Brilliant Verbal Reasoning Tests

CHAPTER 6

What else do I

need to know?

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F

irst, take a moment to consider how far you’ve come since

the first time you picked up this book. Reflecting on the

progress you have made should give your confidence a

boost. Go on, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve learned

many useful test-taking strategies; it is nearly time to put them

in action. But before that, let’s have a

look at the test process in general.

Being fully aware of what to expect

on your test day will help allay any

jitters.

What will I be told in advance?

You should have been provided with the following information,

in keeping with best practice:

G logistical information, such as directions about how to get

to the test centre;

G advance notice that you will be taking a verbal reasoning

test, including the length of time that the test will take to

complete;

G an explanation of the testing process;

G the part that the test will play in the overall process,

including who will have access to your results;

G any feedback arrangements.

let’s have a look at the

test process in general

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64 brill iant verbal reason ing

If you feel that anything has not been

adequately explained to you, or if

you are uncomfortable with any

aspect of these issues, then don’t

hesitate to get in touch with the

contact name that has been sup-

plied. Remember that your prospective employer or place of

study will want to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout

the testing process.That means from the time when you are noti-

fied that you need to undertake a verbal reasoning test right up

to the time that you find out the outcome.

don’t hesitate to get in

touch with the contact

name that has been

supplied

What does the test administrator do on the day?

In order for the test results to be reli-

able and fair, the test session needs

to be standardised. That means the

onus is on the test administrator to

make sure you do what you are sup-

posed to do and follow all the instructions exactly. Ask them

about anything that is not clear, particularly the practice ques-

tions. Make sure that everything is clear before the timer starts

since you will not be allowed to ask any questions once the test

has started.

Many test publishers and consultancy firms offer British

Psychological Society-recognised courses for training test

administrators to administer and score verbal reasoning tests in

the UK. This maintains the professional standards for con-

ducting group test sessions.

brilliant

tip

Don’t make any assumptions – if anything is unclear check before

proceeding. The administrator is there to answer your questions.

the test session needs to

be standardised

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Everyone taking the test must do the following:

G Complete the practice questions at the start of the test (in

the initial 10–20 minutes). The administrator will ensure

that every applicant present at the session completes the

practice questions. The administrator will go through any of

the practice questions if you are unclear as to how an

answer was arrived at.

G Start the test at exactly the same time.You need to follow

the administration instructions to the letter. Do not start

until you are told to do so.

G Stop working as soon as the test administration says that

the test has finished.

What else do I need to know? 65

How are my test results used?

Your prospective employer or place of study expects that there

will be a range of test scores on the verbal reasoning test. That’s

why the test is being used in the first place – to differentiate

between applicants in terms of their verbal reasoning ability.

A couple of comparisons are made:

1 Each individual’s overall score is compared to those of a

large group of hundreds – sometimes thousands – of similar

applicants who have taken the same test before. This is the

norm group – the normal range of scores that are typical of

brilliant

warning

Just as you would not be late for an interview, you should not be late for a

test. Don’t assume that you can be fitted in at whatever time you arrive.

Your testing time will have been scheduled in so there’s probably someone

using your computer before and after you.

!

!

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