Mastering Verbal Reasoning in Legal Graduate Recruitment: Tips and Techniques

Mar 26, 2023

Written By Panashe Nyadundu

The verbal reasoning test is commonly used by employers in the legal industry, and in conjunction with an interview and other tests. In this article we will take you through all the tips and techniques you will need to know to prepare for the verbal reasoning test.

What is a verbal reasoning test?

Whether you are applying for a legal job, graduate scheme, a training contract, or a vacation scheme; you are likely to come across a verbal reasoning test as part of the application process. Verbal reasoning tests are used to identify the skill level of a candidate when interpreting language.

An advanced skill level in understanding and reasoning different concepts is an incredibly important skill to have in any role within the legal sphere, given that you may sometimes be dealing with highly technical and complex legal information.

Designed by employers to put your verbal comprehension to the test, candidates will have to interpret and apply the meaning to a series of written passages that contain instructions and directions. In doing so, recruitment teams will be able to gauge your ability to reason and use logic. They measure how well you understand information without misinterpreting it or jumping to incorrect conclusions.

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Format

The verbal reasoning test typically follows a singular format. You will first read a passage, then you must decide whether the statement attached to it is either true, false or you cannot say.

- True – In relation to the passage, the statement logically follows and can be accepted as a fact or reality.

- False – The statement does not logically follow from the passage and is untrue.

- Cannot say – You cannot declare the statement as true or false given the information in the passage.

Top Tips

1. Don’t make assumptions! Take care to read and re-read the passage properly so you can logically conclude how the statement follows from the passage. Remember to only use the information in the passage to make your decision, don’t use outside knowledge.

2. It can sometimes be hard to decide whether you should pick ‘false’ or ‘cannot say’. If the statement may be true but the passage is missing information to make a concrete decision, then pick cannot say. If the statement is inherently untrue, then pick false.

3. Build up your time management skills. At the beginning of the test you will be shown how long you have to finish the entire assessment. Once you know this, you can calculate how much time you should equally spend on each answer.

If a particular question is too difficult, and you’re running out of your allocated time, it's best to move on then come back to the difficult question at the end if you have time. This allows you to avoid spending too much time on one question and not being able to finish the test.

4. Improve your comprehension skills. Whether English is not your first language, or you sometimes struggle to grasp complex concepts within the English language, reading texts that contain more sophisticated language will improve your comprehension skills. Try reading newspapers (e.g., The Times, The Guardian, The Economist), books, and brush up on your understanding of grammar and punctuation. If you have a learning difficulty, the law firm should provide you with reasonable adjustments (extra time).

5. Look out for variables. This may be someone’s name, a location, an object, or a company name. These pieces of information will give you a better understanding of the text by pinpointing key information.

6. Practice makes perfect. The more you familiarise yourself with the type of questions you will be asked in the verbal reasoning test and the format, the better chance you will stand in not only passing but achieving a high score.

Sample Tests

Practice test 1

Practice test 2

Practice test 3

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