisher tests.

• Thomas International
• Criteria Corp

Sample Watson Glaser Tests question Test your knowledge!

A health magazine published an article stating that eating late at night leads to weight gain. However, some dietitians argue that total calorie intake is the primary factor for weight management, regardless of meal timing. Which statement would best challenge the magazine's claim?

• A person's metabolism slows down significantly during sleep.
• People who eat late at night tend to choose high-calorie foods.
• Several studies have not found a significant relationship between the timing of meals and weight gain.
• Celebrities often eat late at night without gaining weight.

A study showed that school children who engage in extracurricular activities have better grades. Therefore, children should be encouraged to participate in such activities to enhance their academic performance. Which assumption is implicitly made in the conclusion?

• Extracurricular activities directly cause better grades.
• All children have access to extracurricular activities.
• There is a correlation between participation in extracurricular activities and better grades.
• Children who do not participate in extracurricular activities will not perform well academically.

During a team meeting, it was discussed that remote working led to decreased collaboration among employees. Yet, some employees feel they are more productive when working from home. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that remote work decreases collaboration?

• Remote employees utilize collaboration tools to communicate efficiently.
• Employees who work from home feel less stressed.
• Some employees struggle with time management while working remotely.
• Productivity metrics have remained consistent before and after remote working was implemented.

Company X started an initiative to reduce carbon emissions in production. After a year, a report suggests a significant reduction in emissions. The report concludes that Company X's initiative was successful. Which question would be crucial to evaluate the report's conclusion?

• Were there any changes in production volume during the year?
• How did the reduction in emissions affect the company's profitability?
• What is the public perception of Company X's initiative?
• Did any key competitors also implement similar environmental initiatives?

Local governments have instituted water restrictions to combat drought. Yet, a scientist argues that such restrictions are not effective in the long run because they don't address underlying issues of water management. Which of the following evidence would support the scientist's claim?

• Water restrictions have led to a temporary improvement in local water tables.
• Areas with water restrictions continue to experience decreasing water levels over several years.
• Residents report that they are satisfied with the government's efforts to conserve water.
• Many local businesses are investing in water-efficient technologies.

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Get familiar with what critical thinking tests entail. Dive into understanding arguments, assumptions, and conclusions. At Psychometric Tests, we've crafted a concise overview of the Watson Glaser test components so you'll know the kind of questions to expect and what skills you need to demonstrate. Remember, knowing your playing field is half the battle won!

The Watson Glaser is not just about what you know; it’s about how you think. Sharpen your ability to dissect arguments and differentiate between fact and opinion. With Psychometric Tests, we provide exercises specific to critical thinking that can help train your brain to process information analytically and logically.

The environment you practice in can make a big difference. Try simulating the test conditions you'll face during the actual exam. Time yourself, reduce distractions, and use our platform to try realistic Watson Glaser practice tests. This way, you won't just be prepared for the questions, but also the pressure of the test day.

Every practice test you take is an opportunity to grow. Make sure to review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Our detailed explanations can help you understand the rationale behind each question, ensuring you're not just practicing, but learning from your mistakes to improve over time.

Lastly, remember to keep your cool. No amount of studying can help if you panic on the big day. Develop a mindset of confidence and resilience. Remind yourself that with all the practice you’ve done at Psychometric Tests, you're equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

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Many places advise aiming for 75% and above on a Watson Glaser test in order to do well, however, this is dependent on the company you have applied to and their expectations. Many recruiters do not have a specific number which automatically passes you to the next stage, but instead view all of the scores comparatively and take the highest performers.

The best way to improve your score is to practice. Doing practice tests is a great way to get better at these kinds of tests, especially if you can practice under timed conditions. However, as the Watson Glaser assessment focuses on critical thinking, there are other things you can do in your daily life to improve this like reading more nonfiction, brain exercises like Sudoku, and questioning assumptions made around you.

The Watson Glaser has over 70 years of psychological research backing its methods and has been constantly developed and redesigned since its inception. There is an efficacy report that shows it has high levels of consistency and fairness, as well as a positive correlation between those who perform well on the assessment and those who perform well on the job.

The Watson Glaser is considered one of the most challenging aptitude assessments because of the nature of the questions and the skills that it is trying to determine.

The Cappfinity test is adaptive, meaning that it adjusts depending on if you get a question right or wrong, but this does not mean that it is necessarily easier - it will challenge everyone at their own level.

Another difference between the two is that the Cappfinity is not timed, but how long you take to complete it is still considered in your score. Again, this does not make either one more or less difficult, but will challenge candidates in different ways.

The Watson Glaser is most commonly known for its use on the BCAT and by law firms such as:

Government Legal Service

Clifford Chance

Allen and Overy

Other companies that are known to use Watson Glaser are Deloitte, the Bank of England, and Hiscox.

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Watson Glaser Assessments

• 228 questions

Watson Glaser tests are a form of psychometric assessment that fall under the category of critical thinking tests. They are designed to determine how well an individual can process information from a logical perspective, and then evaluate, analyse and make sound judgements. As such, they are commonly used in the recruitment process for professions that rely on these skills.

What is a Watson Glaser test?

Watson Glaser test is a comprehensive psychometric assessment that falls under the category of critical thinking tests. It is designed to determine how well an individual can process information from a logical perspective, and then evaluate, analyze and make sound judgments. Watson Glaser test is commonly used in the recruitment process for professions that rely on these skills.

Watson Glaser tests have been around since 1925 when they were first developed by American psychologists Goodwin Watson and Edwin Glaser. Subject to many revisions and improvements over the years, they are now produced by test publisher TalentLens and are considered one of the most trusted methods of evaluating critical reasoning.

Critical thinking is a complex skill that requires the ability to interpret information, differentiate fact from fallacy, draw evidence-based conclusions and identify sound arguments, all while remaining objective.

Like many critical thinking tests , the Watson Glaser test measures these skills through verbal information: that is, statements or passages of text from which an individual is required to make deductions and inferences, pinpoint assumptions needed to validate a proposition, and weigh up the strength of an argument.

These are inherent skills, more prominent in some than others. The Watson Glaser test, therefore, requires no prior knowledge. Success relies on existing knowledge being put to one side, the sole focus being the evidence laid out in each question.

You may be asked to sit a Watson Glaser test by the potential employer if applying for a graduate, professional or managerial level position in a sector where critical thinking is a prerequisite. Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is most commonly used in the legal sector, but also the selection process of organizations like the Bank of England.

The test may be used for screening purposes in the initial stages of the hiring process, or at a later date as part of an assessment day .

What is the format of a Watson Glaser test?

The Watson Glaser test is a timed, multiple-choice assessment, the most recent version of which consists of 40 critical reasoning questions with a 30-minute time constraint.

Questions are split across five areas of logical reasoning ability:

Drawing inferences

To draw inferences is essential to make an educated guess based on the evidence in front of you, without being swayed by any pre-existing knowledge or subconscious bias.

You’ll be presented with a short paragraph, followed by a set of inferred statements. Potential employees need to critically analyse the information in the given paragraph to determine if these statements are true, probably true, false, probably false, or if there is insufficient proof to determine either way.

Recognising assumptions

Assumptions relating to what we understand to be true without needing solid proof. They are the underlying facts that give an argument its validity.

In this section of the test, you’ll be presented with a statement and a set of assumptions. If the statement relies on the assumption being true, you would mark it as ‘assumption made’.

If the assumption is irrelevant to the statement or bears no weight on its validity, you would mark it as ‘assumption not made.

Deductive reasoning is the act of arriving at a fact-based conclusion through a logical thought process. A deduction differs from an assumption in that it is what we take away from an argument, as opposed to the facts on which an argument needs to stand.

Based solely on the evidence presented in a statement or short paragraph, you’ll need to determine if a list of conclusions does or does not logically follow the information in front of you.

Interpreting

The interpretation section of the Watson Glaser test is similar to the deduction section, in that you’ll be asked to determine whether a given conclusion can logically be drawn from an argument.

However, with these questions, you’ll need to be able to identify significant pieces of information and decide if a logical interpretation can be applied in support of the conclusion in question.

Evaluating arguments

This last section looks at your ability to separate a weak argument from a strong one. It is designed to test your impartial evaluation of arguments, not your personal opinion.

A question will be posted, followed by a set of arguments on either side of the debate. You’ll need to decide if an argument is relevant and challenging, and therefore strong, or vague and unrealistic, and therefore weak.

What skills does it look to measure?

The five sections combined to give an overall picture of your performance in key areas, and measure your ability to:

Define a problem

Select key points of information to formulate a solution

Understand when an assumption has been made, and when it has not

Hypothesise, or select an applicable hypothesis based on limited evidence

Draw fact-based conclusions

Determine the probability of an inference

What is a passing score on the Watson Glaser tests?

The results of your Watson Glaser test will be assessed against a norm group: individuals of a comparative educational background or professional standing – within a relevant field – that have previously sat the exam.

It is therefore difficult to state an exact pass score on the test since it depends entirely on the performance of your peers. Ideally, you’d look to reach 75% and above to give yourself a competitive edge.

Which professions use Watson Glaser tests, and why?

Watson Glaser tests are used to assess suitability for several occupations including those in the medical profession, marketing, and education. Those critical reasoning tests are most common in law firms and professional services sectors.

Many positions in law, banking, and finance, for example, require that an individual make informed decisions that can be justified, are rooted in fact, and are free from bias. Since critical thinking is an essential skill here, employers use Watson Glaser tests to determine how well-suited a candidate is for these professions.

How to prepare for a Watson Glaser test

Practice is the first port of call when preparing for your Watson Glaser test. Although critical thinking is an inherent skill, it can be nurtured and improved upon.

Watson Glaser tests are built around a model known as RED . Try to keep this in mind as you approach both practice tests and daily tasks.

The components associated with the RED model are:

Recognising assumptions . Instead of simply taking things at face value, such as the news or a part of a conversation with a friend or co-worker, ask yourself if what you’re hearing can be classified as true, and what the facts are that back it up. Are they evidential, or based on assumptions?

Evaluating arguments . We’re all guilty of seeking out information that confirms our perspective. Instead, actively look for opinions that contradict your own and assess them from an objective point of view. The better you become at seeing both sides of a story, the more prepared you’ll be to critically evaluate arguments in your Watson Glaser test.

Drawing conclusions . Try to get used to drawing fact-based conclusions, rather than those based on emotional reactions or subconscious bias. These conclusions may not align with your perspective, but a Watson Glaser test requires that you conclude impartially – and as with most things in life, practice makes perfect here.

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Tips for Watson Glaser tests

Study the practice questions.

