How to Analyze Passages in the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test

Hello and welcome! 👋

If you're applying for a role in the UK Civil Service, you’ve probably come across the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test. It's one of the many stages in the application process designed to assess your skills and abilities. Don't worry, though—I’m here to help you feel confident and prepared for this section!

The Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach and mindset, you can ace it. This test is all about how well you can understand and evaluate written information. It’s a key part of the recruitment process, whether you're applying for a graduate scheme or a senior position.

What is the Verbal Reasoning Test all about?

In the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test, you'll be given passages of text and asked to determine if certain statements about the passage are true, false, or cannot say based on the information provided.

The key challenge is to stay focused on what the passage actually says, rather than relying on what you know from outside the text. This is a critical thinking test, not a test of your knowledge of the topic.

Sounds simple? Let’s break it down!

How to analyze passages for the test

The best way to approach each passage is to first read carefully. This isn’t a race; taking your time at the start to understand the passage will save you from confusion later. Pay attention to the details.

Here’s how to get it right:

💡 Identify the main idea: Ask yourself, what is this passage really about? This will help you keep your focus on the overall message.

💡 Notice keywords: Look for words that indicate contrasts, like however or although. These words can change the meaning of the sentence and often are the key to the correct answer.

💡 Stick to the text: Only answer based on what is written in the passage. Even if something seems obvious to you, if it’s not in the passage, it’s not relevant. Don’t let outside knowledge influence you!

Example question

Here’s an example of the kind of question you might face:

Passage:
"The Civil Service has been recruiting graduates for over 50 years. Many graduates choose to work in the Civil Service because of the opportunities for career development and the chance to make a difference in public service. While some departments prefer candidates with specific degrees, many roles are open to graduates from all academic backgrounds."

Statement:
"All Civil Service roles require candidates to have a specific degree."

Answer options:
True
False
Cannot say

Answer:
The correct answer is False. The passage clearly states that many roles are open to graduates from all academic backgrounds. Therefore, not all roles require a specific degree.

Good luck! 🍀

Stay calm, focus on the details in the text, and remember that with practice, you’ll get better at picking out the key information. You've got this! Let’s get you through the test and into your dream job in the Civil Service!