What to Do If You Get Stuck on a Verbal Reasoning Question

Hey there! 👋

Applying for the Civil Service can be such an exciting step in your career. However, the application process can feel a bit overwhelming sometimes, right? One of the key parts is the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test. It’s designed to test how well you can understand and interpret written information. No worries, though—I’m here to help you tackle this with confidence!

What Is the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test?

The Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test is all about evaluating your ability to quickly understand and work with written information. You’ll get passages of text and will need to decide whether statements are true, false, or cannot say based on what’s written. While that may sound simple, it can be tricky if you’re not careful with how you approach each question.

But don’t sweat it! Let’s focus on what to do if you get stuck on one of these questions.

What to Do If You Get Stuck on a Verbal Reasoning Question

Sometimes, you’ll come across a question that just doesn’t click. And guess what? That’s completely normal! Here’s how to handle it when you’re feeling stuck:

1️⃣ Take a deep breath – First things first, pause for a second. A moment to clear your head can make all the difference. Anxiety won’t help you think clearly, so give yourself a mini reset.

2️⃣ Re-read the passage carefully – Often, the answer is hiding right there in the passage, and all it takes is another careful read. Look for keywords that directly link to the question.

3️⃣ Narrow down the options – If you’re still unsure, start eliminating the obvious wrong answers. You might not have the exact answer yet, but you can usually cut out the ones that don’t fit at all.

4️⃣ Remember ‘cannot say’ is an option – Don’t overlook this one. If the information isn’t provided clearly in the passage, don’t feel pressured to make an assumption—‘cannot say’ is often the correct choice when there’s not enough info.

5️⃣ Move on and come back later – If you’re seriously stuck, it’s ok to skip the question and come back later. Fresh eyes can make all the difference!

Example Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Question

Here’s a quick example to give you a feel for what to expect:

Passage: "A recent survey has found that 80% of people believe that recycling should be mandatory in all households. However, only 65% of people currently recycle regularly. The main reason given for not recycling was a lack of convenient facilities."

Statement:
“The majority of people surveyed already recycle.”

Is this:

• True?
• False?
• Cannot say?

Answer: False—Only 65% recycle regularly, which is not the majority, as the majority would be over 50%.

Some Final Words of Encouragement ✨

You’ve got this! The Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test is a challenge, but with the right mindset and approach, you’ll do great. Remember, everyone gets stuck sometimes. It’s all about how you manage those moments. Stay calm, focus, and use these strategies to power through.

Good luck, and go smash that test! 💪🌟