In the official test, you’ll have the opportunity to complete practice questions. These are there for a reason, so use them wisely. Each section of the test differs slightly in its approach, and the more comfortable you are with what is being asked of you, the more clearly you’ll be able to approach the problem.

Leave instinct and intuition at the door

To succeed on a Watson Glaser test, you need to go against human nature and ignore everything you think you know. Each question will contain all the relevant information you need. Whether you believe it to be true, agree with it, or not, is irrelevant. For the sake of the test, evaluate only the information given. Any outside knowledge should temporarily be forgotten.

Examine each question carefully

The key to strategic critical thinking is to fully understand what is being presented. You cannot draw a valid conclusion, or understand what assumptions support an argument, if you do not fully comprehend what is put forward. You may feel the need to rush under the time pressure, but attention to detail is vital.

Look for keywords and phrases

The statement, proposition or paragraph of text at the start of each question will inevitably include keywords or phrases that relate directly to the assumptions, inferences or conclusions given. These are your clues. Identify them, and you’ll find it much easier to analyse each scenario objectively.

Split your time evenly

Remember, you have a set amount of time to work through all five sections of the test. Split this evenly across the board before you start, and keep track of how much time you spend on each question. It may seem counterintuitive to add to the pressure, but in setting yourself a time frame, you eliminate the risk of dedicated excessive attention to any one part of the test.

For further advice, check out our full set of tips for Watson Glaser tests .

Practice Aptitude Tests is not associated with Watson Glaser. We provide preparation services for Watson Glaser psychometric tests. Our tests are not designed to be identical to any style, employer or industry. Visit https://www.talentlens.co.uk/product/watson-glaser/ to find out more.

Sample Watson Glaser Tests question Test your knowledge!

What can be inferred from the following statement? 'Despite increased competition, sales figures for Company Y have improved.'

• Increased competition has had a direct negative effect on sales figures.
• Company Y has possibly employed successful strategies to overcome competitive challenges.
• The overall market has been declining.
• Company Y's products are unaffected by competition.

Which of the following conclusions can logically be drawn from the information given? Despite its small size, Company X is the market leader in its segment.

• Company X's market segment prefers quality over size.
• Company X has a larger market share in its segment than its bigger competitors.
• The size of a company is not related to its market leadership.
• Company X is the smallest company in its market segment.

After reading the passage, what is the author's main argument?

• Traditional education systems are adequate to meet current workforce needs.
• Workplaces need to ensure their employees are consistently learning to keep up with technological changes.
• Technological innovation has little impact on the skills required by the workforce.
• Education systems are evolving faster than workplaces can keep up.

Which assumption is implicit in the following statement? 'We expect our customer base to double when we expand our services internationally.'

• International markets are eager for the company's services.
• The company has conducted ample market research on international markets.
• The company's services are currently not available internationally.
• Customers are dissatisfied with the current services.

Evaluate the strength of the given argument: 'Since implementing the new safety protocol, our factory has seen a 30% reduction in workplace injuries.'

• The new safety protocol is ineffective and should be reviewed.
• The 30% reduction in workplace injuries can be solely attributed to the new safety protocol.
• The factory should promote the person responsible for the new safety protocol.
• The new safety protocol may have contributed to the reduction in workplace injuries.

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Watson Glaser Tests Tips

1 understand the test structure.

Before you dive into practicing for the Watson Glaser tests, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their structure. These tests aim to assess critical thinking skills across a range of areas, which TalentLens categorizes as ‘select’, ‘develop’, and ‘engage’. By understanding the types of questions and sections you will encounter, you can tailor your test preparation strategy effectively.

2 Focus on Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is at the heart of Watson Glaser tests. It’s not just about what you know but how you apply your knowledge to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions. Spend time honing your reasoning skills—practice breaking down complex information into manageable parts and consider arguments from multiple perspectives.

3 Manage Your Time Wisely

Like many aptitude tests, the Watson Glaser tests require you to balance accuracy with speed. Practice managing your time efficiently so you can give each question the attention it deserves while ensuring you complete the test within the allotted time frame. Use timers in your practice sessions at Practice Aptitude Tests to simulate real test conditions.

4 Sharpen Your Reading Skills

Reading comprehension is essential for Watson Glaser tests, as you’ll need to interpret written material quickly and accurately. Practice reading dense and challenging texts to improve your absorption and analysis capabilities. The key here is to not only understand the passages but also to critically evaluate them.

5 Stay Calm and Confident

Test anxiety can affect your performance. Remember to stay calm, take deep breaths, and approach each question with confidence. Regular practice at Practice Aptitude Tests will help build your familiarity with the question types and format, which in turn will boost your test-taking confidence.

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Watson Glaser Tests FAQs

How does watson glaser define critical thinking.

According to the methodology behind Watson Glaser tests, critical thinking is the ability to observe a scenario and consider it from various perspectives, whilst identifying what is fact, what is assumed and what is mere opinion. In doing so, you should be able to draw logical conclusions and use these for informed decision making.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking is a part of our daily lives; we’re just not always aware that we’re doing it. To improve your skills, tune in to the world around you, ask questions, read actively and look for evidence in every statement or argument you come across. Take practice tests regularly to assess your progress.

Is the Watson Glaser test hard?

Watson Glaser tests are considered among the most challenging of all critical thinking assessments, since they test five separate aspects of logical reasoning ability . Time constraints also add to the pressure. That said, they are typically no harder than the careers for which they test your suitability, and with dedicated practice, you can hone your skills and make critical thinking second nature.

Where can I practice Watson Glaser tests?

There are multiple online resources available to help you prepare for your Watson Glaser test, including our own free practice tests . We recommended you work through these questions to familiarise yourself with the format and improve your critical thinking skills.

Reviews of our Watson Glaser tests

What our customers say about our Watson Glaser tests

Jozef Bailey

United Kingdom

April 05, 2022

Doesn't cover all aspects of Watson-Glaser tests but useful

The WGCTA uses more categories to assess critical thinking, but this was useful for the inference section.

April 01, 2022

Just practicing for an interview

Good information and liked that it had a countdown clock, to give you that real feel in the test situation.

Jerico Kadhir

March 31, 2022

Aptitude test

It was OK, I didn't understand personally whether or not the "cannot say" option was acceptable or not in a lot of the questions, as it may have been a trick option.

Salvarina Viknesuari

March 15, 2022

I like the test because the platform is simple and engaging while the test itself is different than most of the Watson Glaser tests I've taken.

Alexis Sheridan

March 02, 2022

Some of the ratios were harder than I thought!

I like how clear the design and layout is - makes things very easy (even if the content itself is not!)

Cyril Lekgetho

February 17, 2022

Mental arithmetic

I enjoyed the fact that there were multiple questions pertaining to one passage of information, rather than multiple passages. However I would've appreciated a more varied question type.

Madupoju Manish

February 16, 2022

Analytics are the best questions

I like the test because of its time schedule. The way the questions are prepared makes it easy to crack the original test.

Chelsea Franklin

February 02, 2022

Interesting

I haven't done something like this for ages. Very good for the brain - although I certainly experienced some fog whilst doing it.

[email protected]

January 04, 2022

Population/exchange rates were the hardest

Great test as it felt a bit time pressured. Very different types of questions in terms of difficulty.

faezeh tavakoli

January 02, 2022

More attention to detail + be more time conscious

It was asking about daily stuff we all deal with, but as an assessment it's scrutinising how we approach these problems.

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Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Practice Tests and Advice

Critical thinking tests are high-level aptitude tests, with the Watson-Glaser being the most common.

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Page contents:

What is a critical thinking test, critical thinking test format.

• Watson Glaser critical thinking explained

Critical thinking arguments tutorial

Free watson glaser practice tests, critical thinking assumptions tutorial.

• What does a critical test measure?

Critical thinking deductions tutorial

• Most popular critical thinking tests

Critical thinking inferences tutorial

• How to pass Watson Glaser test

Watson Glaser FAQs

Updated: 24 August 2023

A critical thinking test is used to assess your ability to logically analyse assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. Critical thinking can be defined as ‘the ability to consider a range of information derived from many different sources, to process this information in a creative and logical manner, challenging it, analysing it and arriving at considered conclusions which can be defended and justified’ (Moon, 2008).

Critical reasoning tests, also known as critical thinking tests, are psychometric tests commonly used in graduate, professional and managerial recruitment. These high-level analytical test are most commonly encountered in the legal sector, but other organisations such as the Bank of England also use them as part of their selection process.

If we lack critical thinking skills, it is possible to be misguided into believing that an argument is strong, when in actual fact there is little evidence to support it. Critical thinking skills therefore include the ability to structure a sound, solid argument, to analyse and synthesise available information, and to make assumptions and inferences. Critical thinking skills are also about being able to evaluate the information and draw conclusions that can be supported.

Your critical thinking test may be pencil and paper or, more likely, it may be administered online. Which one you take will often depend on the format and the structure of the recruitment process. The questions will be multiple choice format and will usually be administered under time constraints.

Common test formats are as follows:

• 40 questions - 30 minutes
• 80 question - 60 minutes

Once you understand the format of your test, you are much more likely to perform better. Practice is the best way to maximise your chances of test success.

Watson Glaser critical thinking appraisal explained

By far the most common type of critical thinking test is the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA) which is published by TalentLens. You can visit their official site here: Watson Glaser . With over 85 years' worth of development, the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is the most popular measure of critical thinking ability. The test is most commonly used by law firms, which is understandable as the abilities measured by the W-GCTA are good predictors of future success in roles which require clarity of understanding from multiple perspectives and the ability to reason with fact versus assumption.

The Watson-Glaser Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA) is one of the main evaluating tools for cognitive abilities in professionals, since it measures critical thinking. It is seen as a successful tool to predict job success, as well as being used to select good managers and finding possible future leaders. It is also used in order to select the right person for a specific job role, especially for careers in the law.

Did You Know

The most recent revision of the W-GCTA was published in 2011 with notable improvements being better face validity and business-relevant items, scoring based on Item Response Theory (IRT), updated norm groups, and an online retest which can be used to validate a paper and pencil test result.

The W-GCTA was originally developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser. The W-GCTA measures the critical skills that are necessary for presenting in a clear, structured, well-reasoned way, a certain point of view and convincing others of your argument. The test questions are looking at the individual’s ability to:

• Make correct inferences
• To recognise assumptions
• To make deductions
• To come to conclusions
• To interpret and evaluate arguments

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an arguments-style question from a critical thinking test:

Free Critical Thinking Test

We have broken down a critical thinking test into the different sections. You can try each section or take the full test (86 questions, 60 minutes).

Critical Thinking Test 1

• 40 questions

Critical Thinking Test 2

Critical thinking test 3, critical thinking test 4.

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an assumptions-style question from a critical thinking test:

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What does a critical thinking test measure?

Critical thinking tests assess your ability to logically analyse assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. You will be given a passage of information which may contain a mixture of verbal and numerical data, and will be provided with a statement which requires the candidate’s critical assessment of how true that statement is based on the above passage.

The Watson and Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal contains five sections which are specially designed in order to find out how good an individual is at reasoning analytically and logically. There are five sections:

• Assumptions: In these questions a statement will be presented and the candidate will have to decide if an assumption has been made in making the statement. For example in the statement “only people earning a high salary can afford a fast car” it is assumed that fast cars cost more than not fast cars (this is just one of many assumptions implicit in the statement). An assumption is something someone effectively takes for granted. Statements are given for the individual to read and they are then followed by several proposed assumptions. The candidate has to select whether an assumption has or has not been made.
• Analysing arguments: Candidates will be provided with a given scenario i.e. “Should the government pay student’s tuition fees?” They are subsequently provided with a list of arguments for or against the scenario presented. The candidate will need to assess if each argument is strong or weak, based on how relevant it is and how well it addresses the question. The argument is considered to be strong if it directly relates to the question or statement, and weak if it is not directly related to the question or statement.
• Deductions: Candidates will be provided with a passage of information and candidates will need to evaluate a list of deductions made based on that passage. If one cannot deduce a particular statement from the passage, then that deduction does not follow, and the candidate must select which deductions follow and which do not follow. The answer must be entirely based on the statements made and not on conclusions made from one’s own knowledge.
• Inferences: In this section candidates will be provided with a passage of information on a scenario. A subsequent list of possible inferences will follow, and candidates will be asked to rate if they are true, false, possibly true, possibly false or whether it is not possible to say based on the information in the passage.
• Interpreting Information: A paragraph of information will be provided to the candidate, with a list of possible conclusions. Candidates will need to interpret the information in the paragraph and decide if each conclusion follows based on the presented information. Once again the decisions must solely be based on the information given.

With so many sections, each having their own instructions and guidelines, it can be tough to become confident on all areas.

Survey results

We asked critical thinking test takers what they found was the most difficult section of a critical thinking test. 35% of them believed 'assumptions' to be the most difficult. You can see the full results below:

The following video features Ben explain how to answer a deductions-style question from a critical thinking test:

Most popular critical thinking test publishers

There may be variations in your test depending on the test publisher you have for your critical thinking test.

Throughout 2020, we analysed a sample of critical thinking tests to discover the most popular test publishers. It was found that 77% of critical thinking tests were published by Watson Glaser.

Here is a list of critical reasoning tests on the market at present, which candidates may be likely to encounter for recruitment, selection or development:

• Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal: The W-GCTA is the most widely-used critical reasoning test on the market, and the one candidates are most likely to encounter.
• SHL Critical Reasoning Test Battery: The SHL Critical Reasoning Test Battery is a collection of 60 critical reasoning questions with varying difficulty depending of the level of candidate. This test has a time limit of 30 minutes.
• Cornell Critical Thinking Assessment: The Cornell Critical Thinking Assessment is a test primarily used in educational settings. There are two versions of this test, one for children and one for adults. This test may be used for entry onto particular degree courses or for recruitment/development purposes.
• Cappfinity Critical Reasoning Test: This assesses your problem solving and decision making skills. Its topics have similarities with the Watson Glaser.
• Test Partnership Concepts Critical Thinking Test: This also shares some similarities with the Watson Glaser. Test Partnership assesses the classic aspects of critical thinking with a modern candidate experience.

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an inference-style question from a critical thinking test:

How to pass Watson Glaser test - critical thinking tips

Here is some general advice to help you learn how to improve your Watson Glaser score:

• Only use the information contained in the test: When reading the passages of information within the test, your first instinct may be to use general knowledge or your own personal experience. Critical reasoning tests are not tests of what you think; they are tests of how you think. You will not be required to utilise any prior knowledge when answering a question, and at times the correct answer will completely contradict what you know to be true based on your own knowledge, but is true in the context of the passage.
• Read the instructions thoroughly: Critical reasoning tests will require numerous separate types of logical reasoning, and reading the instructions will inform you of how to answer questions correctly. For example if a question requires you to evaluate the strength of an argument, the instruction page will inform you what constitutes a strong or weak argument. Take ample time to ensure you know how to answer questions regardless of any time limits.
• Pay attention to time limits: Due to the complex nature of critical reasoning tests, there will often be no time limits or there will be generous time limits. Candidates are advised to use this to their advantage and take plenty of time when reading, evaluating and answering. An easy mistake to make is treating this type of test like a verbal or numerical reasoning test and answering questions as quickly as possible. Rushing through a critical thinking test may lead to candidates missing key points, and answering incorrectly as a result.
• Understand logical fallacies: Understanding logical fallacies is an important part of the test, and researching the difference between sound and fallacious logic can help maximise performance on a critical reasoning test. A fallacy is an error in reasoning due to a misconception or a presumption, and an argument which employs a formal fallacy, logical fallacy or a deductive fallacy in its reasoning becomes an invalid argument. Researching the different types of fallacy (i.e. red herring argument, straw man argument, confusing correlation and causation etc.) can help you identify them in the test and therefore answer the question correctly.

You will not be hired solely on your Watson Glaser score, but a score of 75% is a good score that will give you a good chance of progressing through selection rounds. When taking practice Watson Glaser tests try to achieve +75% in your raw score, this should be enough.

The Watson Glaser test has a time limit of 30 minutes. There is a total of 40 questions to complete within this time limit.

Yes, the Watson Glaser test is multiple-choice format and is split into the five section: assumptions, analysing arguments, deductions, inferences, interpreting information.

Most law firms will use a Watson Glaser test to assess the candidate's critical thinking ability. Some well known law firms include: Hogan Lovells, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Linklaters, Freshfields BD and others.

Free Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions and Answers

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test (WGCTA) is a test used before hiring to check how well candidates can think critically and reason. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions that need to be answered in 30 minutes. It's split into five parts, which this free Watson Glaser Test will cover.

The Watson Glaser test is known to be a tougher test for candidates. To be in the top 80% for the best jobs and pass the hiring stage, you should aim for a score of 33-34.

Here, you'll find a free Watson Glaser Practice Test with 15 questions that include all the main topics from the real test, complete answers, and advice from our experts. We suggest you try all the practice questions to get a good understanding of what skills the test needs and how hard it can be, and to start working towards a high score.

David , Watson Glaser Test Expert at JobTestPrep Have a question? Contact me at:

We'll start with the first part of the Watson Glaser test, called Inference. In this part, you'll see exercises that start with a set of facts you should believe are true. After each set of facts, there will be different possible conclusions or inferences that could be made based on these facts. You have to look at each conclusion one by one and decide how true or false it is. 

Free Watson Glaser Practice Test

Watson glaser practice test questions - inference.

Read the text provided and then decide if each statement below is somewhat true or false based on what the text says.

Question # 1

United Bank is concerned about the increasing media coverage of suspicions of corruption among its top management staff. The VP of finance was accused of embezzling ten million dollars, for which the maximum penalty is eight years in prison. The bank's attorneys advised management to offer him a plea bargain according to which he will admit to the crime, return the money plus compensation, and serve one year of community service. The VP of finance is reluctant to accept, pleading his innocence.

The plea bargain will enable the VP of finance to clear his name

• Probably True
• Insufficient Data
• Probably False

The correct answer is "False".

One of the plea bargain's components is the admission of guilt. Admitting guilt will surely not clear the VP's name. On the contrary- it will mark him as "guilty" and damage his good name. On the side of the VP, the advantage of the bargain is only the chance to minimize his penalty and to avoid incarceration, rather than clearing his name. Therefore, the statement is false beyond reasonable doubt.

 Question # 2

Retailer groups opposed to Visa and MasterCard’s $7.25 billion settlement of a lawsuit over merchant credit card fees said they had garnered support from about 1,200 businesses covered by the deal. These groups urged U.S. District Judge in Brooklyn not to grant initial approval to the settlement. However, the ruling will probably be in its favor. That could end seven years of litigation over an alleged conspiracy by the card companies and banks to fix the fees that retailers are charged when customers pay with cards.

The judge thinks that a conspiracy between the credit card companies has not occurred.

The correct answer is "Insufficient Data."

There are possible reasons for the judge to rule in favor of a settlement that has nothing to do with the judge’s opinion on the case, like wanting to avoid further costs for both sides in an already long and expensive process. The text does not provide any information regarding the judge’s beliefs. Therefore, the answer is "Insufficient Data."

 Question # 3

A psychologist was approached by an alarmed mother who complained that her daughter had been bullied when a child threw a fist-full of leaves in her face. Asked if her daughter was upset, the mother answered: "No, she just brushed the leaves off and told me they were having fun". The psychologist emphasized the need to draw a distinction between behavior that is harmless, behavior that is rude, and behavior that is characteristic of bullying, and concluded this was not a case of bullying.

Had the girl been hurt by the child, even accidentally, that would constitute behavior that is characteristic of bullying.

The correct answer is 'Probably False'.

We have no definition of bullying in the passage. Thus, we cannot decide whether accidental hurt would be considered bullying or not (in terms of distinct true and false). However, in this section, you are allowed to use your common knowledge, and common knowledge about bullying is that bullying is a deliberate action; thus, accidental hurt will probably not be considered bullying.

Watson Glaser Test  Tip : An inference is what you figure out based on what you see or think is true. When deciding if an inference is right or wrong, you often need to use what most people know or believe. It's okay to use this common knowledge, but don't just use it to decide if an inference is right or wrong. Your decision should be based on the facts you have .

You can find lots of practice questions for Inference – either in complete simulations or as extra practice – along with detailed guides full of tips and techniques for solving them, in our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack.

The next part of the Watson-Glaser test focuses on Assumptions. This section contains many statements, and after each one, there are a few assumptions  suggested. Your task is to figure out if, when someone makes the statement, they are actually assuming these things - meaning, they believe them to be true, whether rightly or wrongly. Remember, you're not evaluating whether these assumptions make logical sense or align with reality. Your job is simply to decide if they are being assumed.

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions - Assumptions

Question # 4

Ethics committee member: "This person was the proctor at the exam during which the two students were caught allegedly cheating. Yet, she claims to recognize the student who gave the answers but not the student who was getting the answers. Therefore, the proctor's testimony should be excluded."

Proposed Assumption:

If a proctor claims to recognize both parties involved in cheating, then the proctor's testimony should be included.

