How to pass the Watson Glaser Test

Critical thinking is an integral skill for most employers so it's important to master it. It's assessed through the Watson Glaser Test - take a look at what's involved

If you're about to start your job search, particularly if you're looking for roles in law, management, or any other sector that values strong critical thinking, you might come across the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA).

This test is widely used by employers to evaluate how well candidates can think critically, reason logically, and make informed decisions. While it may sound intimidating, with the right preparation, you can approach the test with confidence and pass it. 

This article covers everything you need to know about the test, how it's scored, the challenges it presents, and most importantly, how you can prepare to ace it.

What is the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Test is a pre-employment assessment used by law firms, government services, and various other employers to evaluate a candidate's critical thinking abilities. It's used to measure how well you can interpret information, evaluate arguments, and make logical conclusions based on the facts provided.

The test consists of 40 questions spread across five sections:

1. Inference - making logical conclusions based on statements of facts.
2. Recognising assumptions - identifying whether certain assumptions are being made in an argument.
3. Deduction - assessing whether conclusions logically follow from the information presented.
4. Interpretation - evaluating whether a conclusion follows from the given text.
5. Evaluation of arguments - determining whether arguments are strong or weak.

Each of these sections focuses on a different aspect of critical thinking, and you'll need to answer all questions accurately within a set time limit.

Let's have a look at some example questions so you know what to expect on the test.

Inference section

In this, you'll be presented with a statement and asked to evaluate whether certain inferences logically follow from the facts.

Statement: Sarah is a climate change advocate who was penalised £40 on two separate occasions in the last six months for improperly disposing of waste at a local park. On both occasions, she openly admitted to her actions, explaining that the fines are a small price to pay in her fight against the growing environmental crisis. Sarah paid both fines shortly after they were issued.

Inference: Sarah has likely spent at least £80 this year in fines, while advocating for the environment.

• True
• Probably true
• Insufficient data
• Probably false
• False.

Answer: Probably True

Answering tip: Carefully consider each inference based solely on the facts in the statement. Ignore any personal knowledge or assumptions you might have, as the test is purely about logic. If the facts don't directly support the inference, choose probably false or false.

Recognising assumptions section

For this section, you'll need to assess whether certain assumptions are being made in an argument.

Statement: Several residents in the city have criticised the local grocery store for raising the price of fresh produce. However, the store owner explained that the price increase is due to higher transportation and supplier costs, not because of an increase in profit margins. The store has consistently charged the same markup on produce since opening.

Proposed assumption: Price increases in fresh produce are primarily driven by transportation and supplier costs.

• Assumption made
• Assumption not made

Answer: Assumption made.

Answering tip: Focus on the assumptions that are explicitly or implicitly necessary for the argument to hold true. If the argument relies on something that's not clearly stated or justified, it's likely an assumption being made.

Deduction section

This section requires you to determine if conclusions follow from the information provided.

Statement: All dogs are mammals. Some mammals have fur.

Conclusion: Some dogs have fur.

• Conclusion follows
• Conclusion does not follow.

Answer: Conclusion does not follow.

Answering tip: Examine the logic of the conclusion. Does it follow directly from the premises, or is there a logical leap? If the conclusion doesn’t strictly follow, then choose conclusion does not follow.

Interpretation section

In this section, you'll be asked to evaluate if a conclusion logically follows from a given text.

Text: In 2020, 40% of people aged 65 and over participated in regular physical exercise. This is compared to 75% of people aged 18 to 34.

Conclusion: The majority of people aged 65 and over engage in regular physical exercise.

• Conclusion follows
• Conclusion does not follow.

Answer: Conclusion does not follow.

Answering tip: Look at the exact wording of the text. The key here is to rely only on the information provided and ensure that the conclusion directly follows from the facts. If the conclusion seems to stretch beyond what is stated, choose conclusion does not follow.

Evaluation of arguments section

For this section, you'll need to determine whether an argument is strong or weak.

Question: Should companies provide flexible working hours to improve employee productivity?

Argument: Yes, flexible working hours allow employees to work when they are most productive, which can lead to better job performance and overall job satisfaction.

• Strong argument
• Weak argument.

Answer: Strong argument.

Answering tip: Consider whether the argument is well-supported by facts and logic. Strong arguments will provide solid reasoning and evidence, while weak arguments will rely on assumptions or lack sufficient support.

Think you've got it? Try a seven-minutes free Watson Glaser sample test.

How is the Watson Glaser Test scored?

Your Watson Glaser test results will be compared to a norm group - a set of individuals with similar educational and professional backgrounds. There's no fixed pass mark, but employers typically look for candidates who score in the top percentiles.

The test is scored based on your raw score (the number of correct answers out of 40), which is then converted into a percentile rank. For example:

• 33-34 correct answers, 80th percentile (strong score)
• 36-38 correct answers, 90th percentile (excellent score)
• 39-40 correct answers, 95th-99th percentile (top-tier score).

While there's no definitive passing score, a aim for at least 80% (32 out of 40 questions correct) to be competitive in the hiring process.

What are some challenges of the Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser Test isn't your average assessment. It's designed to push your critical thinking and reasoning skills to the limit, and it does so by testing your ability to stay calm under pressure.

Here's what makes it particularly tricky:

• Focusing on one skill - Unlike many tests, the Watson Glaser focuses solely on critical thinking. Each section targets a different facet of this skill, from evaluating arguments to making deductions. To excel, you'll need to be comfortable applying logical thinking to all types of questions, making consistent practice a key component.
• A distinct set of rules - What sets the Watson Glaser apart is the specific set of rules you'll need to follow. This is especially true in sections where you're asked to judge whether something is 'probably true' or 'probably false'. You can't rely on general knowledge or guesswork - everything must come from the information provided in the question. A slight shift in the phrasing can change the meaning of the question entirely, so be meticulous with your reading.
• Don't rely on intuition - The Watson Glaser Test is designed to challenge your reasoning, not just your intuition. It often presents answers that look almost correct at first glance, but upon deeper examination, don't quite follow the logic. The test assesses your ability to follow strict reasoning rules, not your knowledge or intuition. Stay focused on the facts in front of you, and avoid letting your assumptions or external knowledge cloud your judgment.

Check out the complete Watson Glaser Test Guide for an in-depth look at all test sections, along with sample questions and a free practice test.

How should I prepare?

The key to preparing for the Watson Glaser Test is to familiarise yourself with its unique structure and types of questions.

While general practice can help sharpen these skills, it's crucial to simulate the real test environment, including time constraints and the specific question formats. Using preparation tools like JobTestPrep's Watson Glaser Preparation Pack can be highly beneficial, as they offer practice questions that closely resemble the actual test, along with detailed explanations, strategies, and performance tracking to help you identify areas for improvement.