How to Win at Aptitude Tests Vol II. Iain Maitland
and deal with verbal concepts and ideas. At a general level, you will most often be asked to find a missing word and identify the odd word out from amongst several, which may indicate how intelligent you are. More specific tests of verbal ability can be set too. Spelling questions may be incorporated if you have to draft or write memos, letters or reports as part of the job. Word meanings evaluate the range and depth of your vocabulary – helpful if the job entails spotting errors in notices, mailshots and the like. Verbal checking assesses your speed and accuracy at cross-referencing, which is useful if you have to check lists, minutes and so on in the job.
Here are some example questions and answers.
Example: Finding a Missing Word
You have to find a word which can be placed between the words shown to produce two new words.
Question: Foot______Point
Answer: Ball (Football … Ballpoint)
Example: Identifying the Odd Word Out
Circle the odd one out amongst the following six words.
Question: Apple Lemon Peach Grape Raspberry Orange
Answer: Peach (It is the only one with a stone.)
Example: Spelling
Underline the correct spelling of the following word.
Question:
Permanent Permenent Permenant Permanant Permannent
Answer: Permanent
Example: Word Meanings
Which of the five words on the right means (almost) the same as the one on the left.
Question: Maim – Scare Injure Kill Destroy Frighten
Answer: Injure
Example: Verbal Checking
Circle any differences in these lists.
Question:
| 1. A. J. Bannen | 1. A. J. Bannen |
| 2. M. P. Hardcastle | 2. M. P. Hardcastle |
| 3. P. P. Kingsmere | 3. P. P. Kingmere |
| 4. F. L. Marvin | 4. F. L. Marven |
| 5. T. R. Quincy | 5. T. P. Quincy |
Answer:
| 1. A. J. Bannen | 1. A. J. Bannen |
| 2. M. P. Hardcastle | 2. M. P. Hardcastle |
| 3. P. P. Kingsmere | 3. P. P. Kingmere |
| 4. F. L. Marvin | 4. F. L. Marven |
| 5. T. R. Quincy | 5. T. P. Quincy |
Non-verbal Ability Questions
These questions are based upon symbols and are used to evaluate your ability to process and differentiate between relevant and irrelevant data, and to think in an abstract manner. Typically, you will have to match symbols, spot the odd symbol out and continue a series of symbols in a logical way. Often, non-verbal ability questions vary quite considerably in their degree of complexity and difficulty, as can be seen in these example questions and answers.
Example: Matching Symbols
Question: Identify the matching symbol by underlining the appropriate letter.
Example: Spot the Odd Symbol Out
Question: Spot the odd symbol out by circling the letter beneath it.
Example: Continuing a Series of Symbols
Question: Identify the symbol that continues the sequence, by underlining the letter below.
Numerical Ability Questions
Questions of this nature include numbers and are constructed to show how well you reason with figures. Those that might arise in a general intelligence test will probably focus on adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, fractions and percentages and continuing a series of numbers. Specific tests of numerical ability might concentrate on questions relating to numerical awareness, estimation and checking.
Numerical awareness questions take a closer look at your ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Numerical estimation appraises your potential for estimating both quickly and accurately, which may be a key requirement for the job. Numerical checking evaluates your aptitude for spotting errors in handwritten and printed data. Here are various example questions and answers.
Example: Adding and Subtracting
Do the following calculation, without using a calculator.
Question: 295 − 97 + 123 − 33 + 17 =
Answer: 305
Example: Multiplying and Dividing
Answer the following question without the aid of a calculator.
Question: 18 x 9 ÷ 3 =
Answer: 54
Example: Fractions and Percentages
Calculate the following.
Question: 6% of 75 =
Answer: 4.5
Example: Continuing a Series of Numbers
Complete this sequence of numbers.
Question: 7 12 16 19 21 ____
Answer: 22 (Numbers increase at a decreasing rate: +5, +4, +3, +2, +1.)
Example: Numerical Awareness
Circle any mistakes in these calculations, and put in the correct figures next to them.
Question:
