watson glaser critical thinking practice

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Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

Complex and challenging critical thinking tests, including the Watson-Glaser, are used mostly by law firms.

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About critical thinking tests and how they work, free practice critical thinking tests, the watson glaser critical thinking appraisal, what is measured by a watson glaser critical thinking test, what should i know before taking a watson glaser critical thinking test, major publishers' critical thinking tests, advice for all critical thinking tests, assessmentday's practice tests can help you to prepare for a critical thinking test, one final point, other test publishers.

Updated: 08 September 2022

Critical thinking tests, or critical reasoning tests, are psychometric tests used in recruitment at all levels, graduate, professional and managerial, but predominantly in the legal sector. However, it is not uncommon to find companies in other sectors using critical thinking tests as part of their selection process. This is an intense test, focusing primarily on your analytical, or critical thinking, skills. Some tests are still conducted by paper and pen, but, just like other psychometric tests, critical thinking tests are mostly administered online at home or on a computer at a testing center.

The questions are multiple choice, and these choices and the style of questions are explained in more detail further down the page. The tests will often follow these two common timings:

• 30 questions with a 40 minute time limit
• 80 questions with a 60 minute time limit

Critical Thinking can be defined in many ways and an exact description is disputed, however, most agree on a broad definition of critical thinking, that 'critical thinking involves rational, purposeful, and goal-directed thinking...by using certain cognitive skills and strategies.' An absence or lack of critical thinking skills at times may lead us to believe things which aren't true, because we haven't sufficiently analysed and criticized the information we've received or used this to formulate and independently test our own theories, arguments and ideas. These are all examples of critical thinking skills put into practice. Glaser (An Experiment in the Development of Critical Thinking, 1941) stated that to think critically involved three key parts:

• An attitude of being disposed to consider in a thoughtful way the problems and subjects that come within the range of one's experiences
• Knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning
• Some skill in applying those methods

Note: AssessmentDay and its products are not affiliated with Pearson or TalentLens. Our practice tests are for candidates to prepare for the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal; we do not sell tests for employers to select candidates.

Free Critical Thinking Test

Here, we have a full critical thinking test for you to practice for free. You can dive straight in and practice the full test (in blue at the bottom), or tackle each individual section one at a time.

All answers and explanations are included at the end of the test, or alternatively you can download the Solutions PDF. Each test has been given a generous time limit.

Critical Thinking Test 1

• 40 questions

Critical Thinking Test 2

Critical thinking test 3, critical thinking test 4.

TalentLens' Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is the most common critical thinking test. You can visit their official site here: Watson Glaser . Most other critical thinking tests are based on the Watson Glaser format. More than 90 years' of experience have led to many modifications and improvements in the test.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is widely regarded as a good predictor of work productivity and at identifying candidates with a good potential to become managers and occupy other positions as a senior member of staff. The latest edition of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test has improved its validity, appealed more to businesses by focusing on business-relevant topics, switched to the Item Response Theory (IRT) for its scoring, updated norm groups, and integrated anti-cheat measures by having an online retest, which can be used to validate results.

Developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, the Watson Glaser test is favored by law firms , keen to measure people's abilities to reason, reach conclusions and know when leaps in logic have been made. Skills which are required in the legal sector. The questions in each of the 5 sections aims to evaluate the candidate's ability to:

• 1. Arrive at correct inferences
• 2. Identify when an assumption has been made
• 3. Use deductive reasoning
• 4. Reach logical conclusions
• 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of arguments

Did You Know

The most recent revision of the W-GCTA was published in 2011 with notable improvements being better face validity and business-relevant items, scoring based on Item Response Theory (IRT), updated norm groups, and an online retest which can be used to validate a paper and pencil test result.

A Critical thinking tests assesses your ability in 5 key areas mentioned above; assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. Often in this order. A short paragraph of text a few sentences long or a single sentence is used as a starting point. This passage will contain information which you will base your answer to the question on. Another sentence is then presented to you and you will be asked to judge something about this sentence based on the information in the short paragraph. The five sections are explained in more detail here:

• Assumptions - You are being asked to state whether the information in the second set of text you are presented is an assumption made in the first paragraph. Quite a tricky concept to get your head around at first. In a nutshell, when people speak or make arguments, there are underlying assumptions in those arguments. Here you are presented with some assumptions and are asked to judge if that is being made in the original statement. For example in the statement "only people earning a high salary can afford a fast car," what's being assumed is that fast cars are expensive because only people who are earning a lot of money can buy one, however, what's not being assumed is that people without high salaries aren't legally allowed to buy a fast car. You are asked to choose whether an assumption has been made or has not been made.
• Arguments - You are presented with an argument, such as "Should college fees be abolished?" Regardless of your own opinions and thoughts on the argument, you are then presented with statements related to this original argument. You are asked to say whether the responses to the original argument of "Should college fees be abolished?" make for strong or weak arguments. Arguments are considered strong if they are related to the topic such as, "Yes, many people who would benefit from a college education do not because they cannot afford it. This hurts the country's economic growth." The argument presented is sound, related to the original question. Compare this with a weak argument, "No, I do not trust people who read a lot of books." It is clear that the second argument bears very little relation to the subject of the abolition of college tuition fees. This is not to say that an argument against the original argument will always be a weak one, or that an argument in favor will always be a strong one. For example, "Yes, I like people that read books," is in favor of the abolition as indicated by "yes," but that person's like or dislike of others that read books isn't related, or hasn't been explained how it's related to removing the fees. Carefully considering what is being said, remove it from your own personal opinions and political views to objectively analyse what someone else has put forward.
• Deductions - A few sentences of information are presented to you. Another separate short statement will also be shown to you, which is supposed to represent a conclusion that someone has reached. You will have to determine whether this conclusion logically follows from the information given to you. Can the statement be deduced from the information available>? If so, and without a doubt, then the conclusion follows, if not, then the conclusion does not follow. Your decision must be based on the information given and not from your own knowledge.
• Inferences - A short scenario is described to you, followed by possible inferences. The inferences are short statements. Imagine that these are what people have said is inferred from the scenario. Use your judgement and the short scenario to assess whether what's being said has actually been inferred from the passage and the likelihood of this inference. You are asked to rank each inference as either 'true,' 'false,' 'possibly true,' 'possibly false.' For some proposed inferences there isn't enough information to say either 'true' or 'false' so a fifth option is included; 'more information required.' You can only select one option from the five.
• Interpreting Information - Following a similar format to the previous four sections, a short passage of information and then a series of statements are shown to you. You are asked to judge whether the information in the passage can be interpreted as the statements suggest. The answer options are straightforward here; you either select 'conclusion follows,' or 'conclusion does not follow,' depending on whether or not you believe that the statement can be logically reached from the information given. Again, for this section and all others, you are to base your choice of answer on what you're given, not on any specialized knowledge you might have.

If a watson glaser critical thinking test is used in the early stages of the application process it's likely to be used as a screening tool. This puts some pressure on candidates to meet a minimum pass mark, which will allow them to be selected to go on to the next stage of the selection process. If it's used at a later stage in the process, the results from this will be combined with performance in other assessments, tests, exercises and interviews. All the information you need to answer the questions will be in the test. Below the details of a few companies' critical thinking tests are pointed out.

Here is a list of critical reasoning tests on the market at present, which candidates may be likely to encounter for recruitment, selection or development.

• W-GCTA - The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as it is formally called is the most ubiquitous critical thinking test out there. This is the one that you are most likely to encounter.
• GMAT - The general management aptitude test, used by business schools and colleges test students' critical thinking ability. The critical thinking questions are written in a business or finance context.
• SHL - SHL have produced the Critical Reasoning Test Battery composed of 60 critical reasoning questions with a strict time limit of 30 minutes.
• Cornell - Cornell have developed a critical thinking test to be used in educational environments. The two levels, X and Z, are aimed at children and adults, respectively.
• Area-specific - There are tests which focus on either numerical critical reasoning skills and verbal critical reasoning skills. These tests will ask only numerical or only verbal questions to assess your skills in a specific area.

Here is some general advice to help you perform to the best of your ability for your critical reasoning test.

• No prior knowledge - The key point here is that critical reasoning tests are measuring your ability to think, or the method that you use to reach a conclusion. You should therefore not rely on prior knowledge to answer the question. Questions will be written so that you do not need to know any specialist knowledge to answer the question. For example, you will not be expected to know mathematical formulas or laws of nature and to answer questions with that information. If you are given the formula and its description in the questions, you are expected to use that information to reach the answer.
• Carefully read the instructions - There are 5 sections to most critical thinking tests and each will assess a slightly different skill. Make sure you have read the instructions and understand what it is you are expected to do to answer the questions for this section. There is quite a difference between the Assumptions section and the Deductions section for example. Applying the rules of one to the other would lead to just guessing the answers and making many mistakes.
• Keep your eye on the timer - These tests are complex. You might find yourself fixated on answering one question and taking up a lot of the time you are allowed. Checking how much time you have every so often can help you to more evenly distribute your time between the questions. This is done to avoid spending too much time on one question when that time would be better spent answering more or checking your answers. This time management applies to all tests, but is particularly important with Critical Thinking tests, as many people believe they have such a large amount of time, but underestimate the number of questions they have to answer.
• Logical fallacies - Identifying logical fallacies is key to many parts of this test, and researching the difference between sound and fallacious logic will prove helpful in a critical reasoning test. A fallacy is an error in reasoning due to a misconception or a presumption, and an argument which employs a formal fallacy, logical fallacy or a deductive fallacy in its reasoning becomes an invalid argument. Researching the different types of fallacy (i.e. red herring argument, straw man argument, confusing correlation and causation etc.) can help you spot these in the test and correctly answer the question.

The practice tests that we have cover all of the sections of the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test and these overlap with many of the variations in Critical Thinking tests produced by major publishers. practice helps to increase your confidence, gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes in a risk-free environment, and can reduce stress before an exam.

The best place to get advice on taking a critical thinking tests is the test publisher's website, for example this one for the Watson Glaser .

If you have already successfully passed a few initial stages of the application process, it's unlikely that companies will focus solely on your results in the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test when deciding whether or not to hire you. This type of selection by results on one test is more likely if it is part of the early stages of the process. However, towards the later stages the company will look at your results across interviews, group exercises, other aptitude tests and your résumé and will collate all of this information before reaching a decision. If you have been invited to undertake a critical reasoning test then the organisation clearly has an interest in hiring you, let that fact inspire confidence and perform to the best of your ability on your test, good luck!

You may also be interested in these popular tests sections.

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

Who uses the watson glaser test and why, why is it so important to be a critical thinker, what is the watson glaser red model, how to pass a watson glaser test in 2024, how to prepare for a watson glaser critical appraisal in 2024, frequently asked questions, the watson glaser critical thinking appraisal.

Updated May 10, 2024

Modern employers have changed the way that they recruit new candidates. They are no longer looking for people who have the technical skills on paper that match the job description.

Instead, they are looking for candidates who can demonstrably prove that they have a wider range of transferrable skills.

One of those key skills is the ability to think critically .

Firms (particularly those in sectors such as law, finance, HR and marketing ) need to know that their employees can look beyond the surface of the information presented to them.

They want confidence that their staff members can understand, analyze and evaluate situations or work-related tasks. There is more on the importance of critical thinking later in this article.

This is where the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking test comes into play.

The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is a unique assessment that provides a detailed analysis of a participant’s ability to think critically.

The test lasts 30 minutes and applicants can expect to be tested on around 40 questions in five distinct areas :

Assumptions

Interpretation.

The questions are multiple-choice and may be phrased as true/false statements in a bid to see how well the participant has understood and interpreted the information provided.

Employers around the world use it during recruitment campaigns to help hiring managers effectively filter their prospective candidates .

The Watson Glaser test has been used for more than 85 years; employers trust the insights that the test can provide.

In today’s competitive jobs market where every candidate has brought the best of themselves, it can be increasingly difficult for employers to decide between applicants.

On paper, two candidates may appear identical, with a similar level of education, work experience, and even interests and skills.

But that does not necessarily mean both or either of them is right for the job.

There is much information available on creating an effective cover letter and resume, not to mention advice on making a good impression during an interview.

As a result, employers are increasingly turning to psychometric testing to look beyond the information that they have.

They want to find the right fit: someone who has the skills that they need now and in the future. And with recruitment costs rising each year, making the wrong hiring decision can be catastrophic.

This is where the Watson Glaser test can help.

It can provide hiring managers with the additional support and guidance they need to help them make an informed decision.

The Watson Glaser test is popular among firms working in professional services (such as law, banking and insurance) . It is used for recruitment for junior and senior positions and some of the world’s most recognized establishments are known for their use of the test.

The Bank of England, Deloitte, Hiscox, Linklaters and Hogan Lovells are just a few employers who enhance their recruitment processes through Watson Glaser testing.

Critical thinking is all about logic and rational thought. Finding out someone’s critical thinking skill level is about knowing whether they can assess whether they are being told the truth and how they can use inferences and assumptions to aid their decision-making.

If you are working in a high-pressure environment, having an instinctive ability to look beyond the information provided to the underlying patterns of cause-and-effect can be crucial to do your job well.

Although it is often thought of concerning law firms and finance teams, it is easy to see how critical thinking skills could be applied to a wide range of professions.

For example, HR professionals dealing with internal disputes may need to think critically. Or social workers and other health professionals may need to use critical thinking to assess whether someone is vulnerable and in need of help and support when that person does not or cannot say openly.

Practice Watson Glaser Test with TestHQ

Critical thinking is about questioning what you already know . It is about understanding how to find the facts and the truth about a situation or argument without being influenced by other people’s opinions .

It is also about looking at the bigger picture and seeing how decisions made now may have short-term benefits but long-term consequences.

For those working in senior managerial roles, this ability to think objectively can make a big difference to business success.

As part of the critical thinking assessment, the Watson Glaser Test focuses on the acronym, 'RED':

• R ecognize assumptions
• E valuate arguments
• D raw conclusions

Put simply, the RED model ensures you can understand how to move beyond subconscious bias in your thinking. It ensures that you can identify the truth and understand the differences between fact and opinion.

To recognize assumptions , you must understand yourself and others: what your thought patterns and past experiences have led you to conclude about the world.

Evaluating arguments requires you to genuinely consider the merits of all options in a situation, and not just choose the one you feel that you ‘ought’ to.

Finally, to draw an accurate and beneficial conclusion you must trust your decision-making and understanding of the situation.

Watson Glaser Practice Test Questions & Answers

As mentioned earlier, the Watson Glaser Test assesses five core elements. Here, they will be examined in more depth:

This part of the test is about your ability to draw conclusions based on facts . These facts may be directly provided or may be assumptions that you have previously made.

Within the assessment, you can expect to be provided with a selection of text. Along with the text will be a statement.

You may need to decide whether that statement is true, probably true, insufficient data (neither true nor false), probably false or false.

The test looks to see if your answer was based on a conclusion that could be inferred from the text provided or if it is based on an assumption you previously made.

Take a Watson Glaser Practice Test

Example Statement:

500 students recently attended a voluntary conference in New York. During the conference, two of the main topics discussed were issues relating to diversity and climate change. This is because these are the two issues that the students selected that are important to them.

Many people make decisions based on assumptions. But you need to be able to identify when assumptions are being made.

Within the Watson Glaser test , you will be provided with a written statement as well as an assumption.

You will be asked to declare whether that assumption was made in the text provided or not .

This is an important part of the test; it allows employers to understand if you have any expectations about whether things are true or not . For roles in law or finance, this is a vital skill.

We need to save money, so we’ll visit the local shops in the nearest town rather than the local supermarket

As a core part of critical thinking, 'deduction' is the ability to use logic and reasoning to come to an informed decision .

You will be presented with several facts, along with a variety of conclusions. You will be tasked with confirming whether those conclusions can be made from the information provided in that statement.

The answers are commonly in a ‘Yes, it follows/No, it does not follow’ form.

It is sometimes sunny on Wednesdays. All sunny days are fun. Therefore…

If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from TestHQ . You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.

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Critical thinking is also about interpreting the information correctly. It is about using the information provided to come to a valuable, informed decision .

Like the deduction questions, you will be provided with a written statement, which you must assume to be true.

You will also be provided with a suggested interpretation of that written statement. You must decide if that interpretation is correct based on the information provided, using a yes/no format.

A study of toddlers shows that their speech can change significantly between the ages of 10 months and three years old. At 1 year old, a child may learn their first word whereas at three years old they may know 200 words

Evaluation of Arguments

This final part requires you to identify whether an argument is strong or weak . You will be presented with a written statement and several arguments that can be used for or against it. You need to identify which is the strongest argument and which is the weakest based on the information provided.

Should all 18-year-olds go to college to study for a degree after they have graduated from high school?

There are no confirmed pass/fail scores for Watson Glaser tests; different sectors have different interpretations of what is a good score .

Law firms, for example, will require a pass mark of at least 75–80% because the ability to think critically is an essential aspect of working as a lawyer.

As a comparative test, you need to consider what the comparative ‘norm’ is for your chosen profession. Your score will be compared to other candidates taking the test and you need to score better than them.

It is important to try and score as highly as you possibly can. Your Watson Glaser test score can set you apart from other candidates; you need to impress the recruiters as much as possible.

Your best chance of achieving a high score is to practice as much as possible in advance.

Everyone will have their own preferred study methods, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

However, there are some basic techniques everyone can use, which will enhance your study preparation ahead of the test:

Step 1 . Pay Attention to Online Practice Tests

There are numerous free online training aids available; these can be beneficial as a starting point to your preparation.

However, it should be noted that they are often not as detailed as the actual exam questions.

When researching for online test questions, make sure that any questions are specific to the Watson Glaser Test , not just critical thinking.

General critical thinking questions can help you improve your skills but will not familiarize you with this test. Therefore, make sure you practice any questions which follow the ‘rules’ and structure of a Watson Glaser Test .

Step 2 . Paid-for Preparation Packs Can Be Effective

If you are looking for something that mimics the complexity of a Watson Glaser test , you may wish to look at investing in a preparation pack.

There are plenty of options available from sites such as TestHQ . These are often far more comprehensive than free practice tests.

They may also include specific drills (which take you through each of the five stages of the test) as well as study guides, practice tests and suggestions of how to improve your score.

Psychologically, if you have purchased a preparation pack, you may be more inclined to increase your pre-test practice/study when compared to using free tools, due to having invested money.

Step 3 . Apply Critical Thinking to All Aspects of Your Daily Routine

The best way to improve your critical thinking score is to practice it every day.

It is not just about using your skills to pass an exam question; it is about being able to think critically in everyday scenarios.

Therefore, when you are reading the news or online articles, try to think whether you are being given facts or you are making deductions and assumptions from the information provided.

The more you practice your critical thinking in these scenarios, the more it will become second nature to you.

You could revert to the RED model: recognize the assumptions being made, by you and the author; evaluate the arguments and decide which, if any, are strong; and draw conclusions from the information provided and perhaps see if they differ from conclusions drawn using your external knowledge.

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Nine Top Tips for Ensuring Success in Your Watson Glaser Test

If you are getting ready to participate in a Watson Glaser test, you must be clear about what you are being asked to do.

Here are a few tips that can help you to improve your Watson Glaser test score.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Critical thinking is a skill that should become second nature to you. You should practice as much as possible, not just so that you can pass the test, but also to feel confident in using your skills in reality.

2. The Best Success Is Based on the Long-Term Study

To succeed in your Watson Glaser test , you need to spend time preparing.

Those who begin studying in the weeks and months beforehand will be far more successful than those who leave their study to the last minute.

3. Acquaint Yourself With the Test Format

The Watson Glaser test has a different type of question to other critical thinking tests.

Make sure that you are aware of what to expect from the test questions. The last thing you want is to be surprised on test day.

4. Read the Instructions Carefully

This is one of the simplest but most effective tips. Your critical thinking skills start with understanding what you are being asked to do. Take your time over the question.

Although you may only have 30 minutes to complete the test, it is still important that you do not rush through and submit the wrong answers. You do not get a higher score if you finish early, so use your time wisely.

5. Only Use the Information Provided in the Question

Remember, the purpose of the test is to see if you can come to a decision based on the provided written statement.

This means that you must ignore anything that you think you already know and focus only on the information given in the question.

6. Widen Your Non-Fictional Reading

Reading a variety of journals, newspapers and reports, and watching examples of debates and arguments will help you to improve your skills.

You will start to understand how the same basic facts can be presented in different ways and cause people to draw different conclusions.

From there, you can start to enhance your critical thinking skills to go beyond the perspective provided in any given situation.

7. Be Self-Aware

We all have our own biases and prejudices whether we know them or not. It is important to think about how your own opinions and life experiences may impact how you perceive and understand situations.

For example, someone who has grown up with a lot of money may have a different interpretation of what it is like to go without, compared to someone who has grown up in extreme poverty.

It is important to have this self-awareness as it is important for understanding other people; this is useful if you are working in sectors such as law.

8. Read the Explanations During Your Preparation

To make the most of practice tests, make sure you read the analysis explaining the answers, regardless of if you got the question right or wrong.

This is the crux of your study; it will explain the reasoning why a certain answer is correct, and this will help you understand how to choose the correct answers.

9. Practice Your Timings

You know that you will have five sections to complete in the test. You also know that you have 30 minutes to complete the test.

Therefore, make sure that your timings are in sync within your practice, so you can work your way through the test in its entirety.

Time yourself on how long each section takes you and put in extra work on your slowest.

What score do you need to pass the Watson Glaser test?

There is no standard benchmark score to pass the Watson Glaser test . Each business sector has its own perception of what constitutes a good score and every employer will set its own requirements.

It is wise to aim for a Watson Glaser test score of at least 75%. To score 75% or higher, you will need to correctly answer at least 30 of the 40 questions.

The employing organization will use your test results to compare your performance with other candidates within the selection pool. The higher you score in the Watson Glaser test , the better your chances of being hired.

Can you fail a Watson Glaser test?

It is not possible to fail a Watson Glaser test . However, your score may not be high enough to meet the benchmark set by the employing organization.

By aiming for a score of at least 75%, you stand a good chance of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Are Watson Glaser tests hard?

Many candidates find the Watson Glaser test hard. The test is designed to assess five different aspects of logical reasoning skills. Candidates must work under pressure, which adds another dimension of difficulty.

By practicing your critical thinking skills, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score on the Watson Glaser test .

How do I prepare for Watson Glaser?

To prepare for Watson Glaser , you will need to practice your critical thinking abilities. This can be achieved through a range of activities; for example, reading a variety of newspapers, journals and other literature.

Try applying the RED model to your reading – recognize the assumptions being made (both by you and the writer), evaluate the arguments and decide which of these (if any) are strong.

You should also practice drawing conclusions from the information available to you.

Online Watson Glaser practice assessments are a useful way to prepare for Watson Glaser. These practice tests will give you an idea of what to expect on the day, although the questions are not usually as detailed as those in the actual test.

You might also consider using a paid-for Watson Glaser preparation pack, such as the one available from TestHQ . Preparation packs provide a comprehensive test guide, including practice tests and recommendations on how to improve your test score.

How long does the Watson Glaser test take?

Candidates are allowed 30 minutes to complete the Watson Glaser test . The multiple-choice test questions are grouped into five distinct areas – assumptions, deduction, evaluation, inference and interpretation.

Which firms use the Watson Glaser test?

Companies all over the world use the Watson Glaser test as part of their recruitment campaigns.

It is a popular choice for professional service firms, including banking, law, and insurance. Firms using the Watson Glaser test include the Bank of England, Hiscox, Deloitte and Clifford Chance.

How many times can you take the Watson Glaser test?

Most employers will only allow you to take the Watson Glaser test once per application. However, you may take the Watson Glaser test more than once throughout your career.

What is the next step after passing the Watson Glaser test?

The next step after passing the Watson Glaser test will vary between employers. Some firms will ask you to attend a face-to-face interview after passing the Watson Glaser test, others will ask you to attend an assessment center. Speak to the hiring manager to find out the process for the firm you are applying for.

Start preparing in advance for the Watson Glaser test

The Watson Glaser test differs from other critical thinking tests. It has its own rules and formations, and the exam is incredibly competitive. If you are asked to participate in a Watson Glaser test it is because your prospective employer is looking for the ‘best of the best’. Your aim is not to simply pass the test; it is to achieve a higher score than anyone else taking that test .

Therefore, taking the time to prepare for the Watson Glaser test is vital for your chances of success. You need to be confident that you know what you are being asked to do, and that you can use your critical thinking skills to make informed decisions.

Your study is about more than helping you to pass a test; it is about providing you with the skills and capability to think critically about information in the ‘real world’ .

You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

Watson-Glaser Assessments: Guidelines & Practice Examples

Originally designed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (Form AM) was a measurement of “how well you are able to reason analytically and logically.” After their extensive use during World War One, experts increasingly used the tests as a tool to rank and filter individuals in contexts including (but not limited to) education and employment. In this article, we’ll be providing you with an overview of The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, its test format, and question examples for your practice.

Table of Contents

What is a Watson Glaser test?

The Watson Glaser Assessment (Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal) is designed by Pearson Talentlens – a part of the famous Pearson education publishing house. The assessment is a quick, consistent, and accurate measurement of the test-takers ability to analyze, reason, interpret and draw logical conclusions from written information .

This critical thinking test has five scales which are the elementary units of critical thinking and reasoning . These five units serve as parameters to measure all areas of critical thinking ability.

The test is administered to appraising adults (16 years and above) with questions of varying difficulty and format.

Watson Glaser Test format

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a timed test. It can be administered both online and offline, depending on the company you are applying to.

• For the online version (W-G III), the test is suitable for the unproctored screening of job applicants . Questions are selected randomly from a larger pool of questions called “item bank”. This helps minimize the possibility of cheating due to the fact that there are no applicants having the same set of questions.
• For the offline version (W-G II Forms D and E), applicants have to take the test under supervised conditions .

Upon finishing, applicants receive a percentile score with norm groups either provided by Pearson Talentlens or designed by the company.

Popular test formats are as follows:

• 40 questions – 30 minutes
• 80 questions – 60 minutes

The question distribution in a 40-question Watson Glaser test includes the following:

• Inference – 5 questions
• Recognition of assumptions – 12 questions
• Deduction – 5 questions
• Interpretation – 6 questions
• Evaluation – 12 questions

Watson Glaser test: 5 question types & examples

Five types of questions appearing in the test are

Infer questions

• Recognize Assumption questions

Deduce questions

Interpret questions.

• Evaluate Argument questions

You will find five choices of answers for each inference in the question: True, Probably True, Insufficient Data, Probably False, and False. Your job is to determine which choice best fits the hypothesis.

• True : If you think the inference is definitely TRUE; that it properly follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the statement of facts given.
• Probably True : If, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is Probably True; that it is more likely to be true than false.
• Insufficient Data : If you decide that there are Insufficient Data; that you cannot tell from the facts given whether the inference is likely to be true or false; if the facts provide no basis for judging one way or another.
• Probably False : If, in the light of the facts given, you think the inference is Probably False; that it is more likely to be true than false.
• False : If you think the inference is definitely False; that it is wrong, either because it misinterprets the facts given, or because it contradicts the facts or necessary inferences from those facts.

Unlike popular aptitude tests where you use solely given information, this test allows the use of specific commonly accepted knowledge or information that practically every person has.

Source: Pearson Talentlens

During the past month, managers scheduled for international assignments voluntarily attended our company’s cross-cultural business training workshop. All of the managers reported that the quality of the training was high and focused on valuable work skills that could be immediately applied.

The majority of training was devoted to rules and regulations for doing business in this country. 

A. True B. Probably True C. Insufficient Data D. Probably False E. False

Answer : Probably False

Explanation : Probably False because the training focused on cross-cultural business. It cannot be considered definitely false because the specific course content is not provided.

Practice Example:

Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France. Last year, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley authorities introduced a climate and energy action plan, the first in the French Alps. The plan commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the area by 22 percent. Among the proposed measures is a ban on the most polluting lorries using the nearby Mont Blanc tunnel. Climate change will have a major impact on the valley’s main economic activities: less snow on low-altitude ski slopes and the risk of increased pressure on high-altitude ski slopes have been recorded in recent studies. Natural habitats, river patterns, forests, and agriculture might be radically transformed, increasing the likelihood of hazards such as avalanches, floods, and landslides.

Although air quality is a great concern for those living at the foot of Mont Blanc, noise pollution is arguably the most noticeable at a local level.

A. True B. ProbablyTrue C. Insufficient Data D. Probably False E. False

Answer : Insufficient Data

Explanation : The passage does not mention noise pollution, as well as its existence at local level.

Recognize assumption questions

In this question, you are presented with a statement and two choices “ Assumption made ” or “ Assumption not made “. Your job is to determine whether the statement is an assumption taken for granted (Assumption made) or an assumption not necessarily taken for granted (Assumption not made).

We need to save time in getting there so we’d better go by plane.

There is a plane service available to us for at least part of the distance to the destination. 

A. Assumption made B. Assumption not made

Answer : Assumption made

Explanation :

This is assumed in the statement because, in order to save time by plane, it must be possible to go by plane.

While owning a pet can be expensive and is occasionally an inconvenience, it’s a good thing to do if you want to improve your chances of living a satisfying life.

Pet owners will always lead more satisfying lives than those who don’t own pets.

Answer : Assumption not made

From the given premises, we can only see that: if you want a satisfying life, it is a good thing to have a pet. However, having a pet does not definitely lead to a satisfying life. There is no indication to compare the satisfaction between having a pet or not having a pet as a way to live a satisfying life. 

In this type of question, each item contains several statements (premises) followed by several suggested conclusions. For the purposes of the test, you must consider the given statements as true without exception. The question presents you with two options

• Conclusion follows : If you think the conclusion necessarily follows from the statements given;
• Conclusion does not follow : If you think it is not a necessary conclusion from the statements given. 

Since the test requires you to regard given statements as completely true, you have to try not to let your common sense and existing knowledge interfere. You have to stick to only the given statements (premises) and make judgments as to whether it necessarily follows from the statement or not.

One thing to note is the use of the word “Some” in this type of question. It means an indefinite part or quantity of a class of things. It can be either a portion or perhaps all of the class.

Sample: 

Some Sundays are rainy. All rainy days are boring. Therefore …

Some Sundays are boring.

A. Conclusion follows B. Conclusion does not follow

Answer : Conclusion follows

The conclusion necessarily follows from the statements because, according to them, rainy Sundays must be boring.

Damage to roads in the area has made them unsuitable for loads over one ton. These loads are being transported to the capital by air, but as air resources are limited they are restricted to carrying food and medical supplies. Roads cannot be repaired until medical emergencies are dealt with. Therefore, …

Food can be taken to the capital by road.

Answer : Conclusion does not follow

Roads can not be used to transport food in loads over one ton. Food loads over one ton are being transported by air. We are not sure whether food in loads under one ton are delivered by road or anything else.

An interpret question provides you with a short paragraph followed by several suggested conclusions. You must assume that everything in the short paragraph is true, for the purpose of the test. To answer the question, you have to judge whether or not each of the suggested conclusions logically follows beyond a reasonable doubt from the information presented in the paragraph.

You have two answer choices:

• Conclusion follows : If you think the conclusions follow beyond a reasonable doubt (although they may not follow absolutely and necessarily);
• Conclusion does not follow : If you think the conclusions doesn’t follow beyond a reasonable doubt from the facts given in the short paragraph. 

As a rule of thumb, you should judge each conclusion independently from your common sense or outside knowledge.

Source: Watson Glaser

A study of vocabulary growth in children from ages eight months to six years old shows that the size of spoken vocabulary increases from zero words at age eight months to 2562 words at age six years.

Vocabulary is slowest during the period when children are learning to walk.

Answer : Conclusion does not follow.

The conclusion does not follow because there is no information given that relates the growth of vocabulary to walking.

An accounting computer program, MagicNumber, is Wisdom Software’s biggest-selling product, with its development involving 20% of programmers and 30% of marketing staff. DesignAid, a graphic design program, is the latest offering from the company. It is definitely expected to sell more copies than MagicNumber and will have fewer programmers working on its design, but more marketing staff.

DesignAid will bring in greater profits for the company than MagicNumber.

The paragraph only mentioned that DesignAid is expected to sell more than MagicNumber. This does not necessarily mean that DesignAid uiwll bring greater profit than MagicNumber.

Evaluate argument questions

The question involves distinguishing between strong and weak arguments, as far as the question at issue is concerned. In each question, there is a series of arguments that you must regard as true. Your job is to determine whether or not each of these arguments is a strong or a weak one.

• Argument strong : If you think the argument is strong;
• Argument weak: If you think the argument is weak.

For an objective evaluation of the argument, you must judge each argument independently on its own merit, without the influence of your personal perception.

One thing to note is the use of the word Should. By using Should at the beginning of each question, it means “Would the proposed action promote the general welfare of the people in your country?”

Should young adults in this country go to university?

No; a large percentage of young adults do not have enough ability or interest to derive any benefit from university training.

A. Argument strong B. Argument weak

Answer : Argument strong.

If this is true, as the directions require us to assume, it is a weighty argument against all young adults going to university.

Practice Example 5:

Is it worthwhile for a business to invest in training employees?

Yes, research shows the amount of money spent on training is positively related to profitability.

A. Argument Strong B. Argument Weak

Answer : Argument Strong

The explanation show that business can increase their profit by invest more money on training. This is a direct back up evidence for the claim.

Which companies use Watson Glaser tests?

Watson Glaser Tests are popular in the pre-employment process across sectors such as medical, marketing, education, legal, and professional services. The test can be used for different job levels like Graduates, Execs and Managerial, Supervisors, and Professionals., depending on the company hiring request.

There are a great number of UK companies using it for their pre-employment screening process. The names include the following

• Simmons & Simmons
• Hill Dickinson
• Bank of England
• Burges Salmon
• Ince & Co
• Government Legal Service
• Irwin Mitchell
• Clifford Chance
• Hogan Lovells

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Watson Glaser Test

This practice package will help you prepare for the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test. All exercises are based on the questions that are used in the assessments of the major assessment companies.

Watson Glaser Test Free Practice Test

We recommend that you first take a free practice test without time pressure. That way you can first see what kind of questions occur and how to solve them.

Assessment Practice pack

Parts of the watson glaser test practice pack, watson glaser test explanation.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test assesses your skills in reading, analyzing and interpreting text.

Critical thinking can be defined as 'the ability to consider a range of information derived from many different sources, to process this information in a creative and logical manner, challenging it, analysing it and arriving at considered conclusions which can be defended and justified’ (Moon, 2008).

Critical thinking skills include the ability to structure sound, solid argumentation, analyze available information, and make assumptions and inferences. Critical thinking is also about being able to evaluate available information and draw correct conclusions.

By far the most common form of critical thinking test is the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA) published by TalentLens. You can visit their official site here: Watson Glaser. You will see that the questions in the practice package below correspond very well with the practice questions available at TalentLens.

The test consists of 5 parts. By first studying the components separately, you will ultimately score better on your assessment. All lessons contain a short explanation, three detailed example assignments and 3 exercises.

Watson Glaser Test assessments

We recommend that you do at least 3 practice sets with time pressure. At the end of each exercise set, we indicate how your score relates to the norm group and whether you need to work faster or more precisely to get the highest possible score on your assessment. This way you know exactly when you are optimally prepared.

Watson Glaser Test Evaluation of your results

View the results of the assessments you have completed to determine whether you are optimally prepared for the Watson Glaser Test. By clicking on an assessment, you will see more detailed results with personalized advice based on your results compared to the reference group.

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Mastering the Watson Glaser Test 2024: Essential Preparation and Strategies

Higher positions, especially within known difficult areas such as law, require more than the usual technical and interpersonal skills. Critical thinking is a long-valued skill that many employers seek for managerial roles. The Watson-Glaser Practice Test is an assessment tool specifically designed to measure one’s critical thinking skills. It is considered as one of the more difficult critical thinking tests, because it tries to “trick” the test taker and challenges them to think beyond the surface meaning of given passages. 

For a critical area such as law, it is important that professionals embody a higher level of critical thinking, especially when coming up with strong arguments. Thus it is administered to those seeking or applying for higher positions in firms and other related organizations. 

Take Watson Glaser Practice Test Now

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

Critical thinking is defined as the “intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” In short, it goes beyond the ability to read and comprehend a piece of information, or even extract data from it. Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and interpret information to form judgments and informed decisions.

The Watson Glaser Tests were developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, two psychologists, in 1925. The psychometric test , also abbreviated to W-GCTA, is one of the most widely used assessment tools in various fields. It is being continuously improved and developed.

When applied in law, critical thinking is important in making arguments and drawing conclusions that are sufficiently supported by information or evidence provided. The ability to perform such tasks within time pressure shows expertise not just in law, but in critical thinking as well.

The W-GCTA is divided into five sections, all of which measure different aspects of critical thinking and logical reasoning. The test can come in two forms: 40 questions with a 30 minute time, or 80 questions with a 60 minute or one hour time limit. The Watson Glaser 111 is a 30-minute test, where questions are split into the following sections or subjects:

• Inference (5 questions)
• Recognition of Assumptions (12 questions)
• Deduction (5 questions)
• Interpretation (6 questions)
• Evaluation of Arguments (12 questions)

The questions themselves are presented differently. Understanding how to answer and what these choices mean is the first step in preparing for the Watson Glaser Practice Test. In the end, showing that you are highly skilled in all five traits significantly increases your chances of getting to the next level of the hiring process.

What Companies Use Watson Glaser?

Given its unique ability to measure critical thinking or critical reasoning skills, many law firms and other companies administer the W-GCTA, as it helps them determine skills beyond a CV or reference:

• Clifford Chance – the largest law firm based in the UK
• Allen and Overy – the second largest law firm in the UK
• Baker and McKenzie – an international law firm based in Illinois, USA and has offices in 46 countries
• Burges Salmon – a general practice law firm based in England
• Dentons – a global law firm merged with Dacheng from China, making it the biggest in the world by number of lawyers and offices
• Government Legal Profession – the official group of lawyers working as civil servants in UK government departments

These law firms and organizations use critical thinking tests as lawyers under their wing require great skills to perform under pressure, present arguments in a creative and logical manner, and process information objectively.

Why is Watson Glaser Practice Test Used?

Like most employment assessment tools, the Watson Glaser Practice Test helps hiring managers and personnel to speed up the hiring process, which can take up an unnecessary amount of time and resources. As a psychometric or pre-employment test, it helps employers assess strangers early on if they have what it takes for the demand of the role.  

Is the Watson Glaser Test Difficult?

If you are taking the Watson Glaser test you are involved in or applying for, a prestigious role in the legal or managerial field. So, yes the test is difficult and reflects the prestige attached to the role you are interested in.

Considered one of the most difficult pre-employment tests , the test assesses candidates under the headings that apply to the role in question.

To get an idea of the level of difficulty posed try this free Watson Glaser sample test by Job Test Prep.

How Do I Prepare for the Watson Glaser Test?

Preparing for any test is a wise investment in your career. However, given the level of difficulty of the Watson Glaser Test, preparation is essential. You need to become familiar with the test and with the questioning format.

For this, we recommend using the services of a reliable test preparation company such as Job Test Prep .

Using this company you will have access to accurate information. You will also be able to use their test prep packs . With the test prep pack, you will get a range of sample test papers modelled on the real test where you can hone your skills in advance of the real test.

The advantage of using job test prep is it cuts down on the need for time-wasting searches for information that may not always be accurate. It gives a structure to your preparation for the test and allows you to approach the test with confidence.

Preparing for any test there are 2 essential steps you must take:

• Become very familiar with the test. This will ensure your preparation is taking the right direction.
• Put a preparation plan in place ensuring you are using the time you devote to preparation wisely.

Become Familiar with the Test

Becoming familiar with the test is the first crucial step in getting prepared for the Watson Glaser Assessment. Only then will you realise the level of difficulty posed by the test and you will have a clearer idea of the level of preparation you have to do.

Head to Job Test Prep to take a totally free Watson Glaser practice test .

Is the Watson Glaser Test Timed?

The newest version of the test is called Watson Glaser 111 and is a timed test. This adds to the level of difficulty. Thinking clearly within the time restrictions is demanding but especially so when you have to think logically and clearly.

The test consists of 5 sections and you will have to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes. The individual sections are spaced out with sample questions to study between sections leading to approximately 40 minutes of test time.

In answering the questions you will be revealing to your potential employer your ability to look at a situation and assess/evaluate it, look at different perspectives and distinguish between facts and assumptions.

If your reason for doing the test is because you want to pursue a career in law, or a career that will involve wading through formidable amounts of information, scoring well in the test will make a significant difference to your career advancement.

What Are the Questions on the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Test assesses candidates under the following headings.

Inference Assessment

Here your abilities to draw inferences from information are assessed. Provided with limited information this section measures your abilities to draw conclusions.

Avoid the pitfall of assuming this is something we do in everyday life. Our everyday method of drawing inferences is much more casual than drawing inferences in legal terms.

Having read a piece you will have to decide if the statement that follows it is

a) True b) Probably True c) Inadequate data d) Probably False e) False

Sample question 1:

In the following sample question, how would you answer?

Passage: One hundred young adults in their 20s and 30s paid to participate in a recent speed dating event at a bar in a big city. At this event, education and occupation were the most commonly discussed topics among the speed daters because young adults today view these topics as the most important for finding an ideal partner.

Statement: A majority of young adults had not previously discussed education and occupation with their previous potential partners.

True Probably True Insufficient Data Probably False False

Sample question 2:

Recognising Assumptions

Presented with two statements you assume the first statement is true. Using this assumption you must decide if the statement that follows is true based on your assumption that the first is true.

This question requires a definite “Yes”, or “No” answer. Consider your answer to the following question.

Statement: About 330 marketing professionals attended this year’s Media Innovations Forum. This indicates that social media engagement is a substantial feature of brand marketing plans.

Proposed Assumption: The extent of attendance in professional media forums is not negligible.

Assumption Made Assumption Not Made

Here your deductive reasoning skills are measured.

You are presented with a statement followed by another. You must deduce if the second statement is true based on the first statement. Again you can answer “Yes”, or “No”.

Your answer must be based on the information contained in the statements.

Avoid falling into the trap of bringing your own outside knowledge into play. Picture yourself for a moment as a courtroom lawyer. You will realize how extraneous factors cannot be brought into a case being argued.

Test your deductive reasoning skills on the following question while avoiding any temptation to bring something you may have heard or experienced into play!

Sample question:

Decide in the following example if the conclusion follows or does not follow the initial statement.

Passage: Bonds and stocks are securities, which differ in that stockholders bought and own a share in the company, whereas bondholders lend money to company owners. Another difference is that bonds have a defined term, after which the bond is redeemed by the owners, whereas stocks may be outstanding indefinitely. So I invested money in company C’s stocks.

Conclusion: I didn’t lend money to company C.

Interpretation

This is where your logical interpretation skills are assessed. You are given a passage to read. The passage is followed by a conclusion. You have to decide if based on the passage the conclusion is true beyond reasonable doubt.

Obviously, careful reading will help you make a decision on the interpretation. In this reading exercise, engage the logical part of your brain. But don’t forget that in the test you will be reading at speed.

Coming to the correct answer in those circumstances requires a clear head and a great deal of practice.

Once again you answer “Yes” or “No”, and your answer must be drawn from the material in the passage. Try your logical interpretation skills on the following exercise.

Passage: In a particular recycling company that generously rewarded workers for each new client they brought in, it was found that 15 per cent of the workers brought in three or more new clients last year. However, among workers who had bribed clients to get their business, 25 per cent brought in three or more new clients last year.

Conclusion: The workers who had not used bribes earned more money than those who did because the bribers also lost money in bringing in clients.

Conclusion follows Conclusion does not follow

You probably agree that doing an interpretation of this sort is not an inborn skill, but rather one acquired with a great deal of practice. Working on exercises of this type will sharpen your skills in arriving at the correct answer.

Evaluation of Arguments

Here you have to decide if arguments are weak or strong. You are asked to read a question statement followed by an answer statement. Your task is to decide on the arguments put forward in the answer statement. Are these arguments strong or weak?

Consider this as a test of your legal ability. If you have applied for a legal role making strong arguments is one of the skills you will require as well as the skill of picking holes in others’ arguments.

Sample question: Use your legal eye to evaluate the arguments in the following question.

Question statement: Should the government close ageing and polluting power stations even if the result is more energy imports?.

Answer statement: No, importing is highly expensive, and the worldwide financial crisis has had a significant impact on the government’s ability to pay for such costly schemes.

Strong argument Weak argument

Now that you have reached your answer, sit back for a moment and decide why you think the answer is correct. Can you pick holes in the answering statement?

A Career Oriented Test

Each skill being assessed is necessary for a career in the legal profession.

An outside observer may feel these are the types of skills we use in our day to day routines. Perhaps they are but not at the level of finesse you are going to be using them in your legal career. In everyday life, we either accept or discount what somebody is saying without giving a great deal of thought to the matter.

This is why you are being given this level of testing when applying for a legal position. The testing is asking you to raise your everyday thought patterns to the level of critical thinking.

Your test prep pack will provide you with samples of these tests and solid explanations for the answers arrived at. Using them you can hone your critical thinking skills and prepare to ace the Watson Glaser assessment.

To get a taste of these questions in an exam format, take the Watson Glaser free practice test .

What Is the Employer Looking for?

The employer needs to know if you can look at a situation and assess and evaluate it. And looking at the names of some of the companies who use the Watson Glaser Assessment it is hardly surprising they want some of the more astute people they can find working for them.

So, rather than being discouraged by the difficulties posed by the assessment, it is your task to prepare for it in a way that will show your astuteness.

Test Your Skills

You can try doing some of this by looking over the above assumptions question and applying the following tricks.

In the assumptions, have a look at the first statement. The statement is known as the premise, it lays down the bones of the argument. Mentally, place the two statements side by side.

Now ask yourself if the second sentence, the conclusion, is drawn correctly from the premise. Compare the language used in the two statements. If there are changes from the first statement to the second one it could suggest that a new idea is being introduced so the second sentence could be an assumption.

Now Try Your Skills at Recognising Assumptions

Recognising assumptions sample question:.

Passage: Complaints were raised against the town’s sole French teacher for using her monopoly to charge more than her late predecessor. In fact, however, she does not earn more money on each lesson than she would have before, because she lives out of town and her fee reflects higher transportation costs than those of her predecessor, who lived in town.

Proposed Assumption: Service providers who spend more on transportation are more expensive.

Using your skills, decide if the proposed assumption is a legitimate one to take from the passage (answering assumption made) or not legitimate (answering assumption not made). In deciding on your answer check if you can find any differences in the language used in the proposed assumption to the language used in the statement.

Now apply those same skills to this question on interpretation

Passage: In the years 2011-12, 32% of pupils entitled to free school meals (an indicator of low socioeconomic status) achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above. This is compared to 65% of pupils who were not entitled to free school meals.

Conclusion: Most of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above.

In deciding if the conclusion follows or does not follow the text you have to use mathematical logic.

Now try your hand at evaluating arguments in the following question:

Question: Should parents put their children in preparation courses for gifted kids, in order for them to reach their full potential?

Argument: Yes; parents are responsible for their children’s future and should do whatever they can to help them succeed in life.

The argument, in this case, is considered weak. Can you see why that might be? Ask yourself if the question asked has been answered. If you were the person answering the question, what would you say to make the answer stronger?

How to Ace the Assessment

Doing these questions may have left you with the impression that the Watson Glaser is a challenging assessment. And it is. But becoming familiar with the exam and with the preparation you have to do are the important first steps in acing any exam.

How Do I Get Better at Watson Glaser?

You may have found while testing yourself on the sample questions that you fell short of the mark and this was without an imposed time limit. But with careful preparation, you can avoid the likelihood of this happening in the real test.

With a rigorous preparation program and using accurate preparation materials, you will manage to offset that problem.

Put a Test Preparation Plan in Place

Getting to your current point in your career more than likely involved a great deal of study and examinations. Preparing for the Watson Glaser involves more of the same.

However, there are the added difficulties that you may be working a job while preparing and may have spent some time away from the world of study and tests.

With your test prep pack in hand, it is time to put a preparation plan in place.

Doing this you may find the following tips helpful:

• Select a place that will be your designated preparation place for test preparation. Ensure it is free from distraction and is a place you can leave when you take a break.
• Draw up a timetable. Be realistic in this and ensure it is a timetable you can stick with.

Planning how you will use your timetable take into account how we get the best from our brains:

• The brain works most efficiently when we work in short bursts of time. Limit each span of working to 50 minutes.
• Breaks work wonders for our mental abilities. Take a 10-minute break after each 50-minute session.
• Our brains rely on our bodies to enhance our mental powers. Build in adequate rest if possible and good nutrition.

Give structure to your preparation. Nothing interferes with preparation like working without a structure. Especially if you are dealing with the rigours of working a job you do not need to waste your time.

Use Your Sample Questions for Every Test Preparation Session

This ensures your work has a structure but also provides the following benefits:

• You are working on tests mirrored on the real test leaving you with no surprises on test day
• With each paper your familiarity with the test increases
• You can measure your progress from test to test
• You are learning how to work within the time confines of the test
• Your scores are indicating the areas that need extra revision and more work

Pitfalls to Avoid

You have probably found during preparation for previous tests there are pitfalls we all fall into. Try to avoid:

• Allowing your familiarity with material to lull you into a false sense of security. Knowing the material and marrying it to an examination question are very different skills.
• Taking a half-hearted approach to material you may not like. If you dislike material this is probably the area that needs the most attention. We generally dislike things we find difficult.

Doing the Watson Glaser Test

The shortness of the test, 40 or so minutes, is one of its challenges. You will have learned through your work on the sample papers that you will be working under intense pressure for those 40 minutes.

It is important that you are well-rested on the day of the test. Doing a late-night study marathon before it will jeopardise your chances of success.

You need to be clear-headed if you are to give the test your optimum.

When you are given sample questions to look at between sections make sure you read them. They are your guide to what is coming next. Working between different types of questions is in itself challenging.

Reading through those questions will help you adjust your brain from one type of questioning to another and capitalize on the work you have done.

If you have been invited to do a Watson Glaser Assessment Congratulations! To help you ace the test you will find the resources you need here.

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Watson Glaser Tests

• https://www.talentlens.co.uk/product/watson-glaser/
• 228 questions

Watson Glaser tests are a form of psychometric assessment that fall under the category of critical thinking tests. They are designed to determine how well an individual can process information from a logical perspective, and then evaluate, analyse and make sound judgements. As such, they are commonly used in the recruitment process for professions that rely on these skills.

What is a Watson Glaser test?

Watson Glaser test is a comprehensive psychometric assessment that falls under the category of critical thinking tests. It is designed to determine how well an individual can process information from a logical perspective, and then evaluate, analyze and make sound judgments. Watson Glaser test is commonly used in the recruitment process for professions that rely on these skills.

Watson Glaser tests have been around since 1925 when they were first developed by American psychologists Goodwin Watson and Edwin Glaser. Subject to many revisions and improvements over the years, they are now produced by test publisher TalentLens and are considered one of the most trusted methods of evaluating critical reasoning.

Critical thinking is a complex skill that requires the ability to interpret information, differentiate fact from fallacy, draw evidence-based conclusions and identify sound arguments, all while remaining objective.

Like many critical thinking tests , the Watson Glaser test measures these skills through verbal information: that is, statements or passages of text from which an individual is required to make deductions and inferences, pinpoint assumptions needed to validate a proposition, and weigh up the strength of an argument.

These are inherent skills, more prominent in some than others. The Watson Glaser test, therefore, requires no prior knowledge. Success relies on existing knowledge being put to one side, the sole focus being the evidence laid out in each question.

You may be asked to sit a Watson Glaser test by the potential employer if applying for a graduate, professional or managerial level position in a sector where critical thinking is a prerequisite. Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is most commonly used in the legal sector, but also the selection process of organizations like the Bank of England.

The test may be used for screening purposes in the initial stages of the hiring process, or at a later date as part of an assessment day .

What is the format of a Watson Glaser test?

The Watson Glaser test is a timed, multiple-choice assessment, the most recent version of which consists of 40 critical reasoning questions with a 30-minute time constraint.

Questions are split across five areas of logical reasoning ability:

Drawing inferences

To draw inferences is essential to make an educated guess based on the evidence in front of you, without being swayed by any pre-existing knowledge or subconscious bias.

You’ll be presented with a short paragraph, followed by a set of inferred statements. Potential employees need to critically analyse the information in the given paragraph to determine if these statements are true, probably true, false, probably false, or if there is insufficient proof to determine either way.

Recognising assumptions

Assumptions relating to what we understand to be true without needing solid proof. They are the underlying facts that give an argument its validity.

In this section of the test, you’ll be presented with a statement and a set of assumptions. If the statement relies on the assumption being true, you would mark it as ‘assumption made’.

If the assumption is irrelevant to the statement or bears no weight on its validity, you would mark it as ‘assumption not made.

Deductive reasoning is the act of arriving at a fact-based conclusion through a logical thought process. A deduction differs from an assumption in that it is what we take away from an argument, as opposed to the facts on which an argument needs to stand.

Based solely on the evidence presented in a statement or short paragraph, you’ll need to determine if a list of conclusions does or does not logically follow the information in front of you.

Interpreting

The interpretation section of the Watson Glaser test is similar to the deduction section, in that you’ll be asked to determine whether a given conclusion can logically be drawn from an argument.

However, with these questions, you’ll need to be able to identify significant pieces of information and decide if a logical interpretation can be applied in support of the conclusion in question.

Evaluating arguments

This last section looks at your ability to separate a weak argument from a strong one. It is designed to test your impartial evaluation of arguments, not your personal opinion.

A question will be posted, followed by a set of arguments on either side of the debate. You’ll need to decide if an argument is relevant and challenging, and therefore strong, or vague and unrealistic, and therefore weak.

What skills does it look to measure?

The five sections combined to give an overall picture of your performance in key areas, and measure your ability to:

Define a problem

Select key points of information to formulate a solution

Understand when an assumption has been made, and when it has not

Hypothesise, or select an applicable hypothesis based on limited evidence

Draw fact-based conclusions

Determine the probability of an inference

What is a passing score on the Watson Glaser tests?

The results of your Watson Glaser test will be assessed against a norm group: individuals of a comparative educational background or professional standing – within a relevant field – that have previously sat the exam.

It is therefore difficult to state an exact pass score on the test since it depends entirely on the performance of your peers. Ideally, you’d look to reach 75% and above to give yourself a competitive edge.

Which professions use Watson Glaser tests, and why?

Watson Glaser tests are used to assess suitability for several occupations including those in the medical profession, marketing, and education. Those critical reasoning tests are most common in law firms and professional services sectors.

Many positions in law, banking, and finance, for example, require that an individual make informed decisions that can be justified, are rooted in fact, and are free from bias. Since critical thinking is an essential skill here, employers use Watson Glaser tests to determine how well-suited a candidate is for these professions.

How to prepare for a Watson Glaser test

Practice is the first port of call when preparing for your Watson Glaser test. Although critical thinking is an inherent skill, it can be nurtured and improved upon.

Watson Glaser tests are built around a model known as RED . Try to keep this in mind as you approach both practice tests and daily tasks.

The components associated with the RED model are:

Recognising assumptions . Instead of simply taking things at face value, such as the news or a part of a conversation with a friend or co-worker, ask yourself if what you’re hearing can be classified as true, and what the facts are that back it up. Are they evidential, or based on assumptions?

Evaluating arguments . We’re all guilty of seeking out information that confirms our perspective. Instead, actively look for opinions that contradict your own and assess them from an objective point of view. The better you become at seeing both sides of a story, the more prepared you’ll be to critically evaluate arguments in your Watson Glaser test.

Drawing conclusions . Try to get used to drawing fact-based conclusions, rather than those based on emotional reactions or subconscious bias. These conclusions may not align with your perspective, but a Watson Glaser test requires that you conclude impartially – and as with most things in life, practice makes perfect here.

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Tips for Watson Glaser tests

Study the practice questions.

In the official test, you’ll have the opportunity to complete practice questions. These are there for a reason, so use them wisely. Each section of the test differs slightly in its approach, and the more comfortable you are with what is being asked of you, the more clearly you’ll be able to approach the problem.

Leave instinct and intuition at the door

To succeed on a Watson Glaser test, you need to go against human nature and ignore everything you think you know. Each question will contain all the relevant information you need. Whether you believe it to be true, agree with it, or not, is irrelevant. For the sake of the test, evaluate only the information given. Any outside knowledge should temporarily be forgotten.

Examine each question carefully

The key to strategic critical thinking is to fully understand what is being presented. You cannot draw a valid conclusion, or understand what assumptions support an argument, if you do not fully comprehend what is put forward. You may feel the need to rush under the time pressure, but attention to detail is vital.

Look for keywords and phrases

The statement, proposition or paragraph of text at the start of each question will inevitably include keywords or phrases that relate directly to the assumptions, inferences or conclusions given. These are your clues. Identify them, and you’ll find it much easier to analyse each scenario objectively.

Split your time evenly

Remember, you have a set amount of time to work through all five sections of the test. Split this evenly across the board before you start, and keep track of how much time you spend on each question. It may seem counterintuitive to add to the pressure, but in setting yourself a time frame, you eliminate the risk of dedicated excessive attention to any one part of the test.

For further advice, check out our full set of tips for Watson Glaser tests .

Practice Aptitude Tests is not associated with Watson Glaser. We provide preparation services for Watson Glaser psychometric tests. Our tests are not designed to be identical to any style, employer or industry. Visit https://www.talentlens.co.uk/product/watson-glaser/ to find out more.

Sample Watson Glaser Tests question Test your knowledge!

What can be inferred from the following statement? 'Despite increased competition, sales figures for Company Y have improved.'

• Increased competition has had a direct negative effect on sales figures.
• Company Y has possibly employed successful strategies to overcome competitive challenges.
• The overall market has been declining.
• Company Y's products are unaffected by competition.

Which of the following conclusions can logically be drawn from the information given? Despite its small size, Company X is the market leader in its segment.

• Company X's market segment prefers quality over size.
• Company X has a larger market share in its segment than its bigger competitors.
• The size of a company is not related to its market leadership.
• Company X is the smallest company in its market segment.

After reading the passage, what is the author's main argument?

• Traditional education systems are adequate to meet current workforce needs.
• Workplaces need to ensure their employees are consistently learning to keep up with technological changes.
• Technological innovation has little impact on the skills required by the workforce.
• Education systems are evolving faster than workplaces can keep up.

Which assumption is implicit in the following statement? 'We expect our customer base to double when we expand our services internationally.'

• International markets are eager for the company's services.
• The company has conducted ample market research on international markets.
• The company's services are currently not available internationally.
• Customers are dissatisfied with the current services.

Evaluate the strength of the given argument: 'Since implementing the new safety protocol, our factory has seen a 30% reduction in workplace injuries.'

