Critical thinking tests are used in managerial, professional, and graduate recruitment. A common type of critical thinking test is the Watson Glaser Test, also referred to as the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA).
W-GCTA is an evaluating tool for professionals’ cognitive abilities as it measures critical thinking. It has successfully been used to predict job success, select good managers and identify future leaders. It can also be used to select the right candidate for a job role, especially in the legal field.
An overview of Watson Glaser Test
The Watson Glaser Test is an assessment applied in legal practices to test skills including critical thinking ability. It is a form of psychometric test used by organizations to shortlist candidates for vacation schemes and training contracts. It tests skills needed for a career in law
Before candidates prepare to take the Watson Glaser test, there are a few basics to know. W-GCTA tests the individual’s ability to think logically and critically and draw conclusions. It also tests the ability to assess arguments, identify assumptions and evaluate arguments in a given scenario. Each section of the test has distinct rules and may require different strategies from the others. For instance, the inference section requires one to use logic and common sense, unlike the deductions and arguments section.
At the end of every passage of the test, the candidate will have access to Watson Glaser answers to see their performance and the comparative results. They can click on the question and find a detailed explanation of the results. To boost learning, candidates are encouraged to go through the explanations even if they got the answers right.
Format of W-GCTA and the questions
The W-GCTA has a set of forty questions split into five sessions. These include inferences assessment, assumption recognition, deduction, interpretation, and evaluation.
In this test, the candidate is required to answer multiple-choice questions within 30 minutes. However, the law firm will give the candidates the time limit or deadline for the test completion.
The W-GCTA consists of questions regarding inference assessment, assumptions’ recognition, deduction, interpretation, and arguments evaluation. In the inference assessment section, the questions are geared towards one statement. The candidate is required to assume that all the information presented is true and not rely on any external knowledge to draw conclusions.
The assumptions recognition section constitutes a statement for the candidate to examine. The candidate is given several assumptions and asked to state whether they have been presented in the statement.
With the deduction questions, the candidate is given a passage and a corresponding set of conclusions. They indicate whether or not the conclusion “follows” the laid down information. For question interpretations, the candidate must understand the importance of information and use it logically. Finally, the evaluation of the arguments section is aimed at evaluating whether the candidate can separate weak arguments from strong ones.
Watson Glaser test score
The goodness of the Glaser Watson test score depends on the organization the candidate is applying to. The pass mark varies over time depending on the average results garnered from candidates. ‘
The pass mark can range between 30 and 70, but mostly, it is around 30-50. For a candidate to increase chances of selection, they should aim for at least 75%. They should not just focus on passing the test since most law firms may use the results differently.
Candidates can take advantage of the free Watson Glaser online practice test to increase the chances of achieving a good score. Scoring highly in the practice test does not guarantee anyone success in the Watson Glaser test, but it can increase the chances of passing.
How to prepare for Watson Glaser Test
Before attempting the real questions, the candidates are advised to go through the Watson Glaser sample questions. They can take the Watson Glaser Practice test before taking the actual test to evaluate their judgment and decision-making skills. They should consider the long-term practice to build confidence.
To prepare for the Watson Glaser test, the candidate is required to read through the passage and the questions carefully. They should divide the time equally between the five sections to ensure timely completion of the test. They should also have enough time to complete the questions and review their answers before submission.
The practice test uses realistic simulation with practical multiple-choice questions. It offers a breakdown of every question and the corresponding answers. The candidates are encouraged to take the free test and see how they rank among the other test-takers.
Candidates are encouraged to take as many practice questions as they can. By so doing, they will familiarize themselves with questions in different categories. Each question needs a particular kind of thinking to arrive at the correct answer.
The candidates should go through the example questions thoroughly and identify why answers are correct and the thinking method needed to arrive at the answers. Recognizing patterns in answers and understanding the approach to arriving at the answer is a great way to prepare for the actual test.
