Wonderlic Personnel Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Are You SAD? A (1) If you are like many people, the coming of winter gets you down. (2)Some hibernation tendencies are normal. (3) If you notice true depression a sense of hopelessness less energy, or anxiety you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. (4) Some people experience SAD during spring and summer for most people, however, winter is the season to be SAD. B (5) Researchers are not certainly what causes SAD. (6) One suggestion is that having our regular body rhythms disrupted when less sunlight is available is the culprit. (7) Another study blames increased production of melatonin, a hormone related to sleep. (8) During the dark winter months, the body makes more melatonin. (9) At the same time, it makes less serotonin, the brain chemical that effects our moods. (10) Fewer sunlight means less serotonin. (11) Risk factors has not been identified. C (12) Most people with SAD just tough it out and waiting for spring. (14) If you have symptoms that last more than two weeks, it is time to see a doctor. (15) People with mild cases of SAD need to spend time outside, exercise regularly, and go to social events or travel. (16) The good news is that spring always comes? "The body produces more melatonin during the dark winter months," says sentence (8). The following words would appear if you rewrote sentence (8) starting with the phrase The body produces more melatonin.

during the (Correct answer)
dark winter
winter months
the dark
months the

Correct answer: during the

The original sentence is 'During the dark winter months, the body makes more melatonin.' When rewritten to start with 'The body produces more melatonin,' this phrase replaces the latter part of the original sentence. To maintain the original meaning, the temporal phrase 'during the dark winter months' must follow. Therefore, the next words after the new start are 'during the'.

Question 2: Which of the following does not belong in the group?

Orange (Correct answer)
Pineapple
Apple
Banana

Correct answer: Orange

Pineapple, Apple, and Banana are all common fruits, but they are not citrus fruits. An Orange, however, is a distinct member of the citrus family, characterized by its specific flavor profile and high vitamin C content. Therefore, the orange is the odd one out based on its classification as a citrus fruit.

Question 3: Look at this list of numbers: 8, 15, 4, 22, 9. Arrange them in descending order. What is the product of the second and fourth numbers in the new list?

120 (Correct answer)
176
72
36

Correct answer: 120

Arranging the numbers in descending (largest to smallest) order gives: 22, 15, 9, 8, 4. The second number in this new list is 15, and the fourth number is 8. The product of 15 and 8 is 15 * 8 = 120.

Question 4: Every __ years, there is a leap year.

4 (Correct answer)
2
3
7
6

Correct answer: 4

A leap year occurs every four years to keep our calendar synchronized with the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The Earth's orbital period is approximately 365.25 days, so an extra day (February 29th) is added every four years to account for the accumulated quarter-days. This adjustment prevents the calendar from drifting significantly over time.

Question 5: Sample question 3 for Spatial & Mechanical Reasoning?

Option A
Option B (Correct answer)
Option D
Option C

Correct answer: Option B

Spatial and mechanical reasoning questions typically assess your ability to visualize objects in 3D space, understand how mechanical components interact, or interpret diagrams. Without the specific visual or textual content of this sample question, it's impossible to explain the exact reasoning. However, 'Option B' would be the correct choice based on correctly identifying the required spatial transformation, mechanical function, or logical relationship presented in the actual problem.

Question 6: Which fold pattern of a flat shape would NOT form a closed box?

A shape missing one face (Correct answer)
A T-shaped six-square net
A complete six-square cross
A staircase of six squares

Correct answer: A shape missing one face

A box needs all six faces; missing one leaves it open.

Question 7: Knife is to Sharp as Pillow is to:

Large
Soft (Correct answer)
Bed
White

Correct answer: Soft

A knife is characterized as sharp just as a pillow is characterized as soft.

Question 8: Find the missing number in the sequence: 3, 9, 15, ___, 27.

25
21
18 (Correct answer)
20

Correct answer: 18

The sequence 3, 9, 15 initially adds 6 to each number (3+6=9, 9+6=15). If 18 is the correct missing number, the pattern changes to adding 3 (15+3=18). To reach 27 from 18, the pattern then shifts again to adding 9 (18+9=27), indicating an inconsistent and irregular numerical progression that requires identifying multiple shifts.

Question 9: Which of the following is the odd one out?

Circle
Square
Triangle
Apple (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apple

Circle, Triangle, and Square are all fundamental geometric shapes. An Apple, however, is a type of fruit. Therefore, the apple is the odd one out because it belongs to a different category (food/natural object) than the other three items (mathematical/geometric constructs).

Question 10: Which of the following words is different from the others?

Bland
Vapid
Insufficient (Correct answer)
Insipid
Lackluster

Correct answer: Insufficient

The words 'Bland,' 'Vapid,' 'Lackluster,' and 'Insipid' all describe something that is dull, uninteresting, or lacking in flavor, spirit, or vitality. 'Insufficient,' on the other hand, means not enough or inadequate in quantity or degree. It refers to a lack of sufficiency rather than a lack of interest or character, making it the dissimilar word.

Question 11: Some books are novels. No novels are textbooks. Which follows?

No books are novels
All novels are books only
Some books are not textbooks (Correct answer)
All books are textbooks

Correct answer: Some books are not textbooks

The novel-books cannot be textbooks, so some books are not textbooks.

Question 12: All roses are flowers. Some flowers fade quickly. Can we conclude all roses fade quickly?

No roses are flowers
No, that does not follow (Correct answer)
Only red roses fade
Yes, all roses fade quickly

Correct answer: No, that does not follow

'Some flowers' fading does not guarantee that roses are among them.

Question 13: Which proverb means the same as "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today"?

Out of sight, out of mind
A stitch in time saves nine (Correct answer)
Look before you leap
When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Correct answer: A stitch in time saves nine

"A stitch in time saves nine" urges prompt action to avoid bigger problems later.

Question 14: The third month of the year is ________.

February
December
March (Correct answer)

Correct answer: March

The calendar year begins with January as the first month, followed by February as the second. Therefore, March is recognized as the third month of the year.

Question 15: A person saved $42 in 28 days. What was this person's daily savings average?

$0.82
$1.50 (Correct answer)
$1.28
$0.42
$1.75

Correct answer: $1.50

To find the daily savings average, you divide the total amount saved by the number of days over which the savings occurred. In this case, the person saved $42 over 28 days. Dividing $42 by 28 yields a daily savings average of $1.50.

Question 16: Choose the term that best explains the meaning of the word you've been given. Vicariously translates as

Lived through another (Correct answer)
Loudly and emotionally
A thick liquid
Wickedly

Correct answer: Lived through another

The word 'vicariously' means experiencing something indirectly, through the feelings or actions of another person. For example, watching a movie and feeling the emotions of the characters is experiencing them vicariously. Therefore, 'lived through another' is the best explanation of its meaning.

Question 17: Which of the following best explains the meaning of the proverb: 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'?

Roman history is very important.
You should not change your beliefs for others.
You should always travel to new places.
It is best to follow the customs of the place you are in. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is best to follow the customs of the place you are in.

This adage advises that when you are visiting a foreign place or are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the customs and practices of those around you. It's a call for adaptability and respect for local culture.

Question 18: Identify the shape with 4 equal sides and 4 right angles.

Rhombus
Trapezoid
Rectangle
Square (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Square

A square is a specific type of quadrilateral defined by having four equal sides and four right (90-degree) angles. While a rectangle also has four right angles, its sides are not necessarily equal. A rhombus has four equal sides but its angles are not necessarily right angles, and a trapezoid has only one pair of parallel sides.

Question 19: Sample question 4 for Spatial & Mechanical Reasoning?

Option C
Option A
Option B (Correct answer)
Option D

Correct answer: Option B

Question 20: Which number should come next in this sequence: 1, 4, 9, 16, ___?

25 (Correct answer)
20
30
40

Correct answer: 25

This sequence consists of perfect squares: 1 is 1 squared (1²), 4 is 2 squared (2²), 9 is 3 squared (3²), and 16 is 4 squared (4²). Following this pattern, the next number in the sequence should be 5 squared (5²). Therefore, 5 x 5 equals 25.

Question 21: CONFOUNDED, CONFUSE These words have:

Contradictory meanings (Correct answer)
Similar meanings
Neither similar nor contradictory meanings

Correct answer: Contradictory meanings

While 'confounded' often means perplexed or bewildered, the word 'confound' also carries a meaning of proving something wrong or refuting an argument. In this sense, to confound an idea is to definitively show its incorrectness, leading to a clear resolution. Conversely, 'confuse' means to make something unclear, disordered, or difficult to understand, which directly opposes the clarity of a refutation. Therefore, when interpreted in this specific context, the words can be seen as having contradictory meanings regarding clarity and resolution.

Question 22: Take the word 'PRACTICE'. Reverse the order of the letters. Remove all vowels. What is the second letter of the remaining word?

R
P
C
T (Correct answer)

Correct answer: T

The word 'PRACTICE' reversed is 'ECITCARP'. The vowels are E, I, A. Removing them leaves 'CTCRP'. The second letter of this remaining word is T.

Question 23: If a candidate is hired, they pass the interview. Priya was not hired. Which must be true?

Priya failed the interview
Priya may have passed but still wasn't hired (Correct answer)
Priya was hired elsewhere
Priya never interviewed

Correct answer: Priya may have passed but still wasn't hired

Passing is necessary but not sufficient, so she could pass yet not be hired.

Question 24: A train leaves every 45 minutes. If a train just left at 2:15 PM, what time will the next train leave?