• The new safety protocol is ineffective and should be reviewed.
• The 30% reduction in workplace injuries can be solely attributed to the new safety protocol.
• The factory should promote the person responsible for the new safety protocol.
• The new safety protocol may have contributed to the reduction in workplace injuries.

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Watson Glaser Tests Tips

1 understand the test structure.

Before you dive into practicing for the Watson Glaser tests, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with their structure. These tests aim to assess critical thinking skills across a range of areas, which TalentLens categorizes as ‘select’, ‘develop’, and ‘engage’. By understanding the types of questions and sections you will encounter, you can tailor your test preparation strategy effectively.

2 Focus on Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is at the heart of Watson Glaser tests. It’s not just about what you know but how you apply your knowledge to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions. Spend time honing your reasoning skills—practice breaking down complex information into manageable parts and consider arguments from multiple perspectives.

3 Manage Your Time Wisely

Like many aptitude tests, the Watson Glaser tests require you to balance accuracy with speed. Practice managing your time efficiently so you can give each question the attention it deserves while ensuring you complete the test within the allotted time frame. Use timers in your practice sessions at Practice Aptitude Tests to simulate real test conditions.

4 Sharpen Your Reading Skills

Reading comprehension is essential for Watson Glaser tests, as you’ll need to interpret written material quickly and accurately. Practice reading dense and challenging texts to improve your absorption and analysis capabilities. The key here is to not only understand the passages but also to critically evaluate them.

5 Stay Calm and Confident

Test anxiety can affect your performance. Remember to stay calm, take deep breaths, and approach each question with confidence. Regular practice at Practice Aptitude Tests will help build your familiarity with the question types and format, which in turn will boost your test-taking confidence.

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Watson Glaser Tests FAQs

How does watson glaser define critical thinking.

According to the methodology behind Watson Glaser tests, critical thinking is the ability to observe a scenario and consider it from various perspectives, whilst identifying what is fact, what is assumed and what is mere opinion. In doing so, you should be able to draw logical conclusions and use these for informed decision making.

How can I improve my critical thinking skills?

Critical thinking is a part of our daily lives; we’re just not always aware that we’re doing it. To improve your skills, tune in to the world around you, ask questions, read actively and look for evidence in every statement or argument you come across. Take practice tests regularly to assess your progress.

Is the Watson Glaser test hard?

Watson Glaser tests are considered among the most challenging of all critical thinking assessments, since they test five separate aspects of logical reasoning ability . Time constraints also add to the pressure. That said, they are typically no harder than the careers for which they test your suitability, and with dedicated practice, you can hone your skills and make critical thinking second nature.

Where can I practice Watson Glaser tests?

There are multiple online resources available to help you prepare for your Watson Glaser test, including our own free practice tests . We recommended you work through these questions to familiarise yourself with the format and improve your critical thinking skills.

Reviews of our Watson Glaser tests

What our customers say about our Watson Glaser tests

Jozef Bailey

United Kingdom

April 05, 2022

Doesn't cover all aspects of Watson-Glaser tests but useful

The WGCTA uses more categories to assess critical thinking, but this was useful for the inference section.

April 01, 2022

Just practicing for an interview

Good information and liked that it had a countdown clock, to give you that real feel in the test situation.

Jerico Kadhir

March 31, 2022

Aptitude test

It was OK, I didn't understand personally whether or not the "cannot say" option was acceptable or not in a lot of the questions, as it may have been a trick option.

Salvarina Viknesuari

March 15, 2022

I like the test because the platform is simple and engaging while the test itself is different than most of the Watson Glaser tests I've taken.

Alexis Sheridan

March 02, 2022

Some of the ratios were harder than I thought!

I like how clear the design and layout is - makes things very easy (even if the content itself is not!)

Cyril Lekgetho

February 17, 2022

Mental arithmetic

I enjoyed the fact that there were multiple questions pertaining to one passage of information, rather than multiple passages. However I would've appreciated a more varied question type.

Madupoju Manish

February 16, 2022

Analytics are the best questions

I like the test because of its time schedule. The way the questions are prepared makes it easy to crack the original test.

Chelsea Franklin

February 02, 2022

Interesting

I haven't done something like this for ages. Very good for the brain - although I certainly experienced some fog whilst doing it.

[email protected]

January 04, 2022

Population/exchange rates were the hardest

Great test as it felt a bit time pressured. Very different types of questions in terms of difficulty.

faezeh tavakoli

January 02, 2022

More attention to detail + be more time conscious

It was asking about daily stuff we all deal with, but as an assessment it's scrutinising how we approach these problems.

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Enhance your Watson Glaser test preparation with our free Watson Glaser practice test with answers. Track your Watson Glaser test performance and boost your score. Plus, you can try JobTestPrep’s free Watson Glaser Test for extra practice.

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Take our Watson Glaser practice test to support your studies. You can access the free Watson Glaser practice test for free and sharpen your skills to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam.

Why Try A Watson Glaser Practice Test?

Trying a Watson Glaser free practice test enables you to familiarise yourself with the format and content of the exam, giving you an idea of what to expect when you sit it for real. You will get an understanding of the types of questions asked in the exam, while developing tactics that you can use to answer specific questions.

You can practice Watson Glaser critical thinking test questions under timed conditions to ensure that you give your responses within the allotted time. You can identify points of strength and where improvement is needed, and adjust your study focus accordingly.

Take practice tests as many times as you need, to improve your score and ensure that you are fully ready for the Watson Glaser exam.

Continuously taking Watson Glaser practice tests will improve your ability to draw inferences from facts, recognise assumptions, deduce whether conclusions are supported by facts or not, interpret evidence and evaluate arguments, equipping you to pass the exam.

This increases your employability potential among major employers, such as the Government Legal Service, Linklaters, Clifford Chance and Hogan Lovells among others, who use the Watson Glaser test to pre-screen candidates.

How To Use The Free Online Watson Glaser Practice Test

The free, online Watson Glaser practice exam features 18 questions designed to test your decision-making, critical thinking and judgement forming skills. Your ability to assess strong and weak arguments and recognise whether a conclusion follows the facts or not will also be tested.

The test is structured in a way that replicates the conditions of a real Watson Glaser exam, with questions that could feature in your actual test. You will be presented with a series of questions, each of which you must answer to move on to the next question.

Your responses are timed and recorded. Once you have completed the Watson Glaser practice test you will be presented with a performance score, the time it took you to complete the exam, and how your results compare with others who have taken the practice test.

Any questions that you answer incorrectly you can review and see explanations behind the correct answer.

If you leave the Watson Glaser practice test at any point, it will restart where you left off the next time that you log in.

Use of the Watson Glaser practice exam is unlimited. You can take the practice test as many times as you need, and monitor the improvement in your score.

Why Sign-Up For The Free Watson Glaser Practice Test?

• Realistic simulation – practice answering Watson Glaser test questions under real exam conditions and devise tactics for submitting your answers in ample time.
• See answers – Get the answers to Watson Glaser questions complete with explanations to identify your areas of strength and improvement.
• Monitor performance – Access score records to see your development.
• Compare your results – Track how your Watson Glaser practice test results compare with other test takers with our average test score comparison feature.
• It’s 100% free – Our Watson Glaser test practice is completely free to use.

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Job Test Prep’s Free Watson Glaser Test

Job Test Prep’s free Watson Glaser test samples include 2 full-length exams, 23 additional practice drills and 8 PDF study guides. The 2 full-length tests enable you to familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam, understand the content and test yourself under time constraints.

The 23 additional practice drills give you the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of topics that you are weaker in. And the 8 study guides equip you to understand the theory behind each test section and the best ways to answer the questions.

Job Test Prep has been providing preparation resources for the Watson Glaser exam in 2014 and is currently the official preparation provider for Oxford and Cambridge.

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How to Prepare and Pass the Watson-Glaser Test

In the following article, we will explore one of the most challenging pre-employment tests in the UK and worldwide – the Watson Glaser test – which is most commonly used for recruitment in the legal sector.

Included are an overview of the test, its main challenges, and how to overcome them with effective practice methods. The article also features two brief introductory videos:

Video #1 – Structure, content, and practice tips

Video #2 – Step-by-step solutions to five Watson Glaser sample questions, to exemplify the rules and requirements of the test.

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is a pre-employment test used primarily in the law industry. Some of the major employers using the test are Linklaters, Clifford Chance, Hogan Lovells, and the Government Legal Service. The test assesses your critical thinking – namely, your ability to analyse and interpret verbal information, draw conclusions, evaluate arguments, etc.

The test contains 40 questions divided into 5 sections, each one assessing a different aspect of critical thinking:

• Recognition of Assumptions
• Interpretation
• Evaluation of Arguments

Visit the Complete Watson Glaser Test Guide for a full overview of the test sections and content, including sample questions and a free sample test.

The Watson Glaser Test Guide

Check out the following 3.5-minutes video for a complete overview of the Watson Glaser test:

What Are the Main Challenges of the Watson Glaser Test and How to Overcome Them?

The Watson Glaser test is indeed considered a difficult test, designed with very specific rules, and often requiring counterintuitive solving methods. And yet, with a good understanding of the three main challenges of the test and the ways to overcome them, you CAN improve your score and get the offers you want. Let’s see how:

Challenge #1 – A Single Trait Measured

The Watson Glaser test is aimed at assessing one thing only – your critical thinking. It does so in five different ways and being successful on all of them is the best guarantee to passing the test.

Overcoming Challenge #1 – Prepare for Test Sections as They Are

You have a test, so prepare for the test.

Learn how the Watson Glaser test questions look like, and practise that.

Once you have a grasp of the test, you can certainly construct your own practice plan using open sources. However, structured preparation plans such as JobTestPrep’s Watson Glaser Preparation Pack make it much easier, with practice material replicating the actual test’s rules and formatting.

Challenge #2 – A Unique Set of Rules

The Watson Glaser has its own set of rules, unparalleled by any other critical thinking test. For example:

• Generalisation equals existence
• “Probably True” and “Probably False” answer choices.

This makes the Watson Glaser test a unique, tailored testing experience, which requires a tailored preparation plan.

Overcoming Challenge #2 – Learn to Let Go

A major part of your preparation will be to uproot all your misconceptions about how to solve critical thinking questions and to learn how to ignore any irrelevant information. This may be the hardest part of you preparation. You will learn to go against what you believe to be true, just to get the question right. To beat your competitors, you must think like the test does and not like you do.

Want to see the test rules in action? Watch the following video , where we explain the logic behind five sample Watson Glaser questions, one of each category.

Challenge #3 – Intuition and Knowledge Will Fail You

The Watson Glaser test uses a collection of tactics to constantly elude, distract, and mislead you with near-correct answers. To avoid these pitfalls, you must understand the exact rules of the test and disregard anything else.

Up for the challenge? Try a 7-minutes free Watson Glaser sample test

Overcoming Challenge #3 – Develop Thinking Algorithms

One of the best ways to make sure you set your own beliefs and opinions aside is developing thinking algorithms – a methodical series of simple Q&As that lead you to the correct answer. For instance:

• Evaluation of Arguments– ITDN table
• Recognition of Assumptions – The Negative Test
• Inference – Common Inference vs. Common Knowledge

With some focused practice, thinking algorithms will replace your intuition and personal knowledge as your main critical thinking tool.

This article was written by Shlomik Silbiger, JobTestPrep’s expert on the Watson Glaser test. If you have any questions, contact  [email protected]

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Full Watson Glaser Test Practice Guide 2024

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• 23 additional practice drills (by section)
• 5 interactive study guides
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The Watson Glaser test evaluates your critical thinking skills through a series of 40 multiple-choice questions spread across 5 sections.

This comprehensive guide provides the most current and in-depth insights into the Watson Glaser critical thinking test.

With only a small margin of 2-3 questions separating an average score from a passing one, it is imperative to have a precise and professional Watson Glaser preparation strategy that truly equips you to approach the test confidently and excel. This plan includes:

• A Watson Glaser introductory test : This helps you become acquainted with the test's structure and assesses your initial performance in each section.
• 2 complete Watson Glaser practice tests : These familiarize you with the test's time constraints, formatting, and content.
• 23 supplementary practice exercises (organized by section) : These allow you to thoroughly reinforce your skills in areas where you may be weaker, as identified in the introductory test.
• 5 interactive study guides : These provide a comprehensive understanding of the theory behind each test section and offer effective strategies for solving questions.

Want to try it for yourself? Visit our  Free Watson Glaser Practice Test .

JobTestPrep has been providing accurate preparation for the Watson Glaser test since 2014 and is currently the official prep provider of Oxford and Cambridge universities. For any questions about the test or the preparation, feel free to contact us .

Shlomik , Watson Glaser Test Expert at  JobTestPrep .

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) serves as a pre-employment assessment aimed at evaluating the reasoning and critical thinking abilities of candidates.

Comprising 40 multiple-choice questions, this test is to be completed within a 30-minute timeframe. It encompasses five distinct sections:

• 5 Inference  questions
• 12 Recognition of Assumptions  questions
• 5 Deduction  questions
• 6 Interpretation  questions
• 12 Evaluation of Arguments  questions

You can visit our tailored materials that provide an overview of each section, including free sample question for each: inference , interpretation , deduction , arguments , and assumptions .

Take a  Free Watson Glaser Test for additional practice.

Free Watson Glaser Sample Questions

At JobTestPrep our experts have developed a dedicated, short, and additional sample test questions for the Watson Glaser assessment. The upcoming questions do not attempt to cover all the different test sections, but they will serve to give you a good sense of what the questions are like. 

Inference  Sample Question

Following a reduction in the number of applicants, the college has been asking students to evaluate faculty teaching performance for the last two years. The college's management announced that the purpose of these evaluations is to provide information to faculty about teachers' strengths and weaknesses and to help higher management make decisions about pay raises and promotions to reward the better teachers. Last week, Professor Burke, a recently retired senior lecturer at the college, wrote a letter in which he objected to these evaluations, claiming they compromise academic standards.

Statement : There is more to the management's announced intentions than those mentioned by them in the passage.

The correct answer is "Probably True". The text begins by introducing the management's announcement as a reaction to a negative trend—a reduction in the number of student applications. While the announcement explicitly addresses both the college's staff and its students, it is likely that the issue at hand is not only a wish to achieve academic excellence but in fact a means to resolve the issue of reduced applications and college reputation, which has implications on the college's future. Therefore, the correct answer is "Probably True".

Deduction Sample Question

All brokers know stock-market investments are risky and should be handled with care. Andy knows stock-market investments are risky, but doesn't think he should invest with care.

Proposed Conclusion : Non-brokers don't know how to handle their stock-market investments with care.

The conclusion does not follow. The second part of the conclusion – don't know how to handle their stock-market investments with care – does not appear in the premise. It does not equal “know stock-market investments should be handled with care.” Maybe non-brokers know it is important to handle investments with care, but do not know how to do it. When performing logical inferences, one must be certain that two arguments written differently are equivalent before making a new inference that relies on their interchangeability.

Evaluation of Arguments Sample Question

Should employees who have over five years of experience in the company be bound by law to give employers advanced notice of 60 days upon resignation?

Argument:  Yes. Research has shown that requiring employees to give advance notice forces them to rethink their choice, which often causes them to change their minds. This makes workplaces more stable environments, especially when it comes to valuable experienced employees.

Strong argument. This argument is both relevant to the subject and important. Therefore, it is a strong argument.

The Watson Glaser test comes in two main versions – Watson Glaser III and Watson Glaser II. The WG-II, in turn, comes in two forms – D and E. 

Ready to Practice More?

Below you can read more about Watson Glaser test versions and forms. Otherwise, you can immediately start a  Free Watson Glaser Test Simulation.

Watson Glaser Test - Video With 5 Sample Questions Solved 

​Versions of The Watson Glaser Test 

The Watson Glaser test exists in two primary versions: Watson Glaser II (WG-II) and Watson Glaser III (WG-III).

Both WG-II and WG-III are essentially similar for test-takers, with identical content, question count, and time constraints. Here's a brief overview of these versions and their forms:

Watson Glaser II (WG-II) WG-II is the original version of the test, comprising two forms: D and E. While Form E is perceived as slightly more challenging, both share the same content and format.

Watson Glaser III (WG-III) WG-III is an updated version of WG-II. Its distinct feature is the ability to be taken unsupervised. This flexibility comes from an "item-bank" system, where questions are randomly selected for each test, making it suitable for unsupervised environments.

What Is A Good Score on the WT Critical Thinking Test?

A good score on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test varies based on the employer and industry. Typically, aiming to score above 80% of your norm group is advisable. For example, a score of 28/40 surpasses 79% of the general population and 69% of managers, but only 49% of law graduates. To be in the top 80% for sought-after roles such as managers and lawyers, a score of at least 33-34 is recommended. The Watson Glaser test doesn't have a fixed pass mark, as it differs across employers and sectors.

Watson Glaser Test Tips and Preparation Guidelines

Preparing for a demanding and competitive assessment like the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test necessitates tailored and precise preparation strategies specific to the nature of the test.

This applies to both the methods you need to employ during your preparation phase and the approach you adopt on the actual day of the Watson Glaser test.

To optimize your performance and enhance your score, consider these four essential tips for test preparation and three vital strategies for the test day.

Best Watson Glaser Test  Tips

Understand the Unique Rules of the Watson Glaser Test The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is distinct in its rules, differing significantly from other critical thinking tests. Each section has its own set of rules, making it crucial to understand these variations. For instance, an approach that works in the Deduction section may not apply in the Interpretation section. Time management is also key, as the clock doesn't stop while you're reading instructions. Familiarity with these rules beforehand can save valuable time during the test.

Challenge Your Intuition and Common Sense In the Watson Glaser test, relying on intuition or common sense often leads to incorrect answers. It's essential to know when and how to use these faculties appropriately. Developing the ability to discern when to apply common sense and intuition is a critical part of test preparation. This leads to the importance of the third tip.

Develop Critical Thinking Algorithms Implementing "Critical Thinking Algorithms" can systematically guide you to the correct answers in the Watson Glaser test. These algorithms, like the ITDN Table and the Negative Test, are designed to bypass the misleading paths of common sense and intuition, thereby reducing errors. These methods are taught in comprehensive preparation courses for the Watson Glaser test.

Customize Your Practice Strategy Different individuals may find varying sections of the Watson Glaser test more challenging than others. It's important to identify your weak areas and focus your preparation accordingly. For example, if you excel in the Evaluation of Arguments section, it would be more beneficial to concentrate on the sections where your performance is weaker. This personalized approach ensures a more effective preparation.

The Ultimate Watson Glaser Test Preparation Course: Your Key to Success! Extensive Coverage - Boasting more than 400 practice questions, a variety of practice tests, and numerous study guides, this course ensures maximum preparation. Customized Solutions - Featuring unique problem-solving methods, specially crafted to align with the specific rules and format of the Watson Glaser test. Renowned and Reliable - Recognized as the official preparation tool for law students at Oxford and Cambridge. All-Inclusive Material - Includes materials for all variations of the test, including WG-II Form D, Form E, and WG-III."

3 Tips for Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test Day

Use Your Time Wisely

Time management is crucial, even though time isn't a major obstacle in the Watson Glaser test. Avoid dwelling too long on a single question; if you have time left at the end, you can revisit uncertain answers. Remember, the time taken to complete the test doesn’t impact your score, so aim to answer every question.

Guess If You're Unsure

There's no penalty for wrong answers in the Watson Glaser test. If you're unsure and time is running low, make an educated guess. It's better to attempt an answer than to leave it blank.

Brush Up on Test Instructions

The instructions for the Watson Glaser test are complex. Familiarize yourself with them beforehand, as this will significantly affect your score and ability to complete the test timely. On the day of the test, quickly review the instructions since the clock won’t stop for this, allowing more time for the questions themselves.

Sharpen your critical thinking skills with one of the practices on our comprehensive Free Aptitude Tests Page .

A critical thinking test, also known as a critical reasoning test, evaluates your ability to analyze situations from different angles.

It involves acknowledging, extracting, and interpreting facts, opinions, and assumptions.

In particular, these tests are often utilized in law firm recruitments, measuring abilities like constructing solid arguments, analyzing verbal information, and drawing conclusions.

Employers value critical thinking because it enables employees to make decisions independently, solve problems, develop strategies, and overall enhances job performance.

Individuals with strong critical thinking skills require less supervision and can make sound judgments independently.

The Watson Glaser test is primarily used by:

• Trainee Solicitors and Solicitors
• Graduate Trainees
• Vacation Scheme Participants
• Public Health Registrars
• This test is a reliable tool for assessing the critical thinking skills vital for success in these professions.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is known for its difficulty, primarily due to its unique rules and sole focus on critical thinking. It's considered one of the most challenging pre-employment tests available.

Watson Glaser III is an update of WG-II, allowing for unsupervised testing due to its item-bank feature. However, both versions are similar in terms of topics, the number of questions, and time allocation.

Yes, the test is typically timed, giving candidates up to 30 minutes for 40 questions. Each section has its own time limit. However, untimed versions are available for candidates needing adjustments.

Understanding the test instructions is crucial, as they are complex and unique to the Watson Glaser test. Familiarizing yourself with them before the test day is beneficial. Remember, the clock keeps ticking even while you read the instructions during the test, so being well-prepared can save valuable time.

The Watson Glaser Test Manual explains that Forms D and E emerged from recent revisions of the test, which originally featured Forms A and B. For test-takers, Forms D and E are essentially identical in terms of difficulty, structure, and format, offering a consistent testing experience despite the changes.

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• How it Works

Prepare for the Watson Glaser with industry expert-made guides and realistic practice test, and show prospective employers that you’re the right choice.

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is the first step you will need to take when applying for many high-profile job positions. This is especially common with legal professional and managerial jobs. High performance on the Watson Glaser critical thinking test demonstrates to prospective employers that you’re the best fit for the job, both in skill set & competence.

The Watson-Glaser aptitude test is believed to be one of the most difficult and demanding tests on the psychometric test market, and proper prep is essential if you wish to stand a chance against other applicants who are vying for the same job. Prepterminal’s Watson Glaser Prep Course has been designed by industry experts to prepare you for this difficult exam so you can take on the real thing with confidence. Click on Get Started to begin your prep immediately or read on for further information.

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

Created by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test (WGCTA) evaluates and interprets the critical thinking skills of the test-taker.

Critical thinking assessments are psychometric tests used for recruitment at various levels including, professional, managerial, and graduate and are used in many sectors. However, they are most commonly seen in the legal field.

Employers use this test to measure the abilities of a candidate and to see how they understand arguments, identify assumptions, and form conclusions founded on those assumptions.

The Watson Glaser Test mainly assesses a candidate’s ability to think critically and analytically. For many applicants, this will cover topics they haven’t had to deal with in many years – preparation with Prepterminal’s Watson Glaser Prep Course provides an excellent summary of each topic covered with realistic practice questions and expert guides.

The Structure of the Watson Glaser Test

The Watson Glaser test consists of 40 questions. There is a timed version and an untimed version. Those taking the timed version have 30 minutes to finish the 40 questions.

The test is made up of 5 sections:

• Identification of assumptions
• Interpretation of information
• Assessment of arguments

All questions on the test have multiple-choice answers (five choices are given in the inference section and two choices are given in all the rest of the questions).

There are currently two available versions of the test:

• Watson-Glaser II forms D & E (computerized or pen & paper)
• Watson-Glaser III (only computerized).

The central difference between the two versions is that the Watson Glaser III uses an item bank of questions and doesn’t require a test officer.

The test can be taken offline or online, and keep in mind that no marks are taken off for choosing an incorrect answer.

Start preparing today by taking PrepTerminal’s Free Watson Glaser Practice Test.

Free arguments practice test questions, free inferences practice test questions, free recognizing assumptions practice test, free deduction practice test, free interpretation practice test, what’s included, quick online prep pack.

Get an immediate access to our advanced and adaptive learning software and get fully prepared to beat the Watson-Glaser within a few hours.

Top Quality Watson Glaser Materials

Prepare within a few hours, with the most up-to-date, accurate & effective Watson-Glaser prep materials.

Watson-Glaser Practice Tests

3 timed, full-length Watson Glaser-style practice tests with 10 module quizzes.

Watson-Glaser Expert Lessons

Quickly learn the best tactics for all 5 types of Watson-Glaser questions with fluff-free guides and practice on any device, 100% online.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Course Modules

• 1 Introduction Buy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
• Evaluating Arguments - Written Guide
• Arguments Questions
• Arguments Questions 2
• Evaluating Assumptions - Written Guide
• Assumptions Questions
• Assumptions Questions 2
• Evaluating Deductions - Written Guide
• Deduction Questions Part 1
• Deduction Questions Part 2
• Evaluating Inferences - Written Guide
• Inferences Questions
• Inferences Questions 2
• Interpreting Information - Written Guide
• Interpreting Information Questions
• Interpreting Information Questions 2
• Watson Glaser Full Practice Test 1
• Watson Glaser Full Practice Test 2
• Watson Glaser Full Practice Test 3
• 8 BONUS Interview Prep Video Guide Buy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.

What does the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test Measure?

The Watson Glaser test measures your abilities in 5 key areas: assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences, and interpreting information. Let’s take a look at each of these question types individually.

You will be presented with a short scenario and then will be given possible inferences. The inferences are concise statements. You will need to assess whether these concise statements have been inferred from the passage.

You will also have to decide the likelihood of the inference. You will be asked to say if the inference is ‘true,’ ‘false,’ possibly true,’ ‘possibly false’ or ‘more information is required.’ You can only select one answer.

Identification of Assumptions

When people have discussions or present arguments, there are underlying assumptions in their arguments. In the test, you will be given an initial statement. You will also be presented with various assumptions. You will be asked to decide if the assumption is evident in the initial statement.

For example, in the statement “only people earning a high salary can buy a big house”, what is being assumed is that big houses are costly because only individuals who earn a high salary can purchase one. However, what’s not being assumed is that people who are not high earners aren’t legally permitted to buy a big house.

In these question types, it is your job to choose whether an assumption has or has not been made. You will need to answer: yes or no.

You will be given a few sentences of information. Another different short statement will also be presented to you, which is meant to be a conclusion that an individual has made. You will need to decide if the conclusion is logical, based on the information presented to you.

If yes, then the conclusion follows on from the information available. If no, then the conclusion does not follow on from the information given. You need to base your decision on the information given and not on your previous experience or knowledge.

Interpreting information

You will be presented with a passage of information and then will be shown various statements. You will be asked to decide whether the ‘conclusion follows,’ or ‘conclusion does not follow’. You choose one of these answers depending on whether or not you think that the statement can be logically arrived at from the information provided.

Here like before you need to base your answer solely on the information given to you in the question.

You will be given an argument, such as “Should school uniforms be compulsory?” You will then be given statements that relate to this argument. You are asked to state whether the statements or responses to the argument “Should school uniform be compulsory?” create a strong or weak argument.

Arguments are deemed strong if they directly relate to the topic. For example, “Yes, many people would benefit from wearing school uniforms because school kids will be less likely to form opinions about each other based on their choice of fashion. This makes for a less judgmental school environment.” The argument given is reasonable and relates to the question.

A weak argument could be something like “No, I don’t trust people who wear baggy clothes”. This second argument has little to do with the topic of making school uniforms compulsory. When you are presented with these questions you need to think objectively about the argument being made and put aside your personal judgments and opinions.

How is the Watson Glaser Test Scored?

A candidate’s score on the Watson Glaser test is given in comparison to a norm group.

A potential employer will compare and contrast the profile of all potential applicants. Applicants with the highest relative scores will pass the Watson Glaser test and likely move on to the next stage of the hiring process.

Doing well on the Watson Glaser test may not be enough, as candidates will have to do better than their competitors if they want to stand out.

A good score on the Watson Glaser test is dependent on the company a candidate is applying to. Ultimately, an applicant should aim to score 80% or more, to be considered a likely candidate for the job.

Practice is thus essential. Prepterminal’s Watson Glaser Test prep course provides Watson Glaser practice test questions and more.

Which Companies Use the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

The top five companies that use the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal as part of their hiring process:

• Clifford Chance – Ranked among the top 10 multinational law firms, in the world, Clifford Chance is a key member of the “Magic Circle”.
• Linklater – Linklaters is a “Magic Circle” member and is one of the top three law firms in England.
• Dentons – This is a relatively young law firm. However, it has grown to be the 5th largest law firm – based on revenue.
• Hogan Lovells – This American-British law firm is the 11th largest international law firm.
• GLS – The British Government Legal Services hires lawyers who represent the government in court and give legal advice to the government.
• Clifford Chance – Ranked among the top 10 multinational law firms, Clifford Chance is a key member of the “Magic Circle”.
• Dentons – This is a relatively young law firm. However, it has grown to be the 5th largest law firm based on revenua.

How To Prepare For Watson Glaser Test: Top Tips

Answer solely based on the information provided.

Answer each question using only the facts and conditions given in the question itself. Do not use your own knowledge of the subject matter, even if you are well-versed in a particular area.

Read each question slowly and carefully

Some of the questions featured on the Watson Glaser Practice Test may be long, and you may want to skim through them. Refrain from doing so. If you quickly scan a question, you may skip over valuable information. Read each question thoroughly before choosing an answer.

Manage your time effectively

The Watson Glaser test features both long and short questions, so it may be hard to ascertain in advance how much time you need for each question. Nevertheless, the more you practice the more familiar you will become with the question types and the better you will be at pacing yourself.

Practice, practice, practice

To do well on this test you will need to practice. Take as many practice tests as you can so you can learn to anticipate the type and structure of the questions. This way you can approach the test with confidence.

How Difficult is the Watson Glaser Test?

As you have seen the Watson Glaser test is very tricky. It is especially hard for individuals who are not familiar with the question types.

Enrolling in Prepterminal’s preparatory Watson Glaser Test course with Watson Glaser Practice Test questions will help you become familiar with the structure and nature of the questions featured in this notoriously difficult test.

We will help you understand the specific nuanced rules of the Watson Glaser test and how to accept the statements presented to you in the test and more.

6 Benefits of Prepterminal’s Watson-Glaser Test Prep Course

• Learn how to think like the creators of the test require you to think.
• Understand how to base your judgments exclusively on the information given to you in the test.
• Understand the specific rules of the test.
• Learn how to accept statements presented to you in the test at face value.
• Practice using carefully crafted course material that covers the specific subject matter of the Watson Glaser test.
• Learn how to make decisions without being influenced by your past experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s 100% online and you get immediate access sent to your email as soon as you sign up. No books, No DVDs, No PDFs. You can study and practice on your computer or your phone. It works on any device with an internet connection!

Don’t worry – send an email to Matt, our Watson-Glaser expert, at [email protected] and he’ll be back to help you ASAP!

You’ll only be charged once for your course license. There are no recurring payments, and no hidden fees.

Created by: Matthew Appleyard

Psychometric tutor, prepterminal test expert, 6876 students, 4.8 , 1396 reviews.

I’m Matt, Prepterminal’s Watson-Glaser Test Prep Expert. Any questions about the course? Let me know at [email protected]

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Practice a Free Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) & Critical Thinking Sample Questions – 2024

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• Free Questions

Saturated is one of the many words used to describe the current job market. While a greater pool of eligible candidates may sound like a blessing for employers, it has also made the employment process a lot more tedious. Companies have turned to institutions like Pearson Assessments Limited to assist in keeping the process objective by providing additional ways to fairly assess potential employees. The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test has become one of the most popular pre-employment aptitude tests currently used during the hiring process.

What Is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test?

Critical thinking refers to a person’s ability to observe a scenario and have a clear understanding of that scenario from multiple points of view. The person should be able to separate the facts of the scenario from personal opinions and assumptions. Critical thinking has become an essential skill required by most job roles today. Employers want to know that employees will be able to make logical decisions, only taking into account the facts, without being distracted by his/her own emotions or the emotions of others.

To assess the critical thinking skills of prospective employees organizations have turned to Pearson Assessments, administrators of The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test. The Watson Glaser Test, authored by Goodwin Watson and Edwin Glaser, is a psychometric assessment used as a part of the pre-employment screening process and internal audits at just about all career levels, including and not limited to recent graduates, managers, and high-level executives. Universities in recent times have also utilized the test to assess prospective postgraduate students. The test has been in use in the United States since the 1960s.

The Watson Glaser test was designed using the RED critical thinking model, which was also developed by Pearson. The RED model is based in three key areas that are necessary to be able to think critically.

• Recognize assumptions – This aspect of critical thinking is about understanding information and considering if it is true based on evidence, rather than take it at face value. This ability keeps an individual from leaping to conclusions on little to no evidence and helps them to recognize when information is missing.
• Evaluate arguments – This is all about being able to sift through information, and being able to decide which arguments are factual and evidence-based. An individual needs to have the ability to remain objective and use logic.
• Draw conclusions – This is the ability to use all the information you have been presented with and come to a conclusion. This also necessitates being able to adjust your view in the light of new information.

Types of Questions:

The Watson-Glaser Test has five sections, each of which tests different abilities. The five sections are used to measure the skills needed to be successful in the three key areas presented in the RED critical thinking model.

The sections are outlined below:

• Inference – In this section, the candidate is presented with a series of facts. Below these facts is an inferred statement, which the candidate needs to assess. The candidate needs to decide whether the statement is true based on the facts outlined in the previous statement.
• Recognizing Assumptions – The candidate is presented with a statement of facts followed by an assumption. The candidate should then determine if the assumption made is correct based on the facts presented.
• Deduction – The candidate is presented with a statement of facts, which is followed by a concluding statement. The candidate is expected to determine whether or not the concluding statement follows the statement of facts.
• Interpretation –The candidate is presented with a paragraph, which is followed by a concluding statement. The candidate is expected to determine whether or not the conclusive statement follows the paragraph without a shadow of a doubt. The answer is either it follows, or it does not follow.
• Evaluation of Arguments – The candidate is presented with a question which is followed by an argument. It is the candidate’s responsibility to determine how strong the argument is.

The exam adheres to the RED model of evaluating critical thinking (Recognizing assumptions, Evaluating arguments, and Drawing conclusions).  Candidates are therefore assessed based on three key areas, comprehension, analysis, and evaluation.

Employers generally administer the test remotely and often unsupervised, or they may arrange with nearby assessment centers to assist with the process. There are two variations of the exam, an older variant, which consists of 80 questions with a time limit of 60 minutes. The second variation is shorter; the exam has 40 questions with a time limit of 30 minutes. The test is available in English (British and American), French, Dutch, and Spanish making it widely available and widely accepted.

Who Takes the Watson Glaser Critical Appraisal Test?

The test is internationally available and is used by a large number of corporations and educational institutions to assess prospective employees and students. Below is a list of a few organizations, which currently rely on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test:

How to Pass the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test?

Pearson Assessments Limited believes there is no way to really prepare for the Watson Glaser Test. It is genuinely believed, however, that exposure to the exam material as well as critical thinking concepts will help with any pre-exam anxiety.

Getting a study guide might be a wise idea and they can be found with a simple Google search. Their contents range from general exam tips as well as practice questions and answers. These will help to give you an idea of the nature of the exam. Speaking to persons who have previously sat for the exam is also strongly recommended. These persons might be able to help with the practice questions, point you in the direction of additional resources they may have used to prepare as well as provide some insight about handling your usual pre-exam jitters.

Whether you are seeking a job or looking to move up the employment ladder, there is a strong possibility that you will have to sit for an aptitude test. That being said, it is encouraged that you ensure you are on the winning side of things when the exam is done and dusted. Outline a solid preparation plan and stick to it. You may be next in line for that dream job of yours.

All the best with the job hunt!

Critical Thinking Sample Questions:

For each scenario two different statements are given. Choose the option that relates the statement to the scenario.

Should parents limit the time their child spends watching television at night?

• Strong Argument
• Weak Argument

Assumptions:

In 2014, New York State had the 4 th lowest ranking of death by firearm in all 50 states.

• Assumption Made
• Assumption Not Made

Inferences:

In February 2018 grocery stores sold more canned vegetables than fresh vegetables. Their profits, however, were higher for fresh vegetables.

• Probably True
• More Information Required
• Probably False

 Deductions:

Ever since the legalization of marijuana in Washington state in 2012, the cannabis related felony convictions have gone down.

• Conclusion Follows
• Conclusion Does Not Follow
• Strong Argument. The argument made gives a clear disadvantage to the statement and directly relates to it making it a strong argument.
• Weak Argument. Watching TV does not necessarily preclude one from spending time with their family. The argument is not directly related to the initial statement and is therefore a weak argument.
• Assumption Made. If NY was rated 4 th lowest than clearly three other states were ranked lower.
• Answer: Assumption Not Made. The statement does not address gun owners.
• If more money was made on fresh vegetables, then the profit margins must be greater.
• Probably True. If the profit margins were greater for fresh vegetables then we know either the fresh vegetables were bought by the grocery store from their supplier for less, were sold to the customers for more, or a combination of the two. In two of these scenarios the fresh vegetables were sold for more money than the canned vegetables making the statement most likely true. The third scenario, buying the fresh vegetables for less, is of course a possibility too and therefore the answer cannot be certain.

Deductions:

• Conclusion Follows. The statement clearly states that marijuana was legalized in 2012 and this caused convictions to go down. This means any time before 2012 there were more convictions than any time after 2012.
• Conclusion Does Not Follow. The statement does not discuss the usage of marijuana.

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What Is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

What does the watson glaser test assess, what is the watson glaser red model, how to prepare for the watson glaser test, free practice watson glaser test questions, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, watson glaser critical thinking practice test 2024.

Updated May 16, 2024

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test, often referred to as the Watson-Glaser test, is a widely used assessment tool designed to evaluate an individual's critical thinking skills.

It is commonly administered as part of the hiring process for various professional and managerial positions, particularly in fields where critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are highly valued, such as law, finance and management.

Practice the Watson Glaser Test with TestHQ

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test assesses a range of cognitive skills and critical thinking abilities.

Specifically, the test is designed to evaluate a person's capacity to think critically, analyze information, and make reasoned and informed judgments.

The Watson-Glaser RED Model is a framework used in the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test to assess and evaluate critical thinking skills.

The RED Model is a structured approach that helps individuals and organizations understand and apply critical thinking principles.

It stands for Recognize, Evaluate, and Draw Conclusions.

Begin with a thorough review of critical thinking principles, logical reasoning and argument evaluation. Explore sample questions and practice tests provided by reputable sources to gain insight into the types of questions you'll encounter.

Next, sharpen your reading comprehension skills by regularly reading complex texts and analyzing their content critically.

Consider seeking guidance from professional test prep materials, courses, or tutors if available. They can provide valuable insights and strategies for success.

Statement: In the UK, some schools are state-funded. All state-funded schools need to follow the National Curriculum. Therefore, no private schools follow the National Curriculum.

Is the Watson Glaser Test hard?

The difficulty of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test can vary from person to person, depending on their individual critical thinking skills, familiarity with the content and level of preparation.

What is covered in the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson-Glaser Test typically covers the following key areas:

• Inference Skills
• Recognition of Assumptions
• Deductive Reasoning
• Interpretation of Information
• Evaluation of Arguments
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making

How is the Watson Glaser Test scored?

Each question in the Watson-Glaser Test is assigned a specific point value. Test takers earn points for each correct answer. The number of points awarded for each question may vary depending on the difficulty level of the question.

The total score is calculated by summing the points earned for all the questions on the test.

What are the best tips to ensure success in the Watson Glaser Test?

Understand the types of questions you will encounter, such as inference questions, assumption recognition and argument evaluation.

Use practice materials and sample questions to develop your critical thinking skills and become accustomed to the test format.

