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Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking

Formal logical analysis — not just comprehension.

What it is

The Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Assessment requires formal logical analysis across five sub-tests. Unlike verbal reasoning, it evaluates whether conclusions follow necessarily from given premises — candidates must distinguish 'definitely true' from 'probably true', and recognise hidden assumptions. The standard version runs 80 questions in 40 minutes; a half-time variant is also used.

Who uses it

  • All Magic Circle law firms: Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Allen & Overy, Freshfields, Slaughter and May
  • Solicitor training contract applications at most UK top-30 law firms
  • Some Big 4 firms and management consulting practices
  • Graduate schemes where critical reasoning is a core competency

What it tests

  • Inferences: whether a conclusion follows necessarily from stated facts, or is merely probable
  • Recognition of Assumptions: spotting what the author has taken for granted without stating it
  • Deduction: whether a conclusion can be drawn logically from the premises given
  • Interpretation: whether conclusions follow beyond reasonable doubt from the evidence
  • Evaluation of Arguments: distinguishing strong arguments from weak or irrelevant ones

Common mistakes

Treating it like verbal reasoning

Watson-Glaser requires formal logic, not just comprehension. The question is not 'does this seem consistent with the passage?' but 'does this follow necessarily from the premises?'

Confusing degrees of truth

The test distinguishes 'True', 'Probably True', 'Insufficient Data', 'Probably False', and 'False'. 'Probably True' is not the same as 'True' — be precise.

Ignoring hidden assumptions

In the Assumptions sub-test, the key question is: 'Is this assumption required for the argument to hold?' If the argument could work without it, it is not assumed.

Rushing the Evaluation of Arguments section

A strong argument is both logically relevant and important to the question. Length and confidence in tone are not indicators of strength.

How to prepare

  1. 1Download and complete the official Pearson Watson-Glaser sample test — it is the most accurate representation of the real format.
  2. 2Study each of the five sub-test types separately before attempting full timed tests; they require different mental stances.
  3. 3Critical Thinking Web (hku.hk) has free logic exercises that build the formal reasoning skills Watson-Glaser demands.
  4. 4Practice distinguishing 'follows necessarily' from 'is consistent with' — this single distinction accounts for the majority of errors.
  5. 5Aim for at least three full practice attempts under timed conditions before your real test.

Free resources