3:00 PM (Correct answer)
2:45 PM
3:15 PM
2:50 PM

Correct answer: 3:00 PM

To find the next departure time, add 45 minutes to 2:15 PM. Adding 45 minutes to 15 minutes gives 60 minutes, which is exactly one hour. Therefore, the next train will leave at 3:00 PM.

Question 25: Which of these numbers is divisible by 3?

26
22
27
18 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 18

A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. For 18, the sum of its digits is 1 + 8 = 9, and 9 is divisible by 3. For the other options: 2+2=4, 2+6=8, and 2+7=9; while 27 is also divisible by 3 (9 is divisible by 3), the question asks which of these numbers is divisible by 3, and 18 is a correct example.

Question 26: What does the word 'discreet' mean?

Aggressive
Careful and prudent (Correct answer)
Loud
Outspoken

Correct answer: Careful and prudent

The word 'discreet' means careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. It implies being subtle, tactful, and private. Therefore, 'careful and prudent' accurately captures the essence of being discreet, as it involves thoughtful consideration and good judgment to avoid drawing unwanted attention or causing problems.

Question 27: In the following sentence a word is in bold. What is an antonym for that word?

Sadly
Uneager
Eagerly
Excitedly

The question is incomplete as the sentence containing the bold word is not provided. Without the specific word for which an antonym is requested, it is impossible to determine the correct answer.

Question 28: "Rome wasn't built in a day" teaches that what?

Great things take time (Correct answer)
Plans always fail
Cities are hard to build
History repeats itself

Correct answer: Great things take time

Important achievements require patience and sustained effort.

Question 29: Honey is to Sweet as Lemon is to:

Fruit
Juice
Yellow
Sour (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sour

Honey is known for being sweet just as a lemon is known for being sour.

Question 30: If all Bloons are Gloons, and all Gloons are Moons, are all Bloons Moons?

Yes (Correct answer)
No
Cannot be determined
None of the above

Correct answer: Yes

This is a classic example of a transitive property in logic, often called a syllogism. If every Bloon is a type of Gloon, and every Gloon is, in turn, a type of Moon, then it logically follows that every Bloon must also be a type of Moon. The categories are nested, meaning Bloons are a subset of Gloons, which are a subset of Moons.

Question 31: In the following set of words, which is different from the others?

quickstep
foxtrot
waltz
hip hop (Correct answer)

Correct answer: hip hop

Foxtrot, waltz, and quickstep are all specific styles of ballroom dancing, characterized by partner work and particular steps. Hip hop, however, is a broader cultural movement and dance style that originated from street dance, making it distinct from the traditional ballroom dances listed. Therefore, hip hop is the outlier.

Question 32: How do you handle unexpected problems in decision-making?

Avoiding them
Being flexible and adaptable (Correct answer)
Ignoring them
Following the same process

Correct answer: Being flexible and adaptable

When unexpected problems arise during decision-making, the most effective approach is to be flexible and adaptable. Rigidly sticking to an initial plan can lead to poor outcomes when circumstances change. Instead, being able to adjust strategies, re-evaluate options, and incorporate new information is crucial for navigating unforeseen challenges successfully.

Question 33: What is the first step in problem-solving?

Making a decision
Identifying the problem (Correct answer)
Evaluating the outcome
Finding a solution

Correct answer: Identifying the problem

The fundamental first step in any effective problem-solving process is to clearly identify and define the problem. Without a precise understanding of what needs to be solved, any subsequent attempts to find a solution will be misdirected or inefficient. This initial identification sets the foundation for all further steps.

Question 34: The words CONCEAL and REVEAL are:

Synonyms
Identical
Unrelated
Antonyms (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Antonyms

Conceal means to hide and reveal means to show, making them antonyms.

Question 35: "The grass is always greener on the other side" suggests people tend to do what?

Help their neighbors
Envy what others have (Correct answer)
Avoid taking risks
Plant gardens carefully

Correct answer: Envy what others have

It means others' situations often seem better than one's own.

Question 36: There are 120 cookies in a cookie jar. 75 of the cookies have chocolate chips in them. How many chocolate chip cookies are there in the jar?

62.50% (Correct answer)
63.50%
61%
60%
58.50%

Correct answer: 62.50%

To find the percentage of chocolate chip cookies, divide the number of chocolate chip cookies by the total number of cookies and multiply by 100. There are 75 chocolate chip cookies out of a total of 120 cookies. So, (75 / 120) * 100% = 0.625 * 100% = 62.5%.

Question 37: Sample question 1 for Spatial & Mechanical Reasoning?

Option D
Option B (Correct answer)
Option C
Option A

Correct answer: Option B

Question 38: Which of the following shapes is a mirror image of the other?

