multiple choice critical thinking and problem solving assessment

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Critical Thinking Test: Online Preparation & Free Practice Questions – 2024

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Free Example Questions

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a form of decision making and reasoning using data and observations. Someone who is a strong critical thinker can find quality solutions efficiently and can evaluate issues objectively.

What Is a Critical Thinking Test?

Critical thinking tests provide companies valuable insight into the leadership, reasoning, and overall capabilities of candidates. Because strong critical thinking skills are highly sought after, the critical thinking test can be applicable to any field and discipline across multiple levels of expertise from recent graduate to executive. However, it is commonly administered to those applying for criminal justice and business-related occupations.

Job seekers with upcoming critical thinking tests will be evaluated on more than their ability to rationalize, critical thinking tests also measure the following subsets:

Organizing & Planning
Strategizing
Decision Making
Problem Solving

The format of the critical thinking uses hypothetical scenarios to assess candidates. The scenarios are typically relevant to the field you are interested in to assess your knowledge of the role. There will also be general questions concerning more basic issues or problems that commonly occur in a workplace environment.

The critical thinking test is multiple-choice with thirty minutes to complete the assessment. Candidates will receive a notification stating whether or not they passed within a week of completion.

How Is the Critical Thinking Test Scored?

The critical reasoning test is scored based on your raw score and your percentile in comparison with your norm group. It’s important to note that these will not be the same number.

A norm group is a collection of scores from individuals in your field at your level of experience. The percentile score is used to alert employers if you exceed, meet or miss the benchmark for the average expectations of candidates. You will be rated on a scale of one to one hundred with fifty consisting of the mean and median scores.

A raw score is simply the number of correct answers. The critical thinking test comprises your raw score based on the performance in the following areas:

Recognizing Assumptions The candidate must be able to understand when a statement is made with no supporting evidence and how this can affect a decision. Further, candidates are asked to identify these discrepancies, whether they are stated explicitly or implicitly, and assess its relevance to the given scenario.
Evaluating Arguments Candidates must evaluate arguments without considering inferences or being subjective. Beyond that, candidates must assess the supporting evidence, the structure of the argument and the degree of its influence. It is very important to dismiss emotions for this portion of the critical thinking test.
Drawing Conclusions Drawing conclusions puts a large emphasis on reasoning. In this section, it’s important to assess all of the available evidence and data to form a plausible conclusion that accurately applies to all the given information. Employers also want to see candidates that will consider all possible solutions rather than making the evidence fit a desired narrative.

Employers will receive all of this information in a performance report construed by the assessment company. Employers will also be given insight into your overall potential, job knowledge, creativity and job performance per the report.

Where Will I Take a Critical Thinking Test?

Critical thinking tests are non-proctored online assessments that are typically sent via email after an initial screening. For some occupations, the company may ask that the candidate take the critical thinking test again on-site either before their final interview or during an assessment day. The most common test candidates are asked to take is the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) created by the popular assessment company, Pearson . This assessment company is on their third edition with new scoring and subsets described above. The WGCTA gained popularity because of its ability to assess a candidate’s potential alongside their aptitude. Another established assessment is the SHL Critical Reasoning Battery that contains sixty questions with a thirty-minute time limit. Both of the aforementioned critical thinking tests are multiple choice.

How to Prepare for the Critical Thinking Test?

The critical thinking test is difficult to study for because the test is designed to assess your bare knowledge and raw skills. In order to prepare successfully, it is important to focus on the areas of the test that you can equip yourself for. One aspect of the test that demands preparation is the time limit. Many candidates’ scores are negatively impacted because they skip or guess too many of the questions in an attempt to beat the clock. If you want to optimize your chances of achieving a good score, use online practice tests to acquaint yourself with the time constraint and the general theme of the questions. By utilizing the online practice tests, you can find the pace that works best for you. Another helpful way to prepare is running through sample questions. This way, you can warm-up your brain and gain an understanding of the expectations that both the test and the company have of you.

Free Sample Questions to Practice

Look over her past quizzes to see what she missed.
Set aside more time during the week to review the material for the quiz.
Get to class on early Wednesday and briefly look over the chapters.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Parents should find an alternative way to get their kids to school next week.
The premiums must be over-priced.
Collective bargaining is no longer a feasible solution.
Their employers are being unreasonable.
People in Hawaii dislike living on an island.
Colder climates induce more happiness than warmer climates.
The high scores on the Alaska survey were produced by people who enjoy snow.
People in Hawaii should move to Alaska.
Jenny’s credit card was declined at the mall.
Jenny’s bank keeps charging her $30 overdraft fees.
Jenny’s check bounced when she attempted to purchase a new TV.
Jenny spends more money than she makes.
Lori has thirty cans of soda in a refrigerator in her garage and another fourteen sitting on the counter. Lori does not have anymore cans of soda. Therefore, Lori has 44 cans of soda.
The accounting department loves math. My friend works in the accounting department. My friend loves math.
Everyone southbound on the freeway yesterday was late to work. Jackie was southbound on the freeway. Jackie was late to work.
Adrian lives in either Springfield, California, or Springfield, Illinois. If he lives in Illinois, then he is an American.

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What is the Critical Thinking Test?

Critical thinking practice test, take a free practice critical thinking test, practice critical thinking test.

Updated November 16, 2023

The Critical Thinking Test is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess individuals' cognitive capacities and analytical prowess.

This formal examination, often referred to as the critical thinking assessment, is a benchmark for those aiming to demonstrate their proficiency in discernment and problem-solving.

In addition, this evaluative tool meticulously gauges a range of skills, including logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize information.

This article will embark on an exploration of the Critical Thinking Test, elucidating its intricacies and elucidating its paramount importance. We will dissect the essential skills it measures and clarify its significance in gauging one's intellectual aptitude.

We will examine examples of critical thinking questions, illuminating the challenging scenarios that candidates encounter prompting them to navigate the complexities of thought with finesse.

Before going ahead to take the critical thinking test, let's delve into the realm of preparation. This segment serves as a crucible for honing the skills assessed in the actual examination, offering candidates a chance to refine their analytical blades before facing the real challenge. Here are some skills that will help you with the critical thinking assessment: Logical Reasoning: The practice test meticulously evaluates your ability to deduce conclusions from given information, assess the validity of arguments, and recognize patterns in logic. Analytical Thinking: Prepare to dissect complex scenarios, identify key components, and synthesize information to draw insightful conclusions—a fundamental aspect of the critical thinking assessment. Problem-Solving Proficiency: Navigate through intricate problems that mirror real-world challenges, honing your capacity to approach issues systematically and derive effective solutions. What to Expect: The Critical Thinking Practice Test is crafted to mirror the format and complexity of the actual examination. Expect a series of scenarios, each accompanied by a set of questions that demand thoughtful analysis and logical deduction. These scenarios span diverse fields, from business and science to everyday scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your critical thinking skills. Examples of Critical Thinking Questions Scenario: In a business context, analyze the potential impacts of a proposed strategy on both short-term profitability and long-term sustainability. Question: What factors would you consider in determining the viability of the proposed strategy, and how might it affect the company's overall success? Scenario: Evaluate conflicting scientific studies on a pressing environmental issue.

Question: Identify the key methodologies and data points in each study. How would you reconcile the disparities to form an informed, unbiased conclusion?

Why Practice Matters

Engaging in the Critical Thinking Practice Test familiarizes you with the test format and cultivates a mindset geared towards agile and astute reasoning. This preparatory phase allows you to refine your cognitive toolkit, ensuring you approach the assessment with confidence and finesse.

We'll navigate through specific examples as we proceed, offering insights into effective strategies for tackling critical thinking questions. Prepare to embark on a journey of intellectual sharpening, where each practice question refines your analytical prowess for the challenges ahead.

This is a practice critical thinking test.

The test consists of three questions .

After you have answered all the questions, you will be shown the correct answers and given full explanations.

Make sure you read and fully understand each question before answering. Work quickly, but don't rush. You cannot afford to make mistakes on a real test .

If you get a question wrong, make sure you find out why and learn how to answer this type of question in the future.

Six friends are seated in a restaurant across a rectangular table. There are three chairs on each side. Adam and Dorky do not have anyone sitting to their right and Clyde and Benjamin do not have anyone sitting to their left. Adam and Benjamin are not sitting on the same side of the table.

If Ethan is not sitting next to Dorky, who is seated immediately to the left of Felix?

You might also be interested in these other PRT articles:

15 Free Psychometric Test Questions and Answers

Aptitude Tests Preparation
Critical Thinking Tests

Critical Thinking Test Practice ▷ Free Critical Reasoning Samples & Tips 2024

Start Preparing for Your Critical Thinking Test. This page features a brief introduction, followed by question examples with detailed explanations, and a free test sample.

Table of Contents :

✻ What is a Critical Thinking Test ?

✻ Sample Questions

1) Inference

In this section, you are asked to draw conclusions from observed or supposed facts. You are presented with a short text containing a set of facts you should consider as true.

Below the text is a statement that could be inferred from the text. You need to make a judgement on whether this statement is valid or not, based on what you have read.

Furthermore, you are asked to evaluate whether the statement is true, probably true, there is insufficient data to determine, probably false, or false.

For example: if a baby is crying and it is his feeding time, you may infer that the baby is hungry. However, the baby may be crying for other reasons—perhaps it is hot.

2) Recognising Assumptions

In this section, you are asked to recognise whether an assumption is justifiable or not.

Here you are given a statement followed by an assumption on that statement. You need to establish whether this assumption can be supported by the statement or not.

You are being tested on your ability to avoid taking things for granted that are not necessarily true. For example, you may say, "I’ll have the same job in three months," but you would be taking for granted the fact that your workplace won't make you redundant, or that you won’t decide to quit and explore various other possibilities.

You are asked to choose between the options of assumption made and assumption not made.

3) Deduction

This section tests your ability to weigh information and decide whether given conclusions are warranted.

You are presented with a statement of facts followed by a conclusion on what you have read. For example, you may be told, "Nobody in authority can avoid making uncomfortable decisions."

You must then decide whether a statement such as "All people must make uncomfortable decisions" is warranted from the first statement.

You need to assess whether the conclusion follows or the conclusion does not follow what is contained in the statement. You can read more about our deductive logical thinking test resources here.

4) Interpretation

This section measures your ability to understand the weighing of different arguments on a particular question or issue.

You are given a short paragraph to read, which you are expected to take as true. This paragraph is followed by a suggested conclusion, for which you must decide if it follows beyond a reasonable doubt.

You have the choice of conclusion follows and conclusion does not follow.

5) Evaluation of Arguments

In this section you are asked to evaluate the strength of an argument.

You are given a question followed by an argument. The argument is considered to be true, but you must decide whether it is a strong or weak argument, i.e. whether it is both important and directly related to the question.

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Critical Thinking Question Examples

As there are various forms of critical thinking and critical reasoning, we've provided a number of critical thinking sample questions.

You can take our full Critical Thinking Sample Test to see more questions.

Example 1: Argument Analysis

Read the following:

In a recent study, anthropologists surveyed 250 adults who own pets and 250 adults who do not own pets on their interpersonal capacities. The questions asked of both those who own pets and those who do not own pets included tests for 'computational requirements', that is, tuning in to all the little signals necessary to operate as a couple. While members of each group displayed outstanding interpersonal capacities, in general, the adults who own pets were much more empathetic than those who do not own pets. This indicates that people who are especially empathetic are more likely to adopt a pet in spite of the personal sacrifice and the occasional inconvenience than people who are less empathetic.

Which of the following is true?

Most of the people surveyed, whether they own pets or do not own pets, displayed outstanding interpersonal capacities.
The adoption of a pet involves personal sacrifice and occasional inconvenience.
People with high degrees of empathy are more likely to adopt pets than people with low degrees of empathy.
Interpersonal capacities entail tuning in to all the little signals necessary to operate as a couple.
A person's degree of empathy is highly correlated with his or her capacity for personal sacrifice.

The correct answer is C

Answer explanation: In a question of this type, the rule is very simple: the main conclusion of an argument is found either in the first or the last sentence. If, however, the main conclusion appears in the middle of an argument, it will begin with a signal word such as thus, therefore, or so. Regardless of where the main conclusion appears, the rest of the passage will give the reasons why the conclusion is true or should be adopted. The main conclusion in this passage is the last sentence, signaled by the words, 'This indicates that people who are especially empathetic are more likely to adopt a pet than people who are less empathetic'.

Example 2: Argument Practice

A: No. Differential bonuses have been found to create a hostile working environment, which leads to a decrease in the quality and quantity of products .

This argument is:

The correct answer is A (Strong)

Schema of the statement: Differential cash bonuses (productivity↑) → workplace↑

Explanation: This argument targets both the action and the consequences of the action on the object of the statement. It states that the action (implementing differential cash bonuses) has a negative effect on the workplace (a decrease in the quality and quantity of products). Therefore, it is an important argument, one that is relevant for the workplace. Note that this argument does not specifically target differential cash bonuses. Still, they are considered a sub-group of the subject of the argument (differential bonuses).

Example 3 – Interpretations

Proposed assumption: Vicki and Bill encountered a personal battle because they couldn’t come to terms with their disease.

A. Conclusion follows

B. Conclusion does not follow

The correct answer is B (Conclusion does not follow)

It is plausible that the reason people who suffer from sleep apnoea encounter a personal battle is because of an inability to come to terms with this disease. However, since the passage does not provide an actual reason, you cannot reach this conclusion without reasonable doubt.

The most common type of Critical Thinking Assessment is the Watson Glaser .

Difficult and time-pressured, the Watsong Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) takes a unique testing approach that breaks away from more traditional assessments. To see examples, check out our free Watson Glaser practice test .

Our expertly curated practice programme for the Watson Glaser will provide you with:

A full-length diagnostic simulation
Focused practice tests for the different test sections: inferences, assumptions, deductive reasoning, interpretations, and arguments.
3 additional full-length simulations
Interactive tutorials

Or learn more about the Watson Glaser Test

Critical Thinking Tests FAQs

What critical reasoning test am I most likely to take?

Very Likely the Watson-Glaser test

Another popular critical thinking assessment, Watson-Glaser is a well-established psychometric test produced by Pearson Assessments.

The Watson-Glaser test is used for two main purposes: job selection/talent management and academic evaluations. The Watson-Glaser test can be administered online or in-person.

For Watson Glaser practice questions, click here !

What skills do critical reasoning test measure?

Critical Thinking can refer to various skills:

Defining the problem
Selecting the relevant information to solve the problem
Recognising assumptions that are both written and implied in the text
Creating hypotheses and selecting the most relevant and credible solutions
Reaching valid conclusions and judging the validity of inferences

Pearson TalentLens condenses critical thinking into three major areas:

R ecognise assumptions – the ability to notice and question assumptions, recognise information gaps or unfounded logic. Basically not taking anything for granted.
E valuate arguments – the ability to analyse information objectively without letting your emotions affect your opinion.
D raw conclusions – the ability to reach focused conclusions and inferences by considering diverse information, avoiding generalisations and disregarding information that is not available.

These are abilities that employers highly value in their employees, because they come into play in many stages of problem-solving and decision-making processes in the workplace, especially in business, management and law.

Why are critical thinking tests important to employers?

Critical thinking, or critical reasoning, is important to employers because they want to see that when dealing with an issue, you are able to make logical decisions without involving emotions.

Being able to look past emotions will help you to be open-minded, confident, and decisive—making your decisions more logical and sound.

What professions use critical thinking tests?

Below are some professions that use critical thinking tests and assessments during the hiring process as well as some positions that demand critical thinking and reasoning skills:

Preparation Packs for Critical Thinking & Critical Reasoning AssessmentsThe Critical Thinking PrepPack™ provides you with the largest assembly of practice tests, study guides and tutorials.Our tests come complete with straightforward expert explanations and predictive score reports to let you know your skill level as well as your advancement.By using our materials you can significantly increase your potential within a few days and secure yourself better chances to get the job.

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Are you about to apply for a role in the finance industry?

Several major banking and consulting employers evaluate their applicants using critical thinking tests, among others. Visit your potential employer's page to understand better the tests you are about to face, and start preparing today!

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Critical Thinking Test: Sample Questions with Explanations (2024)

Employers value and seek candidates who demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills. They often administer critical thinking tests as part of their hiring process. Critical thinking tests can be very difficult for those who don’t prepare. A great way to start practicing is by taking our critical thinking free practice test.

What Does The Critical Thinking Test Include?

The Critical Thinking Test assesses your capacity to think critically and form logical conclusions when given written information. Critical thinking tests are generally used in job recruitment processes, in the legal sector. These tests measure the analytical critical thinking abilities of a candidate.

Why Is Critical Thinking Useful?

Critical thinking is put into action in various stages of decision-making and problem-solving tasks:

Identify the problem
Choose suitable information to find the solution
Identify the assumptions that are implied and written in the text
Form hypotheses and choose the most suitable and credible answers
Form well-founded conclusions and determine the soundness of inferences

What is Watson Glaser Test and what Critical Thinking Skills it Measures?

The most common type of critical thinking test is the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA). Typically used by legal and financial organizations, as well as management businesses, a Watson Glaser test is created to assess candidates’ critical thinking skills.

The test consists of 10 questions to be answered in 10 minutes approx (although there is no timer on the test itself). Our test is slightly harder than the real thing, to make it sufficiently challenging practice.

You need to get 70% correct to pass the test. Don’t forget to first check out the test techniques section further down this page beforehand.

Questions 25

Pass percentage 70%.

The test is broken down into five central areas:

Assumptions
Interpretation

Critical Thinking Course

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The Five Critical Thinking Skills Explained

1. recognition of assumption.

You’ll be presented with a statement. The statement is then followed by several proposed assumptions. When answering, you must work out if an assumption was made or if an assumption was not made in the statement. An assumption is a proclamation that an individual takes for granted. This section of the tests measures your ability to withhold from forming assumptions about things that are not necessarily correct.

1: Assumption Made
2: Assumption Not Made

Although the passage does state that Charlie’s fundraising team is doing its best so that the charity event can meet its goal, nowhere did it state that their team is leading the event.

2. Evaluation of Arguments

You will be presented with an argument. You will then be asked to decide whether the argument is strong or weak. An argument is considered strong if it directly connects to the statement provided, and is believed to be significant.

No, participation awards should not be given in every competition because studies have shown that this would cause the participants to put in less effort because they will get a prize no matter what the outcome is.

1: Strong Argument
2: Weak Argument

This is a strong argument as it provides evidence as to why participation awards should not be given in every competition

3. Deductions

In deduction questions, you will need to form conclusions based solely on the information provided in the question and not based on your knowledge. You will be given a small passage of information and you will need to evaluate a list of deductions made based on that passage. If the conclusion cannot be formed for the information provided, then the conclusion does not follow. The answer must be entirely founded on the statements made and not on conclusions drawn from your knowledge.

In a surprise party for Donna, Edna arrived after Felix and Gary did. Kelly arrived before Felix and Gary did.

1: Conclusion Follows
2: Conclusion Does not Follow

For questions like this, jot down the clues to help you out. Use initials as a quick reference.

K | F&G | E

Looking at the simple diagram, “K”, which stands for “Kelly,” arrived before Edna “E” did. The answer is A.

4. Interpretation

In these questions, you are given a passage of information followed by a list of possible conclusions. You will need to interpret the information in the paragraph and determine whether or not each conclusion follows, based solely on the information given.

A number of students were given the following advice:

“The use of powerful words is a technique, which makes you a better writer. Your choice of words is very important in molding the way people interaction with the article. You should use powerful words to spice up your article. Power words should be used liberally to enhance the flavor of what you write! ”

In the fourth sentence, it is stated, “Power words should be used liberally to enhance the flavor of what you write!”

Thus, if you were to write an essay, using powerful words can give more flavor to it.

5. Inferences

An inference is a conclusion made from observed or supposed facts and details. It is information that is not apparent in the information provided but rather is extracted from it. In this section, you will be provided with a passage of information about a specific scene or event. A list of possible inferences will then be given, and you will need to decide if they are ‘true’, ‘false’, ‘possibly true’, ‘possibly false’, or whether it is not possible to say based on the information provided.

With the advancement of technology, the need for more infrastructure has never been higher. According to the plan of the current U.S. Administration, it aims to put a $1 trillion investment on improving infrastructure, a portion of which will include priority projects and technologies that can strengthen its economic competitiveness such as transportation, 5G wireless communication technology, rural broadband technologies, advanced manufacturing technologies, and even artificial intelligence.

It stated that it expects to work with Congress to develop a comprehensive infrastructure package, which is expected to have a budget of $200 billion for certain priorities.

2: Probably True
3: Not Enough Information
4: Probably False

Although it was mentioned in the passage that the U.S. government is to allocate $200 billion on certain priorities, it did not specify if these certain priorities were for ‘transportation, 5G wireless communication technology, rural broadband technologies, advanced manufacturing technologies, and artificial intelligence’ or if the aforementioned priorities will have a different allocation.

What we can be sure of, however, is that at least a portion of the $1 trillion infrastructure budget will be used on the mentioned priorities regardless, meaning that there is a chance that $200 billion will be used on those aforementioned areas.

Improve Your Score with Prepterminal’s Critical Thinking Course

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Prepterminal’s preparatory critical thinking course features a structured study course along with critical thinking practice tests to help you improve your exam score. Our course includes video and text-based information presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner so you can follow along at your own pace with ease.

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Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA): A Complete Guide

Dr Rahil Sachak-Patwa

The Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a critical part of the application process for several courses at the University of Oxford. It's a unique test designed to assess your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, both of which are essential for success in higher education. The TSA is divided into two parts: a 90-minute, multiple-choice assessment, and a 30-minute writing task. In 2023, the TSA will be a paper-based test.

The multiple-choice section is designed to evaluate your problem-solving skills, including numerical reasoning, as well as your critical thinking skills, such as understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language. The writing task, on the other hand, seeks to evaluate your ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively in writing.

The TSA is used as an additional tool to differentiate between candidates who, on paper, may appear equally qualified. With most applicants predicted top grades and boasting excellent personal statements and references, the TSA provides an extra piece of information that helps identify the very best candidates.

The Importance of the TSA in Oxford Admissions

The TSA plays a significant role in the Oxford admissions process . With the majority of applicants achieving top grades and presenting impressive personal statements, the TSA serves as an additional differentiator for admissions tutors.

The Oxford admissions process is holistic, considering a wide range of academic performances, including exam scores, interview performance, and, of course, the TSA score. It's not uncommon for the TSA to be referred to in your interview. You may be asked how you think the test went, or they may disclose your score to you.

Interestingly, different subjects weigh the TSA exam differently. For instance, successful Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) candidates often score around 70, which is a high TSA score. This is due to a combination of the TSA’s weighting as well as a reflection of the subject’s competitiveness.

In essence, the TSA is used because applicants to these prestigious universities tend to be very closely matched on paper. It provides an extra layer of information that helps identify the very best candidates.

Who Needs to Take the TSA?

The TSA, or Thinking Skills Assessment, is a pre-interview written test that is required for applicants to certain courses at the University of Oxford. The test is not subject-specific but instead assesses a range of general skills that are transferable between many different subjects.

If you're applying for the following courses at Oxford, you'll be required to take both sections of the TSA:

Human Sciences (BCL0)
Philosophy and Linguistics (VQ51)
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (L0V0)
Psychology and Linguistics (CQ81)
Psychology and Philosophy (CV85)
Experimental Psychology (C830)

However, if your course of choice is Economics and Management or History and Economics, you'll only need to take Section 1 of the TSA. This section is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions that aim to assess your problem-solving skills, including numerical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, such as understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language.

As of 2023, the TSA is used exclusively by the University of Oxford. Previously, there were three versions of the TSA used by three different universities; TSA Oxford, TSA Cambridge, and TSA UCL.

Format of the TSA

The TSA, or Thinking Skills Assessment, is an aptitude test that is divided into two sections.

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions

Section 1 is a 90-minute, multiple-choice assessment that aims to evaluate your problem-solving skills, including numerical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, such as understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language. This section is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions.

The scoring for this section is done on a scale of 1-100, with each correct answer earning you one mark. It's important to note that only about 10% of applicants score above 70, making a high score in this section quite an achievement. The scores are calculated on the TSA scale to one decimal place, which is an estimate of the candidate’s ability. This scoring method ensures that the scores are comparable by factoring in the question and overall test difficulty.

Section 2: Writing Task

Section 2 is a 30-minute writing task that seeks to evaluate a candidate’s ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively in writing. Candidates must answer one question from a choice of four.

For Oxford applicants, the essay written in this section is sent directly to the college you are applying to for them to mark. The marking scheme varies from Admission Tutor to Admission Tutor, but all tutors are looking for the ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner.

The TSA is designed to test the skills you should already possess, making it a challenging but fair assessment of your aptitude for critical thinking and problem-solving. It's quite different from anything you will have encountered before, making effective preparation crucial to achieving a high score.

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Understanding TSA Scores and Grading

This test measures an applicant's problem-solving and critical thinking skills, both of which are crucial for academic success. But what constitutes a good TSA score? Let's delve into the details.

The TSA is scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with the average score typically hovering around 60, according to data from Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT) . This score is derived from the applicant's raw marks, which are then converted using the Rasch Statistical Technique. This method ensures a fair scoring system that accurately reflects the applicant's abilities.

TSA Section 1 Overall Score distribution in 2022

Oxford University states that a score of 70 out of 100 would represent a "comparatively high score," although the best applicants are expected to score higher. However, achieving a score slightly below 70 wouldn't necessarily be detrimental to an application. It's important to note that a score of 80 or above is incredibly rare and would significantly boost an applicant's chances of success.

TSA Section 1 Problem Solving Score distribution in 2022

TSA Section 1 Critical Thinking Score distribution in 2022

TSA Section 1 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Score distributions in 2022

These scores are not arbitrary. They are based on a careful analysis of past TSA results. For instance, the score distributions for the 2022 entry show that the most common scores for problem-solving and critical thinking were in the 60-70 range. This trend has remained consistent over the years, indicating the balance and consistency of the TSA.

However, a good TSA score is not the only factor considered during the admissions process. Other elements, such as the personal statement , grades, and performance during interviews , also play a significant role. Therefore, even if an applicant scores slightly below the average TSA score, they can still bolster their application through these other aspects.

Best TSA Resources and How to Prepare for the Exam

Preparing for the TSA can seem daunting, but with the right resources and strategies, you can approach the exam with confidence. Here are some of the best resources and tips to help you prepare effectively.

1. Official TSA Website : The official TSA website is a valuable resource for understanding the format of the test, the types of questions you'll encounter, and the skills you'll need to demonstrate. It also provides access to past papers, which are crucial for understanding the style of questions and for practicing under timed conditions.

2. TSA Past Papers : Past papers are an invaluable resource when preparing for the TSA. They provide a clear idea of what to expect in the actual exam and offer a great opportunity to practice your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

3. TSA Tutoring: Hiring a TSA tutor can be a beneficial investment. A tutor who is familiar with the TSA can provide personalised guidance, help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and offer strategies to improve. They can also provide valuable feedback on your practice essays and problem-solving questions.

4. Online Resources: There are numerous online resources available to help you prepare for the TSA. Websites like Exams Ninja and UniAdmissions offer guides, tips, and practice questions to help you get familiar with the test format and question types. However, always ensure the resources you use are up-to-date and reliable.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the types of questions on the TSA and how to approach them. Regular practice under timed conditions can also help improve your speed and accuracy.

6. Review and Understand: Simply practicing questions is not enough. It's important to review your answers and understand why you got a question right or wrong. This will help you learn from your mistakes and improve your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

7. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any changes to the TSA by regularly checking the official website. This will ensure you're preparing for the test as effectively as possible.

Remember, the TSA is not about rote learning but about demonstrating your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. So, focus on understanding the concepts and developing these skills rather than memorising facts.

TSA Preparation Tips

Here is what one Oxford PPE student had to say about how to do well on the test:

"I've had the privilege of guiding countless students through the challenging journey of TSA preparation. The key to success lies in a combination of focused effort and strategic planning. To excel in the TSA, here are my personal tips: Firstly, familiarize yourself with the exam format. Understand the structure, time constraints, and question types. Practice past papers regularly to build confidence and enhance your problem-solving skills. Utilize online resources, such as the official TSA website, to access additional practice materials and gain insights into the test's requirements. Secondly, sharpen your critical thinking abilities. TSA questions often assess your ability to analyze complex information and draw logical conclusions. Engage in thought-provoking activities like puzzles, debates, and reading intellectually stimulating articles. Cultivate the habit of approaching problems from different perspectives and practice explaining your reasoning effectively. Furthermore, prioritize time management. TSA is a time-pressured exam, so learn to allocate your time wisely. During practice sessions, set strict time limits to simulate the exam environment and improve your speed without compromising accuracy. Practice under timed conditions regularly to enhance your efficiency and decision-making skills. Lastly, embrace a multidisciplinary approach. TSA tests a wide range of skills, including mathematics, problem-solving, and data interpretation. Cultivate a diverse knowledge base by exploring subjects like politics, economics, and scientific advancements. Keep up with current affairs and engage in intellectual discussions to broaden your perspective and develop a well-rounded approach to answering TSA questions. Remember, TSA preparation is not just about memorization, but about cultivating a deeper understanding of the subject matter and honing your analytical skills. With dedication, practice, and the right mindset, you can conquer the TSA and open the doors to your academic aspirations."

The Role of the TSA in the Interview Process

The TSA, or Thinking Skills Assessment, plays a significant role in the interview process at the University of Oxford. It's not just a hurdle to clear; it's an integral part of the holistic admissions process that Oxford employs.

During the interview, it's not uncommon for the TSA to be referred to. You may be asked how you think the test went, or they may disclose your score to you. This is because the TSA is used to gain a better understanding of how you think. It's designed to assess your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, both of which are crucial for academic success.

In some cases, you may even be asked about the content of the essay you wrote in Section 2 of the TSA during your Oxford interview. This provides the interviewers with a unique insight into your thought process and your ability to organise ideas and communicate them effectively in writing.

Dates, Costs, and Registration for the TSA in 2023

Here's what you need to know about the dates, costs, and registration process for the TSA. Registration for the TSA opens on 1 September 2023, and the deadline to apply for modified papers (e.g., enlarged print) is 15 September 2023. The registration closes on 29 September 2023 at 18:00 (BST), which is also the deadline to apply for Access Arrangements (e.g., extra time).

The TSA will be held on 18 October 2023. Please note that these dates are designed to fit in with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) cycle for applications to the University of Oxford.

As for the costs, Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing does not charge candidates who have registered to take the test. However, some centres may charge an administration fee, which covers the cost of invigilation and room hire, essential for running the test.

To register for the TSA, you need to be registered as a candidate by a test centre. You cannot register yourself for the test. If your school or college is not already registered as a centre, they can apply to become a test centre. If you are not able to take the test at school or college, you need to find an authorised open test centre where you can take the test.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the TSA can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can approach it with confidence. Remember, the TSA is not just about your ability to recall facts, but rather your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's a unique opportunity to showcase your abilities beyond your academic grades. Utilise the resources available, consider hiring a tutor, and most importantly, practice regularly. The TSA is a significant part of your application, but it's not the only factor. Your personal statement, grades, and interview performance are equally important. So, approach your application holistically, and remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Good luck with your TSA preparation and your journey to Oxford!

Is the Oxford TSA hard?

The Oxford TSA is challenging as it tests critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are not typically the focus of standard school curricula. It requires you to think outside the box and apply logical reasoning to a variety of scenarios. However, with adequate preparation, including practising past papers and understanding the test format, it is manageable.

What TSA score do you need for Oxford?

The required TSA score for Oxford varies by course and year. There's no set score that guarantees admission. However, it's worth noting that successful PPE candidates often score around 70, which is considered a high TSA score. The exact use of TSA scores in the admissions process can vary between different subjects and colleges.

How many students take the TSA?

Each year approximately 2000 students take the TSA. In 2021, 2171 students sat the TSA exam.

How do you get TSA results?

TSA results are passed to the Oxford College to which a candidate has applied. The exact use of results varies between the subjects which use the test. The University of Oxford releases results for the TSA to applicants at the end of their selection process. For more details, candidates can refer to the Explanation of Results on the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing website.

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A Model for the National Assessment of Higher Order Thinking
International Critical Thinking Essay Test
Online Critical Thinking Basic Concepts Test
Online Critical Thinking Basic Concepts Sample Test

Consequential Validity: Using Assessment to Drive Instruction

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multiple choice critical thinking and problem solving assessment

Critical Thinking Testing and Assessment

The purpose of assessment in instruction is improvement. The purpose of assessing instruction for critical thinking is improving the teaching of discipline-based thinking (historical, biological, sociological, mathematical, etc.) It is to improve students’ abilities to think their way through content using disciplined skill in reasoning. The more particular we can be about what we want students to learn about critical thinking, the better we can devise instruction with that particular end in view.

The Foundation for Critical Thinking offers assessment instruments which share in the same general goal: to enable educators to gather evidence relevant to determining the extent to which instruction is teaching students to think critically (in the process of learning content). To this end, the Fellows of the Foundation recommend:

that academic institutions and units establish an oversight committee for critical thinking, and

that this oversight committee utilizes a combination of assessment instruments (the more the better) to generate incentives for faculty, by providing them with as much evidence as feasible of the actual state of instruction for critical thinking.

The following instruments are available to generate evidence relevant to critical thinking teaching and learning:

Course Evaluation Form : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, students perceive faculty as fostering critical thinking in instruction (course by course). Machine-scoreable.

Online Critical Thinking Basic Concepts Test : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, students understand the fundamental concepts embedded in critical thinking (and hence tests student readiness to think critically). Machine-scoreable.

Critical Thinking Reading and Writing Test : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, students can read closely and write substantively (and hence tests students' abilities to read and write critically). Short-answer.

International Critical Thinking Essay Test : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, students are able to analyze and assess excerpts from textbooks or professional writing. Short-answer.

Commission Study Protocol for Interviewing Faculty Regarding Critical Thinking : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, critical thinking is being taught at a college or university. Can be adapted for high school. Based on the California Commission Study . Short-answer.

Protocol for Interviewing Faculty Regarding Critical Thinking : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, critical thinking is being taught at a college or university. Can be adapted for high school. Short-answer.

Protocol for Interviewing Students Regarding Critical Thinking : Provides evidence of whether, and to what extent, students are learning to think critically at a college or university. Can be adapted for high school). Short-answer.

Criteria for Critical Thinking Assignments : Can be used by faculty in designing classroom assignments, or by administrators in assessing the extent to which faculty are fostering critical thinking.

Rubrics for Assessing Student Reasoning Abilities : A useful tool in assessing the extent to which students are reasoning well through course content.

All of the above assessment instruments can be used as part of pre- and post-assessment strategies to gauge development over various time periods.

Consequential Validity

All of the above assessment instruments, when used appropriately and graded accurately, should lead to a high degree of consequential validity. In other words, the use of the instruments should cause teachers to teach in such a way as to foster critical thinking in their various subjects. In this light, for students to perform well on the various instruments, teachers will need to design instruction so that students can perform well on them. Students cannot become skilled in critical thinking without learning (first) the concepts and principles that underlie critical thinking and (second) applying them in a variety of forms of thinking: historical thinking, sociological thinking, biological thinking, etc. Students cannot become skilled in analyzing and assessing reasoning without practicing it. However, when they have routine practice in paraphrasing, summarizing, analyzing, and assessing, they will develop skills of mind requisite to the art of thinking well within any subject or discipline, not to mention thinking well within the various domains of human life.

For full copies of this and many other critical thinking articles, books, videos, and more, join us at the Center for Critical Thinking Community Online - the world's leading online community dedicated to critical thinking! Also featuring interactive learning activities, study groups, and even a social media component, this learning platform will change your conception of intellectual development.

Center for Teaching

Writing good multiple choice test questions, constructing an effective stem, constructing effective alternatives.

Additional Guidelines for Multiple Choice Questions

Considerations for Writing Multiple Choice Items that Test Higher-order Thinking

Additional resources.

Multiple choice test questions, also known as items, can be an effective and efficient way to assess learning outcomes. Multiple choice test items have several potential advantages:

Reliability: Reliability is defined as the degree to which a test consistently measures a learning outcome. Multiple choice test items are less susceptible to guessing than true/false questions, making them a more reliable means of assessment. The reliability is enhanced when the number of MC items focused on a single learning objective is increased. In addition, the objective scoring associated with multiple choice test items frees them from problems with scorer inconsistency that can plague scoring of essay questions.

Validity: Validity is the degree to which a test measures the learning outcomes it purports to measure. Because students can typically answer a multiple choice item much more quickly than an essay question, tests based on multiple choice items can typically focus on a relatively broad representation of course material, thus increasing the validity of the assessment.

The key to taking advantage of these strengths, however, is construction of good multiple choice items.

A multiple choice item consists of a problem, known as the stem, and a list of suggested solutions, known as alternatives. The alternatives consist of one correct or best alternative, which is the answer, and incorrect or inferior alternatives, known as distractors.

1. The stem should be meaningful by itself and should present a definite problem. A stem that presents a definite problem allows a focus on the learning outcome. A stem that does not present a clear problem, however, may test students’ ability to draw inferences from vague descriptions rather serving as a more direct test of students’ achievement of the learning outcome.

2. The stem should not contain irrelevant material , which can decrease the reliability and the validity of the test scores (Haldyna and Downing 1989).

3. The stem should be negatively stated only when significant learning outcomes require it. Students often have difficulty understanding items with negative phrasing (Rodriguez 1997). If a significant learning outcome requires negative phrasing, such as identification of dangerous laboratory or clinical practices, the negative element should be emphasized with italics or capitalization.

4. The stem should be a question or a partial sentence. A question stem is preferable because it allows the student to focus on answering the question rather than holding the partial sentence in working memory and sequentially completing it with each alternative (Statman 1988). The cognitive load is increased when the stem is constructed with an initial or interior blank, so this construction should be avoided.

1. All alternatives should be plausible. The function of the incorrect alternatives is to serve as distractors,which should be selected by students who did not achieve the learning outcome but ignored by students who did achieve the learning outcome. Alternatives that are implausible don’t serve as functional distractors and thus should not be used. Common student errors provide the best source of distractors.

2. Alternatives should be stated clearly and concisely. Items that are excessively wordy assess students’ reading ability rather than their attainment of the learning objective

3. Alternatives should be mutually exclusive. Alternatives with overlapping content may be considered “trick” items by test-takers, excessive use of which can erode trust and respect for the testing process.

4. Alternatives should be homogenous in content. Alternatives that are heterogeneous in content can provide cues to student about the correct answer.

5. Alternatives should be free from clues about which response is correct. Sophisticated test-takers are alert to inadvertent clues to the correct answer, such differences in grammar, length, formatting, and language choice in the alternatives. It’s therefore important that alternatives

have grammar consistent with the stem.
are parallel in form.
are similar in length.
use similar language (e.g., all unlike textbook language or all like textbook language).

6. The alternatives “all of the above” and “none of the above” should not be used. When “all of the above” is used as an answer, test-takers who can identify more than one alternative as correct can select the correct answer even if unsure about other alternative(s). When “none of the above” is used as an alternative, test-takers who can eliminate a single option can thereby eliminate a second option. In either case, students can use partial knowledge to arrive at a correct answer.

7. The alternatives should be presented in a logical order (e.g., alphabetical or numerical) to avoid a bias toward certain positions.

8. The number of alternatives can vary among items as long as all alternatives are plausible. Plausible alternatives serve as functional distractors, which are those chosen by students that have not achieved the objective but ignored by students that have achieved the objective. There is little difference in difficulty, discrimination, and test score reliability among items containing two, three, and four distractors.

Additional Guidelines

1. Avoid complex multiple choice items , in which some or all of the alternatives consist of different combinations of options. As with “all of the above” answers, a sophisticated test-taker can use partial knowledge to achieve a correct answer.

2. Keep the specific content of items independent of one another. Savvy test-takers can use information in one question to answer another question, reducing the validity of the test.

When writing multiple choice items to test higher-order thinking, design questions that focus on higher levels of cognition as defined by Bloom’s taxonomy . A stem that presents a problem that requires application of course principles, analysis of a problem, or evaluation of alternatives is focused on higher-order thinking and thus tests students’ ability to do such thinking. In constructing multiple choice items to test higher order thinking, it can also be helpful to design problems that require multilogical thinking, where multilogical thinking is defined as “thinking that requires knowledge of more than one fact to logically and systematically apply concepts to a …problem” (Morrison and Free, 2001, page 20). Finally, designing alternatives that require a high level of discrimination can also contribute to multiple choice items that test higher-order thinking.

Burton, Steven J., Sudweeks, Richard R., Merrill, Paul F., and Wood, Bud. How to Prepare Better Multiple Choice Test Items: Guidelines for University Faculty, 1991.
Cheung, Derek and Bucat, Robert. How can we construct good multiple-choice items? Presented at the Science and Technology Education Conference, Hong Kong, June 20-21, 2002.
Haladyna, Thomas M. Developing and validating multiple-choice test items, 2 nd edition. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999.
Haladyna, Thomas M. and Downing, S. M.. Validity of a taxonomy of multiple-choice item-writing rules. Applied Measurement in Education , 2(1), 51-78, 1989.
Morrison, Susan and Free, Kathleen. Writing multiple-choice test items that promote and measure critical thinking. Journal of Nursing Education 40: 17-24, 2001.

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Chapter 2 Multiple Choice Questions

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Logical Reasoning Tests

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Logical reasoning tests are a type of psychometric test used to measure your problem-solving skills. They come in various forms, but all have the underlying purpose of assessing your logical aptitude and your ability to draw conclusions from a given set of information.

What is a logical reasoning test?

A logical reasoning test is an assessment that measures your ability to interpret information, apply logic to solve problems and draw relevant conclusions. It is typically non-verbal and in a multiple-choice format, and requires the use of rules and deduction to reach answers, rather than prior knowledge.

That said, logical reasoning is actually an umbrella term for multiple types of assessment, and you may find you’re asked to take any one of the following five test types as part of a job application.

Deductive reasoning

Commonly presented as a series of word problems, deductive reasoning tests require you to apply top-down-logic; that is, you must draw the right conclusion from a set of given premises.

Typically, you’ll be presented with a short paragraph, or stimulus, detailing an argument, scenario or a number of stated facts, and a set of possible answers. Only one of these answers can be true, based on the evidence provided.

You may also be given a conclusive statement and asked to decide if it is true or false, or if there’s insufficient information to conclude either way.

Inductive reasoning

Unlike deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning tests ask you to make general inferences – probable conclusions based on a set of information, rather than unquestionable outcomes.

This is most often done through the use of shapes, patterns, sequences and diagrams.

You’ll need to quickly identify relationships and rules, then apply these to find the most logical answer from the multiple-choice options. This could be identifying the odd one out, filling in the missing part of a pattern, or finding the next part of a sequence.

Diagrammatic reasoning

Similar to inductive reasoning, diagrammatic reasoning tests offer visual representations of a problem and require you to make logical connections to draw a conclusion.

Questions often take the form of a diagram with inputs and outputs, and you’ll be required to select which processes from a list of operators would achieve the documented effect.

You may also be presented with sets of abstract sequences, given a standalone visual, and asked to select which set it belongs to.

Abstract reasoning

Abstract reasoning tests are essentially inductive and/or diagrammatic reasoning tests under another name.

They too require you to find relationships and rules between visual sequences, then apply these to select the correct image from multiple options, be it a missing part or a continuation of the sequence in question.

Critical reasoning

Critical reasoning tests are more akin to deductive reasoning tests, in that you’ll be dealing with word-based scenarios, arguments, evidence and conclusions.

These tests tend to evaluate a range of skills. Argument analysis is common, in which a question is posed, and a yes/no answer given with a supporting statement. You’ll need to decide whether the statement is a strong or weak argument.

Other question types involve scenarios and statements from which you’ll be asked to make assumptions, deductions and inferences based on the evidence provided.

Critical reasoning tests are most commonly used in sectors where evidence-based judgement is an everyday requirement, such as law.

Why do employers use logical reasoning tests?

As with any form of psychometric assessment, employers use logical reasoning tests as a way to filter applicants, most commonly in the pre-interview stages of selection.

Logic forms a fundamental part of day-to-day decision making. Our reasoning capabilities determine how effectively we interpret the world around us, and how we use what we know to be fact to inform our choices. As such, logical reasoning is a vital part of many job functions.

In administering a logical reasoning test, employers are evaluating how well you’re likely to perform tasks like strategy development, risk assessment and forecasting, as well as general problem solving.

Additionally, the ability to quickly discern patterns, understand complex relationships, and make logical deductions underpins successful innovation and creative problem-solving in dynamic work environments. Thus, logical reasoning tests also serve as a method for assessing a candidate’s potential to contribute to innovative solutions and strategic thinking in their prospective role.

Common logical reasoning test publishers

Below are listed five of the most widely used publishers of logical reasoning tests, each of which has its own approach to this type of assessment.

SHL publishes and administers both inductive and deductive reasoning tests, the lengths of which vary depending on the level of role applied for. Typically though, they last no longer than 25 minutes and follow a standard format.

Kenexa’s logical reasoning test focuses on inductive or abstract reasoning, with candidates required to assess and manipulate shapes and sequences. It also has a deductive reasoning test, which it refers to as verbal reasoning.

Cut-e offers both inductive and deductive reasoning tests, with individual variations of each. The layout of Cut-e’s tests is known to be somewhat different to other publishers, so if you’re taking one be sure to practice specifically for this format.

As one of the best-known publishers of psychometric and aptitude assessments, Saville’s logical reasoning tests are widely used. They’re offered as either abstract or diagrammatic reasoning and have a time limit of around 20 to 25 minutes.

Logical reasoning tests from Talent Q are adaptive, which means the difficulty rating of a question is related to your performance on the question prior. Do well initially, and they’ll get harder. Struggle, and they’ll become a little easier.

How to prepare for logical reasoning tests

The best way to prepare for a logical reasoning test of any description is to train your brain to think more critically – and that means practice.

Try making puzzles a part of your daily routine or use brain-training apps in your downtime. If you’re preparing for a deductive or critical thinking test , take an analytical approach to reading the daily news. Instead of simply taking things on face value, ask yourself questions based on the evidence provided, and whether or not it’s enough to draw solid conclusions.

And make sure you take plenty of practice tests. This will help you understand how to answer logical reasoning tests , and will make you familiar with many of the common relationships found in abstract sequences, including orientation, shading, rotations and reflections.

If you’re struggling to identify relevant rules, work backwards from the answer. The better you understand where and how certain rules apply, the more picking them out will become second nature.

As you progress with your practice tests, start taking them under exam conditions, including setting yourself a time limit. Pacing is a key skill in logical reasoning tests, as your score will not only indicate how many correct answers you gave, but how long it took you to answer each question. By broadening your practice beyond traditional puzzles and tests, you foster a more adaptable and comprehensive critical thinking skill set, better reflecting the dynamic problem-solving required in many professional environments.

Lastly, be sure to practice the right type of test. Ask your prospective employer which of the five types of logical reasoning assessment you’ll be sitting, and if possible, which test provider they use. This will allow you to target your preparation to the specific test format you’ll face on assessment day.

Prepare yourself for leading employers

Free example logical reasoning questions

Below you’ll find example questions for the different types of logical reasoning test. Answers to each are given below the set of questions.

For further practice, check out our free logical reasoning test questions and answers .

Deductive reasoning test

All footballers are fit and healthy.

All famous sports players are footballers.

Given that the above is true, which of the following is the logical deduction?

All footballers are famous sports people
All famous people are fit and healthy
All famous sports players are fit and healthy
All fit and healthy people are footballers
All football players are men

Inductive reasoning test

How many triangles will be in the 6th shape?

Diagrammatic reasoning test

diagrammatic reasoning practice questions

In the grid, one box is missing. You must work out what rules are being applied in the other boxes in order to work out which of boxes A to F will complete the grid.

