Practical Guide to Aptitude Tests: A General Overview of all Test Types

Introduction

This page will walk you through the most common types of aptitude tests—complete with examples, solutions, and step-by-step explanations—used in the hiring processes of private companies and public institutions.

An aptitude test is a type of psychometric assessment used to measure a candidate’s cognitive abilities, specific skills, and behavioral traits. These tests are widely used, and today, nearly all employers include them as part of their selection process.

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Types and Classifications

Logical Ability Categories

The most popular aptitude tests include verbal, spatial, cognitive, personality (which we’ll set aside for now as they deserve a separate section), and numerical tests. Their questions generally fall into the following categories of logical abilities:

Verbal Reasoning: this involves the ability to understand, analyze, and draw conclusions from written texts or language expressions. It includes recognizing relationships between words, identifying analogies, interpreting implicit meanings, and assessing logical consistency.
Numerical Reasoning: This refers to the ability to analyze and interpret numerical data, recognize mathematical patterns, solve quantitative problems, and draw conclusions based on numbers or sequences.
Abstract Reasoning: this measures the ability to identify patterns and relationships among symbolic or intangible elements, often without a specific context. It includes recognizing sequences, visual analogies, or logical connections between symbols.
Spatial Reasoning: this covers the ability to mentally visualize and manipulate objects in space. It involves imagining shapes, mentally rotating figures, and understanding relationships between three-dimensional forms.

Although the categorization outlined above provides a solid starting point for candidates aiming to prepare effectively for a psychometric aptitude test, a more complete and detailed understanding should also include the following categories.

These additional types of reasoning are often used by test administrators to assess a broader range of candidates’ cognitive and aptitude-related abilities:

Mechanical Reasoning: focuses on understanding physical and mechanical principles such as forces, levers, gears, and motion. It is useful for solving practical problems related to the operation of machinery or physical objects.
Mechanical Reasoning: involves the ability to interpret and draw conclusions from diagrams, charts, tables, or visual schemes. It requires understanding relationships represented visually.
Critical Reasoning: involves evaluating and analyzing arguments or statements, identifying logical errors, fallacies, or inconsistencies, and making informed judgments based on evidence.

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Types of Psychometric Aptitude Tests

There are many companies specializing in the development of aptitude tests. Some of the most prominent global providers include SHL, Korn Ferry, Kenexa, Talent Q, and Pearson, among others. However, the tests they produce generally fall into the following categories:

This classification covers a wide range of cognitive and aptitude-related abilities, allowing for the assessment of specific skills such as analytical thinking, critical reasoning, the understanding of complex patterns, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Each type of test is designed to fit different contexts—such as recruitment, academic assessments, or professional certifications—and provides reliable tools to identify the potential and competencies of candidates and students.

For this reason, understanding these categories enables more targeted preparation, significantly increasing the chances of success.

Aptitude Question Categories

Here is a summary, based on a review of the literature, of the various types of questions commonly used to assess cognitive and aptitude-related skills through psychometric tests administered by companies, consulting firms, public institutions, and universities:

The question categories listed above represent a diverse range of exercises designed to stimulate and assess different cognitive areas—from logical-analytical reasoning to verbal and numerical comprehension, as well as the ability to solve practical and situational problems.

This wide variety ensures that the tests are suitable for multiple contexts and candidate profiles, offering a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive and aptitude-related abilities.

Preparing for each category not only helps improve your skills but also gives you a clear, objective understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement.

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Sample Questions and Answers

Image Analogies

Which of the following options correctly completes the analogy?

Correct answer: B - The first two images show a hand and an accessory that decorates the hand. Following the same logic, the second pair should be completed with a hat, as it is the only option that serves as an accessory for the head.

Which of the following options correctly completes the analogy?

Correct Answer: C - The first two images show an empty triangle, followed by the same triangle divided into two halves: white on the left and black on the right. By analogy, the next pair should be completed with a square that is also half white (on the left) and half black (on the right—option C).

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Arithmetic Calculations

Arithmetic operations are the foundation of any math question and appear in almost every numerical aptitude test. They mainly include: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, powers, roots, and radicals.

4186 / 0.001 = ?

A) 4186000
B) 41860
C) 41.86
D) 418600
E) 4.186

Correct answer: A - The decimal point moves as many places as there are digits to the right of the quotient -> 4186/0,001 = 41860/0,01 = 418600/0,1 = 4186000/1 = 4186000

Convert 0.11111111 into a fraction.

A) 1/10
B) 1/11
C) 11/100
D) 1/9
E) 101/1000

Correct answer: D - Since 1/10 = 0.1, 11/100 = 0.11, and 101/1000 = 0.101, the only plausible options are B) and D). However, because 0.11111111 is greater than 0.1—and knowing that 1/11 is smaller than 1/10—it follows that the only fraction matching this value is 1/9, which is exactly equal to 0.111... (repeating).

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Math Skills

Beyond basic arithmetic, these questions may include: ratios, percentages, averages, unit and currency conversions, and geometry.

Due to a VAT increase on electronic devices, the price of a 46-inch LED TV has risen to $845—30% more than the original price. What was the TV’s price before the increase?

A) $515.45
B) $591.50
C) $650
D) $676
E) $768.95

Correct answer: C - If the final price equals 130% of the original price, divide the final price by 130 to find the value of 1%, then multiply that by 100. So: $845 ÷ 130 = $6.5 → $6.5 × 100 = $650

Mark and Sarah are passionate car collectors. All the cars they own are either German-made or Japanese-made. In Mark’s collection, the ratio of German to Japanese cars is 5:2 in favor of German. In Sarah’s collection, the ratio is 4:3, also in favor of German cars. The number of Japanese cars in each collection is exactly the same. What is the ratio between the total number of cars (German + Japanese) in Mark’s collection and the total number in Sarah’s?

A) 15:8
B) 9:7
C) 1:1
D) 3:2

Correct answer: D - Mark has 5 German cars for every 2 Japanese cars. Sarah has 4 German cars for every 3 Japanese cars. Since both have the same number of Japanese cars, we find the least common multiple of 2 and 3 to match the Japanese count. Mark: 15 German and 6 Japanese (ratio 5:2 scaled ×3); Sarah: 8 German and 6 Japanese (ratio 4:3 scaled ×2). So, total cars: Mark: 15 + 6 = 21; Sarah: 8 + 6 = 14. The ratio is 21:14, which simplifies to 3:2.

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Logical Deductions

Deductive reasoning involves using logic to derive specific conclusions from general rules. It requires identifying particular cases based on broad principles. Deductive reasoning is the opposite of inductive reasoning.

“If someone scolds Michael, he gets offended. But if no one scolds Michael, Umberto gets upset. Yesterday, Michael was not offended.” If all the above statements are true, what can we logically conclude about yesterday?

A) Michael wasn’t scolded, and Umberto didn’t get upset
B) Michael was scolded, and Umberto got upset
C) Umberto got upset
D) Michael was scolded, and Umberto didn’t get upset
E) Michael wasn’t offended, but he still might have been scolded

Correct answer: C - Since we assume that Michael always gets offended when he is scolded, and yesterday he was not offended, we can deduce that he was not scolded. According to the second rule, when no one scolds Michael, Umberto gets upset. Therefore, we can conclude that Umberto got upset.

There are two types of reasoning: deductive and inductive. How many of the following arguments are DEDUCTIVE?

Argument 1:
Those who think they can judge others are foolish; Manuela constantly judges her friends; we can’t say that Manuela is intelligent.

Argument 2:
All the dogs I’ve owned had a great sense of smell; Cetto, my grandfather’s dog, is an excellent truffle hunter; Sibilla, my aunt’s poodle, always finds the candy hidden in the yard; dogs have an amazing sense of smell.

Argument 3:
I bet on ten and lost; I bet on thirty and lost; I bet on two and lost; I’m unlucky when it comes to gambling.

Argument 4:
Anyone preparing to visit a foreign country should also study its customs and traditions; Michele, who has been preparing for his trip to Indonesia for two months, should make sure to learn about local table manners.

A) All of them
B) Three
C) Two
D) One
E) None

Correct answer: C - Argument 1 is deductive because it starts with a general rule, applies it to a specific case (Manuela), and draws a logical conclusion. Argument 2 is inductive as it generalizes from a few specific examples about dogs. Argument 3 is also inductive, drawing a conclusion about luck from a few personal experiences. Argument 4 is deductive because it applies a general rule about travel preparation to Michele’s situation. So, two out of four arguments are deductive.

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Find the Odd One Out

In a given set of information—such as a group of words, images, or statements—there is one element that does not belong with the others.

Which of the figures A, B, or C should be eliminated as it doesn’t belong to the group?

A) Figure A
B) Figure B
C) Figure C

Correct answer: C - Figures A and B both contain a quadrilateral, a triangle, and a circle. Figure C, however, includes only a quadrilateral and a triangle. Therefore, figure C is the odd one out.

Find the odd word out:

A) Actor
B) Author
C) Action

Correct answer: C - All three words start with “A” and share similar sounds, but only A and B refer to people (professions), and both end with “-or.” “Action,” instead, is a concept, not a person. Therefore, the word to eliminate is “Action.”

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Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning involves drawing logical conclusions based on specific observations or cases, aiming to infer a general rule. This type of reasoning is the opposite of deductive reasoning, which starts from a general rule to reach a specific conclusion.

There are two types of reasoning: inductive and deductive. How many of the following reasoning examples are INDUCTIVE?

Reasoning 1: Emily and Daniel are medical students. Emily enjoys playing soccer. Daniel enjoys playing soccer. Therefore, all medical students enjoy playing soccer.

Reasoning 2: True love is shown through actions, not just words. John only declares his love to Julia with words. Therefore, Julia cannot rely on John’s love.

Reasoning 3: All the Brazilian women I’ve met have been charming. This summer I met Clara on vacation, a very charming Brazilian woman. Therefore, all Brazilian women are charming.

Reasoning 4: Beta-carotene helps achieve a perfect tan. Daniel takes a beta-carotene pill every morning. Therefore, by the end of the summer, Daniel will have the best tan.

A) All of them
B) Three
C) One
D) Two

Correct answer: D - Let’s break down the reasoning in each case. Reasoning 1: The conclusion that all medical students like soccer is unsupported by the premises. While the induction is flawed, it still qualifies as inductive reasoning since it generalizes from specific cases. So it counts. Reasoning 2: This is deductive reasoning—it applies a general rule to a specific situation, so it doesn't count. Reasoning 3: This is inductive reasoning, as it generalizes based on limited personal experience. So it counts. Reasoning 4: This is faulty deductive reasoning. Since we’re asked only about inductive reasoning, it doesn’t count. Thus, 2 out of 4 are inductive, and the correct answer is D.

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Image Matrices

Choose the option that completes the image matrix:

Correct answer: C - In each row, moving from left to right, one square is added in the second image, and one circle is added in the third image. Therefore, the last image in the matrix should show 3 squares and 3 circles.

Which of the following options completes the matrix?

A) The answer is 1
B) The answer is 7
C) The answer is 4
D) The answer is 2

Correct answer: C - Since the sum of the numbers in each column is 14, the correct answer is C. Indeed, 2 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 14.

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Meta-level Multiple Choice Questions

Meta-level questions don’t focus on specific details from the text, but instead ask broader or “higher-level” questions about the text’s purpose or function. These questions often sound like: “What can be concluded from…?”, “What is the author’s intention…?”, “Which statement would weaken the author’s argument?”, or “What is the main point of the passage?”

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Until recently, the village of Ramdegi was a thriving farming community in the heart of India’s renowned Tiger Reserve. Today, its human population is exactly zero. As part of an effort to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife, the Indian government has encouraged communities living in and around nature reserves to relocate, promoting peaceful coexistence. Last month, everyone in Ramdegi did just that: about 200 families accepted government incentives and moved beyond the reserve’s boundaries, leaving the land to be reclaimed by surrounding biodiversity.

Just over a month after the last human fatality due to wildlife attacks, Ramdegi is now home to herds of deer, antelope, and wild boar, grazing in meadows that were once used for farming and cattle grazing. A tiger has even been spotted roaming the now-abandoned village, free from the dangerous and often deadly encounters with humans that have long threatened its species.

Which of the following is an assumption made by the author in the second paragraph?

A) Humans can be violent toward animals
B) Tigers are quiet animals
C) Tigers usually kill humans
D) Humans are respectful of wildlife

Correct answer: A - The statement “humans can be violent toward animals” is implied. The paragraph follows the logic that a tiger has been spotted in the empty village and is no longer threatened by conflicts with humans. The missing link is the assumption that humans pose a danger to animals. Therefore, A is correct.

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Ordering Problems

On a certain planet, there are three people: Andrew, Mark, and John. There is one person on the planet who is richer than everyone else. Mark is richer than Andrew. Andrew is poorer than John. Which of the following conclusions is definitely FALSE?

A) Andrew is the poorest
B) John is the richest
C) John is poorer than Mark
D) Mark and John have the same amount of money
E) Mark is the richest

Correct answer: D - From the given information, we know that both Mark and John are richer than Andrew. However, since only one person can be the richest, Mark and John cannot have the same amount of money. Therefore, D is definitely false.

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Word Problems

A word problem consists of a few sentences that describe a scenario in which a problem must be solved using mathematical reasoning.

These problems vary in difficulty and type, with some of the most common involving work or travel scenarios that require algebraic expressions. Word problems frequently appear in tests such as CCAT, PI Cognitive Assessment, McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT), Logik Cubiks.

A post office receives one package every 3 minutes, and the mail carrier delivers 12 packages per hour. If the carrier starts work at 8:00 AM and there were no leftover packages from the day before, how long will it take before exactly 100 packages have accumulated at the post office?

A) 50 minutes
B) 3 hours and 20 minutes
C) 6 hours and 40 minutes
D) 10 hours and 50 minutes
E) 12 hours and 30 minutes

Correct answer: E - The post office receives 1 package every 3 minutes, which means 20 packages per hour. The number of undelivered packages added each hour is 20 - 12 = 8. So: 8T = 100 → T = 12.5 hours.

Chiara and her parents are walking down the street. Her parents are walking at a pace of 80 steps per minute. Her father is 12 steps ahead of her mother. Chiara is walking behind them at a pace of 90 steps per minute. All family members have the same average step length. How many seconds would pass between the moment Chiara catches up to her mother and the moment she catches up to her father?

A) 8 seconds
B) 12 seconds
C) 28 seconds
D) 72 seconds
E) 82 seconds

Correct answer: D - Since everyone has the same average step length, we can associate steps with speed. Chiara walks 10 steps per minute faster than her parents, so she is closing the gap at 10 steps per minute. The parents move at the same speed, so the 12-step gap between them remains constant. We need to find out how long it takes Chiara to cover those 12 steps at her relative speed of 10 steps per minute. If we subtract the shared walking speed from everyone, Chiara effectively moves at 10 steps per minute while her parents are stationary. So: 12 ÷ 10 = 1.2 minutes, which equals 72 seconds.

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Multiple Choice - Explicit

Explicit multiple-choice questions are those where the correct answer is directly stated in the text. These typically include questions like “In what year…?”, “How many…?”, or “Which are…?”

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Menai Bay is a protected area in the southwest of Zanzibar, Africa. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including birds, fish, and dolphins (such as bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins). Two species of whales are also present during the June-to-November season. Dolphins—especially the friendly bottlenose dolphins that are present year-round—have become a major tourist attraction. Tourists head out on fishing boats to see the dolphins, which often jump in the water and swim alongside them. While dolphins are friendly with tourists, they are sometimes surrounded and chased by as many as 20 boats at once, which can cause them stress—especially when they are feeding or nursing. Therefore, the main goal of the African Marine Conservation Project is to monitor dolphins and human-dolphin interaction.

Which of the following statements is NOT true about the dolphins?

A) They are present all year round
B) They are particularly friendly when being fed
C) They are friendly with tourists
D) They can be found in Zanzibar

Correct answer: B - The passage states that bottlenose dolphins are “present all year round,” so A is true. It also says that dolphins are friendly and that tourists often swim with them, confirming C. Since the passage is about a protected area in Zanzibar, D is true. The correct answer (i.e., the false statement) is B because the text notes: “Although friendly by nature, dolphins can be surrounded by up to 20 boats at once, which may cause them stress—especially when feeding.”

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Multiple Choice - Implicit

In this type of question, the answer isn’t stated directly in the text but can be inferred from the information provided. Examples include: “Why did the manager decide to…?” or “What could be the reason for…?”

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Veganism is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy, and all other animal-derived ingredients. Many vegans also avoid foods processed using animal products, such as refined white sugar and certain wines. Most vegans also refrain from using any items tested on animals, as well as non-food products made from animals, such as leather, fur, and wool. A vegan diet includes all types of grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and the nearly endless variety of dishes that can be created by combining them. Many vegan versions of common foods are available, so you can enjoy vegan hot dogs, ice cream, cheese, and mayonnaise. Although there’s some debate about whether certain foods like honey fit into a vegan diet, if you’re cooking for other vegans, it’s best to play it safe and avoid them.

Based on the passage, which of the following statements is definitely true?

A) Vegans do not eat honey
B) Some vegans eat honey
C) There is a vegan version of honey
D) There is no vegan version of honey

Correct answer: B - The question asks us to identify which statement is definitely true. Answers C and D are incorrect because the text states “Many vegan versions of common foods are available,” but honey is not specifically mentioned as one of them. Therefore, we cannot confirm whether a vegan substitute for honey exists or not. As for option A, the passage clearly states that honey is one of those foods that some vegans exclude while others do not. So we cannot say all vegans avoid it. The correct answer is B.

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Image Series

The following exercises present a logical sequence of five images. Your task is to determine which option completes the sequence. Choose your answer from the options labeled A, B, C, D, or E.

Which image completes the sequence?

Choose the correct answer.

Correct answer: E- Solving this exercise requires two steps. First, observe that the circle’s center alternates between having a dot and being empty. According to this rule, the image that completes the sequence should not have a dot in the center, narrowing the correct options to C or E. Second, focus on the direction of the arrows—they alternate direction in each image. Thus, the image that completes the sequence should have an arrow pointing downward. The correct answer is E.

Which image completes the sequence?

Choose the correct answer.

Correct answer: D - This exercise is solved in two steps. First, observe that the semicircles and semi-rectangles switch positions in each frame. According to this pattern, the image that completes the sequence must show a semi-rectangle on the left and a semicircle on the right, narrowing the possible correct answers to C, D, or E. Second, note that the small black squares rotate clockwise. Therefore, the image that completes the sequence should have the black square at the bottom. The correct answer is D.

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Number Series

Number series questions present sequences of numbers, known as “terms,” which follow logical arithmetic rules.

Your task is to identify the missing number in the sequence. The difficulty level tends to increase as the patterns become less obvious, requiring careful attention and creativity.

These types of questions appear in the following numerical reasoning tests: CCAT, PI Cognitive Assessment, McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT), Logik Cubiks.

3 | 8 | 15 | 24 | 35 | ?

A) 42
B) 36
C) 48
D) 46

Correct answer: C - The differences between terms increase by 2 each time: 5, 7, 9, 11… So the next difference is 13. Adding 13 to the last term: 35 + 13 = 48. Therefore, the correct answer is 48.

3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 3 | ?

A) 3
B) 27
C) 12
D) 6

Correct answer: C - The numbers in the odd positions remain constant (always 3), while the even-position numbers increase by 3 each time: 3 → 6 → 9 → 12. Therefore, the correct answer is 12.

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Syllogisms

Given the following statements: “If Mario is in Rome, then Piero is in Milan. Therefore, Piero is in Milan.” Which of the following statements is true?

A) Mario is in Rome
B) No logically valid conclusion can be drawn
C) Piero is in Milan

Correct answer: B - The initial statement is a conditional (“If Mario is in Rome, then Piero is in Milan”), but since we don’t know whether Mario is actually in Rome, we can’t confirm the consequence. The statement “Piero is in Milan” is therefore not logically supported.

If the statement “Not all misfortunes come to harm” is true, which of the following must also be true?

A) Some misfortunes do not come to harm
B) Misfortunes do not cause harm
C) Those that cause harm are not misfortunes

Correct answer: A - The statement “Not all misfortunes come to harm” implies that while some misfortunes may cause harm, at least one does not. So B is false, and C is illogical. Therefore, A is correct.

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Tables and Charts

Looking at the chart above showing the amount spent on computer imports, how much more did Germany spend than Italy in Year 3?

A) 650 million
B) 700 million
C) 750 million
D) 800 million
E) 850 million

Correct answer: B - To answer this question, you need to compare the figures for Germany and Italy in Year 3 from the chart. Germany spent $1,400 million, while Italy spent $700 million. The extra amount spent by Germany compared to Italy is calculated by subtracting these two figures (1,400 million – 700 million). Since the result is $700 million, the correct answer is B.

Looking at the chart above showing the amount spent on computer imports, if the amount spent by the United Kingdom in Year 5 was 20% less than in Year 4, how much was spent in Year 5?

