watson glaser iii critical thinking

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.

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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…

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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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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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Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

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

Page contents:

About critical thinking tests and how they work, free practice critical thinking test, 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.

Full Watson Glaser Test Practice Guide 2024

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 .

• A Watson Glaser introduction test
• 2 full-length Watson-Glaser practice tests
• 23 additional practice drills (by section)
• 5 interactive study guides
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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 .

What Exactly Is a Critical Thinking Test?

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.

Why Do Employers Value Critical Thinking?

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.

Who Typically Takes the Watson Glaser Test?

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.

How Challenging Is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

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.

What's the Difference Between Watson Glaser II and III?

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.

Is the Watson Glaser Test Timed?

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.

How Important Are Test Instructions on Test Day?

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.

What Is the Difference Between Watson Glaser Test Forms D and E?

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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Top 10 Tips To Pass Your Watson Glaser Test

Watson Glaser critical reasoning tests give insight into a candidate’s ability to evaluate information and draw the correct conclusions. The test assesses critical thinking and logical approach, as well as the ability to work quickly and accurately under time pressure.

Watson Glaser tests feature a series of written statements and passages, around which a set of multiple-choice questions are focused. These questions require candidates to make necessary deductions and inferences, identify any assumptions present and look for evidence to prove the validity of an argument.

The test is split up into the following five areas:

Drawing inferences

Recognising assumptions

Interpretation

Evaluation of arguments

Usually there are 40 questions, which must be answered within a 30-minute time limit. This means a steady pace is needed to complete the test and increase the chances of achieving a high score.

The questions require no prior knowledge, but the level of detailed critical thinking demanded makes the test challenging.

Watson Glaser tests are commonly used as part of the recruitment processes of law firms, banks and financial companies – where making well evidenced and unbiased decisions is critical for performance.

Preparation is key to strong performance in the test. The following ten tips will help you to effectively prepare for and pass your Watson Glaser test.

1. Practise critical thinking tests

Critical thinking tests can vary according to the publisher. Only by practicing Watson Glaser-style tests will you become familiar with the format, style and content of the test you will face.

Although many of the skills tested do implicitly feature across critical thinking assessments, Watson Glaser tests are unique in their question groupings, as each skill is explicitly tested.

Sitting practise tests in the same style will make sure you focus upon honing your ability to draw inferences, recognise assumptions, interpret written data, make deductions and evaluate arguments.

2. Hone your pace by managing your time

Success in the Watson Glaser test requires both speed and accuracy. When preparing, be aware of the time allocation you have for each question. If you split the questions evenly this is usually 45 seconds, but you may wish to spend longer on the section(s) you find trickiest, making up time on your stronger areas.

When taking practise tests, always time yourself. If you keep practicing until you reach the pace required, you will feel confident in your ability to complete the official test.

3. Read the instructions carefully

Although pace is important, this should not present as haste. Reading the instructions carefully, both at the start of the test and the guidance related to each section, is critical to prevent unnecessary mistakes. The information given is included to help you succeed, so make the most of the advice.

Don’t skip the sample questions. Use them to settle yourself into the logical approach needed.

4. Answer using the exact information given

When completing a critical thinking test, you should take all information at face value. The test is about evidencing arguments, making accurate inferences from the data given and identifying assumptions.

To do this effectively, you will need to be meticulous with detail and take the content of the passages literally, putting aside any prior knowledge on the subject matter. You will also need to resist the urge to make your own assumptions to fill the information gaps.

Answer based only on the information given, and you will be able to confidently pass judgement on the validity of statements.

5. Remove all distractions

Now that most psychometric tests are administered online, candidates sit them in their own homes. While this means they can be taken in a familiar and comfortable space, your home likely lacks the neutral, silent environment of a test centre.

Critical thinking tests require a high level of concentration and attention to detail . To give yourself the best chance of scoring well, take the test in a quiet environment, free from distractions. It’s also sensible to check the internet connection is stable.

You’ll need to focus solidly during the 30 minutes, so have everything you might need ready on your desk, such as a glass of water or a piece of scrap paper.

6. Don’t dwell on tricky questions

If you become stuck on a question during the test, don’t allow it to throw off your concentration or pace. The questions in the Watson Glaser test vary in difficulty, so there may well be a couple that you find particularly tricky.

This can be frustrating, but it is more important to safeguard your time and submit answers for all the questions in the test.

All questions are multiple-choice, so select your best guess and move on. The tests are not negatively marked, so you will not lose marks for making an educated attempt.

7. Don’t make assumptions about the questions

When working through a critical thinking test, read each of the questions carefully so you are clear on what it is asking. Many candidates lose points answering the question they assume is being asked, rather than the question that is actually being posed.

It’s also important to be clear about the context of the question and the perspective from which it approaches the text. Questions may feature different perspectives, so be aware of the difference this may make to the interpretation of the information.

If in doubt, quickly read the passage and/or question again. Don’t sacrifice understanding and accuracy for speed, as revisiting a text to iron out any misunderstandings will likely help you to answer all of the connected questions correctly.

8. As you read, establish the logic

When reading the passages of text in the test, read actively. Analyse the statements made and seek to identify any logical connections between the sentences. Highlight any interdependent or related statements, and make a mental note of the nature of the relationship between them.

In particular, look for any false logic or discrepancies in the message the text imparts. Answering the questions correctly likely hinges on recognition of any contradictory or unfounded statements made within the text.

This active analysis will help you to answer the questions that follow faster and more confidently.

9. Think creatively when practicing

Practice tests aren’t the only way to prepare for a critical reasoning test. Supplement your test practice by reading wordy news articles and absorbing the information rapidly, analysing the arguments presented and identifying any assumptions.

It may help to get a family member or friend to challenge you on the evidence and validity of claims made, or to pose questions around the inferences and deductions that can or cannot be made from the information given.

Choose material that interests you. Applying critical thinking skills to everyday texts can be a fun and informative way to increase your confidence with analysing and interpreting texts.

10. Be aware of text aimed to mislead

The texts in Watson Glaser tests can be challenging, as they are designed to make it difficult for candidates to immediately grasp the nuances of the content. The passages may feature dispersed arguments (both logical and illogical), with elements threaded confusingly through the paragraphs.

Candidates need to be able to keep track of the information imparted to be able to make accurate deductions. Watch out for the use of double negatives and wordy clauses.

Don’t be afraid of taking a few seconds to re-read ambiguous sentences, as your understanding of the entire passage may hinge upon their content.

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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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Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III measures critical thinking ability and decision making in high-potential professionals, new managers, and future leaders.

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About this Test

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III measures critical thinking ability and decision making in high-potential professionals, new managers, and future leaders.   The WG-III assess things like:

• Assess decision making and critical thinking for entry-level through executive positions in all industries
• Emphasize the need for critical thinking in the workplace for high-stakes roles like police officers and airplane pilots
• Measure deductive reasoning skills of lawyers, insurance analysts, and IT professionals
• Professional development for current and future leaders

This test provides the answers you need to make informed decisions.

Want more information about this test?   Get it now.  Please REQUEST MORE INFO and we’ll reply promptly.

Not the perfect fit?   No problem.  We have many similar tests to choose from.  See alternatives in the CRITICAL THINKING & REASONING and LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT SKILLS category sections of our site.

Improve critical thinking in the workplace and accurately identify top performers with the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III

Timed: 30 minutes Untimed: US English only coming late Spring 2018 Uses: Applicant screening, Selection, development, high potential identification, college recruiting Languages: US English now available; French coming late Spring 2018; all other dates to be confirmed: UK, Australian, Indian English, US Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Dutch, and French Canadian

How long will your company survive if your staff has poor decision making? For nearly a century, the Watson-Glaser™ Critical Thinking Appraisal has been helping companies make data-driven decisions on staffing and development, and is now the leading critical thinking test available. Can your employees, managers, and future leaders examine a situation and clearly understand it from multiple perspectives, while separating facts from opinions and assumptions? Watson-Glaser will find out!

Thousands of organizations, colleges, and schools use this critical thinking assessment to hire great managers, develop high-potential employees, and admit students into challenging programs.

Uses for the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal® III:

• Measure student potential and work-readiness

What’s new with the Watson-Glaser?

• Item-banked format enables unsupervised (unproctored) screening of job applicants
• Questions are randomly selected from a large pool, making it unlikely that two individuals receive the same test
• Item-banked test design increases item security and protects test validity
• New timed version promotes a consistent candidate experience
• Improved Profile report shows standardized scores and more detailed description of subtest performance
• New bank of business-relevant questions suitable for international use
• New platform functionality to add a custom norm, delay test administration, or combine Watson-Glaser with other ability tests

R.E.D Model

Recognize Assumptions: Separate fact from opinion Evaluate Arguments: Impartially evaluate arguments and suspend judgment Draw Conclusions: Decide your course of action

Scores are available immediately for online testing.

• New Profile Report: See overall and subtest performance, can-do statements, and standardized scores Development Report: Build a custom learning & development plan to enhance an individual’s skills

Reports Available

• Watson-Glaser™ III (Dutch)
• Watson-Glaser™ III (Dutch): Profile Report + Development Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (UK English): Profile Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (UK English): Profile + Development Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English – Untimed): Development Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English – Untimed): Profile + Development Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English – Untimed): Profile Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III Test de Pensée Critique (French)
• Watson-Glaser™ Critical Thinking Appraisal III (French Canadian)
• Watson-Glaser™ III (Castilian Spanish)
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English): Development Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English): Profile + Development Reports
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US English): Profile Report
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US Spanish)
• Watson-Glaser™ III (US Spanish): Profile Report + Development Report

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What is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test? An Overview

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a popular assessment tool used by employers to evaluate the critical thinking skills of job candidates. The test is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to analyze written information, interpret it, and draw logical conclusions from it. The test is widely used in various industries, including law, finance, and consulting.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the watson glaser critical thinking test.

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a unique assessment designed to analyze an individual’s ability to think critically. The 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, usually those who are 16 years and above, with questions of varying difficulty and format.

Originally created by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, the Watson Glaser Test measures the skills required to present a certain point of view in a clear, well-structured, well-reasoned, and persuasive way to convince others of your argument. The test is designed to assess a person’s critical thinking abilities among other things.

The Watson Glaser Test format comprises multiple-choice questions, and the test is scored on a scale of 0 to 40, with a score of 40 being the highest possible score. The test is challenging, and applicants are advised to practice beforehand. They can get familiar with the format and time constraints by taking Watson-Glaser practice tests, which are readily available online.

In conclusion, the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is a unique assessment that provides a detailed analysis of an individual’s ability to think critically. The test is widely used in the legal industry, but it can also be used in other fields where critical thinking skills are essential. The test lasts 30 minutes and comprises multiple-choice questions in five distinct areas. Applicants are advised to practice beforehand to get familiar with the format and time constraints.

The Importance of the Test

Employers use the Watson Glaser Test to assess job candidates’ critical thinking ability. The test is particularly useful for jobs that require analytical skills, such as management, finance, and consulting. Employers want to hire people who can think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions. The Watson Glaser Test helps employers determine which candidates have these skills.

In summary, the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test is an important tool for measuring critical thinking ability. Employers use the test to assess job candidates, educational institutions use it to assess students, and individuals use it to improve their critical thinking skills. The test is an essential component of success in many fields and can help individuals achieve their goals.

Test Format and Structure

The five sections of the Watson Glaser test are Inference, Assumptions, Deduction, Interpretation, and Evaluation. In the Inference section, candidates are asked to draw conclusions based on a series of facts. In the Assumptions section, candidates are asked to identify assumptions that are made in a given argument. In the Deduction section, candidates are asked to draw logical conclusions based on a set of premises. In the Interpretation section, candidates are asked to analyze and interpret information presented in a given passage. Finally, in the Evaluation section, candidates are asked to evaluate the strength of an argument.

Key Concepts Assessed

The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is designed to evaluate an individual’s ability to think critically and draw logical conclusions from written information. The test consists of five scales, each measuring a different aspect of critical thinking and reasoning. These scales are the elementary units of critical thinking and reasoning.

Recognition of Assumptions

One of the key concepts assessed in the Watson Glaser test is the recognition of assumptions. This involves identifying the underlying assumptions that are being made in a given argument or piece of information. The test taker must be able to distinguish between assumptions that are explicitly stated and those that are implicit.

Evaluation of Arguments

Deduction is another key concept assessed in the Watson Glaser test. This involves drawing logical conclusions from a set of given premises. The test taker must be able to use deductive reasoning to determine whether or not a conclusion logically follows from the premises presented.

Interpretation

Overall, the Watson Glaser test is an effective way to measure an individual’s critical thinking and reasoning skills. By assessing key concepts such as recognition of assumptions, evaluation of arguments, deduction, interpretation, and inference, the test provides a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s ability to analyze and interpret written information.

Preparing for the Test

Practice with sample questions, use preparation packs.

Preparation packs are also available online and can provide more comprehensive practice. These packs often include multiple practice tests, detailed explanations of the answers, and tips for improving critical thinking skills.

Analyze Test Sections

Time management, focus on critical thinking skills.

The Watson Glaser Test is designed to assess critical thinking skills, so candidates should focus on developing these skills. Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating arguments, and making logical conclusions. Candidates can improve their critical thinking skills by practicing with sample questions and by reviewing the explanations for the correct answers.

By following these tips, candidates can improve their chances of achieving a good score on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test.

How Employers Use the Test

The test is an aptitude test that measures a candidate’s ability to recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions. Employers use the test to identify candidates who possess the necessary skills to succeed in the job role. The test results provide employers with valuable insights into a candidate’s thought process and problem-solving abilities.

Understanding Test Results

After taking the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test, candidates receive a report that includes their percentile score and a pass or fail mark. The percentile score indicates how well the candidate performed compared to a norm group, which is a group of people who have taken the same test before. The score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better performance.

The norm group used to calculate percentile scores is also carefully selected to ensure that it is representative of the population being tested. For example, if the test is being used to select candidates for a specific job role, the norm group may consist of people who are currently working in that role.

The Watson Glaser Test in Different Countries

In the UK, the Watson Glaser Test is a popular tool used by law firms during the recruitment process. The test is designed to assess a candidate’s critical thinking abilities and is used to measure their ability to analyze and interpret information, draw conclusions, and evaluate arguments. The test is used as a screening tool to identify candidates who possess the necessary skills to succeed in the legal profession.

The History of the Watson Glaser Test

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test was developed by two psychologists, Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser, in the early 1920s. The test was designed to measure an individual’s ability to think critically, which was becoming an increasingly important skill in the workplace.

Over the years, the Watson Glaser Test has gained a reputation as a reliable and valid measure of critical thinking ability. It has been translated into several languages and used in many countries around the world.

Overall, the Watson Glaser Test has a long and storied history, and it continues to be an important tool for assessing critical thinking ability in the workplace.

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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:

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. 

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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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• BCAT Aptitude Test – Ultimate Study Guide 

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Learn about the different types of questions asked in the Progressive Pre-Employment assessment with this sample practice test. Good luck!

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Learn about the different types of questions asked in the Watson Glaser assessment with this sample practice test. Good luck!

Watson Glaser Tests

Prepare for your next Watson Glaser test with tailor-made practice tests and questions.

• What Is A Watson Glaser Assessment?

Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is a well known aptitude assessment that is published by TalentLens . It was first created by American psychologists Watson and Glaser in the 1920s and has over 80 years of scientific development and research backing its methodology.

Critical thinking is a sought after skill for employers and is one of the four C's, which indicate competencies expected from most employers:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration

It shows that someone is capable of assessing a situation while considering different perspectives and differentiating facts and opinions to reach a rational solution.

• The Structure Of Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Assessments

The assessment is designed to be quick, consistent, and effective. It breaks down critical thinking into five subsets, which all require different kinds of analytical thought and create a more complete picture of someone's critical thinking abilities. The test has 40 questions and candidates are given a maximum of 30 minutes to complete it, meaning that you must average 45 seconds per question.

Making Correct Inferences

Inference is about understanding the veracity of a conclusion and being able to decipher facts. For these types of questions you will be presented with a short passage and then a list of inferences, from which you will have to answer on whether you think they are true, probably true, probably false, false, or insufficient data. Many people find inference questions difficult as they draw conclusions without enough information, or do not use common knowledge to help them answer.

Recognising Assumptions

This section is similar to the inference questions in that it asks you about the validity of conclusions based on the statements of information given. However, there is less complexity to the answers - you will just have to decide whether the statement is making an assumption and is not necessarily true. Recognising assumptions is a part of critical thinking as it shows your ability to analyse and separate fact from fiction, as well as taking into consideration multiple perspectives rather than the common expectation.

Making Deductions

A deduction is made from following the information to a logical conclusion, which is usually phrased as if the conclusion 'follows' or 'does not follow' the statement. With deduction questions, you only have a choice of yes the answer is logical or no the answer is not, there is not a scale of logic unlike with inferences, which allow for more possibilities.

Interpretation

Interpretation is very similar to deduction as it asks you to process information and then come to a logical conclusion based on the evidence given. You should assume that everything in the statement is true for the purposes of the assessment and work from there, showing that you can identify key information and use it to make an informed decision.

Evaluating Arguments

This section requires you to analyse a statement and determine the strength of the arguments based on this statement. You will have to decide whether the arguments are 'weak' or 'strong' by assessing qualities such as relevancy to the topic, how realistic the statement is, and if it provides a meaningful contribution to the argument.

• Tips To Pass Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Tests

1. Only Use The Information Contained In The Test

When it comes to this kind of test, you might be tempted to use the knowledge that you have on a subject that is not given on the test, but this is not how they are designed. Beyond common knowledge that almost everyone would know, you should only take into account what is written in the question or you will not show the skills that the test is looking for.

2. Watch The Time Limit

You only have 30 minutes for the test, which means that you have an average of 45 seconds per question. Some questions may take more or less time than this, but if you get stuck then it is better to move on and come back. You are marked on how many questions you answer, not on how quickly you complete the test, so answering more questions will help to give you a better chance at scoring higher.

3. Practice Example Tests

For any test, the best way to improve your performance is practicing . As the Watson Glaser focuses on more abstract skills related to critical thinking, it can be a lot more difficult than other aptitude tests for technical skills. Through practice, you can become familiar with the structure of the questions and what is expected of you to answer them correctly.

4. Understand Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is a flaw in an argument, which undermines its validity and is also called a non sequitur meaning it does not follow the logic. If you can quickly identify holes in an argument such as false comparisons and disconnects between the proof and the information, then you will be much more effective at determining correct conclusions and deductions.

5. Read The Questions Carefully

The abstract nature of these questions means it is very important to take your time and read the questions carefully. How you are expected to approach the information will be in the wording of the question and will tell you exactly how to apply your critical thinking, otherwise you may interpret the information in the wrong way.

Jump to a section on this page:

• Watson Glaser Tests Sample Questions

Watson Glaser Tests Tips

Watson glaser tests faqs, more publisher tests.

• Thomas International
• Criteria Corp

Sample Watson Glaser Tests question Test your knowledge!

A health magazine published an article stating that eating late at night leads to weight gain. However, some dietitians argue that total calorie intake is the primary factor for weight management, regardless of meal timing. Which statement would best challenge the magazine's claim?

• A person's metabolism slows down significantly during sleep.
• People who eat late at night tend to choose high-calorie foods.
• Several studies have not found a significant relationship between the timing of meals and weight gain.
• Celebrities often eat late at night without gaining weight.

A study showed that school children who engage in extracurricular activities have better grades. Therefore, children should be encouraged to participate in such activities to enhance their academic performance. Which assumption is implicitly made in the conclusion?

• Extracurricular activities directly cause better grades.
• All children have access to extracurricular activities.
• There is a correlation between participation in extracurricular activities and better grades.
• Children who do not participate in extracurricular activities will not perform well academically.

During a team meeting, it was discussed that remote working led to decreased collaboration among employees. Yet, some employees feel they are more productive when working from home. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument that remote work decreases collaboration?

• Remote employees utilize collaboration tools to communicate efficiently.
• Employees who work from home feel less stressed.
• Some employees struggle with time management while working remotely.
• Productivity metrics have remained consistent before and after remote working was implemented.

Company X started an initiative to reduce carbon emissions in production. After a year, a report suggests a significant reduction in emissions. The report concludes that Company X's initiative was successful. Which question would be crucial to evaluate the report's conclusion?

• Were there any changes in production volume during the year?
• How did the reduction in emissions affect the company's profitability?
• What is the public perception of Company X's initiative?
• Did any key competitors also implement similar environmental initiatives?

Local governments have instituted water restrictions to combat drought. Yet, a scientist argues that such restrictions are not effective in the long run because they don't address underlying issues of water management. Which of the following evidence would support the scientist's claim?

• Water restrictions have led to a temporary improvement in local water tables.
• Areas with water restrictions continue to experience decreasing water levels over several years.
• Residents report that they are satisfied with the government's efforts to conserve water.
• Many local businesses are investing in water-efficient technologies.

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Try one of our Watson Glaser tests for FREE.

With Psychometric Tests, I was able to prepare for the interview process efficiently, clearly and at my own pace.

Pav used Psychometric Tests to ace the interview process at the Civil Service

Get familiar with what critical thinking tests entail. Dive into understanding arguments, assumptions, and conclusions. At Psychometric Tests, we've crafted a concise overview of the Watson Glaser test components so you'll know the kind of questions to expect and what skills you need to demonstrate. Remember, knowing your playing field is half the battle won!

The Watson Glaser is not just about what you know; it’s about how you think. Sharpen your ability to dissect arguments and differentiate between fact and opinion. With Psychometric Tests, we provide exercises specific to critical thinking that can help train your brain to process information analytically and logically.

The environment you practice in can make a big difference. Try simulating the test conditions you'll face during the actual exam. Time yourself, reduce distractions, and use our platform to try realistic Watson Glaser practice tests. This way, you won't just be prepared for the questions, but also the pressure of the test day.

Every practice test you take is an opportunity to grow. Make sure to review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Our detailed explanations can help you understand the rationale behind each question, ensuring you're not just practicing, but learning from your mistakes to improve over time.

Lastly, remember to keep your cool. No amount of studying can help if you panic on the big day. Develop a mindset of confidence and resilience. Remind yourself that with all the practice you’ve done at Psychometric Tests, you're equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Choose the package that works for you.

• 8 Aptitude packages
• 20 Admissions packages
• 74 Employer packages
• 22 Publisher packages
• Dashboard performance tracking
• Full solutions and explanations
• Tips, tricks, guides and resources
• Access to free tests
• Basic performance tracking
• Tips and resources

Many places advise aiming for 75% and above on a Watson Glaser test in order to do well, however, this is dependent on the company you have applied to and their expectations. Many recruiters do not have a specific number which automatically passes you to the next stage, but instead view all of the scores comparatively and take the highest performers.

The best way to improve your score is to practice. Doing practice tests is a great way to get better at these kinds of tests, especially if you can practice under timed conditions. However, as the Watson Glaser assessment focuses on critical thinking, there are other things you can do in your daily life to improve this like reading more nonfiction, brain exercises like Sudoku, and questioning assumptions made around you.

