Watson Glaser Test Tips and Preparation Guidelines for 2024

Knowing the rules is important in any test you take, but it is especially important here.

Here’s why:

• The Watson Glaser has its own set of rules, unparalleled by any other critical thinking test.
• Not only that, but rules vary between sections, and what was correct in the Deduction section will be wrong in the Interpretation section.
• On the actual test, the clock keeps ticking as you read the instructions! Being familiar with them in advance will save you precious time.

In most sections of the Watson Glaser test sections, intuition and common sense will lead you to the wrong answer.

So, knowing WHEN to use common sense and intuition, and HOW to use them should be a major part of your preparation plan.

This is where tip number 3 can be extremely helpful.

Critical Thinking Algorithms are technical procedures that turn any question into a series of simple Q&As that will lead you to the correct answer.

These eliminate the use of common sense and intuition, thus minimizing your chances for an error.

Two examples of these critical thinking algorithms are the ITDN Table and the Negative Test - which you can learn and practice in our Complete Preparation Course.

Different people will find different sections of the test particularly challenging.

Therefore, it is important to know in advance what YOUR weak spots are, and to address them in your preparation. For instance, if you reach a score of 11/12 in the Evaluation of Arguments section, focus your preparation on sections in which you are weaker.

Unlike other tests, time is not a substantial obstacle on the Watson Glaser.

However, there are two key points you should consider when it comes to time:

• Don't spend too much time on a single question. If you finish the questions before the time is up, you can go back to questions you weren't sure of.
• The time it took you to complete the test does not affect your score – for better or worse. So, make sure to use every minute and answer all the questions.

There is no penalty for wrong answers, so it is better to make an educated guess if you’re running out of time. This is one of the advantages of the multiple choice format. 

As I mentioned earlier, the Watson Glaser test instructions are complex and unique.

Being very well familiar with the test instructions before the actual test will have a massive effect on both your score and your ability to finish the test on time.

So, on test day, just before you start your test, make sure you read and understand the instructions perfectly. This will allow you to merely brush over them on the test itself, leaving more time for solving questions.

Remember: On the actual test, the clock does not stop when you read the instructions!

Watson Glaser is one of the biggest assessment companies. However, there are many other assessment companies including Suited, SHL, Korn Ferry, cut-e, Thomas, Cubiks, Pymetrics, Saville, aon, Matrigma, McQuiag, Arctic Shores, and many more.

Nearly all major law firms in the UK use the Watson Glaser test to screen candidates, in addition to commercial law assessment centre tasks. Here are the most important ones:

• Clifford Chance – Clifford Chance uses the Watson Glaser test mainly for entry-level positions – training contracts, vacation schemes, trainee solicitors, and the company’s well-known SPARK scheme.
• Hogan Lovells – Hogan Lovells also uses the test to assess candidates applying to vacation schemes, training contracts, and graduate programmes.
• Linklaters – Besides vacation schemes, summer internships, and graduate positions, Linklaters also uses the test to evaluate candidates for lawyer and associate positions.
• Amazon - The Watson Glaser Amazon assessment is used to select candidates for various positions. 

Apart from the aforementioned law firms firms, an abundance of others also use the test, including CMS, the GLS, Freshfields, Bird & Bird, Dentons and many other law firms. 

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

There are two main versions of the test, however for you as a test-taker, there is no practical difference between the two versions. Both versions have the same content, the number of questions, and time limit.

Watson Glaser II (WG-II) 

The traditional format of the test and is divided into two forms – D and E. Form E is considered slightly more difficult, but the content and formatting of both forms are identical.

Watson Glaser III (WG-III)

A revision of the WG-II test. The main difference is that the WG-III can be taken in an unsupervised setting, due to the "item-bank" from which questions are randomly selected.

• Recognition of Assumptions
• Deduction
• Interpretation
• Evaluation of Arguments