How to Pass Graduate Aptitude TestS

The numerical reasoning test is one of the most common during application processes, since it tests skills that are needed for a wide range of graduate jobs. This test generally focuses on two areas. The first is general numerical reasoning, where you will be asked questions which require use of mathematical functions such as multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.

The second type of question involves data interpretation and your ability to answer questions based on charts, graphs, tables, and other methods of representing data. The aim of this test is to get you thinking logically, working through mathematical processes and examining data to come to the correct answer. The test takes a multiple-choice format for all of its questions.

Take a look at the following aptitude test sample question for the numerical reasoning test:

Question

Bike Sales

What percentage of the overall total was sold in April?

Aptitude questions in the non-verbal reasoning test are multiple-choice, and focus on your ability to recognise patterns. Questions in this test take many forms, but are all focused on shapes and the patterns within them. You might be asked to spot the odd one out from a collection of shapes and images, or choose the correct shape to complete a sequence. This test can be tricky for candidates who are unfamiliar with the types of question being asked, so it pays to do some aptitude test preparation for the non-verbal reasoning test.

Here’s an example of the kind of question that you might come across in the non-verbal reasoning test:

Question
What figure completes the sequence pattern?

The inductive reasoning test is similar to the non-verbal test in that it assesses your ability to recognise patterns. However, unlike the non-verbal reasoning test, the inductive reasoning test doesn’t involve shapes and images, but rather it asks you to identify patterns using letters from the alphabet. These might seem simple at first glance, but they require keen, logical thinking to crack what the pattern is. Once you’re able to do that, you’re ready for any inductive reasoning test.

Questions are in a multiple-choice format and generally require that you complete sequences.

Take a look at the following sample question from an inductive reasoning test:

Question

What is the next letter in the sequence?

The verbal reasoning test assesses your ability to read a body of information, identify the key details, and then evaluate claims made about the passage. For each statement, you will have to say whether it is true, false, or that you ‘cannot say’/’cannot tell’ based on the information given in the text. The key here is to read the passage carefully, taking note of the key information and being ready to apply it when answering the questions.

Here’s a sample question from a verbal reasoning test:

Read the following text before answering the questions as either TRUE, FALSE or CANNOT SAY from the information given.

The Difference Between Affect and Effect

Not everyone is skilled with grammar and even those who are struggle with some of the most commonly mistaken words in the English language. Two words that cause a lot of confusion for people are affect and effect. Many people have a lot of trouble with the usage and the meanings of these words, as they are very easy to mix up. The majority of people aren’t really sure of when to use one or the other, which is why they simply end up guessing.

The reason why these two words are so confusing is that while each is a different part of speech, they sometimes function as other parts of speech. In most cases, affect is a verb and effect is a noun. You can affect something, which will produce an effect on that thing. Things are always affected, never effected. This is the general rule that you should always remember. Only in rare cases will affect or effect serve as different parts of speech. Remember that an effect is always something that is produced and an affect is what you do to something.

Just to be thoroughly confusing, there are very rare situations when effect will be used as a verb and affect will be used as a noun. For the most part, you will never have to use them in these cases. Use the general rule from above (affect is a verb and effect is a noun), but try to remember the following odd instances. As a verb, effect means to accomplish, produce or execute something. As a noun, affect is used by psychologists to refer to desires and emotions as factors in how someone acts or thinks. Obviously, both of these instances do not occur often, but you will see them sometimes in things you may be reading, such as an academic journal. Always keep in your mind that under most circumstances, use affect as a verb and effect as a noun.

Question

In most cases, effect is a verb and affect is a noun.

• TRUE
• FALSE
• CANNOT SAY

Situational Judgement Test

Situational judgement tests are slightly less common than the assessments listed above, but they still show up in enough application processes to make learning about them worthwhile. Situational judgement tests assess your ability to make quick decisions about various of scenarios. Sometimes, these tests will judge your knowledge of the company’s specific ethos or protocols, whilst on other occasions the questions might be more generic. These tests tend to be multiple-choice, and will focus on how well you can choose the most suitable solutions and responses to situations you might face in the workplace.

Bear in mind that some companies might refer to your answers in this test during your interview. If you get to that stage, think about the answers you gave during the situational judgement test and more importantly why you gave that specific answer.

Take a look at the following example question for the situational judgement test:

Question

You are a train conductor working on your local line. At 10 past 10 in the morning, you are performing your hourly ticket inspection. You come across a man on the train who has not purchased a ticket. He claims that the reason for this is because he had to board the train quickly. It’s an emergency as his mother has taken a fall and is in hospital. He has the money to pay the fare there and then. His station is two stops away. What do you do?

A) Consult with the other people in the carriage as to what to do.

B) Allow him to pay the full ticket fare to his intended stop.

C) Perform a citizen’s arrest. This man is a criminal.

D) Kick him off at the next stop. The rules state that if he hasn’t paid, then he must leave the train.

The vocabulary test is multiple-choice, and tests your knowledge of words and what they mean. Questions can come in the following three forms:

• Definition – you will be given a word and will have to give the definition of it, choosing from a list of phrases;
• Synonym – you will be provided with a word, and will have to choose the word which best matches it.

This test can be difficult as it can use words that are rarely spoken or written in everyday life. However, it’s quite straight-forward to revise for since you just need to take time to learn what words mean, and what their synonyms are.

Take a look at this sample question for the vocabulary test:

Question

Choose the correct synonym for the following word:

Serene

What are Critical Thinking Tests?

Critical Thinking Tests are often used by graduate employers to assess a candidate’s ability to think critically. This includes the ability to:

• Use deductive reasoning to reach a sound conclusion;
• Interpret data or information with regards to a statement or question;
• Use inductive reasoning to reach plausible conclusions;
• Spotting assumptions made by text and proving awareness of assumptions;
• Evaluate arguments made, examining their logical validity, and proneness to logical fallacies.

These tests are almost always multiple-choice, requiring candidates to choose from a range of answer options.

Here’s an example of an ‘assumptions’ question from the critical thinking test:

Good education is the lifeblood of our country. We need to ensure that class sizes aren’t too large by building new schools.

Young people are the lifeblood of our country.

A. Assumption Made.

B. Assumption Not Made.

Answer: A. – Assumption Made. The passage states that good education is the ‘lifeblood’ of our country, stating that it is vital. Since education mostly affects young people, it is fair to say that the passage assumes that young people are a vital part of our country.

This test measures your understanding of mechanical concepts such as forces and machinery. Question types include gravity, effort, and the best tool for completing a certain task.

The Mechanical Comprehension Test is a mixture of question types, ranging from multiple-choice to open-ended answer.

Here’s an example of a Mechanical Comprehension Test question.

Which of the following tools would be best for smashing concrete?

A. Crowbar

B. Claw Hammer

C. Screwdriver

D. Sledgehammer

E. Power Drill

Answer: D. Sledgehammer

Explanation: Sledgehammers tend to have a long handle, which means that more force can be brought down with each swing, with less effort on the user’s end. In addition, the flat, wide face of the hammer means that the force is spread on an even enough area to smash the concrete.

Personality tests are fairly common when it comes to applications for graduate schemes. This is because employers want to evaluate the mindset of candidates, as well as figure out how well they’ll work as part of a team. You can’t really ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ these tests in the conventional sense – some companies will be looking out for specific traits, whilst others might prefer other behaviour. Just be sure to answer the question as honestly as possible.

In this test, you’ll need to mark yourself from 1 to 5 for each statement. 5 means that you agree strongly with the statement, whilst 1 means that you disagree strongly.

Question

I like to feel part of a group.

I am always with people.

I make friends easily.