Full Guide to The Recognition of Assumptions Watson Glaser Test
The Recognition of Assumptions part makes up the second part of the Watson Glaser test. A total of 12 multiple-choice questions are included, each with two possible answers.
During this brief guide, we will show you how to approach this section, show a solution to a sample question, and offer some tips for success.
Let's get started.
What is Included in this Section?
A statement and a proposed assumption will be presented to you for each question on the Recognizing Assumptions section of the Watson Glaser Test.
Your job is to decide whether a statement is made on the basis of a reasonably assumed assumption - that is, whether it is legitimately assumed.
There is no requirement that these assumptions be in accordance with reality or reason - your job is not to evaluate their common sense, but simply whether they are true or not.
Example Question
“We predict that the completion of supercomputer development will lead to a shortage of people capable of making use of all its capabilities.”
There is only a short time left until the construction of supercomputers is accomplished.
Let's use the Negative Test algorithm to see why the assumption wasn't made.
The first step is to negate the assumption that the construction of supercomputers will never be finished.
The second step is to evaluate whether the original statement still holds true. The given statement doesn't apply here, since it is merely a hypothetical claim, and doesn't relate to the likelihood of developing supercomputers.
Third step - if the statement continues to make sense, no assumption has been made.
For more practice questions see the Watson Glaser sample test.
Recognition of Assumptions: Solving Tips
Tip #1 – Use the Negative Test
Using the Negative Test will help you uncover hidden assumptions. This is the technique we used in the example question above, but be sure to practice it until you are proficient with it.
A complete discussion of the Negative Test technique is included in the Complete Watson Glaser Prep.
Tip #2 – Go to Absurdity
Similarly, this trick can often prove useful when dealing with Watson Glaser Recognition of Assumptions.
As an example, let's take the question from above again:
“We predict that the completion of supercomputer development will lead to a shortage of people capable of making use of all its capabilities.”
We can now turn this into an absurd statement and see whether the proposed assumption holds up:
“We predict that an alien invasion will lead to a world crisis.”
In other words, the statement does not assume an invasion is inevitable, only that if it occurs, a world crisis will ensue.
As for the supercomputer example, the same applies. Watson Glaser’s Assumptions section does not require statements or assumptions to make sense – they just need to be in harmony.
How to prepare for the Watson Glaser test
You will be able to ace the Watson Glaser assessment by taking JobTestPrep's Complete Watson Glaser Prep Course, including the section on Recognition of Assumptions.
Preparation for the Watson Glaser Exam has never been easier!
- Accurate - Watson Glaser mock tests that replicate the rules, format, and difficulty level of the real test.
- Personalized - practice tests and study guides tailored to help strengthen your weakness in each section.
- Trusted - Cambridge and Oxford law students' official exam preparation kit.Covering all test versions and forms: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.
All test versions and forms are covered: WG-II Form D and Form E, and WG-III.