Read each question carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.

Understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect.

How long does the Watson Glaser Test take?

The Watson-Glaser Test is typically administered with a time limit. The total test duration can vary but is often around 30 to 40 minutes for the full test. However, this can vary depending on the version and purpose of the test

Can I do the Watson Glaser Test more than once?

Whether or not you can take the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test more than once depends on the policies and requirements of the organization or employer that is administering the test.

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a valuable tool that plays a pivotal role in assessing an individual's critical thinking skills and abilities.

This standardized assessment, recognized and utilized by a wide range of employers and educational institutions, provides valuable insights into one's capacity to think critically, evaluate arguments, recognize assumptions and draw logical conclusions.

Success on the Watson-Glaser Test is attainable through practice, familiarity with the test format and a sound understanding of critical thinking principles.

It is a testament to the importance of critical thinking in today's complex and rapidly evolving world.

By honing these essential skills, individuals not only enhance their performance on the test but also empower themselves to make better-informed decisions, solve problems effectively and thrive in various academic and professional pursuits.

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

Watson Glaser Test Practice 2024: Practice Tests & Study Guide

Test Simulations:

• 1 Watson Glaser Diagsnostic Test
• 3 Full Watson Glaser Test Simulation

Practice Tests & Drills:

• 3 Infecernces Practice Tests
• 3 Assumptions Practice Tests
• 5 Deductive Reasoning Practice Tests
• 4 Interpretations Practice Tests
• 3 Arguments Practice Tests

Study Guides:

• 5 Interactive Study Guides Covering All The Test Sections
• Watson Glaser Test Practice
• Watson Glaser Practice Test

Watson Glaser Test Practice 2024: Practice Tests & Study Guide

Watson Glaser Test is widely considered to be among the most challenging employment tests, as it contains very specific rules and often requires counterintuitive solving methods.

In the past two years, our experts have helped more than 3,000 candidates pass the Watson Glaser test. With the experience we've gained, we've developed a tailored and accurate PrepPack that will ensure your readiness on test day. Our Watson Glaser Test PrepPack includes:

• A Watson Glaser Diagnostic Test  will let you get an initial familiarity with the test and know where you stand in each section.  Afterwards,  you will receive a detailed analysis of the sections you struggled with, enabling you to focus on the key skills you need to improve. 
• 23 Additional Practice Tests  covering all the topics and sections you'll face in the Watson Glaser Exam. You'll be able you use these practice tests to thoroughly practice the issues you are weaker on, as revealed in the Diagnostic Test.
• 2 Full-Length Watson Glaser Test Simulations  will allow you to practice the actual test's time constraints, formatting, and content and determine whether you have improved from the Diagnostic Test after practising. 
• 5 Interactive Study Guides that will give you a professional grasp of the theory behind each test section and the best ways to solve questions. 

Our PrepPack is the most comprehensive product in the market, and it is trusted by top law schools and universities in the UK, including Oxford University and Cambridge University!

For additional tips, questions and practice visit our updated  Free Watson Glaser Practice Test.

-Scroll down for more information about the Watson Glaser Test, Prep and Study Guides- 

Shlomik ,  Watson Glaser test expert at  JobTestPrep.

Have a question? Contact me at:  [email protected]

What Is the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA), also known as the Watson Glaser Test, is a pre-employment test designed to assess candidates’ critical thinking and reasoning skills.

The test contains 40 multiple choice critical thinking questions to be solved in 30 minutes, covering 5 sections:

• Inference – 5 questions
• Recognition of Assumptions – 12 questions
• Deduction – 5 questions
• Interpretation – 6 questions
• Evaluation of Arguments – 12 questions

In the following section, we will give an overview of each section, including a free sample question for each. You can check out our free practice test for more.

Watson Glaser is one of the biggest assessment companies. However, there are many other assessment companies including Suited ,  SHL ,  Korn Ferry , cut-e , Thomas , Cubiks , Pymetrics , Saville , aon, Matrigma ,  McQuiag , Arctic Shores , and many more.

The Most Professional Prep Course on the Market!

The Complete Watson Glaser Test Preparation includes focused and tailored practice drills for each of the 5 test sections.

Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.

Watson Glaser Test - 5 Sample Questions Solved [Video]

Watson Glaser Assessment Sample Questions

Sample Question #1 – Inference

The Inference section will present you with a statement followed by a series of inferences (conclusions). Your task is to determine how true or false each inference is .

James is a human rights activist who was fined £60 on three different days during the past month for smoking in public at his workplace. On each of the occasions, he admitted to the act peacefully, telling policemen that he is unwilling to conform to such a breach of people's right to privacy. James paid the three fines shortly after receiving them.

James has spent at least a couple of hundreds of pounds in his struggle to oppose violations of civil liberties this year.

You know that James had paid 180 pounds in the past month alone. You also know he is a human rights activist who is willing to spend money for his cause, based on his actions and testimony.

As such, even though it is not explicitly mentioned in the text, it is safe to assume that sometime in the year James had spent at least 20 more pounds on his activism, smoking-related or otherwise.

The “Probably True” and “Probably False” answer choices are unique to the Watson Glaser and are considered the main challenge of the inference section.

Learn more about the Inference Section.

Sample Question #2 – Recognition of Assumptions

The Assumptions section will present you with a statement followed by a proposed assumption. Your task is to decide whether a person, in making the given statement, is making the proposed assumption.

Complaints were raised against the town's sole French teacher for using her monopoly to charge more than her late predecessor. In fact, however, she does not earn more money on each lesson than she would have before, because she lives out of town and her fee reflects higher transportation costs than those of her predecessor, who lived in town.

Service providers who spend more on transportation are more expensive.

This is a generalisation of what happened in the town. This statement is a logical rule—it refers to all service providers in the world.

The author might think this is true, but he doesn't have to assume it in order for the passage to make sense. Therefore, it is not assumed.

The Recognition of Assumptions section is considered by most candidates as the hardest section of the Watson Glaser test.

Learn more about the Recognition of Assumptions Section.

Sample Question #3 – Deduction

In the Deduction section , you will be presented with a premise followed by a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion ABSOLUTELY AND NECESSARILY follows the premise.

Some citizens pay taxes. Many citizens receive income support.

More citizens receive income support than citizens who pay taxes.

Let's solve this question with the safest possible method for solving deduction questions - Letter Coding.

Citizens = A, pay taxes = B, receive income support = C. According to the premises, (A+B)some, and (A+C)many.

The conclusion states (A+C) > (A+B).

Some refer to a portion - a quantity between 1 to everything, while many others refer to multiplicity – at least 2 and up to everything. However, you have no grounds to infer an accurate quantity of either statement; therefore, the conclusion does not necessarily follow.

In other words:

This one is tricky. Although there is a hierarchy between words that indicate a quantity, and “many” is more than “some”, that is only true when discussing the same group .

For example, if the conclusion was “there are some citizens who receive income support”, it would follow, because you can infer “some” from “many”. However, you cannot compare the quantities of two different groups this way.

The Deduction section does not allow the use of common sense.

Learn more about the Deduction Section.

Sample Question #4 – Interpretation

In the Interpretation section , you will be presented with a premise followed by a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion follows the premise BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.

In the years 2011-12, 32% of pupils entitled to free school meals (an indicator of low socioeconomic status) achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above. This is compared to 65% of pupils who were not entitled to free school meals.

Most of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above.

The logic behind this answer is mathematical: the passage states that 65% of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at a minimum of a C grade.

Since 65% is greater than 50%, we can conclude that they are the majority.

The “beyond a reasonable doubt” element is a common source of confusion for candidates, making this section substantially more difficult than the Deduction section.

Learn more about the Interpretation Section.

Sample Question #5 – Evaluation of Arguments

In the Arguments section , you will be presented with a yes/no question, followed by an argument. Your task is to determine whether the argument is strong or weak in answering the question.

Should parents put their children in preparation courses for gifted tests, in order for them to reach their full potential?

Yes. Parents are responsible for their children’s future and should do whatever they can to help them succeed in life.

This argument, although of great general importance, is not directly related to the question. The question specifically asked about preparation courses for gifted tests, and the arguments do not even mention them.

If, for example, the argument made the connection between preparation courses and success, the argument would have been strong. Since it does not, it is weak.

The most common type of mistake in the Evaluation of Arguments section is letting your own personal views and opinions affect your judgement.

Learn more about the Evaluation of Arguments Section.

For more sample questions, check out our  Watson Glaser free practice test .

The Most Professional Watson Glaser Prep Course on the Market!

• Accurate  - mock tests that EXACTLY simulate the real test's rules, format, and difficulty level.
• Personalized  - additional practice tests and study guides for each section, to focus your practice on your personal weak spots.
• Trusted  - the official preparation kit for Oxford and Cambridge law students.

What Is A Good Score on the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser test doesn't have a pre-determined pass mark, and each employer may very well have a different passing Watson Glaser test score.

As a rule though, you should aim for a score of above 80% of the test-takers in your norm group - keeping in mind that what's considered a good score changes depending on where you're applying. For instance, a Watson Glaser test score of 28/40 is better than 79% of the general population, 69% of managers, but only 49% of law graduates!

If so, what Watson Glaser critical thinking test score is considered good depends greatly on your potential employer. But there are certain Watson Glaser test results that will almost certainly put you among the top candidates: to rank in the top 80% of the most desirable positions like managers and lawyers, it is recommended to get a Watson Glaser test score of at least 33-34. 

Can you fail the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

Anything below the estimated 33-34 questions it takes to reach the top 80% will probably lead to you missing out on the position.

Watson Glaser Test Tips and Preparation Guidelines

A challenging, competitive test requires accurate, focused preparation designed specifically for the actual test.

That goes both for your preparation methods  and for your behaviour on the actual Watson Glaser test day .

Here are 4 preparation tips and 3 test-day tips that will maximize your score:

4 Tips for Preparing for the Watson Glaser Test

Preparation Tip #1 – Know the Rules Inside Out

Knowing the rules is important in any test you take, but it is especially important here.

Here’s why:

• The Watson Glaser has its own set of rules, unparalleled by any other critical thinking test.
• Not only that, but rules vary between sections, and what was correct in the Deduction section will be wrong in the Interpretation section.
• On the actual test, the clock keeps ticking as you read the instructions! Being familiar with them in advance will save you precious time.

Preparation Tip #2 – Let Go of Your Own Perceptions

In most sections of the Watson Glaser test sections, intuition and common sense will lead you to the wrong answer.

So, knowing WHEN to use common sense and intuition, and HOW to use them should be a major part of your preparation plan.

This is where tip number 3 can be extremely helpful.

Preparation Tip #3 – Develop “Critical Thinking Algorithms”

Critical Thinking Algorithms are technical procedures that turn any question into a series of simple Q&As that will lead you to the correct answer.

These eliminate the use of common sense and intuition, thus minimizing your chances for an error.

Two examples of these critical thinking algorithms are Letter Coding and the Negative Test - which you can learn and practice in our Complete Preparation Course.

Preparation Tip #4 – Personalize Your Watson Glaser Practice

Different people will find different sections of the test particularly challenging.

Therefore, it is important to know in advance what YOUR weak spots are, and to address them in your preparation. For instance, if you reach a score of 11/12 in the Evaluation of Arguments section, focus your preparation on sections in which you are weaker.

• Comprehensive  - over 400 practice questions and practice tests and dozens of pages of study guides to get you as prepped as you could possibly be!
• Personalized  - tailored solving techniques specifically designed to address the Watson Glaser test rules and format.

3 Watson Glaser Test-Day Tips

Tip #1 – Use Your Time Wisely

Unlike other tests, time is not a substantial obstacle on the Watson Glaser.

However, there are two key points you should consider when it comes to time:

• Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you finish the questions before the time is up, you can go back to questions you weren't sure of.
• The time it took you to complete the test does not affect your score – for better or worse. So, make sure to use every minute and answer all the questions.

Tip #2 – Out of Options? Guess!

There is no penalty for wrong answers, so it is better to make an educated guess if you’re running out of time. This is one of the advantages of the multiple choice format. 

Tip #3 – Brush Up on the Test Instructions on the Test Day

As I mentioned earlier, the Watson Glaser test instructions are complex and unique.

Being very well familiar with the test instructions before the actual test will have a massive effect on both your score and your ability to finish the test on time.

So, on test day, just before you start your test, make sure you read and understand the instructions perfectly . This will allow you to merely brush over them on the test itself, leaving more time for solving questions.

Remember : On the actual test, the clock does not stop when you read the instructions!

What Employers Use the Watson Glaser?

Nearly all major law firms in the UK use the Watson Glaser test to screen candidates, in addition to commercial law assessment centre tasks . Here are the most important ones:

• Clifford Chance – Clifford Chance uses the Watson Glaser test mainly for entry-level positions – training contracts, vacation schemes, trainee solicitors, and the company’s well-known SPARK scheme.
• Hogan Lovells – Hogan Lovells also uses the test to assess candidates applying to vacation schemes, training contracts, and graduate programmes.
• Linklaters – Besides vacation schemes, summer internships, and graduate positions, Linklaters also uses the test to evaluate candidates for lawyer and associate positions.
• Amazon - The Watson Glaser Amazon assessment is used to select candidates for various positions. 

Apart from the aforementioned law firms firms, an abundance of others also use the test, including CMS, the GLS, Freshfields, Bird & Bird, Dentons and many other law firms. 

Watson Glaser Test Versions and Forms

There are two main versions of the test, however for you as a test-taker, there is no practical difference between the two versions. Both versions have the same content, the number of questions, and time limit.

Watson Glaser II (WG-II) 

The traditional format of the test and is divided into two forms – D and E. Form E is considered slightly more difficult, but the content and formatting of both forms are identical.

Watson Glaser III (WG-III)

A revision of the WG-II test. The main difference is that the WG-III can be taken in an unsupervised setting, due to the "item-bank" from which questions are randomly selected.

Watson Glaser FAQs  

What is a Critical Thinking Test and What Does it Measure?

A critical thinking test, sometimes referred to as critical reasoning test, is an aptitude test that measures your ability to assess a situation through various perspectives. While taking the critical thinking test, you will be asked to acknowledge, extract, and interpret facts, opinions, and assumptions, and identify logical fallacies.

Critical thinking tests are usually used with other assessments in the legal professions’ recruitment process, where critical thinking is needed to make a strong, solid argument. The critical reasoning test measures these critical thinking skills by using paragraphs of text, some short and some very long. 

Why Is Critical Thinking Important to Potential Employers?

Critical thinking skills are an important part of what companies aim to assess in their recruitment process since employees with strong critical thinking can make decisions with limited supervision, allowing them to make independent judgment decisions. Also, critical thinking skills help them solve problems, identify logical fallacies, build strategies, and make them better at their job in general.

Which Professions Use Watson Glaser Tests, and Why?

• Trainee Solicitors and Solicitors
• Graduate Trainees
• Vacation Scheme
• Public Health Registrars

Critical thinking skills are crucial in all of the above, which is why companies use the WG in their recruitment process - to assess critical thinking accurately.

Is the Watson Glaser Test Hard?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is considered to be one of the hardest pre-employment tests on the market today, due to its unique and counterintuitive set of rules, as well as its focus solely on critical thinking.

Is the Watson Glaser Test Timed?

The test is normally timed and allows you up to 30 minutes to complete all 40 questions. There are also untimed versions for candidates requiring adjustments. Note that every section is timed separately, 30 minutes is the total allotted time.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Why is critical thinking important to potential employers, how to prepare for a watson glaser test in 2024, tips to pass the watson glaser test, frequently asked questions, watson-glaser critical thinking test (2024 guide).

Updated May 10, 2024

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The Watson Glaser critical thinking test , initially developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser and now published by Talentlens/Pearson, is designed to assess an individual’s ability to digest and understand situations and information.

It is a psychometric test often used by organisations where the ability to critically consider arguments or propositions is particularly important, such as law firms .

Most people complete the Watson Glaser test within 50 minutes (approximately 10 minutes per sub-test). Tests administrators normally allow candidates one hour to complete the test.

The Watson-Glaser test has been co-normed on a sample of over 1,500 respondents representative of graduate-level candidates. You will be judged against this respondent group when you sit the test.

You can practise realistic Watson Glaser Tests on TestHQ .

Get a Watson Glaser Practice Test with TestHQ

Critical thinking is the ability to logically and rationally consider information.

Rather than accepting arguments and conclusions presented, a person with strong critical thinking will question and seek to understand the evidence provided.

They will look for logical connections between ideas , consider alternative interpretations of information and evaluate the strength of arguments presented.

Everyone inherently experiences some degree of subconscious bias in their thinking. Critical thinking skills can help an individual overcome these and separate out facts from opinions.

The Watson Glaser critical thinking appraisal is based around the RED model of critical thinking:

Recognise assumptions . This is all about comprehension. Actually understanding what is being stated and considering whether the information presented is true, and whether any evidence has been provided to back it up. Correctly identifying when assumptions have been made is an essential part of this, and being able to critically consider the validity of these assumptions – ideally from a number of different perspectives – can help identify missing information or logical inconsistencies.

Evaluate arguments . This skill is about the systematic analysis of the evidence and arguments provided. Being able to remain objective, while logically working through arguments and information. Critical evaluation of arguments requires an individual to suspend their judgement, which can be challenging when an argument has an emotional impact. It is all too easy to unconsciously seek information which confirms a preferred perspective, rather than critically analyse all of the information.

Draw conclusions . This is the ability to pull together a range of information and arrive at a logical conclusion based on the evidence. An individual with strong critical thinking skills will be able to adjust their conclusion should further evidence emerge which leads to a different conclusion.

Critical reasoning tests are a common feature of the job application process in many different industries.

Critical thinking is important to employers because individuals who engage in quality thinking make better decisions. They arrive at conclusions which are impartial, well informed and objective.

Furthermore, such people are able to make decisions with limited supervision, enabling them to independently make judgements: in a world where time can be money, waiting for someone else to validate decisions can be costly and result in missed opportunities.

Practice a Watson Glaser Test with TestHQ

What Is Involved in the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser test evaluates a candidate’s critical thinking ability in five separate areas:

• Recognition of Assumptions
• Interpretations
• Evaluation of arguments

Each of these skills is tested separately and there are therefore five different types of questions in the Watson Glaser test. We will explore each of these below.

1. Inferences

An inference is a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning . It enables conclusions to be drawn that are not explicitly stated.

For example, if we see someone driving a Ferrari we may conclude that they are wealthy.

However, there are a number of alternative explanations: they may have rented or borrowed the car, or they may have acquired huge debt as a result of buying the car.

The problem with inferences is that people often reach a conclusion based on insufficient data, and the conclusion may not, therefore, be correct.

An inference question typically involves a statement (which you are to assume is true) and a number of inferences based on that statement. Your job is to evaluate whether the inference is correct.

You can do this using both the information contained within the passage and information which is commonly accepted knowledge or information that practically every person has.

You will be given five potential responses and you have to select which you feel is most accurate. These options are:

• Definitely True – from the facts given there is no reasonable possibility of it being incorrect.
• Probably True – in light of the facts given, it is more likely to be true than false.
• Insufficient Data – in light of the facts given it is impossible to say whether it is true or not.
• Probably False – in lights of the facts given, it is more likely to be false than true.
• Definitely False – from the facts given, there is no reasonable possibility of it being true.

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2. Recognition of Assumptions

An assumption is something we take for granted. An example might be: “When I retire I will receive a final salary pension”. This assumes that you will get to retire, that you will be alive at retirement age, that your pension fund performs well, and that your pension arrangements will not change.

People make many assumptions which may not necessarily be correct; being able to identify these is a key aspect of critical thinking.

An assumption question typically involves a statement and a number of assumptions. Your job is to identify whether an assumption has been made or not, and you will have a choice of two answers: yes or no.

