Critical Thinking Test
Candidate Feedback Report
Candidate Name: Sabila -
Organisation: Pearson R&D and Pilot Testing Parent
Date of Testing: 04-12-2024 (dd-mm-yyyy)
Introduction
Thank you for completing the critical thinking practice test.
This was not a live test, but is intended for individuals to get a better understanding
of how the Watson Glaser test works, and what the questions in each of the different
subtests are like.
As the questions you answered haven't been extensively trialled and analysed like
the live questions, we aren't able to accurately score the test completions and share
results in a meaningful format.
This report will provide further information about the test and some tips on how you
can further develop this skill and prepare yourself for any live assessments.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an important skill for good decision making and career success.
There are three core areas of critical thinking that the test measures:
Recognising Assumptions
Assumptions are statements that are assumed to be true. Identifying them helps to
reveal information gaps and enrich perspectives. Being able to assess assumptions
for their appropriateness improves the quality of comprehensiveness of critical
thinking.
Evaluating Arguments
Arguments are assertions that are intended to persuade someone. Analysing
arguments helps to determine whether to believe or act accordingly. It includes the
ability to evaluate arguments objectively, putting prior beliefs and emotions to one
side.
Drawing Conclusions
Drawing conclusions consists of arriving at conclusions that logically follow from the
available evidence. It includes evaluating information before drawing a conclusion,
judging the likelihood of different conclusions being correct, selecting the most
appropriate conclusion, and avoiding generalisation beyond the evidence.
Tips on How to Improve your Critical Thinking Skills
1. Ask basic questions to identify assumptions. Ask yourself, “What is being
taken for granted?”, “How do I know this is true?”
2. Rate the quality of different assumptions. Start by identifying and listing the
assumptions underlying each scenario, then explore whether each assumption
is appropriate (e.g., how likely is this assumption to hold for this situation?).
Factor in the implications and consequences of each (e.g., what if this
assumption is wrong?).
3. Watch for persuasion techniques. Does the argument include excessive
appeals to emotions in place of sound reasoning? Does it push you toward a
conclusion without exploring alternatives? Has key information been left out? Is
there anything suspicious about the figures or sources used to support the
argument?
4. Be objective and balanced. Look for information that is clear, relevant, recent,
credible and fair. Actively seek out strong evidence for and against all
arguments, especially when you favour certain arguments. Take time to take
control of your emotions. It is important to balance your emotions with objective
evaluation approaches, especially when you deal with controversial topics.
5. Draw it out. Represent verbal information graphically by using pictures,
matrices, hierarchical tree diagrams, flow charts, and/or any other visual
representation that may be useful. You can clarify your thinking by translating
the verbal into the visual. This will help you make connections that weren’t
immediately apparent.
6. Evaluate different conclusions. Generate multiple alternative conclusions
based on the evidence. Consider who stands to gain from certain conclusions.
Be sure to explore the consequences and impact of different conclusions as
part of this process.
Test Preparation Advice
- Make sure to read the instructions of the assessment thoroughly. This will give you
the best chance at answering each question correctly.
- Set aside enough time to complete the assessment in an environment free from
distractions. Put your phone on flight mode, and ask those around you not to disturb
the room you will be completing the assessment in.
- Complete the assessment at the time of day you usually operate best, whether that
is early morning, after lunch or in the evening.
- Try to keep calm and not to panic. People tend to be able to focus better when they
are more relaxed.
- Make sure to contact your assessment administrator well in advance of the test
session if you have any special requirements for completing the assessment.
- Be clear on the assessment deadline and give yourself enough time to complete it
in time.
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