Can the skills measured by the Talent Q Elements Logical test be improved?

Talent Q Elements Logical Assessment

The Talent Q Elements Logical Assessment is a logical reasoning test that measures your logical aptitude and analytical abilities. The test is one of the three Talent Q Element assessments, which also include Numerical and Verbal Reasoning.

The Talent Q Elements assessment, administrated by Korn Ferry, is a crucial step in the hiring process of many companies and organisations, as it aims to predict candidates’ ability to solve problems and adapt to new situations.

While all the Talent Q Elements tests are considered difficult to conquer, the logical section is considered by many to be the most challenging, for its strict time constraint, question types, and large number of possible answers to choose from.

On the following page, you will learn all you need to know about the Talent Q Elements Logical test, with practice questions, detailed explanations, and solving tips.

Check out our Free Talent Q Elements Logical Assessment test to understand what you will face.

Shir, Korn Ferry / Talent-Q Assessments Expert at JobTestPrep
Have a question? Contact me at:

ask_the_team@jobtestprep.co.uk

The Talent Q Elements logical assessment is a logical reasoning test that measures your ability to analyze abstract information, understand patterns, make inferences and strategically apply them to reach a solution.

The test is often taken together with the Talent Q Elements assessment's numerical and verbal reasoning tests or as part of the Korn Ferry Assessment of Leadership Potential (KFALP).

Talent Q Elements Logical Question Type

Based on Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, the Talent Q Elements logical is a non-verbal psychometric aptitude test. Instead of words, it uses symbols, shapes, and patterns to assess your abilities.

You will be presented with a 3x3 table; each cell contains at least one symbol. These symbols create a logical sequence, both from left to right and from top to bottom. The table has one missing cell, so the pattern isn’t complete.

You will need to identify the pattern that creates the sequence and complete the missing cell by choosing out of several options, with some of the questions having as many as 14 alternatives.

The questions can be either deductive or inductive, and the test itself is adaptive, which means that as you go through the test, every new question will become harder or easier based on whether your previous answer was correct or incorrect. Through this method, the level of questions you reach by the end of the test reflects your overall level.

You will need to answer 12 questions within 15 minutes, with a time limit of only 75 seconds per question.

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Questions

For more questions, view our Raven's Progressive Matrices Sample Questions.

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #1

Let’s start with something easy. Examine this matrix, and see if you can find the logic:

View Explanation

Let's first try to solve the question by examining the grid's rows, using our 5-step method (see below):

Examine the matrix:
Upon examination, one detail seems to pop out: the cells in each row have a different number of symbols: 3, 2 and 1.

Formulate the logic:
This is a strong clue that the pattern is related to the number of figures in each cell. We can already deduce that the answer must have a single symbol, as the row with the empty cell in it already has cells with 3 and 2 symbols in them.

Another indication of this is that the column with the empty cell only contains cells with 1 symbol.

Reduce choice options using elimination:
With this knowledge, we can eliminate answers (C) and (F).

We now have fewer alternatives to choose from, which is a step in the right direction. It still doesn't explain the symbols themselves. Let's go back to step one.

Examine the matrix:

Look at each row and try to find the relationship between the cells. This time, the pattern is slightly more tricky to spot. If you look closely enough, though, you'll notice that the leftmost cell in each row contains all the symbols in the cells to its right.

Formulate the logic:
The leftmost cell consists of all (and only) the symbols from the other cells in the row. The symbols from the middle cell switch places and the symbol from the right cell is added to their right in order to create the left cell.

According to this, the missing cell should contain the symbol which, when added to the middle cell, creates the left cell.

The correct answer is E

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #2

Now let’s move on to something a bit more complicated. Look at the following matrix:

View Explanation

Examine the matrix:
Does anything pop up?

You might be able to spot that within each column, there is one particular symbol that appears in all the cells, shifting one position to the right as it moves from top to bottom. In doing so, it forms a diagonal line from top-left to bottom-right of the column.

This is a clue. Do you see the sequence?