3. Deductions

A deduction is the drawing of a conclusion in a particular instance, by referring to a general law or premise. However, there may be occasions when such deduction is incorrect.

For example, in the statement: "Satsumas, oranges and clementines are all citrus fruits. They are all orange; therefore all citrus fruits are orange." Clearly this is incorrect.

The deduction section will include a statement (which you must assume is true), followed by a number of potential conclusions.

Your job is to identify whether the conclusion logically follows from the given statement and you will have two options: yes or no.

4. Interpretation

An interpretation is an evaluation of whether a conclusion can logically follow from the information or evidence provided. This requires an individual to understand the precise meaning or significance of a piece of information and applying this information appropriately.

For example, if you are told in a study that the wavelength of light visible to the human eye range from 380–750 nm, you can conclude that no humans can see light at 30 nm.

5. Evaluation of Arguments

This set of questions examines your ability to evaluate the strength of an argument.

You might be faced with strong arguments or weak arguments, and to be strong an argument must be important and directly related to the question.

In these questions, you will be presented by a statement followed by a number of arguments (which you should assume are true) and you must then decide whether each argument is strong or weak.

Take a Free Practice Watson Glaser Test If you would like to practise a simulation Watson Glaser test, please try the one below, which was created by TestHQ in association with psychometric experts, and is closely modelled on real tests.

Get Watson Glaser Practice with Free Tests from TestHQ

Step 1 . Practice Critical Thinking

Critical thinking ability can be significantly improved by practice . It is a skill that can be learned, although it does come more easily to some people than others.

Look for opportunities to think critically about information every day. Once you start practising, you’ll find useful material everywhere: blog posts, newspapers, and journal articles are great places to look.

It can be useful to organise your thinking and practice around the RED model mentioned earlier in the article:

Recognise assumptions . Practise identifying the assumption made in the material. What can be objectively proven and what is inferred? Where might there be gaps in your logic? What information is important and relevant, and what isn’t? What is missing? Is there any information that needs to be included which isn’t?

Evaluate arguments . Practice carefully analysing the arguments presented. What is your perspective on the evidence? Could someone else have a different perspective? Consider the impacts of the arguments from a range of different viewpoints (it can be useful to use a model like PESTLE – political, economic, socio-demographic, technological, legal and environmental – to organise your thoughts). How would someone argue against your position? What merits are there to their arguments?

Draw conclusions . After you have considered all of the facts, what is the best possible conclusion? Could there be any other conclusions? What new information might change your conclusion? Does this conclusion seem sensible based on your common sense and experience? What are the implications of this conclusion?

Step 2 . Develop Self-Awareness

It is also useful to develop your self-awareness. Understanding your biases and thinking patterns can help you identify where your thinking might be limited.

In most of these critical thinking questions, you will need to analyse the text given to you without including any prior knowledge you have.

Step 3 . Take Practice Tests

Finally, take some practice questions .

It can be really helpful to work through some examples with explanations as you will really start to understand how they work and how to think through the questions and arrive at the correct answer.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for and pass the Watson Glaser test:

Familiarize Yourself with the Test: Gain an understanding of the test format, question types and time constraints. Obtain practice materials, such as sample questions or practice tests, to become familiar with the style of questions and improve your performance.

Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Enhance your critical thinking abilities by practicing logical reasoning, analyzing complex information, evaluating arguments and drawing sound conclusions. Read articles, engage in debates and solve puzzles to sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Time Management: The Watson Glaser test is typically timed, so practice working under time constraints. Learn to allocate your time efficiently across the different sections and questions.

Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided for each question. Understand what is being asked, and ensure you are addressing the specific requirements of the question.

Practice with Realistic Scenarios: The Watson Glaser test often presents scenarios that simulate real-life situations. Practice analyzing and evaluating arguments and making informed judgments based on the information provided.

Review Logical Fallacies: Familiarize yourself with common logical fallacies, such as false assumptions, weak correlations, and flawed arguments. Being aware of these fallacies can help you identify weaknesses in the arguments presented.

Remember that preparation is key to performing well on the Watson Glaser test.

By practicing, honing your critical thinking skills, and familiarizing yourself with the test format, you can increase your chances of success.

What is a good score on the Watson Glaser test?

There is no set pass or fail mark for the Watson Glaser test.

Each employer will have a different benchmark but it is sensible to aim for a score of at least 75%. To achieve this, you will need to correctly answer at least 30 of the 40 test questions.

The recruiting organization will use Watson Glaser test results to compare candidates within the selection pool. The higher your Watson Glaser test score, the better your employment prospects.

How is Watson Glaser scored?

Watson Glaser tests comprise 40 multiple-choice questions. Many questions have just two possible answers.

A test-takers score is used to work out their relative position within a norm group. Candidates with the highest relative Watson Glaser test score will progress to the next stage of the hiring process.

Watson Glaser test results are split into a development report and a profile report. Both reports are passed directly to the recruiting organization.

• The development report highlights strengths and areas for development.
• The profile report provides a percentile score, including the raw number of correct answers.

The Watson Glaser score system accounts for the difficulty level of each question, meaning candidates can earn more points for correctly answering a difficult question. The percentile score also considers the education level, occupation and position of the candidate’s norm group.

Is the Watson Glaser test free?

Watson Glaser test candidates are not required to pay a fee to take the test. The recruiting organization will need to pay a fee to use the Watson Glaser test within the hiring process.

Which firms require the Watson Glaser test?

Watson Glaser tests are a popular recruitment tool for law firms in particular, including Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Dentons and Linklaters.

What is a good score on the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is typically scored on a scale from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better performance.

However, what constitutes a 'good' score can vary depending on the context and the specific requirements of the employer or organization using the test.

Generally, a score above 70 is considered a strong performance, demonstrating strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and evaluate complex information effectively.

What employers use the Watson Glaser?

The Watson Glaser test is widely used by employers across various industries to assess critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities of job candidates.

It is commonly utilized in the fields of law, finance, consulting, business, and other roles that require strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Many law firms, financial institutions, consulting firms and large corporations incorporate the Watson Glaser test into their selection processes.

Versions and forms of the Watson Glaser Test

The Watson Glaser test has different versions and forms available, depending on the specific needs of employers.

These variations may include different question formats, content areas, or levels of difficulty. Some commonly used versions include the Watson Glaser Form A, Form B and Form S.

The different forms may contain different question types, such as arguments, deductions, interpretations and evaluations, but they generally assess similar critical thinking skills.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

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Sep 14, 2023

Written By Helena Kudiabor

Decoding the Watson Glaser Test: Complete Guide & Online Practice Test

Just like application questions, interviews and assessment days, the Watson Glaser test is another part of the legal recruitment process. It’s a test that aims to assess your ability to think critically and analyse information, crucial parts of being a successful lawyer. But, what sort of questions does the Watson Glaser include? How can I develop my critical thinking skills? What happens if I fail the test? This article will answer all of these questions and more.

What is the Watson Glaser Test?

Founded in 1925 by American psychologists Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test is now a key part of the legal recruitment process. Most of the UK’s top law firms require candidates to take the test either after answering application questions or as part of an assessment centre. Examples of firms who require the test include: all the Magic Circle firms, Bird & Bird, CMS, DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells and RPC. 

The test itself is taken on a computer, and is made up of either 40 or 80 questions. Candidates are given 30 minutes to answer a 40 question test, and 60 minutes to answer 80 questions. The questions themselves are divided into five sections: inferences, assumptions, deductions, interpretations and evaluating arguments. These are all skills you’ll need to be a successful lawyer. 

How the Watson Glaser is used depends on the firm. Some firms set a pass mark (typically around 75%) and only shortlist candidates who achieve this score or higher. Other firms consider a candidate’s performance alongside the rest of the cohort. So, they shortlist candidates who were in the 50th or 75th percentile. Some firms consider candidates’ scores alongside the rest of your application, so if you don’t do well in the test you could still be shortlisted if you have a stellar CV. However, law firms rarely disclose how they use the test, so it’s best to aim for as high a score as possible. As a general benchmark, we would suggest 75% (30/40). 

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Importance of the Watson Glaser Test in the Legal Industry

The Watson Glaser is so widely used because it assesses critical thinking skills, skills that are a core part of life as a lawyer. Critical thinking is the analysis of facts and information to come to a logical conclusion. Lawyers have to use critical thinking in a variety of ways: reading long precedents and applying the theories to current cases, reading the facts of the case and coming up with a way to resolve the issue, reading the opposing team’s case and coming up with rebuttal arguments. Thus, while your critical thinking skills will improve with age and experience, it makes sense that law firms are looking for people with some grasp of critical thinking.

Overview of the Test Sections

As discussed, the test is broadly divided into the following five sections:

Assumptions

An assumption is something that you accept as the truth, disregarding any evidence. For example, if you go to the supermarket you assume that it will have what you need, without any evidence that it will. With this question, you’ll read a passage and corresponding statements. You’ll need to identify whether an assumption has or has not been made. 

The biggest tip for this section is not to rely on your own knowledge, but only on the facts in the passage

An inference is a conclusion based on the facts you are given. However, these facts will not be spelt out explicitly, so you’ll need to read between the lines.

In this section, you’ll have a passage of text and a selection of inferences based on the text. Then, you’ll need to decide whether each inference is definitely true (100% sure it’s true), probably true (likely but can’t say for certain), insufficient data (can’t say because the specific information isn’t mentioned in the text), probably false (unlikely the inference is correct, but it could be) and definitely false (100% sure it’s false)

Deductions are logically conclusions to a series of statements. For this section, there will be a passage and several conclusions based on the passage. You’ll need to decide whether each conclusion logically follows or does not logically follow the passage. 

To maximise your score, you should remember that the information given does not need to be factually correct. For example, if one of the deductions says that there are 500 countries in the world, it doesn’t matter whether this is true or not, it just matters where this logically follows from the passage.

Interpretations  

Interpretations are very similar to deductions, except the passage tends to be slightly longer. You’ll receive a passage and some conclusions. You’ll need to decide whether the conclusions do or do not logically follow the passage. Answering these questions requires the same sort of strategy as deductions. 

Evaluation of Arguments

Test takers receive a passage, and some related arguments. Based on the passage, you’ll decide whether each argument is strong or weak.

To help you answer these questions, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what constitutes a strong vs a weak argument. A strong argument is backed up by evidence (typically statistics) and is relevant to the text. Weak arguments lack concrete evidence or contradict the text.

Preparing for the Watson Glaser Test

One of the easiest ways to do well on the Watson Glaser is to start preparing early. This allows you to have enough time to familiarise yourself with the content of the test, do some practice tests (timed and untimed) and go over any questions or sections you struggle with. Starting early (whether it’s weeks or months beforehand) also allows you to balance your preparation time with any other responsibilities you may have. Resources you can use include: our dedicated selection and assessment resources , YouTube videos from people who have taken the test before and online practice tests (more on that later). You can even practise analysing newspaper articles and debates to develop your critical thinking skills.

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Benefits of Practice and Familiarisation

Still need a bit more motivation? Here are some of the benefits of regular practice.

Firstly, understanding the test’s format and completing practice tests means you’ll be prepared when it comes to the real test, so you won’t be confronted with a test format you’ve never seen before. This makes for a less stressful test experience.

Timed practice tests are also a really excellent tool. As discussed, the Watson Glaser requires test takers to complete 40 questions in 30 minutes, leaving you with less than a minute to answer each question. You also need to find time to check over your answers at the end. Thus, completing timed practice tests is a great way to get used to the time constraints so you can avoid running out of time for the real thing. 

Challenges and Pitfalls

During your preparation, and on test day itself, here are some things to avoid:

Don’t answer questions based on outside knowledge. Focus only on the information provided to you in the text, regardless of whether you think it’s factually accurate.

Avoid spending too much time on one question. With such a stringent time limit, if you’re struggling to answer a question, move on to the next one. You can always come back later and make an educated guess. 

Try not to gloss over your mistakes. Instead of just saying you ran out of time or made a silly mistake, try to think about why you ran out of time or why you made a silly mistake. Make a note of what you can do to avoid making similar mistakes again.

Easier said than done, but try not to panic too much about the test. While the test is challenging, not doing as well as you hoped isn’t the end of the world. As long as you take the time to understand where you went wrong and utilise different coping mechanisms (creative hobbies, affirmations, meditation) you will go far. There are so many excellent firms who don’t require the Watson Glaser. 

Try our Practice Watson Glaser Test!

Are you applying for a training contract or vacation scheme and need to complete a Watson Glaser test as part of the application process? If so, it’s important to make sure you know what to expect. Try our practice Watson Glaser-style test now to make sure you’re fully prepared.

You can complete a practice test, working through example questions from each section of the Watson Glaser test. We’ll help you to familiarise yourself with the format, and learn what to expect from each question format. You can then find out how you did in comparison to other members of the AllAboutLaw community.

Try the practice test now !

Selection & Assessment

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• A Guide to Understanding and Acing Situational Judgement Tests in Legal Graduate Recruitment
• Ace the group exercise: tips for success in law firm assessment centres
• Ace the Interview: Tips for Success in Criminal Law Applications

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Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Practice Tests and Advice

Critical thinking tests are high-level aptitude tests, with the Watson-Glaser being the most common.

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Page contents:

What is a critical thinking test, critical thinking test format.

• Watson Glaser critical thinking explained

Critical thinking arguments tutorial

Free watson glaser practice tests, critical thinking assumptions tutorial.

• What does a critical test measure?

Critical thinking deductions tutorial

• Most popular critical thinking tests

Critical thinking inferences tutorial

• How to pass Watson Glaser test

Watson Glaser FAQs

Updated: 24 August 2023

A critical thinking test is used to assess your ability to logically analyse assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. Critical thinking can be defined as ‘the ability to consider a range of information derived from many different sources, to process this information in a creative and logical manner, challenging it, analysing it and arriving at considered conclusions which can be defended and justified’ (Moon, 2008).

Critical reasoning tests, also known as critical thinking tests, are psychometric tests commonly used in graduate, professional and managerial recruitment. These high-level analytical test are most commonly encountered in the legal sector, but other organisations such as the Bank of England also use them as part of their selection process.

If we lack critical thinking skills, it is possible to be misguided into believing that an argument is strong, when in actual fact there is little evidence to support it. Critical thinking skills therefore include the ability to structure a sound, solid argument, to analyse and synthesise available information, and to make assumptions and inferences. Critical thinking skills are also about being able to evaluate the information and draw conclusions that can be supported.

Your critical thinking test may be pencil and paper or, more likely, it may be administered online. Which one you take will often depend on the format and the structure of the recruitment process. The questions will be multiple choice format and will usually be administered under time constraints.

Common test formats are as follows:

• 40 questions - 30 minutes
• 80 question - 60 minutes

Once you understand the format of your test, you are much more likely to perform better. Practice is the best way to maximise your chances of test success.

Watson Glaser critical thinking appraisal explained

By far the most common type of critical thinking test is the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA) which is published by TalentLens. You can visit their official site here: Watson Glaser . With over 85 years' worth of development, the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is the most popular measure of critical thinking ability. The test is most commonly used by law firms, which is understandable as the abilities measured by the W-GCTA are good predictors of future success in roles which require clarity of understanding from multiple perspectives and the ability to reason with fact versus assumption.

The Watson-Glaser Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA) is one of the main evaluating tools for cognitive abilities in professionals, since it measures critical thinking. It is seen as a successful tool to predict job success, as well as being used to select good managers and finding possible future leaders. It is also used in order to select the right person for a specific job role, especially for careers in the law.

Did You Know

The most recent revision of the W-GCTA was published in 2011 with notable improvements being better face validity and business-relevant items, scoring based on Item Response Theory (IRT), updated norm groups, and an online retest which can be used to validate a paper and pencil test result.

The W-GCTA was originally developed by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser. The W-GCTA measures the critical skills that are necessary for presenting in a clear, structured, well-reasoned way, a certain point of view and convincing others of your argument. The test questions are looking at the individual’s ability to:

• Make correct inferences
• To recognise assumptions
• To make deductions
• To come to conclusions
• To interpret and evaluate arguments

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an arguments-style question from a critical thinking test:

Free Critical Thinking Test

We have broken down a critical thinking test into the different sections. You can try each section or take the full test (86 questions, 60 minutes).

Critical Thinking Test 1

• 40 questions

Critical Thinking Test 2

Critical thinking test 3, critical thinking test 4.

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an assumptions-style question from a critical thinking test:

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What does a critical thinking test measure?

Critical thinking tests assess your ability to logically analyse assumptions, arguments, deductions, inferences and interpreting information. You will be given a passage of information which may contain a mixture of verbal and numerical data, and will be provided with a statement which requires the candidate’s critical assessment of how true that statement is based on the above passage.

The Watson and Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal contains five sections which are specially designed in order to find out how good an individual is at reasoning analytically and logically. There are five sections:

• Assumptions: In these questions a statement will be presented and the candidate will have to decide if an assumption has been made in making the statement. For example in the statement “only people earning a high salary can afford a fast car” it is assumed that fast cars cost more than not fast cars (this is just one of many assumptions implicit in the statement). An assumption is something someone effectively takes for granted. Statements are given for the individual to read and they are then followed by several proposed assumptions. The candidate has to select whether an assumption has or has not been made.
• Analysing arguments: Candidates will be provided with a given scenario i.e. “Should the government pay student’s tuition fees?” They are subsequently provided with a list of arguments for or against the scenario presented. The candidate will need to assess if each argument is strong or weak, based on how relevant it is and how well it addresses the question. The argument is considered to be strong if it directly relates to the question or statement, and weak if it is not directly related to the question or statement.
• Deductions: Candidates will be provided with a passage of information and candidates will need to evaluate a list of deductions made based on that passage. If one cannot deduce a particular statement from the passage, then that deduction does not follow, and the candidate must select which deductions follow and which do not follow. The answer must be entirely based on the statements made and not on conclusions made from one’s own knowledge.
• Inferences: In this section candidates will be provided with a passage of information on a scenario. A subsequent list of possible inferences will follow, and candidates will be asked to rate if they are true, false, possibly true, possibly false or whether it is not possible to say based on the information in the passage.
• Interpreting Information: A paragraph of information will be provided to the candidate, with a list of possible conclusions. Candidates will need to interpret the information in the paragraph and decide if each conclusion follows based on the presented information. Once again the decisions must solely be based on the information given.

With so many sections, each having their own instructions and guidelines, it can be tough to become confident on all areas.

Survey results

We asked critical thinking test takers what they found was the most difficult section of a critical thinking test. 35% of them believed 'assumptions' to be the most difficult. You can see the full results below:

The following video features Ben explain how to answer a deductions-style question from a critical thinking test:

Most popular critical thinking test publishers

There may be variations in your test depending on the test publisher you have for your critical thinking test.

Throughout 2020, we analysed a sample of critical thinking tests to discover the most popular test publishers. It was found that 77% of critical thinking tests were published by Watson Glaser.

Here is a list of critical reasoning tests on the market at present, which candidates may be likely to encounter for recruitment, selection or development:

• Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal: The W-GCTA is the most widely-used critical reasoning test on the market, and the one candidates are most likely to encounter.
• SHL Critical Reasoning Test Battery: The SHL Critical Reasoning Test Battery is a collection of 60 critical reasoning questions with varying difficulty depending of the level of candidate. This test has a time limit of 30 minutes.
• Cornell Critical Thinking Assessment: The Cornell Critical Thinking Assessment is a test primarily used in educational settings. There are two versions of this test, one for children and one for adults. This test may be used for entry onto particular degree courses or for recruitment/development purposes.
• Cappfinity Critical Reasoning Test: This assesses your problem solving and decision making skills. Its topics have similarities with the Watson Glaser.
• Test Partnership Concepts Critical Thinking Test: This also shares some similarities with the Watson Glaser. Test Partnership assesses the classic aspects of critical thinking with a modern candidate experience.

