Watson Glaser Test practice guide: tips and sample questions

The Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) is one of the most challenging pre-employment assessments used primarily by law firms and other professional organizations to evaluate candidates' critical thinking abilities. With 40 questions to be completed in just 30 minutes, success requires strategic preparation and a deep understanding of the test's unique structure and requirements.If you’re wondering how to prepare for the Watson Glaser test and boost your critical thinking score, this step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need. From mastering each section to practicing with real questions, you’ll learn exactly how to prepare efficiently and perform at your best.You want to understand how the Watson Glaser compares to other cognitive ability tests, see our in-depth comparison guide.

Understanding the Watson Glaser Test Format

The Watson Glaser test is built around the RED model - the ability to Recognize assumptions, Evaluate arguments, and Draw conclusions. This assessment is divided into five distinct sections, each testing different aspects of critical thinking:SectionQuestionsAnswer FormatKey SkillInference55 options (True, Probably True, Insufficient Data, Probably False, False)Drawing logical conclusions from factsRecognition of Assumptions122 options (Assumption Made, Assumption Not Made)Identifying unstated assumptionsDeduction52 options (Conclusion Follows, Conclusion Does Not Follow)Applying formal logic rulesInterpretation62 options (Conclusion Follows, Conclusion Does Not Follow)Evaluating conclusions beyond reasonable doubtEvaluation of Arguments122 options (Strong Argument, Weak Argument)Assessing argument strength and relevance

Key preparation strategies for success

Master each section individually

Each section of the Watson Glaser test operates under different rules and logic systems. Success requires understanding these nuances:Inference Section: Focus on distinguishing between what is definitely true versus probably true. Base your answers strictly on the given information and commonly accepted knowledge. Avoid making assumptions beyond what's explicitly stated or universally known.Recognition of Assumptions: Use the "Negative Test" algorithm - negate the proposed assumption and see if the original statement still makes sense. If the statement becomes meaningless without the assumption, then the assumption is made.Deduction Section: Apply formal logic rules strictly. Use techniques like the NOT Triangle (Negative, Transpose, Only) to rephrase premises without changing their meaning. Remember that in this section, you must determine if conclusions absolutely and necessarily follow from the premises.Interpretation Section: This is often considered the most challenging section because it uses less formal logic than deduction. Watch out for common fallacies, particularly the "Reason Fallacy" where you attribute causes not explicitly stated in the premise.Evaluation of Arguments: Focus on whether arguments are both important and directly related to the question. Ignore your personal opinions and assess arguments based solely on their logical strength and relevance to the topic.

Develop effective time management

• Don't linger on difficult questions - you can return to them later since most versions allow navigation between questions
• Read instructions during practice but remember that time continues running during instruction screens in the actual test
• Practice under timed conditions regularly to build speed and accuracy
• Prioritize accuracy over speed initially, then gradually increase pace through repeated practice

Utilize strategic preparation techniques

• Base Answers Strictly on Given Information: The most fundamental rule across all sections is to ignore your personal knowledge and base answers solely on the information provided.
• Practice with Quality Materials: Use Watson Glaser-specific practice tests rather than general critical thinking assessments.
• Learn to Ignore Irrelevant Information: Develop the ability to identify and disregard irrelevant details that might distract from the core logical relationships.
• Create Personal Reference Materials: Develop a "cheat sheet" with key rules and strategies for each section that you can review before the test.

Recommended practice resources

Free practice options

Several high-quality free resources are available for Watson Glaser preparation:

• TalentLens official practice questions - provides authentic sample questions
• The Lawyer Portal - offers 18 free practice questions with detailed explanations
• iPREP - features free Watson Glaser sample questions and explanations
• JobTestPrep - provides comprehensive free practice tests

Premium preparation courses

For more intensive preparation, consider:

• The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) - offers specialized Watson Glaser courses and advanced scoring strategies
• JobTestPrep's Complete Watson Glaser PrepPack - trusted by Oxford and Cambridge law students with over 400 practice questions

Understanding scoring and benchmarks

To succeed in competitive recruitment processes, aim for high percentile scores:

• 75% score gives you the best chance at top law firms
• 80% or higher is recommended for training contracts and vacation schemes
• 90% score virtually guarantees passage at top-tier firms
• 33-34 correct answers (out of 40) places you in the top 80th percentile

Wondering whether free practice is enough? Compare free vs paid Watson Glaser practice options to choose the best fit for you.

Test environment and technical considerations

Optimize your test environment

• Choose a quiet, distraction-free location with stable internet connection
• Use a comfortable computer setup - the test is typically taken online
• Ensure proper lighting and seating to maintain focus throughout the 30-minute duration
• Have water nearby but avoid excessive breaks that could disrupt concentration

Technical preparation

• Familiarize yourself with the online platform through practice tests
• Test your computer and internet connection beforehand
• Close unnecessary applications to prevent distractions or technical issues
• Use a reliable device - most tests are optimized for desktop/laptop rather than mobile

Developing the right mindset to win

Develop the right approach

• Embrace Logical Thinking Over Intuition: The Watson Glaser often requires counterintuitive responses that go against common sense or personal beliefs. Train yourself to think purely logically.
• Practice Intellectual Discipline: Success requires the ability to shift mindsets between sections as each operates under different rules. This mental flexibility is crucial.
• Manage Test Anxiety: Regular practice builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Remember that the test measures learnable skills, not innate intelligence.

Advanced preparation tips

Section-specific strategies

• For Inference Questions: Practice distinguishing between degrees of certainty. The five-option format requires nuanced thinking about probability and evidence strength.
• For Assumption Questions: Master the "Absurd Situation" technique - test assumptions by creating extreme scenarios to see if they're truly necessary for the statement to make sense.
• For Deduction Questions: Study formal logic principles and practice with syllogisms to build comfort with logical structures.
• For Interpretation Questions: Learn to identify common fallacies and practice recognizing when conclusions go beyond what's reasonably supported.
• For Argument Evaluation: Practice separating argument strength from personal agreement - focus solely on logical coherence and relevance.

Building long-term critical thinking skills

• Read complex materials critically - analyze arguments in news articles, academic papers, and professional documents
• Practice logical reasoning through puzzles, formal logic exercises, and philosophical arguments
• Engage in structured debates to develop argument evaluation skills
• Study cognitive biases to better recognize and avoid them during the test

For realistic practice, check our Watson Glaser example questions and answer strategies.

Conclusion

Success on the Watson Glaser test requires systematic preparation, strategic practice, and mental discipline. Focus on understanding each section's unique requirements, practice extensively with high-quality materials, and develop strong time management skills. Remember that this test measures learnable abilities - with dedicated preparation, you can significantly improve your performance and achieve the scores needed for competitive positions.The key to Watson Glaser success lies not just in intelligence, but in understanding the test's specific logic systems and applying them consistently under time pressure. Start your preparation early, practice regularly, and approach each section with its appropriate mindset. With proper preparation, you can turn this challenging assessment into a competitive advantage in your career advancement.Ready to turn your Watson Glaser preparation into a long-term advantage? With AssessFirst’s innovative BRAIN cognitive test, you can benchmark your critical thinking skills, identify growth areas, and see how modern AI-powered assessments can support your career goals. Combine traditional practice with smart technology to get ahead in today’s competitive hiring landscape.Want to see how the Watson Glaser fits in with other options? Explore our full comparison of cognitive ability tests.

FAQ

How long should I prepare for the Watson Glaser test?Most successful candidates prepare for 2-4 weeks with daily practice sessions of 30-60 minutes. However, preparation time varies based on your starting skill level and target score.Can I retake the Watson Glaser test if I don't pass?Retake policies vary by organization. Many firms allow retakes after 6-12 months, but some may not offer second chances. Always clarify the policy with your prospective employer.Should I guess if I'm unsure of an answer?Yes, always provide an answer. Most Watson Glaser tests don't penalize wrong answers, so guessing gives you a chance of earning points rather than guaranteed zero points for blank responses.How can I practice Watson Glaser for free?Several sites offer free practice, including TalentLens, iPREP and The Lawyer Portal. For more tips, see our free vs paid guide.How does the Watson Glaser compare to other critical thinking tests?The Watson Glaser is unique in its five-section structure and specific rule systems. Unlike general aptitude tests, it requires understanding of distinct logical frameworks for each section, making targeted preparation essential.What's the most challenging aspect of the test?Most candidates find the time pressure and need to ignore personal knowledge most challenging. The requirement to base answers strictly on given information, often contradicting common sense, requires significant mental discipline.