Iain Maitland - How to Win at Aptitude Tests Vol II

Here are some example questions and answers.

Example: Finding a Missing Word

You have to find a word which can be placed between the words shown to produce two new words.

Question: Foot______Point

Answer: Ball (Football … Ballpoint)

Example: Identifying the Odd Word Out

Circle the odd one out amongst the following six words.

Question: Apple Lemon Peach Grape Raspberry Orange

Answer: Peach (It is the only one with a stone.)

Example: Spelling

Underline the correct spelling of the following word.

Question:

Permanent Permenent Permenant Permanant Permannent

Answer: Permanent

Example: Word Meanings

Which of the five words on the right means (almost) the same as the one on the left.

Question: Maim – Scare Injure Kill Destroy Frighten

Answer: Injure

Example: Verbal Checking

Circle any differences in these lists.

Question:

Answer:

These questions are based upon symbols and are used to evaluate your ability to process and differentiate between relevant and irrelevant data, and to think in an abstract manner. Typically, you will have to match symbols, spot the odd symbol out and continue a series of symbols in a logical way. Often, non-verbal ability questions vary quite considerably in their degree of complexity and difficulty, as can be seen in these example questions and answers.

Example: Matching Symbols

Question: Identify the matching symbol by underlining the appropriate letter.

Example: Spot the Odd Symbol Out

Question: Spot the odd symbol out by circling the letter beneath it.

Example: Continuing a Series of Symbols

Question: Identify the symbol that continues the sequence, by underlining the letter below.

Questions of this nature include numbers and are constructed to show how well you reason with figures. Those that might arise in a general intelligence test will probably focus on adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, fractions and percentages and continuing a series of numbers. Specific tests of numerical ability might concentrate on questions relating to numerical awareness, estimation and checking.

Numerical awareness questions take a closer look at your ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Numerical estimation appraises your potential for estimating both quickly and accurately, which may be a key requirement for the job. Numerical checking evaluates your aptitude for spotting errors in handwritten and printed data. Here are various example questions and answers.

Example: Adding and Subtracting

Do the following calculation, without using a calculator.

Question: 295 − 97 + 123 − 33 + 17 =

Answer: 305

Example: Multiplying and Dividing

Answer the following question without the aid of a calculator.

Question: 18 x 9 ÷ 3 =

Answer: 54

Example: Fractions and Percentages

Calculate the following.

Question: 6% of 75 =

Answer: 4.5

Example: Continuing a Series of Numbers

Complete this sequence of numbers.

Question: 7 12 16 19 21 ____

Answer: 22 (Numbers increase at a decreasing rate: +5, +4, +3, +2, +1.)

Example: Numerical Awareness

Circle any mistakes in these calculations, and put in the correct figures next to them.

Question:

Answer:

Example: Numerical Estimation

Calculate the following, placing a cross (X) in the box representing the figure that is nearest to your answer.

Question: A man walks 3.5 miles per hour for five hours each day. How long would it take him to complete a 127-mile journey?

5 days
6 days
7 days
8 days
9 days
10 days

Answer: 7 days (3.5 miles per hour x 5 hours per day = 17.5 miles per day. 127 miles ÷ 17.5 miles per day = 7.26 days)

Example: Numerical Checking

Circle any differences in these lists.

Question:

Answer:

Your spatial ability – or lack of it – may be estimated by the way in which you answer questions involving shapes. Typically, you will have to fit shapes together, imagine how a flattened shape would appear when folded to create a solid object and visualize how a solid object would look when unfolded. Sometimes, spatial ability questions can be quite diverse in nature, as may be seen by these example questions and answers.

Example: Fitting Shapes Together

Identify the shapes which fit together by underlining the appropriate letter.

Question:

Answer:

Example: Creating Solid Objects

Question: Identify the solid object created by folding together the flat pattern, by circling the relevant letter.

Answer: