JUNE 2012

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COGNITIVE ABILITY TIPS AND HINTS
SAMPLE OF COGNITIVE ABILITY TEST QUESTIONS
This section provides a sample of some verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning questions that may
assist you in preparing for the QPS Cognitive Ability Test. After familiarising yourself with the format,
structure, and types of questions that may be asked, you can self-assess your verbal, numerical
and abstract reasoning abilities by completing three sample tests below.
Verbal Reasoning:
Verbal reasoning tests your ability to think, reason and solve problems in different ways using the use of language.
It aims to examine your ability to think constructively, rather than at simple fuency or vocabulary recognition.
Questions range from defning words, providing synonyms and recognising antonyms, through to identifying the
underlying meanings of common words, phrases and sentences.

Example Questions:
1. The girl sings in a choir. All singers in the choir play a musical instrument. The girl plays a musical instrument.
Assuming the frst 2 statements are true, is the fnal statement:
a) True b) False c) Not certain?
2. Minutes is to time as centremetres is to
a) Measure
b) Long
c) Length
d) Second
e) Metre
3. PRESENT RESERVE Do these words:
a) Have similar meanings
b) Have contradictory meanings
c) Mean neither the same nor opposite?

Numerical Reasoning:
Numerical reasoning tests your ability to perform reasoning tasks involving the use of numbers and other
mathematical concepts, such as algebra and geometry. Questions range from simple operations in addition,
subtraction, multiplication or division to more specialised questions about number sequences and applied
mathematical questions mirroring real-world situations. Information is provided that requires you to interpret it and
then apply the appropriate logic to answer the questions. Sometimes the questions are designed to approximate the
type of reasoning required in the workplace.

Example Questions:
1. Chocolates sell for 13 cents each. What will four chocolates cost?
2. An athlete can run 80 metres in 8 seconds. At this same speed, how many metres will she travel in 24 seconds?
3. When hay is selling at $15.00 per bundle, how many bundles can you buy for $75.00?
4. 4, 8, 12, 16 what number comes next?
5. Travelling constantly at 80 km/hour, how long will it take to travel 200km?

1 300 BE A COP
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www.policerecruit.com.au
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Recruiting Centre 30 Makerston Street, Brisbane
POLICE
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Abstract Reasoning:
Abstract reasoning tests your ability to analyse information, learn and assimilate new
concepts, and apply knowledge to solve problems on a complex, thought-based level.
The questions involve identifying patterns and similarities between shapes, fgures and
diagrams presented in visual form. Abstract reasoning is therefore not dependent upon
previous experience or learned verbal or numerical ability.
Example Question:




Summary of Quick Tips for Performing Well on the Cognitive Ability Test!
Before the day of your Cognitive Ability Test, prepare yourself by completing a wide range of
practice intelligence or cognitive ability tests that are accessible online. Familiarise yourself
with the types of questions, and identify any areas of weakness for practice and development
(e.g., numeracy, verbal reasoning, literacy, abstract problem-solving).
Work carefully but do not spend too much time on any one question or skip around. Mulling
over a very diffcult item for too long may prevent you from answering easier or simpler items
presented at the end of the test. Leave questions you cannot answer and move onto those you
can. If you have time left over at the end, you can always return to questions that you initially did
not answer.
Read each question carefully to ensure that you answer accurately. Remember, you are marked
on the total number of questions you answer correctly during the allocated time-frame.
Be sure to correctly follow the test instructions and write your answers in the spaces provided.
Try to remain calm, cool and collected feeling relaxed will help you to think clearly!


Verbal Reasoning Answers: 1 = A; 2 = C, 3 = C

Numerical Reasoning Answers: 1 = 52 cents; 2 = 240 metres; 3 = 5 bundles; 4
= 20; 5 = 2.5 hours

Abstract Reasoning Answers: B
JUNE 2012