Abstract reasoning test

Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

Using deductive reasoning, the only logical answer is 3. To get to this answer, you need to simplify the given facts. All famous sports players are footballers, and all footballers are fit and healthy.

We can’t deduce that all footballers are famous sports people, as we haven’t got that information.
We can’t deduce that all famous people are fit and healthy, because the fact is about famous sports people.
This is the logical answer.
This information is not given; all footballers are fit and healthy but we can’t logically link that all fit and healthy people are footballers.
This is obviously incorrect, as gender is not mentioned at all in the question.

The number of triangles is increasing by 2 as you move along the sequence. I you continue to add 2 until you reach the 6th shape you reach 14, so the answer is C).

In the question the key rule is that the number of ‘star’ shapes in the central column must always equal the number of double circle shapes.

If there are no star shapes there should be no circle shapes. If there are three star shapes, there should be three circle shapes. Option F is the only one that abides by this rule.

Please note: shapes are not in a set position within this sequence. It is merely the presence of the shapes that is important. 1. There are always two squares in the frame. 2. There are always two circles in the frame. 3. There is always one triangle in the frame. So the answer is D).

Sample Logical Reasoning Tests question Test your knowledge!

If all roses are flowers and some flowers fade quickly, which statement must be true?

All roses fade quickly.
Some roses fade quickly.
Some flowers are roses.
No roses are flowers.

What is the next logical step if when you press button A, light X turns on, and when you press button B, light Y turns on? Assuming button A is pressed and lights X and Y are currently on.

Press button B to turn light X off.
Press button A to turn light Y off.
Press button A to turn light X off.
Press button B to turn light Y off.

Choose the statement that best reflects an understanding of the given premises: Premise 1: All managers are employees. Premise 2: Some employees are interns.

All managers are interns.
Some managers are not employees.
Some interns are not managers.
No interns are managers.

On a team of four people, two people can write code and three can design UI. If one person has all these skills, how many people only have one of the skills?

In a new brand of cars, Model X has better mileage than Model Y. Model Z has worse mileage than Model Y but is cheaper than Model X. Which of the following statements is correct based on this information?

Model Z is the cheapest and has the best mileage.
Model X is cheaper than Model Y.
Model X has better mileage than Model Z.
Model Y is cheaper than both Model X and Model Z.
Model Y has the worst mileage.

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Logical Reasoning Tests Tips

1 read each question carefully.

It’s vital you understand exactly what is being asked of you, so be sure to read every question thoroughly. There may well be distractors in the multiple-choice options; picking one of these because you’ve misinterpreted the question is a common error.

2 Analyse the stimulus

In deductive or critical reasoning tests, it’s important to fully digest the stimulus before drawing your conclusion. Again, a simple misunderstanding can be the difference between scoring or missing out on a mark, so make sure you’re aware of all the evidence presented to you.

3 Work out your answer before looking at the options

When working with abstract sequences or patterns, try to get an idea in your head of what the missing piece or next part of the sequence is likely to be, before you look at the multiple-choice options. This will help you zone in on the right response, rather than get distracted by irrelevant choices.

4 Make notes

There may be several relationships in any given sequence, and in diagrammatic reasoning tests you’ll need to be aware of multiple processes. Make notes as you go through to keep track of your thought process. It will help you to work methodically and avoid confusion.

5 Pay attention to pacing

You only have a set amount of time to work through all the questions, so be sure to pace yourself. Typically, problems become more complex as the test progresses, so aim to spend less time on questions at the start. Good pacing takes practice. You want to work quickly but not to the detriment of your accuracy.

6 Don't panic

Logical reasoning tests can be a little daunting if you’re not used to them but remember, we apply logic everyday without even realising it. Stay calm and remind yourself that the steps you need to take are familiar to you, it’s just that the problem you’re solving is presented in an unfamiliar way.

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30 Numerical reasoning tests
30 Verbal reasoning tests
30 Diagrammatic reasoning tests
30 Situational judgement tests
34 Publisher packages e.g. Watson Glaser
252 Employer packages e.g. HSBC
29 Extra packages e.g Mechanical
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Logical Reasoning Tests FAQs

How are logical reasoning tests scored.

Logical reasoning tests are scored comparatively. That is to say, you’ll receive one mark for each correct answer, and your total score will be compared to the average results of other test-takers. Different employers may assess your results in different ways. Some will look only at your raw score against an average benchmark, while others may also consider your pace.

What are logical reasoning tests used for?

No matter the type of logical reasoning test used, you’re being assessed on your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Employers are trying to determine if you have the required ability to interpret information, identify patterns and relationships, and draw solid conclusions. These are skills used on a daily basis in many job roles, so logical reasoning tests are widely used.

How is logical thinking measured?

Logical reasoning tests give a good indication of your lateral thinking skills by measuring your ability to analyse and interpret information to make evidence-based decisions – be they inferences, assumptions or unquestionable conclusions.

Why is logical reasoning important?

Logical reasoning is important in work-based environments because it is this skill set that allows you to work through many everyday business problems and come to the right resolution. Logical thinkers make decisions based on what they know to be true, rather than gut feeling; set achievable goals based on past performance; and approach complex problems in a systematic manner.

Where can I practice logical reasoning tests?

You can find practice tests for all types of logical reasoning assessments on our website, along with detailed answer explanations and guides. You can also find practice tests online from individual publishers which will help you get to grips with specific formats and time constraints.

Which employers use logical reasoning tests?

Logical reasoning tests are commonly used for managerial-level roles and above in many corporate job sectors, including law, investment banking and consultancy, as well as human resources, customer service and market research. It’s also likely you’ll be required to sit some form of logical reasoning test for acceptance onto a graduate scheme with many larger employers.

Reviews of our Logical Reasoning tests

What our customers say about our Logical Reasoning tests

South Africa

October 23, 2023

Fun & challenging!

I enjoyed the variety that this test offered. I would have preferred instant, question-by-question feedback over feedback at the end.

TheReal MacBen

Philippines

October 14, 2023

The varying patterns of the figures in each box, and what could be the next chain in that pattern.

I like how the test contained fun and interesting questions that needed logical thinking. However, it is not as complex as one test I answered, so the website should give an option of difficulty in tests.

MARTINE METIEKAM

September 26, 2023

Interesting

I have difficulty identifying the sequence. Honestly, I am not very familiar with the test. Thank you.

Andreas Karlsson

September 15, 2023

I found some of the patterns challenging at first but I do love to solve these little puzzles and recognize the patterns within

United States of America

September 10, 2023

Take one peice at a time

each task was a test to see if you could follow the pattern, some were difficult but it was a nice brain teaser.

September 02, 2023

Quick access to test, without any unnecessary sale propositions

I should not have to create an account to just take a sample test. I am happy to make an account once I take 1 or 2 tests and see whether I want to create an account

Paul Kitchener

United Kingdom

August 29, 2023

Good prep for recruitment test

I liked that I could skip a question and come back to it if I found it difficult under the time limit

Nkosingiphile Nzimande

August 22, 2023

Tricky: Thinking out of the box is key

I like that it is a simple test but if you analyze too much you might get the answers wrong, I kind of felt like I didn’t understand what was going on until the 3rd question.

Daniel Nelson

August 21, 2023

Challenging but fun

I love these tests, not too difficult but hard enough to be able to work through to get your answer,

Talha Iftikhar

August 03, 2023

Good level of test

I like the website and the construction of different questions. The level of free evaluation is quite testing and good.

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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

10 questions

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No student devices needed. Know more

What is critical thinking?

is to think about something unconsciously, analyzing the circumstances and in order to arrive at the best solution for that.

is to think about something consciously without analyzing the circumstances.

is to think about something consciously, analyzing the circumstances and in order to arrive at the best solution for that.

Problem solving is...

creating a problem so that you can analyze it and then solve it.

the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution.

the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; and implementing the first solution we think of.

The skills related to critical thinking are analysis, communication, creativity, open mindness and problem solving.

The difference between critical thinking and problem solving is that critical thinking requires an understanding of yourself, challenge your own presuppositions; and problem solving requires an understanding of the situation, you look an external event and figure out how to change it.

