Civil Service

What is the Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test?

This test checks how well you understand and judge written information. It’s used in Civil Service jobs to see if you can handle real work tasks. You’ll read short passages and decide if statements are True, False, or if you Cannot Say based on the text.

You can’t use what you already know. Everything must come from what’s written. It’s about thinking clearly and staying focused.

What Does “Cannot Say” Mean?

“Cannot Say” means the text doesn’t give enough proof to say if the statement is right or wrong. It’s not a guess. It’s the right answer when the information isn’t clear.

For example:

• Passage: “Solar energy in Europe grew by 20% last year due to new funding.”
• Statement: “All European countries used solar energy last year.”
• Answer: “Cannot Say” because the passage doesn’t mention every country.

If the passage doesn’t cover it, pick “Cannot Say.”

Advice for How to Answer

• Read carefully. Don’t rush. Look at what’s actually written.
• Stick to the text. Don’t guess or use your own knowledge.
• Break down the statement. What exactly is it asking? Is it covered by the passage?
• Pick “Cannot Say” if unsure. If there’s no proof, it’s the best choice.
• Keep moving. Don’t spend too long on one question. Answer and move on.

Practice makes this easier. Stay calm, and don’t overthink. You’ve got this!

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions

The following questions come from the Verbal Reasoning Question bank provided by the good folks over at ExamEureka.com – for more questions definitely check out their site by clicking here

Question 38: Urban Bicycle Infrastructure

Text
A city constructed 50 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes and introduced a public bike-sharing system to encourage cycling. Within the first year, bike usage increased by 30%, and traffic congestion decreased by 10% during peak hours. However, the program faced criticism for focusing on central business districts, leaving residential neighborhoods without adequate cycling infrastructure. Plans are underway to expand the network to these areas.

Statement
The bicycle infrastructure program equally served all parts of the city.

True

False

Cannot Say

Answer
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Explanation
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Question 39: AI-Powered Translation Services

Text
An international organization implemented AI-powered translation services to support communication in multilingual meetings. The system provided real-time translations in over 50 languages and significantly reduced the need for human interpreters, saving 20% of annual operating costs. However, users reported occasional inaccuracies in translating technical jargon and culturally nuanced phrases. The organization plans to enhance the AI’s algorithms to improve accuracy in future updates.

Statement
The AI-powered translation service eliminated all inaccuracies in translations.

True

False

Cannot Say

Answer
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Explanation
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Question 40: National Recycling Policy

Text
A government introduced a mandatory recycling policy requiring households to separate waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. The policy led to a 50% increase in recycling rates within two years and reduced landfill waste by 20%. However, rural areas faced challenges implementing the policy due to limited access to recycling facilities, and many residents expressed frustration over the lack of infrastructure. Officials have proposed building more facilities to address these issues.

Statement
The recycling policy provided adequate infrastructure for rural areas from the start.

True

False

Cannot Say

Answer
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Explanation
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“Ice breakers” or “Ungraded Questions” are questions that are asked, most commonly at the beginning – of a Civil Service interview. They serve as an informal way to ease candidates into the interview environment, allowing them to relax and express themselves more freely. These questions are not typically assessed for correctness but are used to gauge a candidate’s personality, communication skills, and how they might fit within a team or organization.

Ice Breaker Example Questions

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
2. What inspired you to apply for a role in the civil service?
3. Can you share an achievement you’re particularly proud of?
4. What is something you are looking forward to?
5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
6. What’s an interesting book you’ve read recently, and what did you learn from it?
7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
8. What was your favourite previous job?
9. See more Civil Service interview questions…

Advice on Answering Ice Breakers

Though ice breaker questions in the civil service are not formally assessed, *they play a crucial role in setting the stage for your later responses*.

Here’s how you should approach ice breaker questions:

• Maintain Enthusiasm: Show your excitement about the role and the opportunity to work in the civil service. Enthusiasm can be infectious and sets a positive tone.
• Be Genuine: Authenticity goes a long way. Share true stories and opinions. It helps the interviewers get to know the real you.
• Stay Professional: While it’s important to be yourself, remember the context. Keep your answers professional and relevant to the role and the organization.
• Reflect on Your Experiences: Before the interview, think about your experiences and how they align with the role you’re applying for. This preparation will help you answer more fluidly.
• Show Your Personality: These questions are an opportunity to showcase your personality. Let your unique self shine through.
• Balance Brevity with Detail: While it’s important to keep your answers concise, don’t shy away from giving enough detail to paint a vivid picture.
• Practice Active Listening: Listen carefully to the question asked. Tailoring your answer to the question rather than giving a pre-prepared speech shows that you’re engaged and attentive.

Example Answers to Ice Breaker Questions

Below are short example answers to give you an idea of how you might respond to ice breaker questions in a civil service interview. Remember, these are just brief versions to inspire your own, more detailed responses.

Tell us a bit about yourself. “I’m a dedicated public policy graduate with a deep-seated passion for community service and social justice. Over the past few years, I’ve been actively involved in volunteering with various non-governmental organizations, focusing my efforts on environmental sustainability and improving educational access in underprivileged areas. My experiences have not only honed my project management skills but also deepened my commitment to public service.”

What inspired you to apply for a role in the civil service? “My inspiration to apply for a civil service role stems from a genuine desire to contribute to meaningful change and positively impact people’s lives at a systemic level. I’ve always admired the civil service’s pivotal role in developing and implementing policies that directly address the needs and challenges of our society. The opportunity to be part of this transformative process is what drives me.”

Can you share an achievement you’re particularly proud of? “One achievement that stands out for me was leading a community initiative to develop a comprehensive recycling program in our neighborhood. This project, which involved coordinating with local authorities and various community groups, resulted in a significant reduction in waste by 30% within the first year of implementation. It was a testament to what we can achieve through collective effort and innovative thinking.”

What is something you are looking forward to? “I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to work on projects that directly improve public services and infrastructure. The prospect of being part of a team that makes accessible, efficient, and sustainable public services a reality for all citizens is incredibly motivating. Seeing the positive impact of my work on the community and contributing to a legacy of improvement is what I’m most excited about.”

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? “In my free time, I find great joy in hiking and exploring the natural beauty of national parks. It’s an activity that allows me to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. This balance is crucial for my mental well-being and helps me maintain a fresh perspective and high energy levels, both of which are essential for my professional life.”

What’s an interesting book you’ve read recently, and what did you learn from it? “A book that profoundly impacted me recently is ‘Sapiens’ by Yuval Noah Harari. It offered a fascinating exploration of the history of humankind, from the Stone Age to the modern era. What struck me most was the discussion on the importance of sustainable living and how our actions today shape the future of our planet. It reinforced my commitment to contributing to sustainable policies and practices.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? “If I could choose any superpower, it would be the ability to master effective communication across any barrier, whether linguistic, cultural, or ideological. I believe that many of the world’s conflicts stem from misunderstandings. Being able to ensure clear, empathetic, and effective communication could significantly reduce conflicts and foster a more harmonious world.”

What was your favourite previous job? “My favorite job to date was working as a community coordinator for a local charity. This role allowed me to engage directly with various community groups, organizing events and initiatives that addressed local needs. The job was incredibly rewarding, offering me the chance to see the tangible impact of our collective efforts on improving community well-being. It affirmed my desire to pursue a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives.”

Other Question Types

In addition to ice breaker questions, civil service interviews often explore behavioural and strength-based questions. Behavioural questions aim to understand how you’ve handled specific situations in the past, giving insight into your problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. These questions typically start with prompts like “Describe a time when…” or “Give an example of how you…”. On the other hand, strength-based questions focus on identifying your inherent strengths and how these can contribute to your role. They might ask “What are your greatest professional strengths?” or “What activities energize you?”. Both types are designed to assess your suitability for the role beyond technical skills, looking at how you interact with others, tackle challenges, and leverage your strengths to achieve success.

Learn more about the Civil Service interview here