Formulate the logic:
Looking more carefully, we can now see that the entire sequence moves to the right as you move down the column. Ig you inspect the rows as well, you'll notice that the same is true, only that the sequence moves left as the cells move right.

Applying this logic to the missing cell, we now know that the middle and right symbols must be ‘○’ and ‘♫’, respectively, and the left symbol should be ‘♥’.

The correct answer is B

Tip: There is a shortcut that makes answering this question much faster.

Note that all cells in the matrix contain 3 of the same four symbols, so it would make sense for the empty cell to do the same.

Reduce choice options using elimination:

There is only 1 answer choice that fits this logic: alternative B.

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #3

Time for a challenging one. Are you ready?

View Explanation

Examine the matrix:

This question is what’s called a “matrix within a matrix”.

As such, it requires that you shift your focus from the relations between cells as wholes to the relations between the symbols comprising the different cells. 

Formulate the logic:

Each column/row can be divided into 3: left arrows, middle arrows and right arrows.

Each of these triplets contains 1 vertical arrow, 1 diagonal arrow and 1 horizontal arrow.

For instance, if we look at the middle column, and then focus on its left arrows, we can see that the top arrow is vertical, the middle one is horizontal, and the bottom one is diagonal.

Reduce choice options using elimination:

According to this logic, the left arrow in the missing cell must be vertical, the middle arrow must be horizontal, and the right arrow must be diagonal.

The only alternative that fulfils this requirement is B.

The correct answer is B

Note: What makes this question so difficult is the overload of irrelevant information.

For example, it may seem that the exact orientation of the arrows (i.e. left/right, up/down etc.) has a meaning, or that the arrows follow a certain logic based on their clockwise rotation.

However, these are only distractions and no such pattern actually exists.

Tip 1: When all the symbols in the question are of the same kind, try to divide them into categories.

For example, in this question, make a distinction between vertical arrows, horizontal arrows, and diagonal arrows.

Tip 2: If this does not bring any patterns to the surface, go deeper.

Look at the position of the arrows in each column, that is, at the first arrow in each cell of the column, then at the second arrow in each cell, etc.

JobTestPreps’ Talent-Q Elements PrePack includes several logical reasoning practice tests, a study guide and extra practice drills that will sharpen your logical reasoning and improve your ability to identify complex patterns and choose the correct answer on time.

Four main points make the Talent Q Elements logical test unique –

Time limit per question

Most assessment tests have a time limit for the entire test, which can help you better manage your time.

For example, on most tests, you can answer easy questions first and then use the remaining time to answer more complex questions.

Yet, in this case, each of the Talent Q Elements Logical test questions is individually timed, with the same time constraint being set to 75 seconds per question (regardless of the difficulty level).

This means you can’t skip the hard questions and then return to them later in your remaining time.

Numerous answer choices

Unlike most multiple-choice tests in which there are usually 4 to 5 answer choices, Talent Q tests are known for their large number of answer options that can go up to 14 alternatives. This makes it difficult to determine the correct answer purely through a process of elimination and almost impossible to guess, as the probability of selecting the right answer is extremely low.

Questions are adaptive

Adaptive, in the context of computerised tests, means that your answer to a given question determines the difficulty level of the next question.

For example, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be harder, BUT if you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier. The idea is that by the end of the test, you will have reached a certain "equilibrium", a level of questions that is truly reflective of your abilities.

The adaptivity of the questions can make the test even more challenging because it might make you overthink. Throughout the assessment, candidates often try to figure out whether the question is hard because they answered the previous question correctly, or easier because they got it wrong. This can make you lose focus and damage your success rates.

Your answers will automatically submit when the time limit is done. That means you can’t go back and change your answer; thus, you must make sure you choose your answers carefully. 

With the proper preparation, you can overcome these challenges and ace the test. With JobTestPreps’ Talent-Q Elements PrePack, you will receive everything you need to master the assessment and come for the real test with a clear mind that can handle any distraction.

Step 1 - Examine the Matrix
To locate the underlying pattern, you’ll need first to scan the matrix and ask yourself questions to find details you might have missed:

• What symbols appear in each cell?