The Watson Glaser has over 70 years of psychological research backing its methods and has been constantly developed and redesigned since its inception. There is an efficacy report that shows it has high levels of consistency and fairness, as well as a positive correlation between those who perform well on the assessment and those who perform well on the job.

The Watson Glaser is considered one of the most challenging aptitude assessments because of the nature of the questions and the skills that it is trying to determine.

The Cappfinity test is adaptive, meaning that it adjusts depending on if you get a question right or wrong, but this does not mean that it is necessarily easier - it will challenge everyone at their own level.

Another difference between the two is that the Cappfinity is not timed, but how long you take to complete it is still considered in your score. Again, this does not make either one more or less difficult, but will challenge candidates in different ways.

The Watson Glaser is most commonly known for its use on the BCAT and by law firms such as:

Government Legal Service

Clifford Chance

Allen and Overy

Other companies that are known to use Watson Glaser are Deloitte, the Bank of England, and Hiscox.

Tips to Pass a Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test

What is a watson glaser critical thinking task.

A Watson Glaser test is used to evaluate the ability of a candidate to think critically. It usually helps to predict how you comprehend a given problem or a situation. The questions may have multiple perspectives that should be factored in while determining the solution of the given problem. You may have to analyze the problem from different viewpoints and arrive at a solution after evaluating the merits and demerits of different choices at hand.

Watson Glaser tests help to determine the understanding, analyzing and decision-making capabilities of different individuals. They are usually timed, and the candidates are required to answer the given questions in the enforced time limits. Business organizations often use these tests for hiring employees for various managerial positions. Here  you can find some example questions.

Check our Watson Glaser Preparation Package  

Passing a Watson Glaser Test

The following tips and techniques are to help you ace the Watson Glaser critical thinking test:

• Answer Strictly as per the Given Information

Someone appearing for a Watson Glaser test conducted by an organization usually has a background from the domain associated with the job position or role they are interested in. They may also have numerous years of practical experience backing them if they are applying for a managerial job that requires you to have prior career accomplishments. In such a case, the candidate may be tempted to answer a given question utilizing their own knowledge and experience. This is ill-advised as the tests are usually used to measure the critical thinking ability and require answers to be based solely on given facts and conditions. The correct answer based on the candidate’s personal perception might be different from the answer that will be true for the context given in the problem. Therefore, only the information specified should be utilized while arriving at a solution.

• Recognize the Context of Question

The questions given in the Watson Glaser test may have multiple perspectives to look at them, and each of these perspectives may have a different correct answer. It is important for you to understand the context of the question before arriving at a conclusion. You may interpret a question the wrong way and so may give an incorrect answer, which in your perspective might be the right one. Thorough reading and re-reading of the question and the passage may be helpful. Recognizing the context of the question before finding the answer may also help you approach the question’s passage directly from the correct perspective and look for information that can help you deduce the same.

• Read Carefully and Don’t Skip Sentences

Watson Glaser test questions usually come with long passages that you may think about skimming through, or you may even skip a few sentences here and there considering the shortage of the time. While doing this, you may miss vital pieces of information in the passage that could be the deciding factor for answering the questions correctly. Every sentence and statement in the given question should be read carefully and no part should be skipped. The passage should be read multiple times before answering a question to get a thorough understanding and ensure that no data has been overlooked.

• Establish Logic between Statements

Answering the question in a Watson Glaser test usually requires factoring in the logical relationships between the statements in the given passage. Analyzing the statements that are interdependent or related and determining the nature of the logic between them, i.e., whether it holds true or is fallacious helps in arriving at the correct conclusion. Prior knowledge of different logical fallacies that the questions may contain and adequate practice can help you identify if any false logic exists in between the statements of the passage.

• Look for Contradictory Sentences

There may be a sentence in the question that presents a fact or a logic from a given perspective, and there may be another statement contradicting the former. This counter statement may immediately follow the original sentence where the chances of it being misinterpreted by you are high; or it may be hidden somewhere else in the passage, in between more relevant data and so it may not be easily recognized. While answering the test, you should look for such statements that contradict each other and defy the logic. The whole answer to the question should be based on the presence of such statements and the logical relationship between them.

• Time Management and Pacing the Test

The questions in the Watson Glaser test are usually complex and the time required to answer each question or section may not be predicted. Some questions may take less time while others may take a while to solve. As every statement and word in the given passage plays a significant role in answering the question correctly, adequate time should be spent on them. The test questions should be answered at a generous pace, assigning each question its full quota of time without rushing through. Thorough knowledge of the number of sections and number of questions in each section beforehand may help you divide the time appropriately among all the sections.

• Be Aware of Double Negative and Tricky Words

The statements in the question or the passage may use double negative or other tricky word combinations that might be difficult to decipher and confusing to interpret. Such statements should be read meticulously. A divide and conquer technique may be used to figure out such a statement. Moreover, the statement may be divided into multiple meaningful word segments, and then the change in the flow of the statement with the words can be figured out.

Prior practice is an important part of the Watson Glaser test as it is for any other test. Regular practice helps you become acquainted with the format of the exam and the questions you might expect. It strengthens the ability of you to identify logics and analyze their validity. You may also recognize your areas of strengths and weaknesses, and improve upon the same. There are many practice tests to be found online .

How to prepare for a Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

Practice with online resources.

To be honest and fair, the Watson-Glaser test is famed to be a unique, and a tough-nut-to-crack. It requires the highest capability of reasoning skills, and to improve one’s critical thinking sounds like a goal to set, but in reality, it is challenging to discipline your thoughts. In that perspective, we suggest that you do it old school, with a lot of practice.

Assessment-Training.com offers an extensive   Watson Glaser Preparation Package   that will get you ready for your Critical Thinking test!

It is to be kept in mind that you are practicing to learn, not just to pass the test. Almost all of the test takers keep the passing percentage confidential, rendering it no matter, so focus on what really does matter, i.e., getting better at critical thinking.

You can also check   Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (Palgrave Study Skills)

Cover the basic RED Model of Critical Thinking

There is a thought process model that can be used to develop self-awareness. With the identification of thought patterns and understanding one’s biases, one build on thought process with the help of Pearson RED critical thinking model. It is essential for every candidate to know everything there is to know about the RED Model as it lists;

Recognize Assumptions   from the extensive set of material that are justifiable, and logical.

Evaluate arguments   based on the strengths and weakness, with respect to underlying assumptions.

Draw conclusions   carefully after considering all the basic underlying facts, and do think about the consequences of conclusions.

Improve Critical Thinking

Watson-Glaser tests challenge a candidate’s critical thinking ability. Critical thinking as defined by The   Foundation for Critical Thinking   says;

“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.”

Critical thinking ability comes from;

a) Conceptualization of one’s idea b) Analysis based on the conceptualization c) Synthesizing the justification for ideas and their conceptualization d) Evaluation of the justification, whether they are accurate or have been formed on a misguided notion.

This thought process generates observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, and communication. All of these steps lead to a place, where a person forms his beliefs and act on them.

The critical thinking comes from the roots of everyday activities, and with the improvement in the learning curve, one’s critical thinking improves. Critical thinking may not be as strong for a candidate, as it is for another one, but it can be improved by employing a basic strategy by;

a) Go to the basics

While taking the practice test, ask the most basic questions that are out there, because sometimes a situation needs to be understood, from its origin. Some of the most basic questions that come along are; what, why, and how.

b) Reevaluate assumptions

While taking a practice test, it is advised that you question, even the most basic assumptions to understand better. As said by Isaac Asimov;   “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.”

c) Master your thought process.

As Albert Einstein said;

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

Human mind uses a heuristic approach and arrives at the most obvious conclusion, whereas one, who has mastered his thought process, has the ability to make unbiased assumptions and go further, drawing more accurate conclusions. So, while taking a test, never take the easy route and never accept the most obvious answer.

d) Go back to the basics now and then and reverse them

One of the most basic evaluation tactics is to try reversing things. The pursuit of reverse knowledge has been used widely and is believed to give way to sound judgments. So use the reverse strategy, whenever you feel confused and hesitant.

Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is used in the induction process because it works, and because it predicts how a candidate will perform in a corporate environment, over a period of time, makes it much more reliable.

So if you want to work in a highly competitive market, be prepared. Practice more and make sure you come prepared for your critical thinking test!

Purpose of Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test

Watson-Glaser Critical thinking test has been designed to evaluate the ability of a person to absorb information, understand its significance, and assess situations based on information provided at the time. The universe is designed around the idea of diversification, in each aspect of life. The critical thinking refers to the ability of a person to consider this diverse information rationally and devise a logical view. A true critical thinker does not simply accept someone else’s conclusions and arguments but seeks his own truth.  With a clear sense of self, he makes connections, judges the quality of information, and analyzes the authenticity of the arguments presented.

A human mind is a complicated machine, and with the values of family and everything around a person’s life, he has to have a biased opinion and beliefs. The practice of critically evaluating one’s arguments separates opinions from facts and help him get a clear understanding of the situation.    

Foundation of   Watson-Glaser critical thinking test

Watson-Glaser critical thinking test has been developed on the foundation of Pearson’s RED critical thinking model, which lists the skills that are needed in critical thinking and how to develop them. The RED represents:

R- Recognize Assumptions

E- Evaluate Arguments

D- Draw Conclusions

Recognize Assumptions

It is simply separating facts from opinions. To recognize assumptions mean, that a person has to view the information critically, in light of the assumptions made. This practice can be compared to separating the wheat from the chaff. The main purpose is to understand whether the information is correct or not, by uncovering the information gaps and unfounded reasons. By examining an assumption from different angles results in a richer perspective. It is advised to make sure that the fact isn’t actually an opinion in disguise.