• Assumption Made
• Assumption Not Made

Assumption not made.

The passage gives a reason to disqualify a proctor’s testimony, but it does not say the absence of that reason should automatically qualify the testimony. For example: If you are not an American citizen, you cannot run for president. However, if you are an American citizen, it does not necessarily mean you can run for president. There are other conditions, such as your age and the amount of time you have been an American resident.

Question # 5

About 330 marketing professionals attended this year’s Media Innovations Forum. This indicates that social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans.

Proposed Assumption: 

The extent of attendance in professional media forums is not negligible.

1. Assumption Made 2. Assumption Not Made

The assumption is made.

Premise 1: Spotting attendance in professional forums allows one to recognize a trend or behavior in a certain industry. Premise 2: The Media Innovations Forum is important enough to indicate trends in the marketing industry. Conclusion: Social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans

In other words: According to the above, attendance in professional forums must be significant, or else how can one use it to justify or recognize a noticeable trend in the marketing world? Remember, you are not asked to judge whether the assumption is justified, only whether the speaker had made it.

 Question # 6

Marketing director: "If most customers claim the free concert ticket, it will be expensive for us. On the other hand, if only a few customers are interested in the free ticket, there is no advantage in offering it."

It may be to the company's advantage to offer customers free concert tickets.

The key here is the words "may be". These words open up the possibility of results other than the ones stated explicitly in the question. A discussion about possible outcomes of offering free tickets can only be initiated after one accepts that it might be to the company's advantage. It is an assumption one makes before the discussion begins. The discussion's conclusion may be that it is not to the company's advantage after all, but in order to start the discussion in the first place, one must assume that it might be beneficial.

Watson Glaser Test  Tip : An assumption is an idea that is accepted without proof. If you believe that the assumption is accepted without proof in the statement, choose "Assumption Made." If you believe that the assumption is not automatically accepted without proof in the statement, choose "Assumption Not Made." Make sure to consider each assumption on its own.

You can find lots of practice questions for making assumptions – both in complete simulations and as extra practice. We also offer detailed guides with tips and methods for solving these questions in our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack. Starting at $39, you can purchase our full PrepPack, which promises significant improvement before your test.

The next part of the Watson-Glaser test is called Deduction . In this part, you'll find exercises that start with a few statements (premises) and then offer some possible endings (conclusions). When doing this test, you should accept all the starting statements as true every time. Then, read each possible ending. If you believe the ending naturally comes from the starting statements, choose "Conclusion Follows." But if you feel the ending doesn't really connect to the starting statements or disagrees with them, pick "Conclusion Does Not Follow."

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions - Deductive

Question # 7

Most TV shows are not boring. Most TV shows are violent

Proposed Conclusion:

There is at least one boring TV show that is not violent.

• Conclusion Follows
• Conclusion Does Not Follow

A = TV shows, B = boring, C = violent. According to the premises, (A + ~B)*most, and (A + C)most.

The conclusion states (A + B + ~C)*at least one.

In formal logic tests, most means at least most, which is more than half, but possibly more, and even all. This means you cannot conclude that even a single (A + B + ~C) exists, because all you know is that most of A is ~B and that most A is C.

In other words:

It may be counter-intuitive, but if you are told that most TV shows are violent and not boring, that is the only thing you know. You know nothing about the items of the group not mentioned. Maybe all TV shows are violent.

For example: If there are 100 TV shows, there must be at least 51 boring TV shows, and there can be as many as 100 violent TV shows. Therefore, the conclusion does not follow.

Question # 8

All plastic bags make noise. Nevertheless, not all plastic bags are reusable.

Some noisy plastic bags are reusable.

Conclusion does not follow.

Plastic bags = A, make noise = B, reusable = C. According to the premises, A -> B, and (A + ~C)*not all.

The conclusion states that (A + B + C)*some.

According to the second premise, there has to be at least one single-use plastic bag – but there is the possibility that all of them are single-use and that none is reusable (the logical meaning of the initial not all). Note that, intuitively, one might mistakenly infer from the second premise that there must be reusable plastic bags, but this is not the case in formal logic tests.

Watson Glaser Test Tip :  When making a decision, focus only on the facts presented. Even if you think some outcomes might be true based on what you know, try to put that aside. Don't let your personal biases affect your thinking. Instead, look at each statement and decide if it logically comes from the facts.

Find more practice questions for deductions, including full simulations and extra practice, along with detailed guides for tips and solving techniques, in our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack .  

The next part of the Watson-Glaser test is called Interpretation . Here, you need to treat everything written in a short paragraph as true. Your task is to decide if each suggested ending makes sense based on the paragraph's information, without any doubt. If you believe the suggested ending makes sense (even if it's not 100% certain), then you should label it as "Conclusion Follows". But, if you feel the ending doesn't make sense based on the information provided, then label it as "Conclusion Does Not Follow"..  

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions - Interpretation

Question # 9

A study concerning obesity has found that 25% of the British population is obese, double the rate ten years ago. A strikingly high percentage (20%) of the obese population is morbidly obese. An inverse association was found between obesity and alcohol consumption.

In Britain, people who consume alcohol are likely more obese than people who don’t consume alcohol.

The connection is reversed. The passage states that there is an inverse association between obesity and alcohol consumption. This means that an increase in one variable is correlated with a decrease in the other variable. In other words, people who drink large amounts of alcohol are likely to be less obese than people who drink small amounts of alcohol or none at all.

Question # 10

When I go to work in the morning, I usually leave my house at 7:00 am and take the bus into the city. On rare occasions, however, I stay overnight at my aunt’s house and take the underground to work.

I leave the house later when I sleep at my aunt’s house.

This conclusion is derived under the assumption that the narrator’s aunt actually lives in the city (and therefore, closer to his work place). This is mistaken since you do not have enough information to conclude this based solely on the knowledge that on occasions when the narrator sleeps at his aunt’s house he takes the tube instead of the bus. It is possible, for example, that the aunt’s house is located far from the city and that the underground ride takes a long time, so that the narrator must leave even earlier than usual.

Watson Glaser Test Tip :   Even though it looks a lot like the Deduction section, Interpretation involves not just sticking to the given information but also using logic. This is important because it needs to make sense without any doubt. If you're looking for more practice on Interpretation, you can find plenty of questions, either in complete simulations or as extra exercises, along with detailed guides that offer helpful hints and methods for solving them, in our  Watson Glaser PrepPack .

The last part of the Watson-Glaser test deals with Arguments . When deciding on important matters, it's good to tell apart strong arguments from weak ones regarding the topic at hand. A strong argument must be significant and closely linked to the topic. An argument is considered weak if it doesn't closely connect to the topic (even if it's generally very important), if it's not that significant, or if it only connects to less important parts of the topic.

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions - Arguments

Decide whether each of the arguments is strong or weak:

Question # 11

Should the government privatize state-run institutions in favor of a market economy?

Proposed Argument:

Yes; a market economy allows a competitive market which leads to a reduction in prices.

• Strong Argument
• Weak Argument

The correct answer is: ‘Strong Argument’.

This argument states that the action (favoring market economy) has a positive effect on society (reduction in prices), and is therefore both related to the subject and is an important argument.

Question # 12

Should employers prefer not to employ a qualified candidate when the candidate’s age is over 50?

Proposed Argument :

No; candidates over 50 have plenty of experience and can contribute greatly to the workplace.

The correct answer is: ‘Strong Argument’

This argument is both relevant and important. If it is true, and you are required to assume it is, then it is a weighty argument for not preferring young candidates over candidates over 50.

Watson Glaser Test Tip : The last part of the Watson Glaser test deals with Arguments. When deciding on important matters, it's good to tell apart strong arguments from weak ones regarding the topic at hand. A strong argument must be significant and closely linked to the topic. An argument is considered weak if it doesn't closely connect to the topic (even if it's generally very important), if it's not that significant, or if it only connects to less important parts of the topic.

Watson Glaser PrepPack .

Now that you know about the various sections of the Watson Glaser test and have learned some problem-solving methods, it's time to start practicing. Reading detailed guides that explain specific strategies and cover all types of questions, followed by lots of practice for each part of the test within limited time periods, will greatly improve your skills and help you achieve a high score on the actual test.

To pass, you should aim for a score of 80%, which means getting at least 33 or 34 answers right. It's tough to get high scores without knowing different solving methods, useful tips, and practicing regularly. Starting from $39, our complete PrepPack is available for purchase and can significantly help you improve before the test.

Our Watson Glaser PrepPack offers detailed prep materials, including:

• A Watson Glaser Diagnostic Test to help you get used to the test and understand your level in each section. After taking it, you'll get a thorough breakdown of the parts you found hard, helping you know what skills to work on.
• 23 Extra Practice Tests that cover everything you'll see in the Watson Glaser Exam. These tests let you focus on and practice your weaker areas as identified by the Diagnostic Test.
• 2 Full-Length Watson Glaser Test Simulations to help you get the feel of the real test's timing, layout, and questions. They also help you see if you've improved after practicing.
• 5 Interactive Study Guides that explain the theories behind each test section and the best ways to answer questions.

Free Cognitive Practice Tests

• CCAT Practice Test
• Wonderlic Practice Test
• SHL Practice Test
• Cognitive Ability Practice Test
• Predictive Index Practice Test

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How to Prepare and Pass the Watson-Glaser Test

In the following article, we will explore one of the most challenging pre-employment tests in the UK and worldwide – the Watson Glaser test – which is most commonly used for recruitment in the legal sector.

Included are an overview of the test, its main challenges, and how to overcome them with effective practice methods. The article also features two brief introductory videos:

Video #1 – Structure, content, and practice tips

Video #2 – Step-by-step solutions to five Watson Glaser sample questions, to exemplify the rules and requirements of the test.

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is a pre-employment test used primarily in the law industry. Some of the major employers using the test are Linklaters, Clifford Chance, Hogan Lovells, and the Government Legal Service. The test assesses your critical thinking – namely, your ability to analyse and interpret verbal information, draw conclusions, evaluate arguments, etc.

The test contains 40 questions divided into 5 sections, each one assessing a different aspect of critical thinking:

• Recognition of Assumptions
• Interpretation
• Evaluation of Arguments

Visit the Complete Watson Glaser Test Guide for a full overview of the test sections and content, including sample questions and a free sample test.

The Watson Glaser Test Guide

Check out the following 3.5-minutes video for a complete overview of the Watson Glaser test:

What Are the Main Challenges of the Watson Glaser Test and How to Overcome Them?

