and shapes, the candidate may be asked to find a missing word (TEA____BOARD), continue a series of numbers (4, 9, 19, 39, ____) or do something similar. A set number of questions is usually tackled in a given period, perhaps twenty minutes. ‘Specific aptitude’, or ‘special ability’ tests, look at a candidate’s particular talents, more often than not specific verbal, non-verbal, numerical and spatial abilities, possibly in such areas as spelling, verbal checking and numerical estimation. As examples, a report may need to be studied for spelling mistakes, a handwritten draft and its corresponding typed letter checked for errors and a set of figures for a sales projection added up and estimated totals provided for each of them. Once more, a number of questions will have to be answered in a short space of time, perhaps up to thirty minutes. The best way of gaining a fuller understanding of aptitude tests is to contemplate:
• verbal ability questions
• non-verbal ability questions
• numerical ability questions
• spatial ability questions.
These questions involve words and are designed to show how well you understand and deal with verbal concepts and ideas. At a general level, you will most often be asked to find a missing word and identify the odd word out from amongst several, which may indicate how intelligent you are. More specific tests of verbal ability can be set too. Spelling questions may be incorporated if you have to draft or write memos, letters or reports as part of the job. Word meanings evaluate the range and depth of your vocabulary – helpful if the job entails spotting errors in notices, mailshots and the like. Verbal checking assesses your speed and accuracy at cross-referencing, which is useful if you have to check lists, minutes and so on in the job.
Here are some example questions and answers.
Example: Finding a Missing Word
You have to find a word which can be placed between the words shown to produce two new words.
Question: Foot______Point
Answer: Ball (Football … Ballpoint)
Example: Identifying the Odd Word Out
Circle the odd one out amongst the following six words.
Question: Apple Lemon Peach Grape Raspberry Orange
Answer: Peach (It is the only one with a stone.)
Example: Spelling
Underline the correct spelling of the following word.
Question:
Permanent Permenent Permenant Permanant Permannent
Answer: Permanent
Example: Word Meanings
Which of the five words on the right means (almost) the same as the one on the left.
Question: Maim – Scare Injure Kill Destroy Frighten
Answer: Injure
Example: Verbal Checking
Circle any differences in these lists.
Question:
| 1. A. J. Bannen | 1. A. J. Bannen |
| 2. M. P. Hardcastle | 2. M. P. Hardcastle |
| 3. P. P. Kingsmere | 3. P. P. Kingmere |
| 4. F. L. Marvin | 4. F. L. Marven |
| 5. T. R. Quincy | 5. T. P. Quincy |
Answer:
| 1. A. J. Bannen | 1. A. J. Bannen |
| 2. M. P. Hardcastle | 2. M. P. Hardcastle |
| 3. P. P. Kingsmere | 3. P. P. Kingmere |
| 4. F. L. Marvin | 4. F. L. Marven |
| 5. T. R. Quincy | 5. T. P. Quincy |
Non-verbal Ability Questions
These questions are based upon symbols and are used to evaluate your ability to process and differentiate between relevant and irrelevant data, and to think in an abstract manner. Typically, you will have to match symbols, spot the odd symbol out and continue a series of symbols in a logical way. Often, non-verbal ability questions vary quite considerably in their degree of complexity and difficulty, as can be seen in these example questions and answers.
Example: Matching Symbols
Question: Identify the matching symbol by underlining the appropriate letter.
Example: Spot the Odd Symbol Out
Question: Spot the odd symbol out by circling the letter beneath it.
Example: Continuing a Series of Symbols
Question: Identify the symbol that continues the sequence, by underlining the letter below.
Numerical Ability Questions
Questions of this nature include numbers and are constructed to show how well you reason with figures. Those that might arise in a general intelligence test will probably focus on adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, fractions and percentages and continuing a series of numbers. Specific tests of numerical ability might concentrate on questions relating to numerical awareness, estimation and checking.
