If you want to pass an aptitude test such as the abstract reasoning test, the best thing you can do is devote time and energy into practice.
There are hundreds of different practice aptitude tests to try, from numerical and diagrammatic reasoning to situational judgment – and each one will help you hone the skills needed to get faster and more accurate.
What is an abstract reasoning test?
Abstract reasoning tests are often referred to as diagrammatic or inductive reasoning tests. To complete the test you’ll need to work through a series of different challenges showing figures, shapes, or patterns that require you to use your inductive and abstract reasoning skills to work out the rule that connects them all. It’s unlikely to be something you’ve encountered before, so it’s worth practicing aptitude tests to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of success when you take an abstract reasoning test as part of a job application.
What is the format of an abstract reasoning test?
Nearly all aptitude tests require you to answer each question in a minute or less, and abstract reasoning is no different – despite being one of the more challenging tests. As you progress through the test, the questions will get more challenging, so it’s important to find a good balance of speed and accuracy by practicing as many tests as you can beforehand. The questions will vary, but the common theme is shapes and patterns, and your ability to decipher the rule that connects them to complete the sequence from a choice of answers.
Why do employers use abstract reasoning tests?
Aptitude tests are becoming an increasingly important part of the hiring process for many big and small companies alike. The abstract reasoning test is not dissimilar to a traditional IQ test, so it’s really helpful for employers who want to get a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of the people they are looking to hire. The thinking required to successfully solve abstract reasoning problems is akin to problem-solving and showing initiative, so if you’re applying for a job that may require such skills it’s likely you’ll be asked to take an abstract reasoning test (and therefore you should get practicing).
How can I prepare?
Preparation is key and there’s no substitute for taking as many tests as you can.
Step 1: Prepare
The first step is to organize and obtain conversant in various sorts of aptitude tests. Although there are many sorts of aptitude tests, there are two highly common aptitude tests: verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning tests. Numerical reasoning tests specialize in your abilities to control and interpret numerical data. they are available during a range of formats including graphs, tables, fractions, and data-sets. Verbal reasoning tests assess your abilities in analyzing and comprehending verbal information. Some tests also judge the applicant’s English grammar and vocabulary.
Step 2: Practice
Few employers offer practice tests which will be used beforehand. If an employer doesn’t provide these practice tests, you’ll use different practice packages that are available online.
Step 3: Focus
Taking aptitude tests are often quite nerve-wracking. It’s hard to urge faraway from the very fact that your performance in 20 minutes might be the difference between getting the work or not. However, attempt to ditch this and just specialize in doing all of your best to answer the questions ahead of you.
Remember, you’ve taken many tests before and altogether likelihood, you’ve done well before. If there’s a routine that works for you, persist with it. Whether that’s deep breathing, meditation, or your lucky superstitions, don’t be afraid to transfer what you’ve done all the way through school into your aptitude tests.
Step 4: Time Management
Without any doubt, it’s one of the foremost crucial and underrated skills when taking aptitude tests. Before your test starts, note how long you’ve got and the way many questions there are. From this, you’ll determine the time needed to spend on every question.
Also, make sure to travel through the instructions, determine if you’ll return back and forth to different questions as you undergo as this will be important for flagging questions you’re unsure of.
If you want practical steps as to how to prepare, we always suggest making sure you set up a workstation that’ll help you get the best out of yourself. That includes finding a quiet place to start work, ensuring you have all the materials you need to make your way through the questions, and a clock or a timer to ensure you stay within the allotted test time.
So although we wouldn’t go so far as to say abstract reasoning tests are easy to pass, they are certainly much easier if you’ve put the time and effort in beforehand.
Joseph Yaghi
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