The following video features Ben explain how to answer an inference-style question from a critical thinking test:

How to pass Watson Glaser test - critical thinking tips

Here is some general advice to help you learn how to improve your Watson Glaser score:

• Only use the information contained in the test: When reading the passages of information within the test, your first instinct may be to use general knowledge or your own personal experience. Critical reasoning tests are not tests of what you think; they are tests of how you think. You will not be required to utilise any prior knowledge when answering a question, and at times the correct answer will completely contradict what you know to be true based on your own knowledge, but is true in the context of the passage.
• Read the instructions thoroughly: Critical reasoning tests will require numerous separate types of logical reasoning, and reading the instructions will inform you of how to answer questions correctly. For example if a question requires you to evaluate the strength of an argument, the instruction page will inform you what constitutes a strong or weak argument. Take ample time to ensure you know how to answer questions regardless of any time limits.
• Pay attention to time limits: Due to the complex nature of critical reasoning tests, there will often be no time limits or there will be generous time limits. Candidates are advised to use this to their advantage and take plenty of time when reading, evaluating and answering. An easy mistake to make is treating this type of test like a verbal or numerical reasoning test and answering questions as quickly as possible. Rushing through a critical thinking test may lead to candidates missing key points, and answering incorrectly as a result.
• Understand logical fallacies: Understanding logical fallacies is an important part of the test, and researching the difference between sound and fallacious logic can help maximise performance on a critical reasoning test. A fallacy is an error in reasoning due to a misconception or a presumption, and an argument which employs a formal fallacy, logical fallacy or a deductive fallacy in its reasoning becomes an invalid argument. Researching the different types of fallacy (i.e. red herring argument, straw man argument, confusing correlation and causation etc.) can help you identify them in the test and therefore answer the question correctly.

You will not be hired solely on your Watson Glaser score, but a score of 75% is a good score that will give you a good chance of progressing through selection rounds. When taking practice Watson Glaser tests try to achieve +75% in your raw score, this should be enough.

The Watson Glaser test has a time limit of 30 minutes. There is a total of 40 questions to complete within this time limit.

Yes, the Watson Glaser test is multiple-choice format and is split into the five section: assumptions, analysing arguments, deductions, inferences, interpreting information.

Most law firms will use a Watson Glaser test to assess the candidate's critical thinking ability. Some well known law firms include: Hogan Lovells, Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Linklaters, Freshfields BD and others.

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Practice a Free Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) & Critical Thinking Sample Questions – 2024

• Free Practice Questions

Saturated is one of the many words used to describe the current job market. While a greater pool of eligible candidates may sound like a blessing for employers, it has also made the employment process a lot more tedious. Companies have turned to institutions like Pearson Assessments Limited to assist in keeping the process objective by providing additional ways to fairly assess potential employees. The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test has become one of the most popular pre-employment aptitude tests currently used during the hiring process.

What Is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test?

Critical thinking refers to a person’s ability to observe a scenario and have a clear understanding of that scenario from multiple points of view. The person should be able to separate the facts of the scenario from personal opinions and assumptions. Critical thinking has become an essential skill required by most job roles today. Employers want to know that employees will be able to make logical decisions, only taking into account the facts, without being distracted by his/her own emotions or the emotions of others.

To assess the critical thinking skills of prospective employees organisations have turned to Pearson Assessments, administrators of The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test. The Watson Glaser Test, authored by Goodwin Watson and Edwin Glaser, is a psychometric assessment used as a part of the pre-employment screening process and internal audits at just about all career levels, including and not limited to recent graduates, managers, and high-level executives. Universities in recent times have also utilised the test to assess prospective postgraduate students. The test has been in use in the United States since the 1960s.

The Watson Glaser test was designed using the RED critical thinking model, which was also developed by Pearson. The RED model is based in three key areas that are necessary to be able to think critically.

• Recognize assumptions – This aspect of critical thinking is about understanding information and considering if it is true based on evidence, rather than take it at face value. This ability keeps an individual from leaping to conclusions on little to no evidence and helps them to recognize when information is missing.
• Evaluate arguments – This is all about being able to sift through information, and being able to decide which arguments are factual and evidence-based. An individual needs to have the ability to remain objective and use logic.
• Draw conclusions – This is the ability to use all the information you have been presented with and come to a conclusion. This also necessitates being able to adjust your view in the light of new information.

Types of Questions:

The Watson-Glaser Test has five sections, each of which tests different abilities. The five sections are used to measure the skills needed to be successful in the three key areas presented in the RED critical thinking model.

The sections are outlined below:

• Inference – In this section, the candidate is presented with a series of facts. Below these facts is an inferred statement, which the candidate needs to assess. The candidate needs to decide whether the statement is true based on the facts outlined in the previous statement.
• Recognising Assumptions – The candidate is presented with a statement of facts followed by an assumption. The candidate should then determine if the assumption made is correct based on the facts presented.
• Deduction – The candidate is presented with a statement of facts, which is followed by a concluding statement. The candidate is expected to determine whether or not the concluding statement follows the statement of facts.
• Interpretation –The candidate is presented with a paragraph, which is followed by a concluding statement. The candidate is expected to determine whether or not the conclusive statement follows the paragraph without a shadow of a doubt. The answer is either it follows, or it does not follow.
• Evaluation of Arguments – The candidate is presented with a question which is followed by an argument. It is the candidate’s responsibility to determine how strong the argument is.

The exam adheres to the RED model of evaluating critical thinking (Recognising assumptions, Evaluating arguments, and Drawing conclusions).  Candidates are therefore assessed based on three key areas, comprehension, analysis, and evaluation.

Employers generally administer the test remotely and often unsupervised, or they may arrange with nearby assessment centres to assist with the process. There are two variations of the exam, an older variant, which consists of 80 questions with a time limit of 60 minutes. The second variation is shorter; the exam has 40 questions with a time limit of 30 minutes. The test is available in English (British and American), French, Dutch, and Spanish making it widely available and widely accepted.

Who Takes the Watson Glaser Critical Appraisal Test?

The test is internationally available and is used by a large number of corporations and educational institutions to assess prospective employees and students. Below is a list of a few organisations , which currently rely on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test:

How to Pass the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal Test?

Pearson Assessments Limited believes there is no way to really prepare for the Watson Glaser Test. It is genuinely believed, however, that exposure to the exam material as well as critical thinking concepts will help with any pre-exam anxiety.

Getting a study guide might be a wise idea and they can be found with a simple Google search. Their contents range from general exam tips as well as practice questions and answers. These will help to give you an idea of the nature of the exam. Speaking to persons who have previously sat for the exam is also strongly recommended. These persons might be able to help with the practice questions, point you in the direction of additional resources they may have used to prepare as well as provide some insight about handling your usual pre-exam jitters.

Whether you are seeking a job or looking to move up the employment ladder, there is a strong possibility that you will have to sit for an aptitude test. That being said, it is encouraged that you ensure you are on the winning side of things when the exam is done and dusted. Outline a solid preparation plan and stick to it. You may be next in line for that dream job of yours.

All the best with the job hunt!

Critical Thinking Sample Questions:

For each scenario two different statements are given. Choose the option that relates the statement to the scenario.

Should parents limit the time their child spends watching television at night?

• Strong Argument
• Weak Argument

Assumptions:

In 2014, New York State had the 4 th lowest ranking of death by firearm in all 50 states.

• Assumption Made
• Assumption Not Made

Inferences:

In February 2018 grocery stores sold more canned vegetables than fresh vegetables. Their profits, however, were higher for fresh vegetables.

• Probably True
• More Information Required
• Probably False

 Deductions:

Ever since the legalisation of marijuana in Washington state in 2012, the cannabis related felony convictions have gone down.

• Conclusion Follows
• Conclusion Does Not Follow
• Strong Argument. The argument made gives a clear disadvantage to the statement and directly relates to it making it a strong argument.
• Weak Argument. Watching TV does not necessarily preclude one from spending time with their family. The argument is not directly related to the initial statement and is therefore a weak argument.
• Assumption Made. If NY was rated 4 th lowest than clearly three other states were ranked lower.
• Answer: Assumption Not Made. The statement does not address gun owners.
• If more money was made on fresh vegetables, then the profit margins must be greater.
• Probably True. If the profit margins were greater for fresh vegetables then we know either the fresh vegetables were bought by the grocery store from their supplier for less, were sold to the customers for more, or a combination of the two. In two of these scenarios the fresh vegetables were sold for more money than the canned vegetables making the statement most likely true. The third scenario, buying the fresh vegetables for less, is of course a possibility too and therefore the answer cannot be certain.

Deductions:

• Conclusion Follows. The statement clearly states that marijuana was legalised in 2012 and this caused convictions to go down. This means any time before 2012 there were more convictions than any time after 2012.
• Conclusion Does Not Follow. The statement does not discuss the usage of marijuana.

Pearson Assessment

• Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal
• Raven Progressive Matrices Test
• Bennett Mechanical Test (BMCT II)

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• Kenexa Assessment
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• Thomas International Assessment
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1 Introduction to Critical Thinking

I. what is c ritical t hinking [1].

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe.  It includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking. Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following:

• Understand the logical connections between ideas.
• Identify, construct, and evaluate arguments.
• Detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning.
• Solve problems systematically.
• Identify the relevance and importance of ideas.
• Reflect on the justification of one’s own beliefs and values.

Critical thinking is not simply a matter of accumulating information. A person with a good memory and who knows a lot of facts is not necessarily good at critical thinking. Critical thinkers are able to deduce consequences from what they know, make use of information to solve problems, and to seek relevant sources of information to inform themselves.

Critical thinking should not be confused with being argumentative or being critical of other people. Although critical thinking skills can be used in exposing fallacies and bad reasoning, critical thinking can also play an important role in cooperative reasoning and constructive tasks. Critical thinking can help us acquire knowledge, improve our theories, and strengthen arguments. We can also use critical thinking to enhance work processes and improve social institutions.

Some people believe that critical thinking hinders creativity because critical thinking requires following the rules of logic and rationality, whereas creativity might require breaking those rules. This is a misconception. Critical thinking is quite compatible with thinking “out-of-the-box,” challenging consensus views, and pursuing less popular approaches. If anything, critical thinking is an essential part of creativity because we need critical thinking to evaluate and improve our creative ideas.

II. The I mportance of C ritical T hinking

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. The ability to think clearly and rationally is important whatever we choose to do. If you work in education, research, finance, management or the legal profession, then critical thinking is obviously important. But critical thinking skills are not restricted to a particular subject area. Being able to think well and solve problems systematically is an asset for any career.

Critical thinking is very important in the new knowledge economy.  The global knowledge economy is driven by information and technology. One has to be able to deal with changes quickly and effectively. The new economy places increasing demands on flexible intellectual skills, and the ability to analyze information and integrate diverse sources of knowledge in solving problems. Good critical thinking promotes such thinking skills, and is very important in the fast-changing workplace.

Critical thinking enhances language and presentation skills. Thinking clearly and systematically can improve the way we express our ideas. In learning how to analyze the logical structure of texts, critical thinking also improves comprehension abilities.

Critical thinking promotes creativity. To come up with a creative solution to a problem involves not just having new ideas. It must also be the case that the new ideas being generated are useful and relevant to the task at hand. Critical thinking plays a crucial role in evaluating new ideas, selecting the best ones and modifying them if necessary.

Critical thinking is crucial for self-reflection. In order to live a meaningful life and to structure our lives accordingly, we need to justify and reflect on our values and decisions. Critical thinking provides the tools for this process of self-evaluation.

Good critical thinking is the foundation of science and democracy. Science requires the critical use of reason in experimentation and theory confirmation. The proper functioning of a liberal democracy requires citizens who can think critically about social issues to inform their judgments about proper governance and to overcome biases and prejudice.

Critical thinking is a   metacognitive skill . What this means is that it is a higher-level cognitive skill that involves thinking about thinking. We have to be aware of the good principles of reasoning, and be reflective about our own reasoning. In addition, we often need to make a conscious effort to improve ourselves, avoid biases, and maintain objectivity. This is notoriously hard to do. We are all able to think but to think well often requires a long period of training. The mastery of critical thinking is similar to the mastery of many other skills. There are three important components: theory, practice, and attitude.

III. Improv ing O ur T hinking S kills

If we want to think correctly, we need to follow the correct rules of reasoning. Knowledge of theory includes knowledge of these rules. These are the basic principles of critical thinking, such as the laws of logic, and the methods of scientific reasoning, etc.

Also, it would be useful to know something about what not to do if we want to reason correctly. This means we should have some basic knowledge of the mistakes that people make. First, this requires some knowledge of typical fallacies. Second, psychologists have discovered persistent biases and limitations in human reasoning. An awareness of these empirical findings will alert us to potential problems.

However, merely knowing the principles that distinguish good and bad reasoning is not enough. We might study in the classroom about how to swim, and learn about the basic theory, such as the fact that one should not breathe underwater. But unless we can apply such theoretical knowledge through constant practice, we might not actually be able to swim.

Similarly, to be good at critical thinking skills it is necessary to internalize the theoretical principles so that we can actually apply them in daily life. There are at least two ways to do this. One is to perform lots of quality exercises. These exercises don’t just include practicing in the classroom or receiving tutorials; they also include engaging in discussions and debates with other people in our daily lives, where the principles of critical thinking can be applied. The second method is to think more deeply about the principles that we have acquired. In the human mind, memory and understanding are acquired through making connections between ideas.

Good critical thinking skills require more than just knowledge and practice. Persistent practice can bring about improvements only if one has the right kind of motivation and attitude. The following attitudes are not uncommon, but they are obstacles to critical thinking:

• I prefer being given the correct answers rather than figuring them out myself.
• I don’t like to think a lot about my decisions as I rely only on gut feelings.
• I don’t usually review the mistakes I have made.
• I don’t like to be criticized.

To improve our thinking we have to recognize the importance of reflecting on the reasons for belief and action. We should also be willing to engage in debate, break old habits, and deal with linguistic complexities and abstract concepts.

The  California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory  is a psychological test that is used to measure whether people are disposed to think critically. It measures the seven different thinking habits listed below, and it is useful to ask ourselves to what extent they describe the way we think:

• Truth-Seeking—Do you try to understand how things really are? Are you interested in finding out the truth?
• Open-Mindedness—How receptive are you to new ideas, even when you do not intuitively agree with them? Do you give new concepts a fair hearing?
• Analyticity—Do you try to understand the reasons behind things? Do you act impulsively or do you evaluate the pros and cons of your decisions?
• Systematicity—Are you systematic in your thinking? Do you break down a complex problem into parts?
• Confidence in Reasoning—Do you always defer to other people? How confident are you in your own judgment? Do you have reasons for your confidence? Do you have a way to evaluate your own thinking?
• Inquisitiveness—Are you curious about unfamiliar topics and resolving complicated problems? Will you chase down an answer until you find it?
• Maturity of Judgment—Do you jump to conclusions? Do you try to see things from different perspectives? Do you take other people’s experiences into account?

Finally, as mentioned earlier, psychologists have discovered over the years that human reasoning can be easily affected by a variety of cognitive biases. For example, people tend to be over-confident of their abilities and focus too much on evidence that supports their pre-existing opinions. We should be alert to these biases in our attitudes towards our own thinking.

IV. Defining Critical Thinking

There are many different definitions of critical thinking. Here we list some of the well-known ones. You might notice that they all emphasize the importance of clarity and rationality. Here we will look at some well-known definitions in chronological order.

1) Many people trace the importance of critical thinking in education to the early twentieth-century American philosopher John Dewey. But Dewey did not make very extensive use of the term “critical thinking.” Instead, in his book  How We Think (1910), he argued for the importance of what he called “reflective thinking”:

…[when] the ground or basis for a belief is deliberately sought and its adequacy to support the belief examined. This process is called reflective thought; it alone is truly educative in value…

Active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in light of the grounds that support it, and the further conclusions to which it tends, constitutes reflective thought.

There is however one passage from How We Think where Dewey explicitly uses the term “critical thinking”:

The essence of critical thinking is suspended judgment; and the essence of this suspense is inquiry to determine the nature of the problem before proceeding to attempts at its solution. This, more than any other thing, transforms mere inference into tested inference, suggested conclusions into proof.

2) The  Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal  (1980) is a well-known psychological test of critical thinking ability. The authors of this test define critical thinking as:

…a composite of attitudes, knowledge and skills. This composite includes: (1) attitudes of inquiry that involve an ability to recognize the existence of problems and an acceptance of the general need for evidence in support of what is asserted to be true; (2) knowledge of the nature of valid inferences, abstractions, and generalizations in which the weight or accuracy of different kinds of evidence are logically determined; and (3) skills in employing and applying the above attitudes and knowledge.

3) A very well-known and influential definition of critical thinking comes from philosopher and professor Robert Ennis in his work “A Taxonomy of Critical Thinking Dispositions and Abilities” (1987):

Critical thinking is reasonable reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.

4) The following definition comes from a statement written in 1987 by the philosophers Michael Scriven and Richard Paul for the  National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking (link), an organization promoting critical thinking in the US:

Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness. It entails the examination of those structures or elements of thought implicit in all reasoning: purpose, problem, or question-at-issue, assumptions, concepts, empirical grounding; reasoning leading to conclusions, implications and consequences, objections from alternative viewpoints, and frame of reference.

The following excerpt from Peter A. Facione’s “Critical Thinking: A Statement of Expert Consensus for Purposes of Educational Assessment and Instruction” (1990) is quoted from a report written for the American Philosophical Association:

We understand critical thinking to be purposeful, self-regulatory judgment which results in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference, as well as explanation of the evidential, conceptual, methodological, criteriological, or contextual considerations upon which that judgment is based. CT is essential as a tool of inquiry. As such, CT is a liberating force in education and a powerful resource in one’s personal and civic life. While not synonymous with good thinking, CT is a pervasive and self-rectifying human phenomenon. The ideal critical thinker is habitually inquisitive, well-informed, trustful of reason, open-minded, flexible, fairminded in evaluation, honest in facing personal biases, prudent in making judgments, willing to reconsider, clear about issues, orderly in complex matters, diligent in seeking relevant information, reasonable in the selection of criteria, focused in inquiry, and persistent in seeking results which are as precise as the subject and the circumstances of inquiry permit. Thus, educating good critical thinkers means working toward this ideal. It combines developing CT skills with nurturing those dispositions which consistently yield useful insights and which are the basis of a rational and democratic society.

V. Two F eatures of C ritical T hinking

A. how not what .

Critical thinking is concerned not with what you believe, but rather how or why you believe it. Most classes, such as those on biology or chemistry, teach you what to believe about a subject matter. In contrast, critical thinking is not particularly interested in what the world is, in fact, like. Rather, critical thinking will teach you how to form beliefs and how to think. It is interested in the type of reasoning you use when you form your beliefs, and concerns itself with whether you have good reasons to believe what you believe. Therefore, this class isn’t a class on the psychology of reasoning, which brings us to the second important feature of critical thinking.

B. Ought N ot Is ( or Normative N ot Descriptive )

There is a difference between normative and descriptive theories. Descriptive theories, such as those provided by physics, provide a picture of how the world factually behaves and operates. In contrast, normative theories, such as those provided by ethics or political philosophy, provide a picture of how the world should be. Rather than ask question such as why something is the way it is, normative theories ask how something should be. In this course, we will be interested in normative theories that govern our thinking and reasoning. Therefore, we will not be interested in how we actually reason, but rather focus on how we ought to reason.

In the introduction to this course we considered a selection task with cards that must be flipped in order to check the validity of a rule. We noted that many people fail to identify all the cards required to check the rule. This is how people do in fact reason (descriptive). We then noted that you must flip over two cards. This is how people ought to reason (normative).

• Section I-IV are taken from http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/ and are in use under the creative commons license. Some modifications have been made to the original content. ↵

Critical Thinking Copyright © 2019 by Brian Kim is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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