The Watson Glaser test is indeed considered a difficult test, designed with very specific rules, and often requiring counterintuitive solving methods. And yet, with a good understanding of the three main challenges of the test and the ways to overcome them, you CAN improve your score and get the offers you want. Let’s see how:

Challenge #1 – A Single Trait Measured

The Watson Glaser test is aimed at assessing one thing only – your critical thinking. It does so in five different ways and being successful on all of them is the best guarantee to passing the test.

Overcoming Challenge #1 – Prepare for Test Sections as They Are

You have a test, so prepare for the test.

Learn how the Watson Glaser test questions look like, and practise that.

Once you have a grasp of the test, you can certainly construct your own practice plan using open sources. However, structured preparation plans such as JobTestPrep’s Watson Glaser Preparation Pack make it much easier, with practice material replicating the actual test’s rules and formatting.

Challenge #2 – A Unique Set of Rules

The Watson Glaser has its own set of rules, unparalleled by any other critical thinking test. For example:

• Generalisation equals existence
• “Probably True” and “Probably False” answer choices.

This makes the Watson Glaser test a unique, tailored testing experience, which requires a tailored preparation plan.

Overcoming Challenge #2 – Learn to Let Go

A major part of your preparation will be to uproot all your misconceptions about how to solve critical thinking questions and to learn how to ignore any irrelevant information. This may be the hardest part of you preparation. You will learn to go against what you believe to be true, just to get the question right. To beat your competitors, you must think like the test does and not like you do.

Want to see the test rules in action? Watch the following video , where we explain the logic behind five sample Watson Glaser questions, one of each category.

Challenge #3 – Intuition and Knowledge Will Fail You

The Watson Glaser test uses a collection of tactics to constantly elude, distract, and mislead you with near-correct answers. To avoid these pitfalls, you must understand the exact rules of the test and disregard anything else.

Up for the challenge? Try a 7-minutes free Watson Glaser sample test

Overcoming Challenge #3 – Develop Thinking Algorithms

One of the best ways to make sure you set your own beliefs and opinions aside is developing thinking algorithms – a methodical series of simple Q&As that lead you to the correct answer. For instance:

• Evaluation of Arguments– ITDN table
• Recognition of Assumptions – The Negative Test
• Inference – Common Inference vs. Common Knowledge

With some focused practice, thinking algorithms will replace your intuition and personal knowledge as your main critical thinking tool.

This article was written by Shlomik Silbiger, JobTestPrep’s expert on the Watson Glaser test. If you have any questions, contact  [email protected]

Free access to JobTestPrep for Oxford University students

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Free Watson Glaser Test Practice With Full Answers, Explanations and Tips [2024]

Last Updated: July 2024

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is a pre employment test designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking and reasoning skills. The test contains 40 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 30 minutes . The test includes five sections , which will be covered through this Free Watson Glaser Test.

On this page, you'll find a Free Watson Glaser Practice test with answers: 15 questions covering all the topics you'll face in your Watson Glaser test, including full solutions and our experts' tips.

-Or scroll down for more information about the Watson Glaser Test and Free Practice Tests-

Shlomik , Watson Glaser Test Expert at JobTestPrep Have a question? Contact me at:

Page Content

Did you know.

The Watson Glaser test is generally known as one of the more difficult assessment tests provided for candidates. To rank in the top 80% of the most desirable positions, like managers and lawyers, it is recommended to get a Watson Glaser test score of at least 33-34 . 

Go through the entirety of this Free Practice Test and Watson Glaser Test Tips to understand the required skills and difficulty level and find detailed solutions to help you excel. 

Free Watson Glaser Practice Tests

We will begin our Watson Glaser practice test  with the first Watson Glaser test section – Assessment of Inferences . In this section, each exercise begins with a statement of facts you are to regard as true. After each statement of facts, you will find several possible inferences - that is, conclusions that some people might draw from the stated facts. 

Note: You'll need to examine each inference separately and decide its degree of truth or falsity. 

Assessment of Inferences

Read the following text, and then choose whether each of the statements below is true or false to varying degrees according to the text:

Virtual employees, or employees who work from home via a computer, are an increasing trend. In the US, the number of virtual employees has increased by 39% in the last two years and 74% in the last five years. Employing virtual workers reduces costs and makes it possible to use talented workers no matter where they are located globally. Yet, running a workplace with virtual employees might entail miscommunication and less camaraderie and can be more time-consuming than face-to-face interaction.  

Question # 1

The marked advantage of virtual employee hiring is the ability to benefit from the output of unsociable employees without involving them in face-to-face interactions.

The correct answer is 'False'.

The words “marked advantage” insinuate that the ability to benefit from unsociable employees is the most significant advantage. However, that advantage is not even mentioned in the text. That means that the answer is either False or Probably False.

The text specifically mentions the benefits of face-to-face meetings on social interaction: “a workplace with virtual employees might entail miscommunication and less camaraderie and can be more time-consuming than face-to-face interaction”. The conclusion, however, refers to the problems it creates, which is negated by the general message of the passage.

Question # 2

Today, a majority of the employees in the US are virtual employees.

The correct answer is 'Probably False'.

The passage describes an increasing trend of virtual employment hiring. Yet, it is not specified how prevalent this trend has become compared to the entire workforce. There is no confirmation or contradiction of the statement; the first tendency may be to choose 'insufficient data'.

However, in this test section, you can use common sense to choose the right answer. By applying logic to the answer choices, you can surmise that many jobs cannot be done virtually and that despite the increasing popularity of this trend, it is unlikely that a majority of most US are virtual.

Question # 3

A new study proves that scores on cognitive ability tests, which include critical thinking tests, are strongly related to success in both civilian and military jobs and predict outcomes in all jobs. The added value of these tests, the authors conclude, is that they predict what an individual can do now and the extent to which an individual is likely to learn and develop. Nowadays, occupational psychologists use cognitive ability tests more often than in the past.

The correct answer is 'Insufficient Data'.

The passage presents information about a new possible utility for cognitive ability tests in the occupational consultancy area. Yet, we lack information about the extent of past and present use of these tests; hence, it is impossible to determine and even to assume whether the statement is correct or not. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Insufficient Data'.

💡 Tip: Understanding Inferences.  An inference is a conclusion drawn from observed or supposed facts. When assessing inferences, integrate commonly accepted knowledge wisely. Remember, while it's useful to consider general knowledge, your primary basis should always be the specific facts presented in each question. This approach helps you accurately determine the truthfulness of an inference without relying solely on external assumptions.

Many more Inference practice questions – in full simulations or as additional practice, with additional, comprehensive guides for tips and solving techniques, can be found in our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack.

The next section in the Watson Glaser test is Recognition of Assumptions . It consists of several statements followed by proposed assumptions. For each assumption, you must decide whether a person, while making the given statement, is making that assumption—taking it for granted, whether justifiably or not.

Note:  These assumptions do not need to align with reality or reason—you are not judging their common sense, but merely whether they are assumed.

Recognition of Assumptions

Question # 4.

"Increasing the number of employees in the department will increase its business performance."

Proposed Assumption:

It is possible to predict the impact of department size on business performance.

The correct answer is ‘Assumption Made’.

To see why the assumption is made, let’s use the Negative Test algorithm:

Step #1 – negate the assumption – “It is impossible to predict the impact of department size on business performance.”

Step #2 – check if the validity of the original statement changes. In our case, it does, since if there is no way to measure the effect of department size on business performance, any statement trying to predict such an effect is meaningless.

Step #3 – if the statement is not valid anymore, then the assumption was made.

Question # 5

"In the event of a warmer planet due to global warming, we will need to develop a drought-resistant grass species."

World climate is changing.

The correct answer is ‘Assumption Not Made’.

The actual assumption is that the future holds a possibility for climate change. It is not evident that it is already happening from the text. Remember, you should not make your decision based on whether you think the assumption is true but only based on whether or not the assumption was made.

Question # 6

"I am flying to China next week. I want to be sure to avoid website blocking due to internet censorship policies, so I better ask our IT team to install a satellite-based modem on my laptop."

By getting a satellite-based modem, I decrease the chances of experiencing website blocking.

The second sentence presents a possible problem I might encounter in China. The third sentence presents a technical solution. Under reasonable doubt, one can conclude that the third sentence offers a solution to the possible problem. Without the above assumption, we couldn't connect the second and the third sentence.

💡 Tip: Assumptions recognition.  An assumption is something presupposed or taken for granted. If you think the given assumption is taken for granted in the statement, mark the option Assumption Made. If you think the assumption is not necessarily taken for granted in the statement, mark the option Assumption Not Made. Remember to judge each assumption independently.

What is the Best Way to Study for the Watson Glaser Test?

Watson Glaser is generally considered one of the more difficult assessment tests. The first challenge is that the test focuses primarily on evaluating a single characteristic: critical thinking. This is accomplished using five different strategies and questions, and passing the test requires completing all five successfully. Another challenge of the WGCTA exam is that it employs tactics to deceive and mislead test-takers, undermining intuition and knowledge. 

The recommended score to pass with a high mark and land a job with major employers is 80% - which requires 33-34 minimum correct answers per full test . Achieving high scores is challenging without knowledge of all solving techniques and tips. Your best strategy ought to involve methodical practice.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to prepare for each section of the test, familiarise yourself with all the question types, fully understand the precise rules of each test section, and practice accordingly. Starting at £39 , you can purchase our Watson Glaser PrepPack , which guarantees substantial improvement before the test.

Pass Your Watson Glaser Assessment

Many more Assumptions practice questions – in full simulations or as additional practice, with additional, comprehensive guides for tips and solving techniques, can be found in our Watson Glaser Test Practice PrepPack .

With our Watson Glaser PrepPack, available for only £39 , you can guarantee a substantial improvement before the Watson Glaser test.

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• Watson Glaser Practice Test

Christelle. D

The next section in the Watson-Glaser test is Deduction . In this section, each exercise consists of several premises followed by several suggested conclusions. For this test, treat the premises in each exercise as unquestionably true.

Note: Read each conclusion. If you believe it necessarily follows from the premises, mark the option " Conclusion Follows. " If you think it is not a necessary conclusion from the premises, or if the conclusion does not align with the premises, mark the option " Conclusion Does Not Follow. "

Question # 7

Only technological companies are listed on the OTX stock market. No technological company remains unstable for a long period of time.

Proposed Conclusion:

If your company is listed on OTX, it will not be unstable for a long time.

The correct answer is ‘Conclusion Follows’.

We are going to solve these questions intuitively. However, it is strongly advised to use other, safer methods in the actual Watson Glaser test, such as Venn diagrams or Letter Coding. 

We know two facts:

• Only technological companies are listed on the OTX. This is equivalent to: All companies listed on the OTX are technological.
• No technological company remains unstable for a long period of time. This is equivalent to: All technological companies are not unstable for a long period of time.

Combining these two facts, it is easy to see that all companies on the OTX will not be unstable for a long period of time.

Question # 8

No millionaire who lives in a city has less than two cars. Nonetheless, some but not all the inhabitants of Ergfort city have two cars or more.

A place where none of the inhabitants has two cars or more has no millionaires.

The correct answer is: ‘Conclusion Does Not Follow’.

Millionaire = A, lives in a city = B, has less than two cars = C, any living place = D. According to the premises, (no A + B -> C), which equals (A + B -> ~C), and (B Ergfort + ~C) *some but not all . The conclusion states (D + C) -> ~A. B is a subgroup of D (a city is a kind of place). Rules that apply to B do not necessarily apply to D. This is a generalization. At first, it may be tempting to think that if no one in D has two cars or more, then there are no

millionaires there. However, the first premise only discussed millionaires in cities. You know nothing about millionaires in general. Therefore, the conclusion does not follow.

Question # 9

There are 20 employees in our office; each drinks between 0 to 4 cups of coffee a day. This costs the company $100 per week (5 working days).

Some employees drink 15 cups of coffee a week.

The correct answer is: ‘Conclusion Does Not Follow’

According to the premises, (20 employees)*. When a range is given as data, both limits must appear at least once (both must exist). So: 0 ≤ coffee cups ≤ 4; (employee + 0 cups)*; (employee + 4 cups)*. The conclusion states ~*(5 cups a day) The conclusion would follow if you knew every possibility in the range exists (that is, that at least one employee drinks 0 cups a day, at least one employee drinks 1 cup a day, and at least one employee drinks 2 cups a day, etc.), in which case the employees who drink 3 cups of coffee a day would drink 15 cups a week. But you don’t know that. All you know is that the limits of the range exist.

💡 Tip: Deduction evaluation.  While deciding, you should rely only on the premises, even though you may believe some conclusions may or may not be true according to your general knowledge. Try not to let your prejudices influence your judgment - stick to the premises and judge each conclusion as to whether it necessarily follows from the premises or not.

You can find many more Deduction practice questions—both in full simulations and as additional practice, along with comprehensive guides for tips and techniques—in our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack .  

The next section in the Watson Glaser test is Interpretation . Assume all information in the paragraph is true. Your task is to assess whether each proposed conclusion logically follows beyond a reasonable doubt. If you believe it does, mark " Conclusion Follows. " If not, mark " Conclusion Does Not Follow. "  

Interpretation

Question # 10.

I have a nine-month-old baby at home, and she usually agrees to be put to bed, where she falls asleep promptly. But every time her grandparents visit in the evening, she cries when I put her to bed, and she continues to cry for an hour.

My baby’s difficulty is mostly physiological—her grandparents give her chocolates to eat, and the sugar makes her hyperactive.

The conclusion proposes a reason that is neither given explicitly in the text nor probable beyond a reasonable doubt. It provides an explanation that stems from our own personal perceptions.

Question # 11

Ten years ago, not a single Australian city was in the top 50 most expensive cities in the world. Today, three are in the top 15. You can feel it just by looking at the small stuff. A single lime, for example, costs $1.50, 300% more than it cost ten years ago.

A single lime in Australia cost $0.50 ten years ago.

The logic behind this answer is mathematical: a 300% increase is, in fact, equal to an increase by a factor of four. If a lime costs $1.50 today, which is an increase of 300% in price compared to ten years ago, then ten years ago, it was worth $0.375. Previous price X 4 = 1.5, so 1.5 ÷ 4 = previous price = 0.375. When something increases by 100%, it is actually multiplied by 2, so you need to divide the current cost by 4 and not 3. When something increases by 200%, it is multiplied by 3. So, when something increases by 300%, it is multiplied by 4.

Question # 12

Studies conducted over the last 60 years show that adult obesity and the direct medical cost thereof have increased steadily worldwide. The last decade has had the highest rates of both these trends.

Humankind, as a whole, has not advanced much in the ability to maintain optimal body weight.

Even though obesity rates have increased worldwide, we cannot conclude anything regarding advancement. Advancements usually refer to fields of technology and medicine. It is possible that there have been advancements in those fields, but obesity has increased because of poor nutrition and a decrease in active lifestyles. Therefore, the conclusion does not follow.

💡 Tip: Interpretation.  While the Interpretation section shares a similar format with the Deduction section, it demands rigorous application of logic. It's essential to follow the information provided closely and ensure your conclusions are well-supported by evidence, while considering all possibilities within a reasonable doubt. For the conclusion to follow "beyond a reasonable doubt," it should be the most logical and direct inference that can be drawn without speculation or additional assumptions.

The final section in the Watson Glaser test is Evaluation of Arguments . In making decisions about important questions, it is desirable to be able to distinguish between arguments that are strong and arguments that are weak, as far as the question at issue is concerned.

Note: For an argument to be strong, it must be both important and directly related to the question. An argument is weak if it is not directly related to the key points of the question (even though it may be of great general importance), if it is of minor importance, or if it is related only to trivial aspects of the question.

Evaluation of Arguments

Decide the correct answer on whether each of the arguments is strong or weak:

Question # 13

Should a company grant employees free time to spend in any manner they choose?

Proposed Argument:

No—employees are likely to use their free time to clean their homes, run errands, and meet with friends, and thus bring no benefit to the company whatsoever.

The correct answer is: ‘Strong Argument’.

This argument is both relevant to the topic and important.

• It is important, as it refers to the benefit the company might (or might not) get from this policy.
• It is relevant, as it addresses the issue itself – the free time given to employees and its consequences.

Note that the trivial details provided ("...clean their homes, run errands, and meet with friends...") are a distractor intended to make the issue seem trivial – however, they do not change the relevance or importance of the given argument. 

Question # 14

When grading tests, should teachers consider that some of their students have native-born parents and other students have immigrant parents?

Proposed Argument :

No. Although some teachers may be sympathetic to students from immigrant families with financial difficulties, their grading should reflect the students’ work and abilities, regardless of ethnic or financial background.

The correct answer is: ‘Strong Argument’

Whether you agree with this argument or not, you must consider it true. As such, it is strong. It both relates to the question directly and raises an important claim that grades should reflect someone’s merits and not take into account factors such as ethnicity or socioeconomic background.

Question # 15

Should the government use software solutions designed to track online behaviors on social networks in order to prevent threats to national security?

Yes—national security is of high enough importance to justify the violation of civil liberties and freedom of thought.

Here you have a reference to the ethical problems involved in data mining in which, unlike in the first question in this set, the ethical aspect is presented in relation to the main question - preventing national security threats. In other words, this argument is related to the question, and the consequence it described is important. For this reason, it is a strong argument.

💡 Tip: Arguments Evaluation. This final section assesses your ability to make decisions regarding importance and relevancy while applying logic. Focus on relevant information and prioritize data that directly influences the logic and outcome of the scenario. Avoid the trap of considering all information as equally important; instead, critically evaluate each piece of data based on how significantly it influences the outcome or conclusion of the scenario.

 Need more practice? Take a quick 15 questions Watson Glaser free test.

Impressed with the sample unlock full simulations, comprehensive guides and exclusive resources with our watson glaser test preppack..

Now that you know the different Watson Glaser psychometric test sections and you recognise different solving techniques for critical thinking test questions, waste no more time and begin your practice.

For different law firm pre-employment tests, check out our page on the Suited Assessment  or visit our tailored preparation for Clifford Chance , Linklaters or other critical thinking test . 

The Most Trusted Watson Glaser Test Preparation

Our Watson Glaser PrepPack includes comprehensive preparation materials, including:

• A Watson Glaser Diagnostic Test  that will let you get an initial familiarity with the test and know where you stand in each section.  Afterwards,  you will receive a detailed analysis of the sections you struggled with, enabling you to focus on the key skills you need to improve. 
• 23 Additional Practice Tests  covering all the topics and sections you'll face in the Watson Glaser Exam. You'll be able you use these practice tests to thoroughly practice the issues you are weaker on, as revealed in the Diagnostic Test.
• 2 Full-Length Watson Glaser Test Simulations  will allow you to practice the actual test's time constraints, formatting, and content and determine whether you have improved from the Diagnostic Test after practising. 
• 5 Interactive Study Guides   that will give you a professional grasp of the theory behind each test section and the best ways to solve questions. 

Watson Glaser FAQs

What is the watson glaser critical thinking test.

Answer:  The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a pre-employment critical thinking test widely used by law firms, government legal services, and other employers in their recruitment process.

This test measures your critical thinking ability through several sections, including drawing conclusions, evaluation of arguments, and assumption recognition. The test is typically in a multiple-choice format, challenging test takers to use a creative and logical manner to navigate tricky questions and insufficient data.

How is the Watson Glaser Test scored?

Answer:  Your Watson Glaser test score is calculated based on your performance in various test sections, each assessing different aspects of critical thinking.

Scores are often compared against a norm group of previous test takers to gauge your relative performance, and it is known that the larger the number of applicants, the higher the score requirements become.

A typical score on the Watson Glaser Test is around 55%. This score fluctuates based on the version of the test, difficulty, and the test takers' demographics.

Our PrepPack also explains how to interpret your results in each section and how they might impact your chances in the selection process for competitive training contracts.

Is the Watson Glaser an IQ Test?

Answer:    The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is not an IQ test . Instead, it measures a candidate's critical thinking ability, a crucial skill directly related to making considered conclusions and counterintuitive solving methods.

Unlike general knowledge or IQ tests, the Watson Glaser critical thinking appraisal focuses on your ability to logically evaluate arguments, recognize assumptions, and make decisions based on information from given statements. 

The test is an important part of challenging selection processes, especially in the legal sector, where critical thinking is essential. 

How can I prepare for the Watson Glaser Test?

Answer:  Because of the challenging nature of the assessment, preparation for the Watson Glaser Test involves utilizing Watson Glaser practice tests to enhance your critical thinking skills. 

Resources like our practice tests, sample questions, and critical thinking test tips will surely help you familiarise yourself with the test format and types of questions. 

Check out our tailored resources that provide practice in critical reasoning tests and help you understand how to tackle tricky assumptions, solid argument formulation, and time constraints effectively.

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Sep 14, 2023

Written By Helena Kudiabor

Decoding the Watson Glaser Test: Complete Guide & Online Practice Test

Just like application questions, interviews and assessment days, the Watson Glaser test is another part of the legal recruitment process. It’s a test that aims to assess your ability to think critically and analyse information, crucial parts of being a successful lawyer. But, what sort of questions does the Watson Glaser include? How can I develop my critical thinking skills? What happens if I fail the test? This article will answer all of these questions and more.