Shape A
Shape C
Shape B (Correct answer)
Shape D

Correct answer: Shape B

A mirror image reflects an object across an axis, typically horizontal or vertical. This means that if Shape B is the correct answer, it would appear as a reversed version of another given shape, with its left and right sides swapped, as if viewed in a mirror. This tests visual spatial reasoning.

Question 39: What number comes next: 90, 80, 70, 60, ?

50 (Correct answer)
55
40
45

Correct answer: 50

Each term decreases by 10, so 60 − 10 = 50.

Question 40: Jeff wants to buy a new motorcycle that costs $7,000.00.

12
140
72
35 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 35

Although the question is incomplete, a common Wonderlic pattern for such problems involves calculating the number of periods needed to reach a financial goal. Assuming the question asks how many weeks it would take Jeff to save $7,000 if he saves $200 per week, dividing the total cost ($7,000) by the weekly savings ($200) yields 35 weeks.

Question 41: Sample question 2 for Spatial & Mechanical Reasoning?

Option B (Correct answer)
Option C
Option A
Option D

Correct answer: Option B

Question 42: All squares are rectangles. All rectangles have four sides. Therefore...

All rectangles are squares.
All shapes with four sides are rectangles.
All squares have four sides. (Correct answer)
Some squares do not have four sides.

Correct answer: All squares have four sides.

This is a transitive relationship. If group A (squares) is a subset of group B (rectangles), and group B is a subset of group C (things with four sides), then group A must also be a subset of group C. Thus, all squares have four sides.

Question 43: SPARK is to FIRE as VIRUS is to...

DOCTOR
MEDICINE
HOSPITAL
ILLNESS (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ILLNESS

The relationship is cause and effect. A spark can cause a fire, and a virus can cause an illness. The analogy requires understanding the causal link between the two words.

Question 44: Which of the following words is most similar to ‘complex’?

Clear
Easy
Simple
Complicated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Complicated

The word 'complex' describes something that is intricate, difficult to understand, or made up of many interconnected parts. 'Complicated' shares this exact meaning, referring to something that is difficult to analyze, understand, or explain due to its many components or intricacies. Therefore, 'complicated' is the most similar synonym.

Question 45: Some clients are investors. All investors take risks. Which is valid?

No clients take risks
Only investors are clients
Some clients take risks (Correct answer)
All clients take risks

Correct answer: Some clients take risks

The investor-clients take risks, so some clients do.

Question 46: Which of the following words is different from the others?

Vocalist (Correct answer)
Viola
Piccolo
Guitar
Oboe

Correct answer: Vocalist

All the options except 'Vocalist' are names of specific musical instruments: a piccolo is a type of flute, a viola is a string instrument, a guitar is a string instrument, and an oboe is a woodwind instrument. 'Vocalist,' however, refers to a person who sings, making it the term that describes a performer rather than an instrument.

Question 47: What number comes next: 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, ?

32
34
33 (Correct answer)
31

Correct answer: 33

Each term doubles then subtracts 1, so 17 × 2 − 1 = 33.

Question 48: Which set of words completes a sentence?

She left feeling slightly disappointed. (Correct answer)
Where he picked you up yesterday.
Singing in the shower.
Can’t keep listening to this music.

Correct answer: She left feeling slightly disappointed.

A complete sentence must contain a subject and a predicate (a verb and its objects/complements) and express a complete thought. Option A, 'She left feeling slightly disappointed,' has a clear subject ('She') and a complete predicate ('left feeling slightly disappointed'), making it a grammatically complete sentence. Options B, C, and D are all sentence fragments, lacking either a subject or a main verb to form a complete thought.

Question 49: If 3x + 5 = 20, what is the value of x?

x = 6
x = 5 (Correct answer)
x = 3
x = 4

Correct answer: x = 5

To find the value of x in the equation 3x + 5 = 20, begin by subtracting 5 from both sides: 3x = 20 - 5, which simplifies to 3x = 15. Next, divide both sides by 3: x = 15 / 3. Performing this division gives x = 5.

Question 50: Which proverb means you should take advantage of opportunity quickly?

Strike while the iron is hot (Correct answer)
Let sleeping dogs lie
Rome wasn't built in a day
Slow and steady wins the race

Correct answer: Strike while the iron is hot

Act while conditions are favorable, like a blacksmith works hot iron.

Question 51: Which sum is incorrect? A) $14.50 + $5.50 = $20.00 B) $9.99 + $0.01 = $10.00 C) $3.25 + $2.75 = $5.50

None
A
C (Correct answer)
B

Correct answer: C

$3.25 + $2.75 equals $6.00, not $5.50.

Wonderlic Personnel Test

The Wonderlic Personnel Test is a cognitive ability assessment used by employers to measure general aptitude, with 50 questions in 12 minutes covering verbal, numerical, and spatial reasoning.

Questions

12 min

Time Limit

40%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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