Verbal reasoning

Verbal reasoning is understanding and reasoning using concepts framed in words. It

aims at evaluating ability to think constructively, rather than at simple fluency or
vocabulary recognition. Large graduate training schemes are increasingly using verbal
reasoning tests (verbals) to distinguish between applicants. The types of verbals
candidates face in these assessments are typically looking to assess understanding and
comprehension skills. Verbal easoning subtest assesses your ability to read and think
carefully about information presented in passages and to determine whether specific
conclusions can be drawn from information presented. !ou are not e"pected to use
prior knowledge to answer the #uestions.
Non verbal reasoning
$imply put non verbal reasoning is all reasoning that is not verbal reasoning and verbal
reasoning is the ability of reasoning by using concepts framed in words. $o actually non
verbal reasoning is a term which stands for a broad range of reasoning skills. %on&verbal
reasoning involves drawing conclusions based on a set of facts either fictional or non
fictional. '"ercises include activities like describing the similarities and differences
between two pictures, finding the shape that does not belong in a se#uence of shapes,
predicting what shape should ne"t appear in the se#uence, and so on. %on&verbal
reasoning e"ercises can also include numerical and aural activities, where non&speech
sounds must be matched, differentiated, or compared and contrasted and even some
syllogisms can be categori(ed as non verbal reasoning.
Critical Reasoning
In order to prevent misunderstandings, it is important that we be able to assess and
evaluate the information we receive, that we reason correctly and make good )udgments.
This is what is meant by the term *critical reasoning*. !ou are not necessarily critici(ing
someone, when you use critical reasoning. The term implies that you are thinking
critically about the information you receive. +ritical reasoning helps you cope better with
daily life. It also helps you get a better insight into things and to be better informed. !ou
can improve your critical reasoning by,
-. Identify the problem. .efore you can deal with a problem, you need to
acknowledge that there is a problem and define what the problem is.
/. Keep an open mind. .eing open minded simply means that you do not )ust accept
an opinion or view as being true or useful. Try to look for other alternatives or
possibilities in the middle (by assuming a middle ground ). 0void looking at things as
right or wrong, good or bad, true or false etc. $uch e"tremes are seldom applicable.
1. Remember the difference between language and reality. Language is merely a
representation of what we perceive as our reality. It may not necessarily be the
reality. 2ne should be able to see beyond the words of what is spoken. 3e should
be able to see the reality of things as clearly as possible and remember that
language will represent these things in many different ways.
4. Obtain relevant information. In order to make the correct decisions, you will need
as much information as possible about the concerning issues. $can the different
websites or seek advice from reliable sources.
5. Be empathic. This simply means putting yourself in the other persons shoes. Listen
to all sides of the story. This encourages people to say what they want to say and
facilitates communication.
6. void over!generali"ations. 0n over&generali(ation means, arriving at any
conclusion based on very little evidence.
7. #se open!ended $uestions. If ask #uestions in a certain way, you may only get
*!es* or *%o* answers. If you phrase #uestions differently, you are likely to get more
information, which may be more helpful in helping you decide on the final outcome.