What Is the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test?
SHL is a popular assessment company whose tests are used in thousands of different hiring and selection processes. Their popularity means that you are bound to run into one of their assessments at one point or another; most likely, their verbal reasoning test.
SHL’s verbal reasoning test is a staple in the hiring process. It measures aptitude in significant areas such as comprehension, appraisal of arguments, and understanding written correspondence. The verbal reasoning test is administered to candidates online after a revision of their application. Candidates will be asked to complete the test within a specified number of days.
The SHL verbal reasoning exam is designed to assess people at all levels of experience from graduates to executives. There is a total of thirty questions which must be finished in nineteen minutes. Structured around fifty to hundred-word passages, candidates must read the information then evaluate the statement that follows. From there, the test-taker must choose how the statement relates to the paragraph from the following answer choices: “True”, “False”, and “Cannot Say”. There may be one or more statements paired with each passage.
The passages will discuss novel material that works to emphasize the candidate’s learning approach and comprehension skills. Some passages may use workplace context, but others will be completely random. Paying close attention to the material in the paragraph is the key to doing well during the verbal reasoning assessment. The answers are all mentioned in the passages, and it’s the candidate’s job to identify them.
Another important attribute to keep in mind while taking the assessment is not to make assumptions. Inferring information or using prior knowledge will have a poor effect on the test results because the focus of the assessment revolves around the information right in front of you.
How Is the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test Scored?
SHL’s verbal reasoning test results come in a compiled score report that is sent to the administrator of the assessment after the candidate has finished. The score report focuses on what’s called the percentile score.
A percentile score is one’s raw score compared against a norm group. Norm groups are collections of scores from thousands of other likeminded individuals. The percentile score helps the company see where you stand in comparison to the average person at your level as well as the other candidates that have applied for the same position. Because of this process, your raw score will have little weight. This essentially means that if you were to get twenty-five out the thirty correct, but the norm was achieving a twenty-seven out thirty, your once good score loses a little bit of its value.
It’s important to note that candidates usually won’t see their own raw or percentile score. Whether or not they receive a feedback report is at the discretion of the administrator of the test. A feedback report doesn’t disclose any scores either, but it does inform the candidate of areas that need some improvement and suggestions to do so. It may also tell them how they performed in certain subsets such as making inferences and discerning between facts and opinions. Feedback report or not, candidates will be notified if they have passed or failed the verbal reasoning test within a week of completion.
How Can I Prepare for the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test?
If you have an upcoming SHL verbal reasoning test, it’s important that you set aside a generous amount of time to prepare. There are a few different tools and methods you could use to study. Whichever you choose depends on how you absorb information and how much help you need preparing for the test.
One of the most effective ways to study for verbal reasoning assessments is answering sample questions. Sample questions are beneficial to those who need to focus on the content without the pressure of the time constraint. It allows you to break down your thought process to gain a deeper understanding of successful problem-solving approaches. Some sample questions will even include explained answers which offer even more insight into understanding the verbal reasoning test. Additionally, sample questions can be used as refreshers before the actual test.
Another common resource is online practice tests. They come in shortened or full-length versions and replicate the conditions of the genuine assessment. You can practice evaluating the passages and statements while working under time limits. Using these assessments helps you find a pace and increase your accuracy. These assessments also track your progress, so you know what you need to improve on moving forward.
Any of the study mentioned above methods is a beneficial tool for those who feel uneasy about taking SHL’s verbal reasoning test. Reviewing the material and paying close attention to detail is a favourable way to perform successfully on the assessment. Best of luck!
