What are diagrammatic reasoning tests?
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are designed to examine your logical thinking skills. Most tests work by showing you a series of different pictures, diagrams or charts. You’ll then be asked to solve the pattern linking each picture and prove you’ve worked it out correctly by selecting the answer that continues the pattern.
The test is there to see how well you can exercise rationale under pressure, a skill that is highly valued in all industries. But especially law – where problem solving and quick thinking are essential.
Why do employers use diagrammatic reasoning tests?
Legal businesses that use diagrammatic reasoning tests as part of the recruitment process, will be looking for employees who can prove they think logically and cope well under pressure.
Excelling in the test shows these employers that you’re adept at quickly identifying key information, spotting patterns and generally thinking quickly on your feet.
These tests are becoming increasingly popular, as the job market gets more competitive and employers strive to know more about the individuals they’re hiring.
What is the diagrammatic reasoning test format?
Most diagrammatic reasoning tests follow the ‘one question per minute’ rule. Which as you can imagine, doesn’t leave a lot of time to problem solve.
That’s why practising diagrammatic reasoning tests is so important. When you practice regularly, you also get to grips with the format the questions take.
Each question normally requires you to look at a series of patterns, shapes or diagrams and show how they continue onwards. It may seem hard at first, but the more tests you complete, the more you train your brain to recognise the sequences.
What skills does diagrammatic reasoning test?
The diagrammatic reasoning test looks at how quickly and accurately you can process a sequence of patterns and work out what it is that connects each one.
Logic and critical thinking are the key competencies being tested. And although it’s unlikely that your day-to-day job will involve looking at problems in the format you’ll see on the test, the skills you’re demonstrating are skills you will use regularly if you pursue a legal career.
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Sample Diagrammatic Reasoning Test question Test your knowledge!
In a group of athletes, all basketball players are tall. No tall player is a sprinter. Which statement is definitely false?
- Some athletes are not sprinters.
- All basketball players are sprinters.
- No sprinters are basketball players.
- Some tall athletes are not sprinters.
If all Bloops are Razzies and no Razzies are Lazzies, which of the following statements is true?
- Some Bloops are Lazzies.
- No Bloops are Lazzies.
- All Lazzies are Bloops.
- Some Razzies are not Bloops.
Assuming the first two statements are true, 'All cats are animals' and 'Some animals are tigers', which of the following conclusions is logical?
- No tigers are cats.
- Some tigers are cats.
- All tigers are animals.
- Some animals are cats.
Choose the conclusion that logically follows from the premises given: 'Nobody who can manage well gets into debt. Some miserly people get into debt.'
- No miserly people can manage well.
- Some people who can manage well are miserly.
- All miserly people cannot manage well.
- Some people who cannot manage well are miserly.
Every Xonadu ultimately turns into a Retsil. Every Retsil was once a Porgam. Select the statement that must be true.
- All Xonadus were once Porgams.
- Some Porgams will turn into Xonadus.
- All Retsils are Xonadus.
- Some Porgams are ultimately Xonadus.
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Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Tips
- Understand the Basics
Before jumping into the practice tests at Law Tests, make sure you're clear on the basics of diagrammatic reasoning. These tests aren't about memorizing content; they're about understanding how to extract and apply rules from visual information. Spend time learning the foundational concepts so you can approach each question with confidence.
- Identify Patterns Quickly
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are all about patterns and sequences. Begin by practicing pattern recognition – look for common sequences or shifts that occur from one diagram to the next. Being able to spot these quickly will save you time and make the test-taking process smoother.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions
To get comfortable with the pressure of real test conditions, simulate the exam environment when you practice. This means timing yourself as you would be during the actual test. Law Tests offers timed practice exams, so take advantage of this feature to enhance your time management skills.
- Review Your Answers
After completing a practice test, take the time to review each question and your corresponding answers carefully. It's a fantastic way to see where your reasoning may have gone awry and to solidify the correct logical approach in your mind. Over time, this will help you reduce mistakes and speed up your response times.
- Stay Calm and Focused
During both practice and the real thing, it’s vital that you remain calm and maintain your focus. Diagrammatic reasoning tests can be challenging, but getting flustered will only hinder your performance. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing if you find yourself getting anxious or stressed.
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Diagrammatic Reasoning Test FAQs
- How are diagrammatic reasoning tests scored?
Your results will be directly compared to the results of everyone else who took the same test as you. Tests are normally marked by giving points for every correct answer.
- What are diagrammatic reasoning tests used for?
The test will be used as another way of identifying your strengths and weaknesses. If you struggle with interviews, this is a great way to show a future employer that you have what it takes to do the job.
- What do diagrammatic reasoning tests involve?
The test requires you to think logically to complete a challenge. Each question will have a choice of answers, and you’ll have to select the one you think is correct, based on the logical reasoning you’ve applied to the question.
- What do diagrammatic reasoning tests measure?
The test measures your ability to stay calm against the clock, and your logical thinking skills.
- Where can I practice diagrammatic reasoning tests?
You can practice many different diagrammatic reasoning tests here on the website. As well as a whole series of tests, you’ll pick up hints and tips from the experts. It’s a must for anyone who wants to improve their results.
- Which employers use diagrammatic reasoning tests?
Diagrammatic reasoning tests are used by companies in a whole range of different industries. They’re particularly popular in the legal sector, where problem solving and clear, rational thinking serve you well.