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Verbal Test 4
Solutions Booklet
Instructions
This verbal reasoning test comprises 30 questions, and you will have 25 minutes in which to
correctly answer as many as you can.
You will be presented with a passage to read, and a statement about that passage. For each
statement you must select one of the following answers:
True: The statement follows logically from the information contained in the passage.
False: The statement is logically false from the information contained in the passage.
Cannot Say: It is not possible to determine whether the statement is true or false
without further information.
You will have to work quickly and accurately to perform well in this test. If you don’t know the
answer to a question, leave it and come back to it if you have time.
Try to find a time and place where you will not be interrupted during the test. When you
are ready, begin the test.
Assessment Day
Practice Aptitude TestsA common difficulty faced by business managers is when the behaviour of a
team-member conflicts with established desirable practice. How does a good
leader handle such an issue? One effective angle is to lead by example: instead
of waiting for a problem to develop, take a proactive approach in heading it off
with reference to clearly laid out guidelines. If a problematic situation does
develop, controlling it can be made simpler by invoking existing values from a
mission statement which has been set out in advance. A good team will always
put the needs of the organisation first.
Taking such an approach gives the team a sense of personal involvement
which encourages them to feel part of the organisation's mission, internalising
the needs of the group rather than feeling a sense of externally imposed
obligation. It provides team members with a greater sense of personal control,
the sense that they have contributed individually, and by choice, to the well-
being of their organisation.
To achieve this, a manager must have a good understanding of the way
individual people communicate – a flexible approach is essential, using real-life
practical examples relevant to each team-member's particular experience.
Q1 Leading by example is an effective approach in dealing with problematic
behaviour from employees.
True False Cannot say
True – this statement is correct, as the passage says: “when the behaviour of a
team-member conflicts with established desirable practice... one effective angle is to
lead by example...”
Q2 A manager who understands how people communicate is able to take a
flexible approach in dealing with problems.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – while the passage encourages both effective communication and a
flexible approach (“a manager must have a good understanding of the way individual
people communicate”, “a flexible approach is essential”) it does not explicitly state
that individual communication leads to a flexible approach.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Q3 In a good team, the needs of the organisation are secondary to the needs of
the individual.
True False Cannot say
False – while the passage generally stresses the importance of understanding
individual styles (“a manager must have a good understanding of the way individual
people communicate”, “... relevant to each team-member's particular experience.”) it
states explicitly that “A good team will always put the needs of the organisation first.”
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.An effective PR campaign requires precise, clear communication between the
client and PR officer. The client should disclose detailed information to the PR
officer, including the company's history, goals, and current business plan. It is
especially important to disclose any potentially problematic issues. The
company should be prepared to dedicate the necessary time and resources of
its senior management, as well as sufficient finances, to the campaign.
The perfect PR message will be consistent, with each new approach
reinforcing the key objectives of the company. If new developments do arise,
the PR officer should be fully briefed as soon as possible. It is essential to keep
to a clear schedule, leaving adequate time available for approval of copy.
Seizing opportunities when they arise is key to the success of the campaign.
Q4 The best approach to PR is to be flexible, regularly changing the company's
goals to keep the public interested.
True False Cannot say
False – while accepting that changes in approach are sometimes necessary (“If new
developments do arise...”) the passage states that: “The perfect PR message will be
consistent, with each new approach reinforcing the key objectives of the company.”
Q5 Not disclosing a full company history to the PR officer will result in a failed
campaign.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – while the passage states that disclosure of company history is
important (“The client should disclose detailed information to the PR officer, including
the company's history”) it is not explicitly stated anywhere that failing to do this will
directly and by itself result in the failure of the PR campaign. However, neither is it
stated that failure will not result from no disclosure, so any definite answer to this
question would rely on inferences which are not directly confirmed by the passage.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Q6 It is recommended to wait before taking advantage of any new opportunities,
to make certain they would be of benefit to the campaign.
True False Cannot say
False – The passage states: “Seizing opportunities when they arise is key to the
success of the campaign.”
