How are verbal reasoning tests scored?

Your raw score is converted into a percentile against a norm group of other test takers, such as previous applicants for similar roles. Employers set their own percentile cut-off for progressing, so the same score can pass at one company and fall short at another.

What does Cannot Say actually mean?

It means the passage neither supports nor contradicts the statement. The statement may well be true in the real world, but if the passage does not give you enough information to confirm or deny it, Cannot Say is the correct answer. Judging this on the passage alone is the skill being tested.

How long does a verbal reasoning test take?

Usually between 15 and 30 minutes as a standalone test, with roughly 30 seconds to a minute per statement. Your invitation confirms the exact timing, which varies by test publisher.

Should I read the passage or the questions first?

Most strong candidates read the statement first, then scan the passage for the relevant section. It is faster than reading every passage in full and keeps your attention on exactly what the statement claims.

Where can I practise verbal reasoning tests?

You can try free verbal reasoning questions on this page, with no sign-up needed. A full account adds complete timed tests with answers explained, so you can practise under realistic conditions before the real thing.

Which employers use verbal reasoning tests?

Employers in every sector use them, including law firms, banks, consultancies, technology companies, the Civil Service and the NHS. They are near-universal in graduate scheme recruitment, usually alongside numerical reasoning.

Verbal Reasoning Tests

Verbal reasoning tests examine your ability to quickly read, understand and pull out key information from dense passages of text.

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Published 11 March 2020 · Updated 3 August 2026

What are verbal reasoning tests?
A verbal reasoning test is a timed psychometric test that measures how accurately you read, understand and draw conclusions from written information. You are given a short passage of text and asked to judge statements about it, using only what the passage actually says.
Employers across every sector use verbal reasoning tests, particularly for roles where you will need to digest reports, contracts, emails or policy documents and act on them correctly. They are a standard part of graduate scheme and professional recruitment.
No prior knowledge of the passage topics is needed, and bringing outside knowledge in is actively penalised. The test measures your ability to process the information in front of you, precisely and quickly.
Why do employers use verbal reasoning tests?
Almost every professional role depends on reading accurately: instructions, reports, legal wording, client emails. A verbal reasoning test gives employers a standardised, objective measure of that skill, directly comparable across every applicant, in a way a CV or interview cannot show.
Employers are also testing a specific discipline: the ability to separate what a text actually states from what it merely suggests, and both of those from what you happen to believe. That distinction matters in any job where acting on a wrong reading has consequences.
The score is rarely used alone. Most employers combine it with interviews and other assessments, commonly numerical reasoning or a situational judgement test, before making a decision.
What is the verbal reasoning test format?
The most common format gives you a passage of text followed by a series of statements. For each statement you choose True (the passage supports it), False (the passage contradicts it) or Cannot Say (the passage does not give enough information either way). Expect roughly 30 seconds to a minute per statement.
Cannot Say is where most marks are lost. The discipline is to judge each statement only on the passage, setting aside anything you know or assume about the topic. If the passage does not confirm or contradict the statement, the answer is Cannot Say, however plausible the statement sounds.
Formats vary by test publisher. SHL, Korn Ferry, Saville and Aon each have their own passage lengths, timings and question styles, and your invitation email normally names which one you will face, so you can practise the right style.
What skills does verbal reasoning test?
The core skill is reading comprehension under time pressure: extracting exactly what a dense passage does and does not say, without letting assumptions fill the gaps. Questions are built to punish skim-reading and reward precise, literal reading.
The test also measures inference control. Many wrong answers come from confusing "happened after" with "happened because of", or treating a strongly implied idea as a stated fact. Recognising those traps is a learnable skill, and it is the main thing practice improves.
Speed matters as much as accuracy. Reading the statement first and then scanning the passage for the relevant section is usually faster than reading every passage in full, and it leaves time to double-check the statements that hinge on a single word.

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Sample Verbal Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!

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What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?

Despite economic downturns, the luxury goods sector has maintained steady growth. Analysts suggest that this phenomenon, often called 'the lipstick effect', illustrates that consumers continue to indulge in high-end products during times of financial hardship, possibly to maintain a semblance of their former lifestyle.

The 'lipstick effect' refers to a decline in the sale of beauty products.
During economic downturns, people cease to purchase luxury goods entirely.
Consumers might buy luxury goods to preserve feelings associated with financial security.
Luxury goods are only popular during times of economic prosperity.
Financial analysts predict the luxury goods sector will collapse soon.

What can be inferred about the company's new policy from the passage?

The company has implemented a new policy that aims to improve workplace efficiency. By allowing employees more flexibility in choosing their start times, the company hopes to reduce rush-hour traffic congestion and enhance the overall work-life balance for staff members. The new policy is in response to previous feedback indicating that rigid scheduling was contributing to heightened stress levels among the workforce.

The policy will eliminate all work-related stress.
Employees will be allowed to work from home.
The company is addressing transportation issues to improve efficiency.
Rigid scheduling was popular among the employees.
All employees must start their shift at the same time.

Based on the passage, which of the following would the author likely agree with?

The advent of social media has significantly altered the way individuals consume news. Traditional newspapers have seen a decline in readership as more people turn to their smartphones and social media applications for up-to-date information. Some experts argue that this shift has led to the spread of misinformation due to the lack of regulatory oversight on digital platforms.

Social media platforms are more trustworthy than traditional newspapers.
Digital platforms should not be used for news consumption.
Traditional media has not been affected by the rise of social media.
There is a concern about the accuracy of news on social media.
Smartphones have had no impact on news consumption habits.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?

As a measure to combat climate change, the government has recently instated a substantial tax on carbon emissions. This legislation has polarized public opinion; some commend it for incentivizing green practices among industries, while others criticize it for potentially escalating production costs and consumer prices.

The carbon tax is universally embraced by the public.
The tax is designed to make carbon emissions more expensive.
Industry production costs will definitely decrease due to the tax.
The tax has reduced carbon emissions to zero.
There is no incentive for industries to adopt green practices.

Which of the following can be deduced from the passage?

The Techtonic Corporation has just announced a breakthrough in battery technology that allows smartphones to be charged within minutes. This development promises to revolutionize the mobile industry and addresses the longstanding complaint regarding the slow charging times of existing devices.

Smartphones have never been criticized for battery-related issues.
Techtonic Corporation specializes only in software advancements.
The current battery technology charges devices very rapidly.
The new technology is likely to impact the mobile industry positively.
The battery breakthrough will lengthen the charging time.

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