The document outlines IQ and aptitude tests designed to measure cognitive abilities through various types of questions such as mental arithmetic, fractions, and spatial reasoning. It provides strategies for improving performance, including practicing sample questions, understanding the test format, and aiming for speed and accuracy. Additionally, tips for specific question types and methods for calculations are included to enhance problem-solving skills.

1. IQ AND
APTITUDE
TESTS
How to better your performance
in an IQ Aptitude test.
www.how2become.com

2. WHAT are IQ and
Aptitude Tests?
‘IQ and Aptitude Tests are designed to measure trait intelligence
(IQ) ad cognitive ability, which is indicated by your efficiency in
processing information’.

3. TYPES of Questions
 Mental Arithmetic
 Ratios
 Fractions
 Number Sequences
 Spatial Aptitude
 Grammar and Punctuation
 General Verbal Aptitude
 Abstract and Diagrammatic Reasoning

4. IMPROVING your IQ
 The only way to improve your IQ is to undergo plenty of sample questions over a prolonged
period of time.
 Find out what type of aptitude test you are going to be sitting. This will help you focus your
preparation. However, we highly recommend that you practice different types of questions in
order to better your overall performance.
 Aim for both speed as well as accuracy. Avoid wild-guessing. Some tests deduct marks for
incorrect answers, so be sure to find out the details behind your test.

5. Mental Arithmetic
Question
What is 58% of 700 ÷ 7
Step 1 = 700 ÷ 100 x 58(%) = 406
Step 2 = 406 ÷
7
406 = how many 7′s go in to 4 = 0
= how many 7’s go into 40 = 5, remainder 5
= put the 5 on top of the line.
= how many 7’s go into 56 = 8
58
TOP TIPS!
 Work out one part of the
arithmetic first (i.e. 58% of 700),
then do the rest.
 For any type of mental arithmetic
test, you will be expected to
have a solid understanding of
dividing and multiplying, so
practice as much as you can.

6. Question
Multiply 21 by 3 and subtract it from 108 multiplied by 2 minus
27.
Step 1 = 21 x 3 = 63
Step 2 = 108 x 2 = 216
216 – 27 = 189
Step 3 = 189 – 63 = 126
126

7. Fractions
Question
What is
1
3
+
1
2
‘Crossbow Method’
𝟓
𝟔
TOP TIPS!
 Use the Crossbow Method when
adding fractions.
 When working with fractions and
using these methods, it is
probably best to draw in the lines,
like in the example shown.
 This method can be used to
subtract fractions. All you would
do is subtract the two numbers
forming the top line, as opposed
to adding them.

8. Question
What is
2
3
𝑥
3
4
‘Arrow Method’ 𝟔
𝟏𝟐
Question
What is
2
3
÷
4
5
𝟏𝟎
𝟏𝟐
𝟓
𝟔
TOP TIP!
 If you turn the last fraction upside
down, and then multiply the
fractions, you will get the correct
answer… EVERYTIME!

9. Ratios
Question
Sam has 80p. Robert has £1.20. What is the ratio of Sam’s
money to Robert’s money, in its simplest form?
Step 1 = 80 : 120
Step 2 = divide both numbers by 2 = 40 : 60
divide both numbers by 2 = 20 : 30
divide both numbers by 2 = 10 : 15
divide both numbers by 5 = 2 : 3
TOP TIPS!
 If you have two different units, i.e.
one is in pence and one is in
pounds, make sure that you
convert both into the same units.
 To find the simplest form, start off
by dividing the numbers by 2,
continue until you cannot divide
both numbers by this. Then try the
next odd number, until that
doesn’t work. Then try the next
odd number until you cannot
simplify it any further.
2 : 3

10. Number Sequences
Question
Look carefully for the pattern, and then choose which pair of
numbers
comes next.
5 7 9 11 13 15 17 … …
TOP TIPS!
 Work out the relationship
between two numbers. Find the
pattern amongst the sequence.
 There may be more than one
sequence present in the number
sequence.
19, 21

11. Spatial/Abstract Aptitude
Question
Which is the missing square?
TOP TIPS!
 Eliminate the obscure answers.
 Work out the relationship
between each square of the
diagram.
 Different things can be
happening in the sequence, so
pay attention to everything. In
this case, it is rotation.
B

12. Grammar
Question
Insert the 4 words below into their correct positions within the
text.
TOP TIPS!
 Read the passage through first to
get a general understanding of
how it reads.
 Place each word where it best
makes sense of the sentence.
collisions
provides
collapsed
primary

13. General Verbal
Question
Which word does not have a similar meaning to – imaginary?
A – apocryphal
B – fictional
C – illusive
D - inconsistent
TOP TIPS!
 Brush up on your vocabulary.
 You need to have a strong
understanding of words and their
meanings.
D

14. IQ AND
APTITUDE
TESTS
Practice HUNDREDS of different
sample questions now, and
improve your IQ scores.
www.how2become.com