How To Succeed The Watson Glaser Test: The Ultimate Guide You Need When Applying To Law Firms

What Is The Watson Glaser Test?

The Watson Glaser test is part of the recruitment process to secure a training contract or a vacation scheme and it was created by Goodwin Watson and Edward Glaser in 1925.  It is most common in the legal and professional services sectors and is one of the most challenging assessments. It can be used during the pre-hire process, internal selection or talent identification. It is a psychometric test which is used by many firms that test the ability of a candidate to:

1) Think Critically

2) Draw Fact-Based Conclusions

3) Evaluate Strong and Weak Arguments

4) Recognize Assumptions

5) Evaluate Arguments

THE FORMAT OF WATSON GLASER TEST

The test consists of five sections that include its 40 multiple-choice questions. The candidates usually have to complete them in 30-50  minutes, although, the timeframe may be different in some law firms and they can go back and forward between questions and sections as they please. These five sections are:

1) Assessment of inferences: 

In this section, candidates are given questions related to a statement and then they have to decide which inferences are true or false after looking for clue words in the text.

2) Recognition of assumptions:

Applicants in the recognition of assumptions section have to examine another statement and choose if some given assumptions have or have not been made in this statement.

3) Deduction:

The third section consists of a given passage and a number of proposed conclusions. Candidates have to choose if a conclusion ‘follows’ or ‘does not follow’ the data provided in the text.

4) Interpretation:

For the interpretation questions, applicants have to understand the importance of some information given and apply it rationally. Again, they have to evaluate if some conclusions follow or not the information is given.

5) Evaluation:

The last section’s goal is to make the candidates think logically. They have to recognise which arguments given are strong and which are weak related to a given text.

The Watson Glaser test is used by many companies. Some of them are mentioned below:

LAW FIRMS IN THE UK THAT USE WATSON GLASER TEST

BIRD AND BIRD

BURGES SALMON

CLIFFORD CHANCE

DELOITTE

DENTONS

FRESHFIELDS

HILL DICKINSON

HISCOX

HOGAN LOVELLS

INCE AND CO

IRWIN MITCHELL

LINKLATERS

NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT

SIMMONS AND SIMMONS

WEIL,GOTSHAL AND MANGES

Candidates usually have to aim for a score of 75 per cent or more to have a good chance of being selected. It is significant to achieve the best score, as firms will choose between candidates with equal results after taking into consideration all the stages of the recruitment process.

TIPS TO PASS THE WATSON GLASER TEST

BEFORE GIVING THE TEST: 

The regular prior practice is very significant as it helps candidates become familiar with the questions and the form of the test. They can identify their weaknesses and improve in specific sections. There are lots of online Watson Glaser tests and even though every exam is unique, practice ameliorates critical thinking and helps to learn new things. With the aid of online tests, study guides and video tutorials job-seekers can perform to the best of their ability. 

Furthermore, a nice idea would be to find useful material to read from newspapers, blog posts and journal articles to increase their ability of judgment. It is important for candidates to take the test when they feel ready and prepared and start practising weeks and months beforehand. Watching debates and arguments will also prove effective as this will enhance their critical thinking because basic facts will be presented in a different way and lead to contrasting conclusions.

DURING THE TEST:

*Answer Strictly at the given data: Sometimes candidates answer questions based on personal experience and knowledge. They have to take into account only given facts and conditions in order to give a better reply to the problem.

*Understand the Context of the Question: Those examined have to interpret the question after closely reading the passage and approach from the correct point of view of both the text and the questions.

* Read Carefully and Don’t Skip Sentences: It is important to focus on the whole text and pay attention to all details. No data has to be overlooked because every sentence has a vital piece of information.

*Find a Logical Sequence between Statements: Candidates need to find a logical connection between statements and this will be easier if they have prior knowledge of issues that the questions may contain.

* Search for Contradictory Sentences: Another useful tip is to look for counter statements sometimes hidden in the text so as to find a logical connection with the logical assertion.

*Time management: Applicants should pay attention to spend adequate time on every statement and they should not rush but split the minutes appropriately among all the sections.

* Be Careful of Tricky Words: Sometimes statements include complex words that can prove difficult for candidates to explain so it is better for them to divide their meaning into parts for a better understanding of the concept.

* Search for keywords and phrases: By identifying the words that lead directly to the assumptions or conclusions given, this will give the perfect clues to answer the question correctly.

Taking everything into account, Watson Glaser is one of the most established and reputable global tests. Candidates may find it challenging cause it measures all areas of critical thinking ability. However, with the right preparation and techniques, they can easily succeed and get a high score, increasing the chances of being recruited in a law firm.

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