Verbal Reasoning Tests

Verbal reasoning tests look at how well you can read, interpret and relay information. The tests are always timed, as showcasing these skills under pressure is important when it comes to getting your dream job in the armed forces.

Although the verbal reasoning test isn’t easy, candidates will be relieved to hear that no prior knowledge is needed to answer the questions - everything you need to know is in the text. But learning how to extract key information and answer the questions correctly is a skill that takes practice.

There are lots of different tests out there, but most verbal reasoning tests require you to answer multiple choice questions on a passage of text. And the good news is you don’t need any prior knowledge of the subject you’ll be reading about on the test - so that’s one less thing to think about!

As well as just marking an option ‘true’ or ‘false’, you’ll also have the option to record your answers as ‘cannot say.’ These three choices will help employers see how good you are at distinguishing between fact and fiction.

Verbal reasoning tests look at how adept you are at quickly and logically interpreting information in front of you. The art of being able to extract what’s important, what’s fact and what’s just been alluded to is an art that will serve you well in many different areas of the armed forces. And as the test is timed, employers will also be looking at how well you cope under pressure - another skill that you’ll need in the workplace.

Verbal reasoning tests typically include questions that assess a candidate's ability to understand and analyze written information. The questions are usually multiple-choice, and they may ask the candidate to identify synonyms or antonyms of certain words, complete sentences with the correct word or phrase, or choose the correct conclusion based on a passage of text.

Verbal reasoning tests may also ask candidates to identify the main idea or theme of a passage, infer meaning from context, or identify errors in grammar or usage. These tests are often used to evaluate a candidate's communication skills, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking abilities, which are essential for success in many different types of jobs.

Overall, verbal reasoning tests are a valuable tool for military organizations to evaluate a candidate's cognitive abilities, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and potential for success in a military role. By using verbal reasoning tests as a part of their recruitment process, military organizations can identify candidates who are likely to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, and capable of adapting to the unique demands of military life.

Here are five tips to help you prepare and pass your verbal reasoning test:

Understand the format and content of the test

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the format of the VRT and the types of questions you'll be asked. Look for practice tests online or from the company that is administering the test. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and improve your performance on the actual test.

Build your vocabulary

Verbal reasoning tests often require a strong command of the English language. Building your vocabulary can help you understand the text better and answer questions more accurately. You can use vocabulary-building resources such as flashcards, books, or online tools.

Practice reading and comprehension

VRTs require a strong ability to read and understand written material quickly and accurately. Practice reading articles or books and try to summarize the key points. This will help you improve your reading speed and comprehension.

Focus on accuracy

In verbal reasoning tests, it's important to answer questions accurately rather than quickly. Take the time to read the text carefully and understand the questions before answering. Be sure to read all answer options before choosing the best one.

Time management

VRTs are often timed, so it's important to practice time management and work efficiently through the questions. If you encounter a difficult question, don't spend too much time on it. Instead, move on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time. By practicing time management, you can ensure that you complete the test within the allotted time.