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.The secret to success in business is entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of the
company. Employees who are identified as entrepreneurs in their own right are
more motivated – their own financial success becomes integrated with the
company's. Those who are oriented towards personal entrepreneurship will work
long hours to develop their own tried-and-tested business practices and strategies,
contributing as willing partners to the achievements of the company as a whole.
Orientation and value-formation training can induce this kind of thinking in new
staff recruits, inculcating the notion of how quickly it is possible to achieve financial
security through hard work and innovative business approaches, combined with
the impression that to miss out on opportunities for such rapid economic and social
advancement would be at best unwise and at worst catastrophic.
Q7 Employees instilled with the idea of personal entrepreneurship will be less
willing to contribute to the success of the company as a whole.
True False Cannot say
False – the passage states in fact that such employees will contribute “as willing
partners to the achievements of the company.”
Q8 New staff members can be indoctrinated with the virtues of entrepreneurship.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states that “this kind of thinking” - which refers directly to the
personal entrepreneurship approach discussed in the first paragraph – can be
induced through “Orientation and value-formation training”.
Q9 Employees encouraged to think of themselves as entrepreneurs work fewer
hours than other staff members.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – while the passage states, “Those who are oriented towards personal
entrepreneurship will work long hours”, therefore implying that the answer to this
question should be 'false', there is no explicit comparison with other staff in either
direction, so no definite answer can be given.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.For ambitious employees, a good relationship with their immediate boss is
crucial. A bad relationship can lead to missed opportunities for promotion, and
even damage professional reputations. A boss who possesses a thorough
understanding of the company's future direction and ultimate goals is the person
best equipped to help an employee achieve success.
Communication is key. It is important to understand a boss’s personal goals
and priorities within the company, as well as their individual management
approach. Clarifying instructions, anticipating needs, requesting feedback, and
accepting criticism gracefully all help to build a solid working relationship.
On the other hand, artificial flattery or excessive deference are tactics unlikely to
impress if promotion is the goal – a good employee should demonstrate the
potential to be an equally effective boss.
Q10 Employees must reject criticism to build a good working relationship with
their boss.
True False Cannot say
False – the passage explicitly states the opposite, that “accepting criticism gracefully
[helps to] build a solid working relationship.”
Q11 A bad relationship with a boss can lead to missed opportunities, but does not
risk an employee's reputation.
True False Cannot say
False – the passage states, “A bad relationship [with an employer] can...damage
professional reputations.” The statement is therefore incorrect.
Q12 Flattering the boss can be an effective approach for an employee seeking
promotion.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say - the passage states “artificial flattery [is] unlikely to impress if promotion
is the goal”, but makes no comment about the effect of sincere flattery. So that tells
us about artificial flattery and that it is unlikely to impress. Regarding flattery in
general, the passage does not state that flattery can or cannot be an effective
approach for seeking promotion, so we cannot say if this is true or false.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.A good salesperson should always learn something about the company, and
even the individuals, behind the product he or she is selling. Confidence in a
product depends in part on confidence in the integrity, competence, and
commitment of those who manufacture and distribute that product. Salespeople
should therefore familiarise themselves with the principal personalities behind a
company, gaining an understanding of its personnel structure and the functions,
duties, and experience of key individuals within the business. It is also useful to
know something of the history and development of the company, as well as
being aware of its present reputation, and to be familiar with the company's
particular practices and policies. As well as providing a more thorough
knowledge of the product, this information can help to form the basis of an
effective sales pitch.
Q13 Knowledge of a company's reputation is not useful for salespeople.
True False Cannot say
False – in direct contradiction to the statement above, the passage states, “It is also
useful to know something of the history and development of the company, as well as
being aware of its present reputation.”
Q14 The personal traits and abilities of a company's personnel can influence the
confidence people have in their product.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states, “Confidence in a product depends in part on confidence in
the integrity, competence, and commitment [i.e., personal traits and abilities] of those
who manufacture and distribute that product.” The statement above is therefore
correct.
Q15 It is helpful to have knowledge of the background, policies and reputation of
a company when developing an effective sales pitch.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states that “this information”, i.e., the knowledge of company
history and policies described earlier in the paragraph and referred to in the question,
“can help to form the basis of an effective sales pitch.”
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Well-regulated, ethical practices should always be an area of primary concern for
any business. In an environment where multinational conglomerates predominate,
owners of small businesses may feel anonymous enough to become flexible about
their code of ethics. However, the increasingly inescapable attention of the media
allows an unprecedented number of individuals to access news and information
with greater speed than ever before – unethical practices can become a matter of
public knowledge overnight, with devastating consequences. Codes of ethical
practice should apply not only to clients, but to employees, who are just as able to
draw inappropriate behaviour on the part of their employers to the public's
attention. In today's society, businesses of any size must be able to demonstrate
transparency and accountability in their dealings with employees, clients, and the
public alike.
Q16 Unethical practices are only a problem if the public becomes aware of them.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – the passage states that “the increasingly inescapable attention of the
media” means that “unethical practices can become a matter of public knowledge
overnight, with devastating consequences.” It does not however make any explicit
reference to the consequences of unethical practices which do not come to the public
attention.
Q17 Employees of a company should be subject to ethical codes of practice.
True False Cannot say
True – The passage states that, “Codes of ethical practice should apply not only to
clients, but to employees”.
Q18 More people than ever before have access to information about companies'
ethical practices.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states that the media “allows an unprecedented number of
individuals to access news and information” and explicitly confirms that this includes
information about companies' ethical practices by adding “unethical practices can
become a matter of public knowledge overnight”.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Successful and cost-effective advertising is an important issue to consider
when starting up a business. A comprehensive business plan should include
details of advertising strategies, a helpful starting point for which is an analysis
of the advertising currently being used by competitors in the same line of
business.
The rise of the internet has provided a variety of new opportunities for
advertising, of which an innovative business should take full advantage. A
well-designed website should ideally combine a professional appearance with
user-friendly functionality, and be widely promoted to draw as much traffic as
possible. This not only increases the visibility of a company, but assures
potential clients that the company has a forward-thinking, enterprising outlook,
and is willing to embrace as well as exploit the latest technological
developments.
Q19 An analysis of competitors' advertisements is helpful in laying out advertising
strategies for a new business
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states, “a helpful starting point for [planning advertising
strategies] is an analysis of the advertising currently being used by competitors”. The
statement is therefore correct.
Q20 A professional and user-friendly website will attract a lot of traffic.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – the passage states that “A well-designed website” should “combine a
professional appearance with user-friendly functionality”, but adds that the site should
be “widely promoted to draw as much traffic as possible.” There is no explicit
relationship, positive or negative, suggested to exist between the design of the
website and the traffic it attracts.
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True False Cannot say
Cannot say – the passage states that a website “assures potential clients that the
company has a forward-thinking, enterprising outlook”, but does not explicitly state
that a client would or would not prefer such a company.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.There are a number of ways in which economic recession can impact a
business, beside the most obvious factor of reduced consumer spending and a
resultant decrease in sales. Recession also leads to a rise in inflation, which
increases a business's expenditure. These factors in turn act both to reduce
competition, through less stable businesses closing down, and simultaneously
also to increase it, as remaining ones compete more aggressively to stay afloat.
The combined effect of these factors can lead both to fluctuating sales, and an
unstable working environment – tensions within the business may rise as
employees are denied expected pay increases, or have to be let go to
compensate for falling profits. Employers and employees alike must be
flexible, and make every effort to adapt to new and less predictable economic
conditions, to have the best chance of survival.
Q22 Flexible businesses which adapt to new economic conditions will survive a
recession.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – while the passage does state that “Employers and employees alike
must be flexible”, it goes on to say that this will provide “the best chance of survival”.
There is no explicit guarantee that a business will or will not survive the recession if it
employs an adaptable approach.
Q23 Reduced consumer spending leads to a rise in inflation.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – on the basis of this passage alone, it is not possible to confirm or refute
this statement. The passage states that economic recession impacts business
through “reduced consumer spending”, and that recession also “leads to a rise in
inflation”. It does not state that the consumer spending leads to the latter, only that
recession results in both; nor does it state that consumer spending does not lead to
recession, therefore it is impossible to make a definite answer to the statement.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Q24 Recession, via decreased sales and increased operating costs, can both
reduce and increase competition in business.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states that recession impacts a business through “reduced
consumer spending and a resultant decrease in sales” and through “a rise in inflation,
which increases a business's expenditure.” It then goes on to state that these factors
“in turn act both to reduce competition...and increase it”.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Even during periods of low inflation, small businesses have faced increasing
expenditure in a variety of areas over recent years. One approach to increase
sales is offering discounts on products, but it is often ultimately necessary to
raise prices in order to offset expenditure. Increasing prices by a reasonable
margin will not necessarily have a negative impact on revenue from regular
customers, as long as a suitable strategy is taken to justify price increase to the
consumer. Consumers may not always be aware of the high cost in both time
and money of administrative, 'behind the scenes' aspects of business.
Customers must be reassured that they are paying for a high quality product,
and that increased prices reflect the need to cover unseen, escalating costs of
running a business.
Q25 It is necessary to reassure customers that price increases reflect increases in
running costs.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states, “Customers must be reassured that... increased prices
reflect the need to cover unseen, escalating costs of running a business.” The
statement above is therefore correct, though abbreviated.
Q26 Offering discounts is not an approach used to increase sales.
True False Cannot say
False – while the passage goes on to say that offering discounts is often not
sufficient, it does explicitly state that “ One approach to increase sales is offering
discounts on products,” in direct opposition to the statement above.
Q27 Increasing prices will always reduce revenue from regular customers.
True False Cannot say
False – on the contrary, the passage states, “Increasing prices by a reasonable
margin will not necessarily have a negative impact on revenue from regular
customers” - therefore, it is clearly stated that increasing prices may not, in the right
circumstances, reduce revenue.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Recent developments in technology and communication have opened up new
opportunities for those wishing to start a retail business. Selling online offers a
number of advantages, including reduced startup costs, the ability to work from
home, and low-cost advertising options such as optimising a site's position on
search engines or entering into an affiliate (commission-based reseller) program.
Having created a business plan, the first step in setting up an online business is to
find a reliable website host and reserve a suitable domain name. There are
numerous practical factors to consider, including bandwidth and disk space
requirements, and establishing a sufficient level of security in processing online
payments from customers. Depending on what service or product is being
provided, the website need not be technically complex; however, for maximum
impact, it may be helpful to employ a professional web-designer.
Q28 Employing a professional web-designer will increase traffic to a business's
website.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – the passage makes no definite statement about whether using a
professional designer will increase traffic, but says, more ambiguously, “for maximum
impact, it may be helpful to employ a professional web-designer.” In addition, it is not
clearly indicated whether or not “maximum impact” refers to web-traffic. Therefore it
is not possible to give a definite answer to this statement.
Q29 One of the practical factors to consider in setting up an online business is the
bandwidth requirements of the website.
True False Cannot say
True – the passage states, “the first step in setting up an online business is to find a
reliable website host... There are numerous practical factors to consider, including
bandwidth...requirements.” This statement is therefore correct.
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prior written permission from AssessmentDay.Q30 The best online advertising strategy is to enter a commission-based reseller
program.
True False Cannot say
Cannot say – the passage refers to “low-cost advertising options” as an advantage in
starting an online business, and lists as one of these options “entering into an affiliate
(link exchange) program.” It does not give any indication of which, if either, of these
options is the “best” strategy; nor does it explicitly state that link exchange programs
are not the best strategy. It is therefore impossible to give a definite answer.
-- End of Test --
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