Couple of ambiguous SHL verbal reasoning questions

Participant · 15 Oct 2013 at 21:19

Hi, just practising for yet more SHL tests I've got to do tomorrow and some of these verbal reasoning ones seem so open to interpretation. I've done loads of these and always done fine, but I want to nail it and I just can't land on the right answer for a couple of these practice questions. For example:

1st question

Cannot say? Although it says that 'most studies show that the human body cannot tell the difference', it a) doesn't state that the other studies specifically say that it can, and b) it's asking if the human body treats it differently, not just whether or not it can tell the difference. So it could tell the difference but still treat it the same. Or am I reading too much into it?

2nd question

Cannot say? It says in the text that it can raise satisfaction, whereas the statement is that they are more satisfied.

How would you answer? Put me right OcUK!

AJK · 15 Oct 2013 at 21:49

1st question - yes. Most studies show that the human body cannot tell the difference, therefore some show that it can. I think you are reading too much into the distinction between tell the difference and treat differently.

2nd question - cannot say. I agree; the paragraph is about the objectives of staff training, the statement is absolute and can't be validated by the paragraph alone.

IMO, etc.

mattx2 · 15 Oct 2013 at 21:51

1. True -some studies must have the other conclusion (this one nearly got me as well if it said most studies then it would be false or if it was an absolute statement then it would be cannot say)
2.True - raise satisfaction = more satisfied

don't fall into the trap of reading too much into these questions they are test of reading comprehension and speed go for the obvious answer they are not trying to trick you here

Tefal · 15 Oct 2013 at 21:52

AJK said:
1st question - yes. Most studies show that the human body cannot tell the difference, therefore some show that it can. I think you are reading too much into the distinction between tell the difference and treat differently.

not strictly true, the other studies could say that they were unable to determine if the body treated them differently.

AJK · 15 Oct 2013 at 22:07

Tefal said:
not strictly true, the other studies could say that they were unable to determine if the body treated them differently.

Point. "Cannot say" for both then.

Nitefly · 15 Oct 2013 at 23:16

1) Cannot say.

2) True, providing that you can only go on the text and the use of the word 'ensure'.

Participant · 16 Oct 2013 at 22:12

As expected, differing opinions then. Oh well! Thanks.

Just done verbal numeric and personality for a promotion application. My brain is mush. Hate these things as I always finish them thinking I could have done better.

Amleto · 17 Oct 2013 at 17:58

Nitefly said:
1) Cannot say.

2) True, providing that you can only go on the text and the use of the word 'ensure'.

If you reverse the sentence you're referencing, perhaps you will see the mistake in your logic:

Ensuring employees are able to improve... CAN raise levels of satisfaction.

The statement 'Employees that have the opportunity to improve their skills ARE more satisfied' cannot be taken as unilaterally true from the given text.

sigma · 17 Oct 2013 at 18:29

I'd agree with cannot say for both.

ps3ud0 · 17 Oct 2013 at 18:45

I think its:

1) True; I think its reasonable with the information at hand to say that if most say the body cant tell the difference that the other studies might. Thats taking the statement at face value

2) Cannot say; It doesnt mention a causal link between all staff training having the objective to improve job satisfication; just that it can be one of the objectives of it...

ps3ud0 :cool: