What Is the Watson Glaser Test?
The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is a pre-employment test designed to assess candidates’ reasoning and critical thinking skills.
The test contains 40 multiple-choice questions to be solved in 30 minutes, covering 5 sections:
- Inference – 5 questions
- Recognition of Assumptions – 12 questions
- Deduction – 5 questions
- Interpretation – 6 questions
- Evaluation of Arguments – 12 questions
In the following section, we will give an overview of each section, including a free sample question for each. You can check out our free Watson Glaser practice test for more.
The Watson Glaser test comes in two main versions – Watson Glaser III and Watson Glaser II. The WG-II, in turn, comes in two forms – D and E. Below you can read more about Watson Glaser test versions and forms.
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Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.
Watson Glaser Test - 5 Sample Questions Solved [Video]
Watson Glaser Assessment Sample Test Questions
Watson Glaser Sample Question #1 – Inference
The Watson Glaser Inference section will present you with a statement followed by a series of inferences (conclusions). Your task is to determine how true or false each inference is.
James is a human rights activist who was fined £60 on three different days during the past month for smoking in public at his workplace. On each of the occasions, he admitted to the act peacefully, telling policemen that he is unwilling to conform to such a breach of people's right to privacy. James paid the three fines shortly after receiving them.
James has spent at least a couple of hundreds of pounds in his struggle to oppose violations of civil liberties this year.
The “Probably True” and “Probably False” answer choices are unique to the Watson Glaser and are considered the main challenge of the inference section.
Learn more about the Inference Section.
Watson Glaser Sample Question #2 – Recognition of Assumptions
The Watson Glaser Assumptions section will present you with a statement followed by a proposed assumption. Your task is to decide whether a person, in making the given statement, is making the proposed assumption.
Complaints were raised against the town's sole French teacher for using her monopoly to charge more than her late predecessor. In fact, however, she does not earn more money on each lesson than she would have before, because she lives out of town and her fee reflects higher transportation costs than those of her predecessor, who lived in town.
Service providers who spend more on transportation are more expensive.
The Recognition of Assumptions section is considered by most candidates as the hardest section of the Watson Glaser test.
Learn more about the Recognition of Assumptions Section.
Watson Glaser Sample Question #3 – Deduction
In the Watson Glaser Deduction section, you will be presented with a premise followed by a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion ABSOLUTELY AND NECESSARILY follows the premise.
Some citizens pay taxes. Many citizens receive income support.
More citizens receive income support than citizens who pay taxes.
The Deduction section does not allow the use of common sense.
Learn more about the Deduction Section.
Watson Glaser Sample Question #4 – Interpretation
In the Watson Glaser Interpretation section, you will be presented with a premise followed by a suggested conclusion. Your task is to determine whether the conclusion follows the premise BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT.
In the years 2011-12, 32% of pupils entitled to free school meals (an indicator of low socioeconomic status) achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above. This is compared to 65% of pupils who were not entitled to free school meals.
Most of the pupils who were not entitled to a free school meal achieved five GCSE passes at grade C or above.
The “beyond a reasonable doubt” element is a common source of confusion for candidates, making this section substantially more difficult than the Deduction section.
Learn more about the Interpretation Section.
Watson Glaser Sample Question #5 – Evaluation of Arguments
In the Watson Glaser Arguments section, you will be presented with a yes/no question, followed by an argument. Your task is to determine whether the argument is strong or weak in answering the question.
Should parents put their children in preparation courses for gifted tests, in order for them to reach their full potential?
Yes. Parents are responsible for their children’s future and should do whatever they can to help them succeed in life.
The most common type of mistake in the Evaluation of Arguments section is letting your own personal views and opinions affect your judgement.
Learn more about the Evaluation of Arguments Section.
For more sample questions, check out the Watson Glaser free practice test.
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Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.
Watson Glaser Test Versions and Forms
There are two main versions of the Watson Glaser test – Watson Glaser II and Watson Glaser III.
For you as a test-taker, there is no practical difference between the two versions. Both versions have the same content, the number of questions, and time limit. Let's briefly explain the definitions of Watson Glaser versions and forms.
Watson Glaser II
The Watson Glaser II (WG-II) is the traditional format of the test and is divided into two forms – D and E. Form E is considered slightly more difficult, but the content and formatting of both forms are identical.
Watson Glaser III
The Watson Glaser III (WG-III) is a revision of the WG-II test. The main difference is that the WG-III can be taken in an unsupervised setting, due to the "item-bank" from which questions are randomly selected.
What Is A Good Score on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test?
The Watson Glaser doesn't have a pre-determined pass mark. Each employer and every industry have a different passing mark.
However, as a rule, you should aim for a score of above 80% of the test-takers in your norm group. This means different scores for different positions.
For instance, a Watson Glaser test score of 28/40 is better than 79% of the general population, 69% of managers, but only 49% of law graduates!
To rank in the top 80% of the most desirable positions like managers and lawyers, it is recommended to get a Watson Glaser test score of at least 33-34.
Watson Glaser Test Tips and Preparation Guidelines
A challenging, competitive test such as the Watson Glaser critical thinking test requires an accurate, focused preparation designed specifically for the test.
That goes both for your preparation methods for the Watson Glaser Test and for your behavior on the actual Watson Glaser test day.
