Example: Numerical Estimation
Calculate the following, placing a cross (X) in the box representing the figure that is nearest to your answer.
Question: A man walks 3.5 miles per hour for five hours each day. How long would it take him to complete a 127-mile journey?
| 5 days |
 |
| 6 days |
|
| 7 days |
|
| 8 days |
|
| 9 days |
|
| 10 days |
|
Answer: 7 days
Example: Numerical Checking
Circle any differences in these lists.
Question:
| 1. 378963/43 | 1. 378963/47 |
| 2. 949494/46 | 2. 944949/46 |
| 3. 327272/77 | 3. 327272/77 |
| 4. 411114/31 | 4. 411144/31 |
| 5. 696692/26 | 5. 696992/26 |
Answer:
Spatial Ability Questions
Your spatial ability – or lack of it – may be estimated by the way in which you answer questions involving shapes. Typically, you will have to fit shapes together, imagine how a flattened shape would appear when folded to create a solid object and visualize how a solid object would look when unfolded. Sometimes, spatial ability questions can be quite diverse in nature, as may be seen by these example questions and answers.
Example: Fitting Shapes Together
Identify the shapes which fit together by underlining the appropriate letter.
Question:
Answer:
Example: Creating Solid Objects
Question: Identify the solid object created by folding together the flat pattern, by circling the relevant letter.
Answer:
Example: Unfolding Solid Objects
Question: Indicate how the solid object will look unfolded, by underlining the appropriate letter.
Answer:
You may have applied recently for a job, transfer or promotion, had an interview and been told that you now need to sit an aptitude test along with several other of the better candidates for the position. Your preparations for this should comprise the following, key steps:
• find out about the test
• obtain similar test materials
• plan a timetable of practice
• practise regularly
• rest thoroughly
• attend the test.
Find Out about the Test
An obvious point perhaps – but one which many candidates overlook – is to discover as much as possible about the test you are going to have to tackle. To prepare properly, you need to know what the test will involve, the types of question you will face and how long it will last. Clearly, you must ask the firm to provide you with this information. Most will be obliging, with some supplying literature such as the GAT Test Taker’s Guide (see below) which you should study carefully.
General Ability Tests
A Test Taker’s Guide
This is reproduced with the kind permission of ASE, a division of the
NFER-Nelson Publishing Company Limited.
You may have been sent this leaflet to help you prepare for your testing session. It:
• introduces you to the tests themselves;
• gives you an idea of what to expect;
• provides hints on how to prepare yourself;
• answers key questions; but remember that you can still ask questions at the testing session.
Here are the answers to some important questions.
| Q | Why am I being asked to take some tests? |
| A |
You may have school or work qualifications, but these tests give extra information which will help employers to select those
|