What is the Watson Glaser Test?

Founded in 1925 by American psychologists Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test is now a key part of the legal recruitment process. Most of the UK’s top law firms require candidates to take the test either after answering application questions or as part of an assessment centre. Examples of firms who require the test include: all the Magic Circle firms, Bird & Bird, CMS, DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells and RPC. 

The test itself is taken on a computer, and is made up of either 40 or 80 questions. Candidates are given 30 minutes to answer a 40 question test, and 60 minutes to answer 80 questions. The questions themselves are divided into five sections: inferences, assumptions, deductions, interpretations and evaluating arguments. These are all skills you’ll need to be a successful lawyer. 

How the Watson Glaser is used depends on the firm. Some firms set a pass mark (typically around 75%) and only shortlist candidates who achieve this score or higher. Other firms consider a candidate’s performance alongside the rest of the cohort. So, they shortlist candidates who were in the 50th or 75th percentile. Some firms consider candidates’ scores alongside the rest of your application, so if you don’t do well in the test you could still be shortlisted if you have a stellar CV. However, law firms rarely disclose how they use the test, so it’s best to aim for as high a score as possible. As a general benchmark, we would suggest 75% (30/40). 

Try our FREE Watson Glaser Practice Test

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Importance of the Watson Glaser Test in the Legal Industry

The Watson Glaser is so widely used because it assesses critical thinking skills, skills that are a core part of life as a lawyer. Critical thinking is the analysis of facts and information to come to a logical conclusion. Lawyers have to use critical thinking in a variety of ways: reading long precedents and applying the theories to current cases, reading the facts of the case and coming up with a way to resolve the issue, reading the opposing team’s case and coming up with rebuttal arguments. Thus, while your critical thinking skills will improve with age and experience, it makes sense that law firms are looking for people with some grasp of critical thinking.

Overview of the Test Sections

As discussed, the test is broadly divided into the following five sections:

Assumptions

An assumption is something that you accept as the truth, disregarding any evidence. For example, if you go to the supermarket you assume that it will have what you need, without any evidence that it will. With this question, you’ll read a passage and corresponding statements. You’ll need to identify whether an assumption has or has not been made. 

The biggest tip for this section is not to rely on your own knowledge, but only on the facts in the passage

An inference is a conclusion based on the facts you are given. However, these facts will not be spelt out explicitly, so you’ll need to read between the lines.

In this section, you’ll have a passage of text and a selection of inferences based on the text. Then, you’ll need to decide whether each inference is definitely true (100% sure it’s true), probably true (likely but can’t say for certain), insufficient data (can’t say because the specific information isn’t mentioned in the text), probably false (unlikely the inference is correct, but it could be) and definitely false (100% sure it’s false)

Deductions are logically conclusions to a series of statements. For this section, there will be a passage and several conclusions based on the passage. You’ll need to decide whether each conclusion logically follows or does not logically follow the passage. 

To maximise your score, you should remember that the information given does not need to be factually correct. For example, if one of the deductions says that there are 500 countries in the world, it doesn’t matter whether this is true or not, it just matters where this logically follows from the passage.

Interpretations  

Interpretations are very similar to deductions, except the passage tends to be slightly longer. You’ll receive a passage and some conclusions. You’ll need to decide whether the conclusions do or do not logically follow the passage. Answering these questions requires the same sort of strategy as deductions. 

Evaluation of Arguments

Test takers receive a passage, and some related arguments. Based on the passage, you’ll decide whether each argument is strong or weak.

To help you answer these questions, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what constitutes a strong vs a weak argument. A strong argument is backed up by evidence (typically statistics) and is relevant to the text. Weak arguments lack concrete evidence or contradict the text.

Preparing for the Watson Glaser Test

One of the easiest ways to do well on the Watson Glaser is to start preparing early. This allows you to have enough time to familiarise yourself with the content of the test, do some practice tests (timed and untimed) and go over any questions or sections you struggle with. Starting early (whether it’s weeks or months beforehand) also allows you to balance your preparation time with any other responsibilities you may have. Resources you can use include: our dedicated selection and assessment resources , YouTube videos from people who have taken the test before and online practice tests (more on that later). You can even practise analysing newspaper articles and debates to develop your critical thinking skills.

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Benefits of Practice and Familiarisation

Still need a bit more motivation? Here are some of the benefits of regular practice.

Firstly, understanding the test’s format and completing practice tests means you’ll be prepared when it comes to the real test, so you won’t be confronted with a test format you’ve never seen before. This makes for a less stressful test experience.

Timed practice tests are also a really excellent tool. As discussed, the Watson Glaser requires test takers to complete 40 questions in 30 minutes, leaving you with less than a minute to answer each question. You also need to find time to check over your answers at the end. Thus, completing timed practice tests is a great way to get used to the time constraints so you can avoid running out of time for the real thing. 

Challenges and Pitfalls

During your preparation, and on test day itself, here are some things to avoid:

Don’t answer questions based on outside knowledge. Focus only on the information provided to you in the text, regardless of whether you think it’s factually accurate.

Avoid spending too much time on one question. With such a stringent time limit, if you’re struggling to answer a question, move on to the next one. You can always come back later and make an educated guess. 

Try not to gloss over your mistakes. Instead of just saying you ran out of time or made a silly mistake, try to think about why you ran out of time or why you made a silly mistake. Make a note of what you can do to avoid making similar mistakes again.

Easier said than done, but try not to panic too much about the test. While the test is challenging, not doing as well as you hoped isn’t the end of the world. As long as you take the time to understand where you went wrong and utilise different coping mechanisms (creative hobbies, affirmations, meditation) you will go far. There are so many excellent firms who don’t require the Watson Glaser. 

Try our Practice Watson Glaser Test!

Are you applying for a training contract or vacation scheme and need to complete a Watson Glaser test as part of the application process? If so, it’s important to make sure you know what to expect. Try our practice Watson Glaser-style test now to make sure you’re fully prepared.

You can complete a practice test, working through example questions from each section of the Watson Glaser test. We’ll help you to familiarise yourself with the format, and learn what to expect from each question format. You can then find out how you did in comparison to other members of the AllAboutLaw community.

Try the practice test now !

Selection & Assessment

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Enhance your Watson Glaser test preparation with our free Watson Glaser practice test with answers. Track your Watson Glaser test performance and boost your score. Plus, you can try JobTestPrep’s free Watson Glaser Test for extra practice.

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Take our Watson Glaser practice test to support your studies. You can access the free Watson Glaser practice test for free and sharpen your skills to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam.

Why Try A Watson Glaser Practice Test?

Trying a Watson Glaser free practice test enables you to familiarise yourself with the format and content of the exam, giving you an idea of what to expect when you sit it for real. You will get an understanding of the types of questions asked in the exam, while developing tactics that you can use to answer specific questions.

You can practice Watson Glaser critical thinking test questions under timed conditions to ensure that you give your responses within the allotted time. You can identify points of strength and where improvement is needed, and adjust your study focus accordingly.

Take practice tests as many times as you need, to improve your score and ensure that you are fully ready for the Watson Glaser exam.

Continuously taking Watson Glaser practice tests will improve your ability to draw inferences from facts, recognise assumptions, deduce whether conclusions are supported by facts or not, interpret evidence and evaluate arguments, equipping you to pass the exam.

This increases your employability potential among major employers, such as the Government Legal Service, Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Hogan Lovells among others, who use the Watson Glaser test to pre-screen candidates.

How To Use The Free Online Watson Glaser Practice Test

The free, online Watson Glaser practice exam features 18 questions designed to test your decision-making, critical thinking and judgement forming skills. Your ability to assess strong and weak arguments and recognise whether a conclusion follows the facts or not will also be tested.

The test is structured in a way that replicates the conditions of a real Watson Glaser exam, with questions that could feature in your actual test. You will be presented with a series of questions, each of which you must answer to move on to the next question.

Your responses are timed and recorded. Once you have completed the Watson Glaser practice test you will be presented with a performance score, the time it took you to complete the exam, and how your results compare with others who have taken the practice test.

Any questions that you answer incorrectly you can review and see explanations behind the correct answer.

If you leave the Watson Glaser practice test at any point, it will restart where you left off the next time that you log in.

Use of the Watson Glaser practice exam is unlimited. You can take the practice test as many times as you need, and monitor the improvement in your score.

Why Sign-Up For The Free Watson Glaser Practice Test?

• Realistic simulation – practice answering Watson Glaser test questions under real exam conditions and devise tactics for submitting your answers in ample time.
• See answers – Get the answers to Watson Glaser questions complete with explanations to identify your areas of strength and improvement.
• Monitor performance – Access score records to see your development.
• Compare your results – Track how your Watson Glaser practice test results compare with other test takers with our average test score comparison feature.
• It’s 100% free – Our Watson Glaser test practice is completely free to use.

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Job Test Prep’s Free Watson Glaser Test

Job Test Prep’s free Watson Glaser test samples include 2 full-length exams, 23 additional practice drills and 8 PDF study guides. The 2 full-length tests enable you to familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam, understand the content and test yourself under time constraints.

The 23 additional practice drills give you the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of topics that you are weaker in. And the 8 study guides equip you to understand the theory behind each test section and the best ways to answer the questions.

Job Test Prep has been providing preparation resources for the Watson Glaser exam in 2014 and is currently the official preparation provider for Oxford and Cambridge.

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Psychometric Tests: A Guide

Aside from application forms, cover letters and interviews, an additional part of the training contract application process involves psychometric tests. 

Many law firms now use these tests as a shortlisting tool, whether at the opening stages of recruitment or further on at an assessment centre. Wherever they’re set, it’s important that you know what each test entails, so we’ve detailed below the five main types of psychometric tests used by law firms and also included a table which lists the tests various firms use.

Critical Thinking Tests The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is the most common critical reasoning test and is designed to test an individual’s critical thinking ability. It is used by recruiters – especially those in the legal industry – as a way of assessing whether an applicant has sufficient capabilities in recognising assumptions, evaluating arguments and drawing conclusions, all of which we’re sure you’ll agree are important when practising law. The 30-minute, 40-question test is divided into five sections which assess your skills in inference, interpretation, deduction, recognition of assumptions and evaluation of arguments. What does all this mean in practice? Let’s break it down…

Inference The inference section of the test is all about assessing your ability to draw conclusions from observed or presented facts. You will be presented with information which you should consider as true and below will be a statement that is inferred from the text. Your job will be to decide whether the inferred statement is true, probably true, neither true nor false (meaning there is insufficient data), false, or probably false. Easy peasy, right?

