This type of numerical reasoning question is slightly more difficult than those given in the previous chapter. In this chapter the questions are sentence-based, requiring you to extract the appropriate calculation from the information given. More complex questions based on tables and graphs can be found in the chapters that follow.
The ‘milk round’ is a metaphor traditionally used in the UK to describe the process of companies visiting universities each year to advertise the opportunities available and recruit graduates – the metaphor being based on Britain’s long-standing door-to-door milk delivery service. Recruiters are generally large business organisations with their own in-house graduate trainee schemes. Since the late 1990s this process of physically visiting universities has given way to an online version where graduates can research training schemes and apply for jobs.
Graduate aptitude tests have always formed some part of the graduate recruitment process but, in recent years, with the dramatic increase in numbers of graduates, their use has become more widespread as an effective way for companies to assess large numbers of graduates. Numerical reasoning tests are commonly used both as a means of selecting graduates for interview and as a part of the interview process.
There are many websites that offer free practice opportunities for this popular test format. Search under ‘numerical reasoning test practice’ and take your pick.
The practice questions appear in sets of 10 questions. Each of these is followed by their respective 10-answer explanations. You are advised to: