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Hiring someone who sounds sharp in an interview is one thing. Hiring someone who can process written information accurately, reason through dense material, and communicate clearly on the job? That’s a whole different ballgame.
That’s why employers across industries are turning to verbal reasoning tests to evaluate how candidates actually think and reason with language under pressure. But what do these tests look like in practice?
In this blog, we’ll walk through real sample verbal reasoning test examples, explain what they measure, and show you how to use them effectively in your hiring process. Whether you’re hiring for customer service, leadership, or analytical roles, these examples will help you assess the skills that truly matter.
What Is a Verbal Reasoning Test?
Before we dive into the examples, let’s clarify what a verbal reasoning test actually measures.
Unlike simple vocabulary or grammar quizzes, a verbal reasoning test assesses a candidate’s ability to:
- Understand written information
- Draw logical conclusions
- Evaluate statements and assumptions
- Interpret policies, reports, or emails accurately
What Employers Can Learn from Verbal Reasoning Tests
These tests are especially helpful for roles where clarity, precision, and logic are critical, like customer support, operations, legal, HR, and leadership. They offer insights into:
| Trait | What the Test Evaluates |
| Comprehension | Can the candidate grasp key information quickly? |
| Decision-making | Do they draw the correct conclusion based on context? |
| Communication clarity | Can they interpret and explain complex text? |
| Bias-free reasoning | Are they making assumptions beyond what’s stated? |
Now, let’s get to the core of this blog—examples of verbal reasoning tests you can use or expect.
Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Example 1: True / False / Cannot Say
Passage:
All department managers are required to complete a quarterly compliance training. Alex is a department manager.
Statement: Alex must complete quarterly compliance training.
Answer Options:
A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say
Correct Answer: A) True
Why? The passage clearly states that all department managers are required. Since Alex is one, the conclusion logically follows.
Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Example 2: Logical Deduction
Passage:
Employees are eligible for promotion only if they’ve completed at least one full year at the company. Jamie joined the company nine months ago.
Statement: Jamie is not currently eligible for promotion.
Answer Options:
A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say
Correct Answer: A) True
Why? Jamie hasn’t completed the one-year requirement. The statement logically aligns with the given condition.
For more inference-based logic examples, see: Verbal Reasoning Test Sample Questions for Employers
Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Example 3: Word Meaning in Context
Question:
Choose the best synonym for the word “scrutinize” in the following sentence:
The manager was asked to scrutinize the contract before approval.
Answer Options:
A) Approve
B) Ignore
C) Examine
D) Modify
Correct Answer: C) Examine
Why? In context, “scrutinize” means to study or inspect closely.
Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Example 4: Sentence Completion
Question:
Select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence:
The team lead was known for her _____ communication style, especially when handling client issues.
Answer Options:
A) vague
B) dismissive
C) clear
D) complicated
Correct Answer: C) clear
Why? The sentence describes a positive attribute. “Clear” fits the intended meaning.
Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Example 5: Assumption Recognition
Passage:
The company has recently expanded into three new countries. This expansion is expected to increase revenue by 25% over the next year.
Question:
Which of the following is an assumption underlying the statement?
Answer Options:
A) The company will exit its current markets.
B) The new markets are profitable.
C) Employees will receive bonuses.
D) Expansion always leads to higher revenue.
Correct Answer: B) The new markets are profitable
Why? For expansion to increase revenue, profitability is a reasonable (though unstated) assumption.
This kind of question type is especially useful for executive hiring. For a deep dive, see: Verbal and Logical Reasoning Tests: How They Work in Executive Hiring
How Discovered’s Verbal Reasoning Assessment Works
At Discovered Assessments, we offer a 10-question, 10-minute Verbal Reasoning Assessment built specifically for real-world hiring.
Here’s what it evaluates:
| Area | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Word Meaning | Understanding vocabulary and selecting correct synonyms |
| Sentence Completion | Logical, grammatical phrasing in business context |
| Logical Deductions | Ability to interpret rules and draw valid conclusions |
Unlike generic tests, ours is designed with workplace decision-making in mind—not academic puzzles. Candidates complete the assessment online, and you receive instant results with clear scoring and insights.
Ready to explore it? Try our Verbal Reasoning Assessment Test or combine it with our Cognitive Ability Test, Matrix Reasoning, or Numerical Reasoning assessments for deeper insight.
Related Pages You Might Find Helpful
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests: What Employers Need to Know
- Psychometric Verbal Reasoning Tests in Pre-Employment Screening
- Verbal Reasoning in Cognitive and IQ-Based Hiring Tests
- Best Verbal Reasoning Testing Tools for Hiring Teams
FAQ: Sample Verbal Reasoning Tests for Employers
Q1: Are these test examples too simple for leadership roles?
Not at all. The difficulty can be adjusted. At Discovered, we tailor assessments for each job level—from entry to executive.
Q2: Can I use these test examples in actual hiring?
Yes, but it’s best to use validated assessments like ours that track scoring, benchmark performance, and generate insights.
Q3: Do candidates need to prepare for these?
No. These tests are designed to assess natural reasoning skills, not learned knowledge. That’s what makes them so useful for screening.
Q4: How do I implement these tests?
With our platform, it’s as easy as sending a link. Results come in instantly, along with score breakdowns and suggested next steps.
Final Thoughts
Resumes tell you where someone’s been. Interviews give you glimpses of personality. But verbal reasoning tests? They reveal how a person thinks, especially under pressure, with written information, and when it truly counts.
Whether you’re hiring for communication-heavy roles, leadership positions, or customer-facing teams, these tests give you objective data to guide better decisions.
With Discovered Assessments, it’s easier than ever. You get fast, clear insights into a candidate’s logic, language, and decision-making skills—without the guesswork.
👉 Book a Free Demo and explore how our Verbal Reasoning Test can sharpen your hiring decisions—before the next resume even hits your desk.
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