Interpretation This section measures your ability to carefully evaluate information. You’ll be given a short passage to read and then a suggested interpretation. You’ll have to judge whether the interpretation (or conclusion) follows or does not follow beyond reasonable doubt.

Deduction The section on deduction tests your ability to judge whether conclusions are justified. You’ll be presented with a short passage following which will be conclusive statements that have been deduced from the text. Your task is to decide whether the conclusion follows or does not follow based on the information from the original passage.

Recognition of assumptions In the assumptions section of the test you’ll be asked to determine whether an assumption has been made in a given statement. You will be presented with an opening statement followed by a list of assumptions based on the opening statement. You’ll then need to state whether the assumptive statements are indeed assumptive or not, has an assumption been made or not? An example question from Pearson’s Watson – Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal test  is below.

Evaluation of arguments Your main task in this section is to evaluate the strength of an argument. After reading a statement and corresponding arguments, you’ll have to decide whether the argument(s) is strong or weak. Strong arguments are both relevant and important to the topic being discussed.

Situational Judgement Tests Situational judgement tests are used to assess an applicant’s values and how well they align with those of the firm. The test comprises of a set of hypothetical workplace scenarios and asks the applicant how they’d respond to the given situation, either from a selection of answers or using a likert scale. The test gives recruiters an indication of an applicant’s behavioural and cognitive abilities and hints at their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Because firms tailor their tests to their organisation, no two assessments will be the same. There’s no set way to pass a situational judgement test but our advice would be to answer truthfully whilst also keeping in mind the firm’s values and character – how would they expect their trainees to behave in a workplace setting?

Verbal Reasoning Tests Remember the reading comprehension tests you used to do at school? Well, verbal reasoning tests are very similar. They’re used by employers to suss out an individual’s communication capabilities – how well can they comprehend complex passages and deduce information? Effective communication is important in any workplace, perhaps even more so in law, which is why many firms ask job applicants to complete the verbal reasoning test. The test typically has between 20 and 30 questions which have to be answered within 30 minutes, and will measure an individual’s ability to identify logic through analysis, interpretation and evaluation. How will it work? You’ll be presented with a passage to read and then have to decide whether a subsequent statement is: a) True, meaning that the statement can be definitively assumed from the information given to you. b) False, the statement does not logically follow the text that has been given. c) Cannot say, there is no enough information given to you for you to be able to conclude that it is true or false.

With verbal reasoning tests it’s important to answer the questions based on the information presented to you, after all, the tests are assessing your ability to comprehend, analyse and deduce information, NOT how much you know about the topic being discussed.

Numerical Reasoning Tests If you’re already fretting at the thought of having to sit a numerical test, you needn’t do so – trust us! The test isn’t full of quadratic equations and probability questions, but rather, presents numerical data for you to interpret and evaluate. You’ll be given graphs, tables and financial reports to analyse, percentage and ratio problems to solve, and perhaps even a question on currency conversion. Recruiters are looking to see how well you can interpret numerical data and draw conclusions from it, as well as if you’re able to identify critical issues from the information. Bonus – you’ll be able to use a calculator when completing the test so you don’t have to worry if your long division skills aren’t up to scratch!

Inductive Reasoning Tests Inductive reasoning tests are designed to measure an individual’s ability to identify and interpret patterns. They’re similar to abstract reasoning tests in that they both present candidates with a word, number or image sequence to be analysed. Test-takers are asked to consider what is the rule of the sequence and how should the sequence evolve? Your overall test score will reveal how well you can apply logical reasoning and find solutions when presented with new and unfamiliar data. Recruiters use the test as an indicator of an individual’s problem-solving ability, analytic skills and mental flexibility.

Firms and which tests they use as part of their training contract application process* *Only firms that have specified which test(s) they use are listed in this table. There are additional firms that use psychometric tests as part of their application process but as their website does not specify which, they have not been included in the table.

• AON Hewitt G.A.T.E.
• PI Cognitive Assessment (PLI Test)
• Korn Ferry Leadership Assessment
• Berke Assessment
• Ergometrics
• Thomas International
• Predictive Index (PI)
• NEO Personality Inventory
• Leadership Assessment
• Gallup’s CliftonStrengths
• Sales Personality Tests
• Personality Management Tests
• Saville Wave
• McQuaig Word Survey
• Bell Personality Test
• Myers Briggs Personality Test
• DISC Personality Test
• Management SJT
• Supervisory SJT
• Administrative SJT
• Call Center SJT
• Customer Service SJT
• Firefighter SJT
• Numerical Reasoning Tests
• Verbal Reasoning Tests
• Logical Reasoning Tests
• Cognitive Ability Tests
• Technical Aptitude Tests
• Spatial Reasoning Tests
• Abstract Reasoning Test
• Deductive Reasoning Tests
• Inductive Reasoning Tests
• Mechanical Reasoning Tests
• Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests
• Fault Finding Aptitude Tests
• Mathematical Reasoning Tests
• Critical Thinking Tests
• Analytical Reasoning Tests
• Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test
• Criteria’s CCAT
• Matrigma Test
• Air Traffic Controller Test
• Administrative Assistant Exam
• Clerical Ability Exam
• School Secretary Tests
• State Trooper Exam
• Probation Officer Exam
• FBI Entrance Exam
• Office Assistant Exam
• Clerk Typist Test
• Police Records Clerk Exam
• Canada’s Public Service Exams
• Firefighter Exams
• Police Exams
• Army Aptitude Tests
• USPS Postal Exams
• Hiring Process by Professions
• Recruiting Companies

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CMS Assessment Center, Aptitude Tests, Hiring Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

What Is CMS?

CMS is an international law firm headquartered in Germany that provides companies and organizations with legal and tax advisory services. Established in 1999, the firm has over 5,000 lawyers and more than 1,200 partners worldwide. CMS has a presence in over 43 countries and has 78 offices.

The firm focuses on changing the way clients receive legal solutions. They strive to see problems from their client’s perspectives to be more approachable and accessible. Innovation and communication are critical to the company. The firm also values inclusion and diversity and encourages employees to be themselves in the workplace.

Working at CMS

CMS has employment opportunities for people in all stages of their careers, including experienced lawyers, business services, and early talent opportunities. Because the firm wants to create a welcoming workplace environment, they offer several benefits to their employees that reward them today and help them plan for tomorrow, including:

• Bonus schemes
• Emergency childcare
• Payroll giving options
• Loyalty awards
• Subsidized gym membership
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance

What Is the Recruitment Process at CMS?

Application.

Job seekers interested in joining the CMS firm must fill out an online application stating their qualifications and expressing their interest in the role. You must complete several sections on this application form, including educational history, work experience, and contact information.

There will also be questions about your motivation behind applying for CMS, your commercial awareness, and some competency-based questions to ensure you are qualified for the position.

Each question has a word limit, so be concise and straightforward in your responses.

Critical Thinking Test

If your application passes the initial screening, you will be invited to complete a critical thinking test. This will assess your ability to solve problems clearly and rationally. This test will be timed, and you will answer about 40 multiple-choice questions that cover the following five topic areas:

• Recognizing assumptions
• Evaluating arguments
• Problem-solving

Throughout the test, you will receive passages and statements you must read and analyze to answer questions. For example, you may receive a passage followed by a list of statements, and you must select which statement best describes the conclusion of the passage. The most common test in this category is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) .

Video Interview

Candidates that do well on the critical thinking exam will be invited to complete a video interview. This will consist of a few pre-selected questions that you must record responses to for the hiring team. These will include a combination of competency-based and motivation-based questions.

This interview aims to understand more about you, your qualifications, and why you want to work for CMS. The entire process should take about 15 minutes, and you will likely have a chance to answer a practice question at the beginning of the process to get used to the video system.

Be sure to take the interview in a quiet environment and to have your CV close by in case you need to reference it. This is the hiring team’s first impression of your personality, so be yourself and act confidently.

CMS’ Assessment Day

The final stage of the recruitment process is the assessment day . This day-long event brings you onsite with other candidates to complete various exercises and an in-person interview.

• Group Exercise – One exercise you should expect to take part in is the group exercise. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial to the firm’s success, so they want to assess all candidates’ communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. During the exercise, you will be put in a team with other candidates and asked to review some information that contains some sort of problem or case that must be addressed. You will then need to discuss the possible solutions with your team. It is essential to voice your opinion and show the hiring team that you can make worthwhile contributions to the group. However, you want to ensure that you are also giving others a chance to speak and contribute.
• Case Study Exercise – In addition to the group exercise, you will also complete an individual case study exercise. The assessor will present you with a business-related scenario and ask you to analyze the information to develop a logical solution. You must be able to defend your position by answering questions and explaining the rationale behind your argument. During this exercise, the team will assess skills such as logical thinking, analysis, and critical thinking. They will also look at how well you form an argument and communicate your position in an understandable and accessible way.
• Communication
• Commercial Awareness
• Forward-Thinking
• Relationship Building
• Personal Effectiveness

Try to ground your answers in concrete examples. These can be from your schooling experience, past work history, or skills and interests. When possible, form your responses according to the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly state your example in a way the interviewer can easily follow. It is also essential to use this time to ask any questions you may have about the role or the firm itself. Remember, you also want to ensure this role fits your goals and lifestyle well.

How to Prepare for CMS’ Assessment?

The CMS recruitment process is designed to identify the best possible candidates for the position. Therefore, you must do well on all assessments to succeed in the hiring process. The best way to prepare for these is to use online resources such as practice exams.

Practice tests will provide sample questions similar to what you may see on the critical thinking test , for example, and will give solutions for how to best approach these questions on the actual exam. Working through these sample questions is also a great way to rehearse your timing and gain confidence in your ability to do well on the exam.

Candidates who use these resources during their preparation are much more likely to do well on the exam and proceed in the hiring process.

Related Links:

• Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)
• Job Personality Tests
• Aptitude Tests
• Civil Service Exams
• Police Officer Exams
• Firefighters Exams
• Assessment Companies
• Assessment Centers Guide – 2024
• Hiring Companies – Find an Employer

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On our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship programme, you will be enrolled onto a law degree in Legal Practice and Skills (LLB) at the University of Law at a location appropriate to your apprenticeship.

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On the Graduate Apprenticeship programme, lasting a minimum of 36 months, you will complete your SQE at the University of Law.

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A fair future

Discover how we’re working to make sure that CMS is a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Virtual webinars, skills sessions, and other events give us a chance to meet you and share information about careers at CMS. All of which have the potential to shape your future.

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