Here are 4 Watson Glaser test preparation tips and 3 test-day tips that will maximize your score:
4 Watson Glaser Test Tips
Watson Glaser Preparation Tip #1 – Know the Rules Inside Out
Knowing the rules is important in any test you take, but it is especially important on the Watson Glaser critical thinking test.
Here’s why:
- The Watson Glaser test has its own set of rules, unparalleled by any other critical thinking test.
- Not only that, but rules vary between sections, and what was correct in the Deduction section will be wrong in the Interpretation section.
- On the actual test, the clock keeps ticking as you read the instructions! Being familiar with them in advance will save you precious time.
Watson Glaser Preparation Tip #2 – Let Go of Your Own Perceptions
In most sections of the Watson Glaser test sections, intuition, prior knowledge and common sense will lead you to the wrong answer.
So, knowing WHEN to use common sense and intuition, and HOW to use them to draw conclusions should be a major part of your preparation plan.
This is where tip number 3 can be extremely helpful.
Watson Glaser Test Preparation Tip #3 – Develop “Critical Thinking Algorithms”
Critical Thinking Algorithms are technical procedures that turn any Watson Glaser question into a series of simple Q&As that will lead you to the correct answer.
These eliminate the use of common sense and intuition, thus minimizing your chances for an error.
Two examples of these algorithms are the ITDN Table and the Negative Test - which you can learn and practice in our Complete Watson Glaser Preparation Course.
Watson Glaser Test Preparation Tip #4 – Personalize Your Watson Glaser Practice
Different people will find different sections of the Watson Glaser test particularly challenging.
Therefore, it is important to know in advance what YOUR weak spots are, and to address them in your preparation. For instance, if you reach a score of 11/12 in the Evaluation of Arguments section, focus your preparation on sections in which you are weaker.
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Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.
3 Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test Day Tips
Watson Glaser Test Day Tip #1 – Use Your Time Wisely
Unlike other tests, time is not a substantial obstacle on the Watson Glaser critical thinking test.
However, there are two key points you should consider when it comes to time:
- Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you finish the questions before the time is up, you can go back to questions you weren't sure of.
- The time it took you to complete the test does not affect your score – for better or worse. So, make sure to use every minute and answer all the questions.
Watson Glaser Test Day Tip #2 – Out of Options? Guess!
There is no penalty for wrong answers on the Watson Glaser test, so it is better to make an educated guess if you’re running out of time.
Watson Glaser Test Day Tip #3 – Brush on the Test Instructions on the Test Day
As I mentioned earlier, the Watson Glaser test instructions are complex and unique.
Being very well familiar with the test instructions before the real test will have a massive effect on both your score and your ability to finish the test on time.
So, on test day, just before you start your test, make sure you read and understand the instructions perfectly. This will allow you to merely brush over them on the test itself, leaving more time for solving questions.
Remember: On the actual Watson Glaser critical thinking test, the clock does not stop when you read the instructions!
Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test FAQs
What is a Critical Thinking Test and What Does it Measure?
A critical thinking test, sometimes referred to as critical reasoning test, is an aptitude test that measures your ability to assess a situation through various perspectives. While taking the critical thinking test, you will be asked to acknowledge, extract, and interpret facts, opinions, and assumptions.
Critical thinking tests are usually used in law firms recruitment process, where a major critical thinking ability needed is to make a strong, solid argument. Additional skills measured are being able to analyze verbal information, make accurate assumptions and draw conclusions.
The critical reasoning test measures these critical thinking skills by using paragraphs of text, some short and some very long. Your job is to analyse the text in different ways and show that you understood every aspect of it.
Why Is Critical Thinking Important to Potential Employers?
Critical thinking is important for companies since employees with strong critical thinking can make decisions with limited supervision, allowing them to make independent judgment decisions. Also, this skill helps them solve problems, build strategies, and make them better at their job in general.
Which Professions Use Watson Glaser Tests, and Why?
The following professions use the Watson Glaser test:
- Trainee Solicitors and Solicitors
- Graduate Trainees
- Law firms
- Vacation Scheme
- Public Health Registrars
- Analysts
To succeed in these roles, it’s important to have strong critical thinking skills. That’s why companies use the Watson Glaser critical thinking test which is an accurate assessment tool for measuring this ability.
Is the Watson Glaser critical thinking Test Hard?
The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal is considered to be one of the hardest pre-employment tests on the market today, due to its unique and counterintuitive set of rules, as well as its focus solely on critical thinking.
What Is the Difference between Watson Glaser II and III?
The Watson Glaser III is a revision of the common WG-II test. The main difference is that the WG-III can be taken in an unsupervised setting, due to the "item-bank" from which questions are randomly selected.
However, WG-II and WG-III are identical in terms of topics, question number, and allowed time.
Is the Watson Glaser Test Timed?
The Watson Glaser critical thinking test is normally timed and allows you up to 30 minutes to complete all 40 questions. There are also untimed versions for candidates requiring adjustments. Note that every section is timed separately.
What Is the Difference Between Watson Glaser Test Forms D and E?
According to the official Watson Glaser Test Manual, forms D and E are a remnant of the revision the test has gone through in recent years. The older version contained two different forms, named A and B. Practically speaking, for you as a test-taker, both forms are equivalent and share the same difficulty level, structure, and format.