A) 1,080 million
B) 1,120 million
C) 1,160 million
D) 1,220 million
E) 1,300 million

Correct answer: B - To answer this, examine the UK data for Year 4 in the chart. It shows that the UK spent $1,400 million. To calculate the amount spent in Year 5, compute 20% of $1,400 million: 1,400 × 0.20 = 280 million. Subtracting this from 1,400 million gives: 1,400 – 280 = 1,120 million. The correct answer is B.

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True – False – Cannot Say

This type of verbal reasoning question presents you with a passage of text followed by a statement. You must then determine, based solely on the text, whether the statement is:

True – Use this when the statement can be logically deduced from the information given in the passage;
False – Use this when the statement contradicts information in the passage;
Cannot Say – Use this when the passage does not provide enough information to determine whether the statement is true or false.

Read the passage and answer the following questions:

Even though the minimum age for obtaining a driver’s license will increase in the coming years, the projected sharp rise in car sales is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of fatal road accidents. As shown by the latest data, fatal car crashes are especially common among younger drivers with less than five years of driving experience. Last winter, 50% of all fatal road accidents involved drivers with no more than five years of experience, and an additional 15% involved drivers with between six and eight years of experience. Preliminary data from this year shows that the anti-accident awareness campaign has had some positive effect, but the truth remains that the number of young drivers involved in fatal accidents is still intolerably high.

Fatal car accidents are more common among young drivers with six to eight years of experience than among older drivers with similar experience.

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: C - The part of the passage that says “an additional 15% involved drivers with between six and eight years of experience” gives no indication of the drivers’ ages. While the main idea emphasizes that younger drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, we cannot assume that all relatively inexperienced drivers are young. We don't know how many of that 15% were young or older drivers. Therefore, the correct answer is C – Cannot Say.

The sharp increase in car sales will be the cause of the sharp increase in fatal road accidents.

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: A - The passage clearly states that “the projected sharp rise in car sales is expected to lead to a dramatic increase in the number of fatal road accidents.” This confirms that the increase in car sales is seen as the cause of more fatal accidents. So, the correct answer is A – True.

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Verbal Reasoning

Read the following passage and answer the questions:

“Many organizations find it beneficial to hire students during the summer. Permanent staff typically prefer to take their vacations during this time. It’s also not uncommon for companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and therefore require additional staff. Summer jobs are appealing to students, who may later return to an organization as qualified candidates after completing their studies. By ensuring students learn as much as possible during their time there, organizations aim to encourage their interest in returning as permanent employees. Students are paid a fixed amount, without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or sick leave.”

The statement “Permanent staff on vacation can be replaced by students” is…

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: A - This statement is true because the passage says: “Many organizations find it beneficial to hire students during the summer. Permanent staff typically prefer to take their vacations during this time.”

The statement “Students employed in the summer are offered the same paid vacation as permanent staff” is…

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: B - This statement is false. The passage states: “Students are paid a fixed amount, without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or sick leave.”

The statement “Students are subject to the organization’s standard disciplinary and grievance procedures” is…

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: C - The passage does not mention anything about disciplinary or grievance procedures for student workers. Therefore, we cannot determine whether the statement is true or false.

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Levers, Pulleys, Gears

Mechanical reasoning tests are commonly used in the hiring process for technical and engineering roles. These assessments measure how well you can apply principles of mechanics to solve practical problems.

Whether you’re applying for an entry-level position or a more advanced role, these tests can be tough—especially under strict time limits. That’s why practicing in advance is key: it helps boost both your speed and your accuracy.

You’ll be asked to work through a variety of physics-based scenarios involving concepts like force, motion, gravity, friction, pressure, energy (both kinetic and potential), and mechanical work and power.

Which of the two poles supports more of the rectangle’s weight?

A) Pole #1
B) Pole #2
C) Cannot Say

Correct answer: A - The rectangle is resting with one edge in contact with the ground, effectively creating a pivot point. According to the principle of torque, a support located farther from the pivot exerts less upward force to maintain balance. Since Pole 2 is positioned farther from this pivot, it contributes less to counteracting the rectangle’s weight. By Newton’s Third Law, this means the rectangle also pushes down less on Pole 2.

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Process Flows, Concept Maps

A company manufactures three types of products: A, B, and C. The production process consists of four sequential stages: Preparation → Assembly → Quality Control → Packaging. Each product takes a different amount of time to complete each stage, as shown below (in minutes per unit):

Today, the factory plans to produce 2 units of each product.

Question:
What is the total amount of time (in minutes) needed to complete the entire production process, assuming that each stage must be fully completed for all units before the next stage can begin?

A) 132 minutes
B) 144 minutes
C) 156 minutes
D) 168 minutes
E) 180 minutes

Correct answer: A - Let’s calculate the total time per stage. Preparation: (2×5) + (2×7) + (2×6) = 10 + 14 + 12 = 36 min. Assembly: (2×10) + (2×8) + (2×12) = 20 + 16 + 24 = 60 min. Quality Control: (2×3) + (2×4) + (2×2) = 6 + 8 + 4 = 18 min. Packaging: (2×2) + (2×3) + (2×4) = 4 + 6 + 8 = 18 min. Total: 36 + 60 + 18 + 18 = 132 minutes. So the correct answer is A.

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Vocabulary

Vocabulary questions measure your understanding of word meanings, including synonyms, antonyms, and words used in context. These questions typically present a single word and ask you to select the option that is closest in meaning. In some cases, you may also be asked to identify a word with the opposite meaning (an antonym), or to infer the meaning of a less common word based on its root or prefix.

This type of question evaluates your verbal fluency and reading comprehension—skills that are closely tied to both academic success and workplace communication. A strong vocabulary helps you understand nuanced meaning, follow complex instructions, and express ideas precisely. These questions often appear in assessments such as the GRE, SAT, and various employment aptitude tests.

To perform well, it’s helpful to be familiar with common word roots (Latin and Greek), prefixes, and suffixes. Reading widely—especially non-fiction and academic texts—can also improve your vocabulary naturally over time.

Which word is closest in meaning to elated?

A) anxious
B) confused
C) thrilled
D) indifferent
E) bored

Correct answer: C - Elated means extremely happy or overjoyed. The word thrilled is the closest in meaning, as it also describes a strong feeling of excitement or happiness. Anxious and confused are negative in tone, while indifferent and bored imply a lack of interest or emotion.

Word Analogies

Word analogy questions assess your ability to recognize logical relationships between pairs of words. Each question presents a word pair with a specific connection (such as cause and effect, part to whole, item to category, or function), and asks you to choose the pair among the answer choices that best reflects the same kind of relationship.

For example, the analogy fire : heat describes a cause-effect relationship—fire causes heat. The correct answer would be another pair that mirrors that same relationship.

These questions test more than just vocabulary—they also require abstract thinking, attention to logical structure, and the ability to distinguish subtle differences in meaning. Word analogies are a classic component of IQ tests, standardized exams like the GRE, and many cognitive ability assessments used in hiring processes.

A useful strategy is to first define the relationship between the first pair in a simple sentence (e.g., “A is used to make B” or “A is a type of B”), and then look for the answer pair that fits the same sentence.

BIRD is to NEST as:

A) fish is to water
B) lion is to roar
C) bee is to hive
D) tree is to leaf
E) spider is to web

Correct answer: C - The relationship here is that a bird lives in a nest. Similarly, a bee lives in a hive. Fish is to water is incorrect because water is not something a fish builds or constructs; it’s an environment. Lion is to roar shows action, not location. Tree is to leaf shows a part-whole relationship, and spider is to web is tempting, but the web is something the spider builds—not necessarily its home in the same sense.

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Practical Guide to Aptitude Tests: A General Overview of all Test Types

Table of Contents

Introduction

Types and Classifications

Logical Ability Categories

Types of Psychometric Aptitude Tests

Aptitude Question Categories

Sample Questions and Answers

Image Analogies

Arithmetic Calculations

Math Skills

Logical Deductions

Find the Odd One Out

Inductive Reasoning

Image Matrices

Meta-level Multiple Choice Questions

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Ordering Problems

Word Problems

Multiple Choice - Explicit

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Multiple Choice - Implicit

Read the passage and try to answer the following questions:

Image Series

Number Series

Syllogisms

Tables and Charts

True – False – Cannot Say

Read the passage and answer the following questions:

Verbal Reasoning

Levers, Pulleys, Gears

Process Flows, Concept Maps

Vocabulary

Word Analogies