• How many symbols appear in each cell?

• What is the relationship between symbols inside each cell?

• What is the order of the symbols inside each cell?

Step 2 - Formulate the logic behind the matrix
After coming up with guiding questions, try to understand the logic found in the rows, columns or both.
The easiest would be a “pop-up” pattern in which the matrix has one noticeable feature (e.g. symmetry, a growing number of symbols etc.) that leads straight to a certain answer.
In a case like this, you wouldn’t even need to conceptualize the logic behind the matrix. You'll be able to find the answer intuitively, even without fully understanding the rationale.

Step 3 - Keep the “better logic rule” in mind
If you find more than one possible option, then go with the choice that seems true for both the rows and the columns.
The bigger the portion of the matrix to which a certain rule applies, the “better” its logic.

Step 4 - Reduce the number of answer choices using elimination
Eliminate blatantly wrong answers from the answer choices by using your chosen logic method to find the correct answer. If you remain with more than one final option, make an educated guess. You'll have better chances of getting it right with fewer answers to choose from.

Step 5 - Double-check your answer:
If you aren’t 100% sure about your answer, go back to the matrix and rethink the logic behind the question to see if you come up with a better answer.

The Elements Logical test can be challenging. Many people find visual patterns unintuitive and complex. Even if you have a knack for finding these patterns, the test adapts and matches its difficulty level to you, for maximum frustration. Don't fret, though. There are plenty of ways to prepare mentally for the challenges of the assessment. Here are a number of helpful tips:

Use your time wisely
Although this test doesn’t give you much time to answer each question, doing so quickly will not add any more time for the next question either.
Therefore, use every one of your 75 seconds to answer as best you can.

Pay attention to all the answer choices
If you think you "kind of" recognize a pattern, but it seems there could be more than one possible answer, consider the answer choices carefully.
It’s possible that only one suitable option appears, so you won’t have to refine the logic.

Arrow questions
On questions that include arrows, start by examining the direction they are pointing towards and the number of arrows found in a row, column, or cell.
This alone might be enough to help you find the pattern for easier questions.

Sequence questions
Some questions may include symbols that appear random, with no relation between the cells. In these cases, the pattern could be a consecutive sequence of symbols that continues throughout the cells. When all else fails, this is a good alternative to turn to.

Construct questions
On some questions, the symbols in one of the columns/rows are constructed from symbols in the other two columns/rows. This is a good thing to keep in mind. With enough practice, instances where this is the case will immediately shine out to you.

Order
The way the symbols are ordered inside the cell might matter if there is more than one symbol in a cell. Be sure to consider this possibility before answering a question.

JobTestPreps’ Talent-Q Elements PrePack has tailored practice materials to give you an accurate simulation of your real Talent Q Elements logical test.

This will provide you with the advantage of having previous experience and knowledge of this test and the unique challenge it represents.

The test is usually only given once during each job application process; thus, it is unlikely that you could take it more than once during your recruitment process.

The Talent Q Elements Logical test has a time limit of 75 seconds per question. With 12 questions to address, the maximum time you will have to complete the test is 15 minutes.

The Talent Q Elements logical test consists of 12 questions based on Raven's Progressive Matrices Test.

The matrix is presented as a table with cells containing symbols that make up a pattern across the rows and columns of the matrix.

Yes. With proper practice and resources, you can enhance your logical and analytical skills to locate the underlying pattern in each sequence of cells within the given time. Korn Ferry, the company that administers the Talent-Q tests say as much on its website: "Putting time into practising the kinds of questions featured in ability tests is the best way of maximising your performance and boosting your confidence."

We at JobTestPrep find the assessment tests world highly diverse and fascinating. If you are looking to deepen your knowledge in the aptitude tests world, or you want some extra practice before your test, we've got you covered!

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Talent Q Elements Logical Assessment

What Is the Talent Q Elements Logical Assessment?

Talent Q Elements Logical Question Type

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Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Questions

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #1

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #2

Talent Q Elements Logical Practice Question #3