The critical thinking is considered as a

A study of the human being capacities

An animal characteristic

The ability to think clearly and rationally

The critical thinking could be used in:

A Mathemaics class

An argument

All of the above

Memory study focuses on ...

how the brain remembers the most important moments in the life of every human being.

how our brain process conscious memory.

how memories are acquired, stored, and retrieved.

Attention ....

is storing the information in the brain but it is not processed later.

is the cognitive processing system selecting certain information for further processing.

is a process in which we process a problem for possible solutions

Generate alternative solutions means...

generate many alternative solutions to the problem before final evaluation in order to have a better solution.

generate possible solutions before finding the problem I want to solve.

evaluating the solutions of others without considering my own.

Define the problem is...

Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its symptoms.

Diagnose the situation so that your attention is focused on the solutions

Diagnose first the solutions to know which problem to solve.

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Critical Thinking & Problem Solving [Outline]
Writing Multiple-Choice Questions that Demand Critical Thinking
what is problem solving and critical thinking
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving [Outline]
Critical Thinking Multiple Choice Assessment Answer Sheet
Critical thinking leads to better problem solving: Yes or No?

VIDEO

If you don’t have enough IQ, please mark it out. Do you know what can reflect your own shadow?
GMAT MOOC Session 2 Critical Reasoning Question Type
If you don’t have enough IQ, please mark it out. What wouldn’t you buy on your own initiative?
You know that thing that gets smaller the more you use it?
HCL Jigsaw Edition 5.0
Critical Choice

COMMENTS

Critical Thinking Test: Free Practice Questions & Tips
Problem Solving . The format of the critical thinking uses hypothetical scenarios to assess candidates. The scenarios are typically relevant to the field you are interested in to assess your knowledge of the role. ... The critical thinking test is multiple-choice with thirty minutes to complete the assessment. Candidates will receive a ...
Critical Thinking Test: Free Practice Questions
PRT Critical Thinking Test: question 1 of 3. Six friends are seated in a restaurant across a rectangular table. There are three chairs on each side. Adam and Dorky do not have anyone sitting to their right and Clyde and Benjamin do not have anyone sitting to their left. Adam and Benjamin are not sitting on the same side of the table.
Critical Thinking Test Assessment
20 tests. 228 questions. Critical thinking tests, sometimes known as critical reasoning tests, are often used by employers. They evaluate how a candidate makes logical deductions after scrutinising the evidence provided, while avoiding fallacies or non-factual opinions. Critical thinking tests can form part of an assessment day, or be used as a ...
Critical Thinking Test Free Practice 28 Questions + Score Report
Mix & match 3 PrepPacks of your choice at a 50% discount for 1 month/3 months/6 months. ... Another popular critical thinking assessment, Watson-Glaser is a well-established psychometric test produced by Pearson Assessments. ... because they come into play in many stages of problem-solving and decision-making processes in the workplace ...
Critical Thinking Quizzes, Questions & Answers
The critical thinking quiz will help you understand when someone is right and acknowledged. Check out our online critical thinking MCQ quiz and see if you ace the art of actively and skillfully analyzing and evaluating information gathered through observation. We have a collection of critical thinking quizzes to help you analyze the facts and ...
Free Critical Thinking Test: Sample Questions & Explanations
The Five Critical Thinking Skills Explained. 1. Recognition of Assumption. You'll be presented with a statement. The statement is then followed by several proposed assumptions. When answering, you must work out if an assumption was made or if an assumption was not made in the statement.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Mastery Test Flashcards
Arrange the steps of the decision-making process to solve a problem in the correct order. Identifying the problem. Generating alternatives. Evaluating the consequences. - X [Implementing the solution]X. - X [Choosing an alternative or solution]X. Evaluating the results. Which activity is the fourth step in the decision-making process of solving ...
Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA): A Complete Guide
The Oxford Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is a critical part of the application process for several courses at the University of Oxford. It's a unique test designed to assess your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, both of which are essential for success in higher education. The TSA is divided into two parts: a 90-minute, multiple ...
Using Multiple Choice Exams to Test Critical Thinking
The difference is we are limiting the student's critical thinking to a few (4-5) answers on an exam. Typically we use multiple choice to assess a breadth of knowledge. Done well, multiple-choice can activate and assess critical thinking. Here are 7 strategies adapted from the Real Science Challenge (www.realsciencechallenge.com).
Critical Thinking Testing and Assessment
Foundation for Critical Thinking. PO Box 31080 • Santa Barbara, CA 93130 . Toll Free 800.833.3645 • Fax 707.878.9111. [email protected]
Critical Thinking Practice Test
Successful test-takers typically exhibit strong problem-solving skills, a keen eye for detail, and an ability to think logically under time pressure. ... Most Critical Thinking Tests use a multiple-choice format, making them easy to administer and score. ... HEIghten Critical Thinking Assessment: This test, developed by the Educational Testing ...
PDF Sample multiple choice questions that test higher order thinking and
In an evaluation question, a situation is described in a short paragraph and then a problem is posed as the stem of the question. All the rules for writing multiple choice items described above also apply to writing evaluation questions, but students must use judgment and critical thinking to answer them correctly.
Writing Good Multiple Choice Test Questions
A stem that presents a problem that requires application of course principles, analysis of a problem, or evaluation of alternatives is focused on higher-order thinking and thus tests students' ability to do such thinking. In constructing multiple choice items to test higher order thinking, it can also be helpful to design problems that ...
Assessing Critical Thinking in Higher Education: Current State and
Critical thinking is one of the most frequently discussed higher order skills, believed to play a central role in logical thinking, decision making, and problem solving (Butler, 2012; Halpern, 2003).It is also a highly contentious skill in that researchers debate about its definition; its amenability to assessment; its degree of generality or specificity; and the evidence of its practical ...
PDF The Case for Performance-Based Assessment of Critical-Thinking Skills
that critical-thinking, problem-solving, qualitative and quantitative analytic-based reasoning, and written-communication skills need to be improved. The multiple-choice test may do a satisfactory job of measuring student mastery of content; however, mastery of content is not enough to survive and prosper in the 21st century.
Chapter 4: Critical Thinking and Decision Making Flashcards
Clinical decision making focuses on diagnosing client health issues, risks, or problems and planning or coordinating nursing interventions, but managerial decision making focuses on resolution of organizational problems and the plans to achieve organizational goals. Decision-making tools and strategies support the process for decisions.
Chapter 2 Multiple Choice Questions
Chapter 2 Multiple Choice Questions What is critical thinking? Quiz Content * not completed. Which of the following elements is NOT one of the five elements that the text used to characterize critical thinkers? Personality correct incorrect. Arguments correct incorrect ...
Critical-Thinking and Problem-Solving Strategies Flashcards
Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Critical Thinking, -Creative action -Based on professional knowledge -Experience involving sound judgment -Applied with high ethical standards and integrity -Used daily with every patient -Decisions about patient care -Identifying inappropriate actions or situations and correcting them, Communication and more.
Logical Reasoning Test: 100s Of Free Practice Questions (2024)
A logical reasoning test is an assessment that measures your ability to interpret information, apply logic to solve problems and draw relevant conclusions. It is typically non-verbal and in a multiple-choice format, and requires the use of rules and deduction to reach answers, rather than prior knowledge.
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Decision Making Final Exam
Test and improve your knowledge of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Decision Making with fun multiple choice exams you can take online with Study.com
(PDF) Assessment of University Students' Critical Thinking: Next
surveys to multiple-choice tests to performance assessments of critical thinking, problem solving, and the like (for an overv iew, see Zlatkin-Troitschanskai a, Shavelson, & Pant, 2018 ).
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
1 pt. Problem solving is... creating a problem so that you can analyze it and then solve it. the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution. the act of defining a problem; determining the cause of the problem; and implementing the first solution we think of.
ch 1+2 questions Flashcards
Problem solving and critical thinking are ______ because they use logic and reasoning to develop and evaluate options. soft skills. Which of the following is not one of the top four skills desired by employers? Teamwork. _________, with which you can build goodwill, include personality, teamwork and leadership. Personal attributes. A problem is.
Can You Solve This Mind-Bending Puzzle?
Put your thinking cap on and tackle this brain-teasing multiple choice question! Test your wit and logic as you navigate through the options to find the corr...