Evaluate Arguments

In life, most of the information is tainted because people hear, what they want to hear. But to evaluate arguments is to set aside emotions, and sift through the conflicting information, objectively. People process information more accurately when they take an unbiased stand and question the underlying arguments better.

Draw Conclusions

The possession of this skill particularly refers that a person has the ability to draw conclusions based on the information underlined, supported by evidence and is classified as “good judgment”. To draw a conclusion refers to the logical result achieved by bringing together diverse information together and selecting an optimal course of action.

Areas of testing

There are five basic areas of testing for   Watson-Glaser critical thinking test ;  

• assumptions
• interpretations
• evaluation of arguments .

Every applicant has to answer questions that are logically justified for any of these areas, with the given information.

The test narrates a passage, and then a statement is given. The candidate has to pass the critical assessment of the statement that how true it is, relative to the passage narrated along with it.

Recognizing Assumptions

The assumptions are the underlying facts that many people fail to acknowledge. In such questions, the candidates are presented with a statement. Then the statement is followed by a number of assumptions and the candidate has to assess whether the assumptions have been made or not.

When you say, “I will buy iPhone X next week.” You actually do not consider the underlying fact, whether you will be alive, or the payment, which is scheduled to arrive, may be held under any pretense.

Therefore, the far granted and presupposed assumptions are marked “Yes” and if the assumption has no basis for the statement, it is marked “No”.

An inference refers to a conclusion drawn from considered facts and observations. For example, if you hear loud voices at a distance, you may infer that someone is fighting or having a heated discussion. But the inference may or not be true. There is a possibility that the voices may belong to some a group of people, excited and just happy to live.

A candidate is given statements, which is followed by possible inferences that are to be marked as Definitely True (T), Probably True (PT), Insufficient Data (ID), Probably False (PF), and False (F).

Inferences sometimes are also based on common knowledge.

For the purpose of the test, the deduction is a conclusion given for a statement, not derived from one’s own knowledge. The test lists a passage, and then state possible statements from the passage are listed. If the statement cannot be deduced from the passage, it is marked “No” and “Yes” for the statements that can be deduced.

Interpretation

The interpretation refers to the conclusions that are drawn from given passage, based solely on the information that is presented in the passage. For the purpose of the test, it is to be assumed that all the information listed is absolutely and certainly true. The conclusions are also to be judged independently.

Evaluation of arguments

Evaluation of the argument refers to the selection of “Strong” and “Weak” argument status for a set of arguments, produced for a passage or a scenario. The candidates are to pass judgment based on the relevant information and sense of self.

Yield of Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test

Watson-Glaser test has a reputation because it can be used, to predict job success ratio. Due to the proficiency of W-GCTA to do so, it is widely used, for every employer wants to know how his employee will perceive, measure, analyze and react in a situation. 

The test is a preferred testing method for law firms, which in principle require a higher critical thinking to support their facts versus assumptions. The Watson –Glaser critical thinking test has also been to evaluate the cognitive abilities to select future leaders, managers and hiring the right person for the right job.

Does Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test work?

The   Watson-Glaser critical thinking test   has a history of development spanned over 85 years, and the feedback from the clients suggest that the test is highly predictive, in terms of job success at the graduate level and above.

Watson-Glaser Predictive Validity Study 2011, shows a high correlation coefficient, which posits a strong link between barrister training success and the Watson-Glaser.

Watson-Glaser Predictive Validity Study, conducted in 2013, states that the top performers achieved a highest average score in Watson-Glaser test, which strongly asserts that the test is highly predictive of task performance in a specific role. The study was spanned over two years, and the performance of 250 candidates were observed thoroughly. ​

How can Assessment-Training.com help you ace your Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?

Assessment-Training.com  is your number 1 online practice aptitude test and assessment provider. Our aim is to help you ace your assessment by providing you practice aptitude tests that mimic the tests used by employers and recruiters. Our test developers have years of experience in the field of occupational psychology and developed the most realistic and accurate practice tests available online. Our practice platform uses leading-edge technology and provides you feedback on your scores in form of test history, progress and performance in relation to your norm group.

Check out our tailor-made  Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test Pack  to fully prepare you for your assessment.

The  Assessment-Training.com  data science team found that through practice, candidates increased their scoring accuracy and went into their assessments more confident. Remember, you need to practice to make sure you familiarize yourself with the test formats, work on your accuracy and experience performing under time-pressure.

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

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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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