Brilliant Verbal Reasoning Tests

CHAPTER 3

Tactics and

techniques

M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03.QXP:M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03 16/11/09 11:31 Page 27

M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03.QXP:M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03 16/11/09 11:31 Page 28

H

as it been a while since you took a test? Are you pan-

icking? If so, take a few deep breaths and stay calm.This

chapter is packed with top tactics and techniques to help

you get back into the swing of test taking and achieve the best

results you can. In addition to measuring your verbal reasoning

skills, the test you are about to sit will measure your ability to

work under pressure. Fortunately there are lots of useful strat-

egies that you can use on the big day and during your practice

sessions.

Familiarise yourself

Knowing what to expect on your test

day will give you a big advantage, so

learn as much as you can about the

test you are going to take. Your

recruiting organisation may send

you practice material in advance of your test. This may be in the

form of sample questions, either online or in printed format.The

information should also outline why the test is being used in the

process and – most importantly – the exact nature of the test that

you will be taking on the day. If you are taking the test online you

should be provided with contacts for general queries as well as

any technical questions relating to the operation of the online

system.

learn as much as you

can about the test you

are going to take

M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03.QXP:M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03 16/11/09 11:31 Page 29

30 brill iant verbal reason ing

This practice opportunity levels the playing field and gives

everyone a fair chance – particularly important for people who

have not taken a verbal reasoning test before. Make sure you use

this material effectively so that you are comfortable with your

test format. Ask questions in advance, particularly anything that

is unclear in the test instructions. On the test day you will be

given the opportunity to go through the administration instruc-

tions. But if this knowledge is already stored in your brain you

will feel more comfortable about what you are going to be asked

to do on test day.

Practice strategies

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time in advance of the

real test to complete as many practice test sessions as possible.

Continually review what you have learnt from previous practice

test sessions so that you use your time most effectively.

Multiple practice sessions

I’d strongly advise against doing all your preparation in one huge

hit.You will learn and retain much more if you undertake several

practice sessions instead of one big one. At first it may seem as

if you are only making small gains, but these small gains will

soon add up to improved verbal reasoning skills.

Concentration

‘Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand.The sun’s

rays do not burn until brought to a focus.’ So said the inventor

brilliant

tip

If practice material is not sent to you in advance, call your

prospective employer and ask for any additional information

regarding the test you are going to complete.

M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03.QXP:M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03 16/11/09 11:31 Page 30

Alexander Graham Bell, and his words certainly apply to your

task here. In order to answer ques-

tions accurately, you need to

concentrate throughout your prac-

tice sessions and during the test

itself. This is easier said than done

– but concentration is vital if you

want your brain to function at a high level. You can take

measures to improve your concentration by getting enough rest

and working in an environment free from distractions.

Take a break

Research has shown that most people’s concentration levels drop

off after spending longer than 40–50 minutes in any one practice

session.You should plan your practice sessions accordingly. Also,

if you start to lose concentration take a short break (of at least a

few minutes) and come back to this book later. You’ll hopefully

come back feeling more focused after making a cup of tea. I

know I do!

Learn from your mistakes

Take heed of any errors that you make throughout your practice

session. Make a mental note of where you went wrong so you

can avoid making similar mistakes in future. It’s all too easy to

mess up when when you are under pressure to perform.

Stretch yourself

Run through as many practice ques-

tions as possible in advance in order

to challenge yourself mentally. Don’t

just focus on those practice ques-

tions that you can do quite easily – stretch yourself with harder

questions. Undertake timed practice tests on a regular basis to

get your brain used to working under pressure.

Tactics and techniques 31

concentration is vital if

you want your brain to

function at a high level

stretch yourself with

harder questions

M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03.QXP:M03_WILL4537_01_SE_C03 16/11/09 11:31 Page 31