Word Problems Logical Reasoning Tests
In essence logical reasoning tests comprised of word problems are psychometric tests made up of short statements. In these tests it will be your task to read the statements and conclude the correct answer based on the arguments presented. Often it may be relatively easy to complete first few questions nevertheless as you progress, the test may become increasingly challenging. It is important to note that logical reasoning tests with word problems are administered with strict time constraints hence speed is of essence. The below section reviews word problem questions extracted from logical reasoning test and provides tips as how to arrive at the correct answer. To find out more about related tests visit logical reasoning test guide.
As already mentioned logical reasoning tests comprised of word problems present short arguments with test questions. A good example of word problem is demonstrated below. Take no more than 20 seconds to answer the question. You may start now.
Question 1
Sam is shorter than Hannah. William is shorter than Michael who is shorter than Hannah. Hannah and William are shorter than Fiona. Who is the tallest?
A) Sam B) Hannah C) William D) Fiona E) Cannot Say
To succeed at word problems in logical reasoning tests it is important to maintain sharp focus throughout the exercise and eliminate the unlikely answers in methodical way. At first, it is important to check what the question is asking you to do, for example in the above question you need to determine who is the tallest. Once you know this information then start reading the statements and rule out the least likely answers. For example, if the question is asking who is the tallest and it states that Sam is shorter than Hannah then mark Sam as unlikely answer and as you continue reading the statements add to your list further unlikely answers. For example, in the above example it states ‘William is shorter than Michael who is shorter than Hanna’ hence the statement makes it clear that William and Michael will not be tallest. Thus, you are left with Hannah however after you read the final statement you will find that Hannah is shorter than Fiona. Hence, you can conclude that Fiona must be the tallest. Remember, in your logical reasoning test read the question always first so that you know what to look for.
Take look at another example as presented in question 2 below. Take no more than 20 seconds to evaluate the argument. Start working now.
Question 2
Ben is taller than Sharon who is taller than Ralph. Ben is also taller than Mike. Who is the shortest?
A) Ben B) Sharon C) Ralph D) Mike E) Cannot Say
If you glance at the above work problem logical reasoning question you will find that you will be looking for the person who is shortest. Quickly skim through the statements and you can conclude that Ben and Sharon cannot be shortest as you can conclude from the first statement that Ralph is shorter than Ben and Sharon. However, second statement adds that Ben is taller than Mike hence Mike must be shorter than Ben whereas the text does not provide the comparison how tall is Mike compared to Ralph or Sharon. Hence there is not enough information within the text to answer the question to conclude who is the shortest. Thus, the correct answer must be cannot say.