Mastering SHL Verbal Reasoning Tests: A Complete Guide
The SHL Verbal Reasoning Test is a widely used psychometric assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to read, comprehend, and analyze written information. It measures how well you can extract key details, draw logical conclusions, and determine the accuracy of statements based on a given text.
This guide will help you:
- ✅Understand the test format and structure
- ✅Learn common question types
- ✅Discover effective strategies and tips
- ✅Practice sample verbal reasoning questions
- ✅Avoid common mistakes that lower scores
What is the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test?
Definition & Purpose
The SHL Verbal Reasoning Test is an online multiple-choice assessment that evaluates a candidate's ability to:
- 🔹Understand written passages and extract relevant information
- 🔹Make logical inferences based on textual data
- 🔹Identify whether statements are true, false, or cannot say
Who Uses This Test?
Many companies, particularly in industries like:
- 📊Finance & Banking (HSBC, Barclays, J.P. Morgan)
- 📊Consulting & Professional Services (PwC, Deloitte, EY)
- 📊Marketing & Communications (Unilever, Amazon, Google)
- 📊Engineering & IT (Siemens, Accenture, IBM)
These companies use SHL verbal reasoning tests to assess critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for the job.
SHL Verbal Reasoning Test Format
- ✅Multiple-choice format (Each question has 3 answer options)
- ✅Time limit (Typically 30 questions in 19-25 minutes)
- ✅Adaptive difficulty (Harder questions if you answer correctly)
Each question consists of a short written passage, followed by a statement where you must determine if it is:
- True– The statement is explicitly supported by the passage
- False– The statement contradicts the passage
- Cannot Say– The passage does not provide enough information
Common Question Types in SHL Verbal Reasoning
1. True, False, or Cannot Say Questions
💡 Example Question:
Passage: "A recent study found that 80% of people prefer working from home, but only 60% of companies offer remote work options."
Statement: "Most companies allow employees to work remotely."
✅ Answer:
False (Only 60% of companies offer remote work, which is not 'most')
2. Logical Inference Questions
💡 Example Question:
Passage: "The demand for electric vehicles has increased by 30% over the past year. However, battery production remains a limiting factor."
Statement: "The shortage of batteries has prevented more electric vehicle sales."
✅ Answer:
Cannot Say (The passage mentions battery production as a limiting factor but does not confirm whether it prevented sales)
3. Synonym & Vocabulary-Based Questions
💡 Example Question:
Passage: "The new company policy is stringent, requiring employees to submit reports within 24 hours."
Question: What does the word "stringent" mean in this context?
- a) Flexible
- b) Strict
- c) Unnecessary
✅ Answer:
b) Strict
4. Assumption-Based Questions
💡 Example Question:
Passage: "A growing number of people are using bicycles for commuting due to environmental concerns."
Statement: "More people are concerned about the environment than before."
✅ Answer:
Cannot Say (The passage states that environmental concerns influence bike commuting, but it doesn't specify if overall concern has increased)
How to Prepare for the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test
- ✅
1. Practice with SHL-Style Questions
Familiarize yourself with the test format by taking SHL verbal reasoning practice tests.
- ✅
2. Improve Reading Speed & Comprehension
- • Scan for key details instead of reading everything
- • Identify keywords that relate to the question
- ✅
3. Learn to Differentiate Between 'True,' 'False,' and 'Cannot Say'
- • True = The statement is directly supported
- • False = The statement contradicts the passage
- • Cannot Say = Insufficient evidence in the text
- ✅
4. Avoid Making Assumptions
Only use the information given—do not rely on outside knowledge.
- ✅
5. Manage Your Time Efficiently
- • Spend no more than 30-40 seconds per question
- • Skip tough questions and return if time allows
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌Reading too fast and missing key details – Take time to read carefully
- ❌Using personal opinions instead of the passage – Base answers strictly on the provided text
- ❌Confusing 'False' with 'Cannot Say' – If the passage doesn't confirm a statement, it's "Cannot Say"
- ❌Overthinking simple questions – Often, the simplest answer is correct
FAQs About SHL Verbal Reasoning Tests
1. How long is the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test?
Most tests last 19-25 minutes and contain 30 questions.
2. Can I use outside knowledge to answer questions?
No. You must only use the information in the passage.
3. What is a good score?
A score in the 75th percentile or above is generally considered strong.
4. Can I fail the SHL Verbal Reasoning Test?
There is no pass or fail, but a low score may prevent you from moving forward in the hiring process.
5. Where can I find free SHL verbal reasoning practice tests?
- SHL's official website
- JobTestPrep
- AssessmentDay
Ready to Practice?
The SHL Verbal Reasoning Test is a crucial step in securing top job opportunities in finance, consulting, IT, and marketing. By understanding the test format, practicing different question types, and improving time management, you can significantly boost your performance.
Key Takeaways:
- ✅Learn how to analyze passages and statements quickly
- ✅Practice SHL-style verbal reasoning questions regularly
- ✅Master time management and avoid common mistakes
- ✅Focus on understanding the difference between 'True,' 'False,' and 'Cannot Say'