Free GCAT Processing Speed Questions & Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Verbal Reasoning - sentence completion. Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence. Electronic information and automated systems are essential to ____ all major federal operations.
- Fundamentally
- Effectively
- Implicitly
- Approximately
- Virtually (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Virtually
The sentence refers to electronic information that is fundamental to (something) all major federal operations. The sentence's general idea implies that electronic information is essential to practically / nearly / almost all primary federal operations. Therefore, the only word accurately reflecting that meaning in the sentence's context is "virtually".
Question 2: Abstract Reasoning - these types of cognitive questions require finding hidden patterns or rules in shapes. There are many types of abstract reasoning questions in cognitive tests, in which you need to pay attention to different elements. In the following question, you must pay attention to shape and movement.<br> Which of the following boxes should replace the question mark (?) to complete the pattern?
- A (Correct answer)
- B
- C
- D
- E
Correct answer: A
In this series, alternating vertical lines or vertical chains of circles are added to each figure, depending on the previous figure. The middle circle in the vertical chain is always black. Since the last figure in the series contained an additional vertical chain of circles, the next figure should include an additional vertical line. The figure appearing in answer option A is the only one that fits.
Question 3: Letter Series - What would be the next group of letters in the following series?<br> zone --> ynnd --> xmnc --> wlnb --> ? <br> Tip - at first glance, this type of cognitive ability question seems confusing. It is in fact no different than a number series! To help you solve these questions quickly, write down the ABC with a corresponding number beneath each letter (A-1, B-2 etc.). This will help you identify the pattern.
- vkmc
- anka
- vkna (Correct answer)
- vnna
- ajna
Correct answer: vkna
The pattern in this question is that all the letters move one letter backward in the alphabet except the letter "n" which stays constant. Therefore the answer is vkna.
Question 4: Logical Reasoning - In the following question you will be presented with a fact and a pursuant conclusion. It is up to you to decide if the conclusion can be proven or not.<br> FACTS: If Jason is late to the meeting, Kevin will have to work late. Lois will not cook dinner for Kevin unless Kevin gets home from work on time. If Lois does not cook dinner for Kevin, Kevin will order pizza for dinner. Lois cooked dinner for Kevin.<br> CONCLUSION: Jason was late to the meeting.
- The facts prove the conclusion
- The facts disprove the conclusion (Correct answer)
- The facts neither prove nor disprove the conclusion
Correct answer: The facts disprove the conclusion
The facts disprove the conclusion If Jason is late to the meeting then Kevin will not get home from work on time because he will have to work late. Lois will cook dinner for Kevin only if Kevin gets home from work on time Thus, if Lois cooked dinner for Kevin, Jason could not have come late to the meeting.
Question 5: Verbal Reasoning - Odd One Out. <br>In this type of cognitive question, you need to select the word that stands out in regard to its meaning.<br> Which word does not belong on this list?
- Solemn
- Archaic (Correct answer)
- Grave
- Mirthless
- Serious
Correct answer: Archaic
The correct answer is archaic Archaic is a word used to describe something that belongs to an earlier period of time, while the other words are used to describe sad and gloomy states of mind or facial expressions.
Question 6: Abstract Reasoning - Odd One Out<br> Choose the odd one out:
- A
- B
- C (Correct answer)
- D
- E
Correct answer: C
The correct answer is C. The logic: In all of the options except for option three, there is a vertical line which separates these boxes into two, equal, symmetrical halves which mirror one another. If these boxes were pieces of paper which were folded vertically, the items in the boxes would be matching and perfectly identical. The right and left halves are mirror-images of one another. This is not the case for option three. In option 3, there is no mirroring effect between the halves. Both hearts have to be either on the top or on the box's bottom for there to be symmetry. You have probably noticed that the amount, shape and color of the items are insignificant features and are simply distracters.
Question 7: Numerical Reasoning - Word Problems When a smartphone is connected to a charger the battery charge increases by 4.5% per minute. <br> When applications are in use the battery decreases by 3% per 2.5 minutes.<br> What is the percentage of charging rate per minute if the phone is connected to a charger while several applications are in use?
- 2.6%
- 2.8%
- 3%
- 3.3% (Correct answer)
- 3.6%
Correct answer: 3.3%
The correct answer is 3.3%. In order to tackle this question we will first need to understand that there are two opposite "forces" in this question - charging and discharging (i.e. application usage) of the battery. The charger works in a "positive direction" and the applications in a "negative direction". Now we can address the given information: Charger's work rate: 4.5/1 (4.5% charge per minute) Applications' work rate: -3/2.5 = -1.2/1 (1.2% discharge per minute) Thus, the total charging rate ("sum of forces"): 4.5/1 – 1.2/1 = 3.3/1, meaning: 3.3% per minute.
Question 8: Logical Reasoning<br> Assumptions:<br> Most technicians work on the first floor.<br> All accountants work on the second floor.<br> No secretaries work on the third floor.<br> Conclusion: Rose, a technician, works on the third floor. <br> If the assumptions are true, is the conclusion:
- Cannot be determined based on the given information (Correct answer)
- Correct
- Incorrect
Correct answer: Cannot be determined based on the given information
According to the first assumption, most technicians work on the first floor. This means that there is at least one technician who does not work on the first floor. Thus, Rose may or may not work on the third floor. Therefore, the conclusion Cannot be determined based on the information
Question 9: Abstract Reasoning - Next in Series Which block completes the following sequence:
- A
- B
- C
- D (Correct answer)
- E
Correct answer: D
The correct answer is D. The two black sections of the circle move around it clockwise in a different pattern: the section on the upper left side of the circle moves two sections each step. The second section (upper right side in the first frame) stays in the same spot for a step and then moves two sections in the next two steps. When the two sections land on the same spot, they appear as one, such as in the third frame. In the next frame of the sequence, the first section should appear on the upper right side of the circle, so answers (A), (B), and (E) can be ruled out. The second section should stay where it is, which leaves the answer (D).
Question 10: Look at the shapes in the boxes across the top. <br>Do you see how they are related to each other? <br>Can you find the answer that goes in the empty box so the shapes in the next row will relate to each other in the same way as the shapes in the top row?
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E (Correct answer)
Correct answer: E
To find the correct answer, identify the transformation rule applied to the shapes in the top row — such as rotation, reflection, size change, or addition/removal of elements. Answer E correctly applies that same rule to the shapes in the bottom row. The other options (A–D) each fail to replicate the transformation accurately, breaking the pattern established in the top row.
Question 11: Parent: Say to your child - "Look at this puzzle." Point to the empty box and say, "Something is missing." Point to the answer choices and say, "Which of these answer choices goes here?" Point back to the empty box when you say "here."
- A
- B
- C (Correct answer)
- D
- E
Correct answer: C
The correct answer is C because it follows the same visual rule or pattern that connects the other shapes in the sequence. By observing how each shape changes from one box to the next — whether in orientation, color, number of sides, or another attribute — and applying that same logic to the empty box, C is the only choice that fits consistently. The other options (A, B, D, E) deviate from the established pattern.
Free GCAT Processing Speed Questions & Answers
Verbal Reasoning - sentence completion.
Choose the word that, when inserted in the sentence to replace the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence.
Electronic information and automated systems are essential to ____ all major federal operations.