Watson Glaser Inference Section - Samples, Tips, and Hacks [2024]

The Inference section is the first section of the Watson Glaser test. It contains 5 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 answer options.

In this brief guide, we will go over the structure of this section, show a solved sample question, and share some tips for success.

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Watson Glaser Inference Section Overview

Each of the 5 questions in the Inference section will present you with a text that you regard as true.

The statement will be followed by a conclusion that one might draw from the statement.

Your task is to decide how true or false the inference, is based on the text, on the following scale:

  • True
  • Probably True
  • Insufficient Data
  • Probably False
  • False

We’ll explain what these mean in a bit, but first, let’s try a sample question.

Watson Glaser Inference Sample Question

Virtual employees, or employees who work from home via a computer, are an increasing trend. In the UK, the number of virtual employees has increased by 39% in the last two years and by 74% in the last five years. Employing virtual workers reduces costs and makes it possible to use talented workers no matter where they are located globally. Yet, running a workplace with virtual employees might entail miscommunication and less camaraderie and can be more time-consuming than face-to-face interaction.


The increase in the number of virtual employees was greater last year than it was 4 years ago.

 

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation
  • There is no explicit information in the text to support or refute this conclusion. In any other critical thinking test, the correct answer would therefore be Insufficient Data.
  • On the Inference section of the Watson Glaser test, however, you can and SHOULD use common knowledge. If more than half of the increase in the number of virtual employees of the last 5 years was made in the last 2 (39% of 74%), it can be safely assumed that the increase last year was greater than that of 4 years ago.
  • Remember – this conclusion is not explicitly mentioned in the text, but it is more probable than not, and therefore, it is Probably True.

Want more questions? Try a free Watson Glaser sample test.


Tips for the Watson Glaser Inference Section

Tip #1 – Understand the Answer Options Perfectly

Understanding the true meaning of the answer options (especially the “Probably True” and “Probably False” ones) is the main challenge of this section of the Watson Glaser test.

Let’s try to summarise them quickly below.

However, know that practising actual questions is the only way to truly wrap your head around these somewhat elusive concepts.

  • True – the conclusion is explicitly stated in the text.
  • Probably True – based on the text and common knowledge, it is more probable that the conclusion is true than it is false.
  • Insufficient Data – the text does not contain enough information to decide the truthfulness of the conclusion.
  • Probably False - based on the text and common knowledge, it is more probable that the conclusion is false than it is true.
  • False – the conclusion is explicitly negated in the text.

But what is common knowledge, anyway?

This brings us to the next tip.

 

Tip #2 – Use ONLY Common Knowledge

Understanding the difference between common knowledge (allowed in the Inference section) and other types of knowledge (not allowed) is what ultimately allows you to find the correct answers to questions.

While practising as many Inference questions as you can is the only way to truly get better at this (especially if you have little time to prepare), let’s give a summary of the knowledge types in the following table:

Watson Glaser Inference Section Knowledge Types Table

Preparing for the Watson Glaser Test

With questions simulating the rules and formatting of the actual Watson Glaser assessment, JobTestPrep’s Complete Watson Glaser Prep Course will help you ace the test, including the Inference section.

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Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.


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