Defence Forces Army & Naval Cadetship Recruitment Campaign 2012

Defence Forces Army & Naval Cadetship Recruitment Campaign 2012

DEFENCE FORCES

ARMY AND NAVAL SERVICE CADETSHIP COMPETITION 2012

Test Familiarisation Booklet

Stage 1 Selection Testing

Dear Applicant

With reference to your application for the Defence Forces Army & Naval Service Cadetship Competition, we are supplying you with this year’s Test Familiarisation Booklet.

The purpose of this Test Familiarisation Booklet is to introduce you to the tests that are being used in the written assessment, i.e. the first stage of the selection procedures for this year’s Defence Forces Army & Naval Service Cadetship Competition.

This booklet contains information about the different tests being used, how the actual test booklets and answer sheets work, the time limits for each test and how the tests are scored. By familiarising yourself with the exercises in advance of the testing session, you can help optimise your performance on the day.

The aim of this Test Familiarisation Booklet is to ensure that you are comfortable with the testing format and are aware of how to do your best in the test situation.

Please take the time to read this Test Familiarisation Booklet carefully as it is your opportunity to prepare for the tests that you are about to sit and it should also help to reduce the additional time spent clarifying instructions before the tests. Please note that in order to ensure that you will not be detained for any longer than necessary on the day of the test, there will be a limited amount of time allocated for instructions and examples on the test day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for applying for the competition and to encourage you once again to take time to read through the documentation carefully. We look forward to seeing you on the test day.

Thank you.

The Tests Being Used:

Stage 1 consists of three competitive pencil and paper tests, which will be in multiple-choice short-answer format. They have been designed so that they are fair to all candidates, and are objectively scored.

Test 1: Verbal Reasoning

This test is designed to measure the ability to evaluate the logic of various kinds of argument. In this test you will be asked to decide whether a statement made in connection with given information is true or untrue, or whether there is insufficient information to judge. On the test day you will have 25 minutes to complete this test.

Test 2: Numerical Reasoning

This test is designed to measure the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data. On the test day you will have 35 minutes to complete this test and calculators will be allowed.

Test 3: Job Simulation Exercise

The job simulation exercise attempts to identify what you would be most likely to do when presented with a scenario typical of what could occur in a job situation. This exercise measures a range of skills and qualities required in the Cadet and Officer role, ranging from making decisions during Cadet training to operating effectively as an Officer in command of troops both at home and overseas. In this exercise you will be required to read through a number of scenarios and then choose one of five possible actions you would be most likely to carry out based on the information presented in the scenario. On the test day you will have 35 minutes to complete this exercise.

Test Booklet & Answer Sheet Formats:

The Verbal Reasoning Test and Numerical Reasoning Test are presented in the same test booklet, each test clearly identifiable and in a separate section of the book. The Job Simulation Exercise is presented in an individual test booklet.

The first pages of each of the tests will contain brief test instructions and example questions. The test questions will follow on the other pages. In order to ensure that you will not be detained for any longer than necessary on the day of the test, there will be a limited amount of time allocated for instructions and examples on the test day.

You will be given two answer sheets for the test session. The answer sheets are designed for computerised scoring. This means they can be sent through computer scanning equipment, which will read the marks you put on the answer sheet and your scores can be automatically calculated.

How to Complete the Answer Sheets:

The first thing that you will be asked to do when you receive your answer sheets is to enter your name and candidate ID in the spaces provided. You will be given specific instructions about how and when to do this at the examination.

All of the questions are presented in multiple choice format, which means that you will have to choose from a set of answers labelled [ A ] [ B ] [ C ] and so on, depending on the number of answer options given for the questions in each test. You must mark the boxes with heavy marks [] that fill the box completely, in order for the computer scanner to read it. This is very important as check ticks [√] or crosses [X] cannot be interpreted by the computer scanner.

Here are some helpful tips for completing the answer sheets:

• You should listen carefully to the instructions for each test and ensure that you are completing the correct answer section on the answer sheet for the test that you are doing.

• As you go through the tests you may wish to check that you are filling in the right answer line for the question that you are answering. This is just in case you have marked the answer for a question in the wrong answer section or on the wrong answer line

• While these points may seem obvious, it is possible to lose your place on an answer sheet and fill in the wrong box in a test situation. Unfortunately, errors such as these will not be picked up by the computerised scoring process.

• You should fully erase any answers you wish to change.

• There are no penalties for incorrect answers in the Job Simulation Exercise, there are some marks awarded for all answers.

• It is important that you put maximum effort into each of the tests as they all contribute to your overall test result.

• If you do not mark the answer sheet as you are instructed it may not scan and some of your answers may not be accounted for – the onus is on you to ensure that it is correct.

Sample Answer Sheet

• Use only soft pencils. Do not use ink or ballpoint pens.

• Make heavy black marks that fill the box completely. EXAMPLE

• Fully erase any answers you wish to change.

• Please make no stray marks on the answer sheet.

Information about Practice Questions

Practice questions for each of the tests are presented over the next few pages. These practice questions are similar in format to what you could expect to find in each of the tests. You should try the practice questions for each of these tests using the mini answer sections presented directly after the questions.

When you are finished, refer to the relevant page numbers indicated in the table on the next page to see how many you got right. If you had any difficulty and you want to see how you could improve your performance, then refer to the pages for suggested explanations to these practice questions.

Remember, these practice questions are only intended to help you familiarise yourself with the format of the test questions. Please do not be alarmed on the test day if you find that the questions are more difficult.

Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning Test

This test is designed to measure the ability to evaluate the logic of various kinds of argument.

Instructions

This test consists of a series of passages, each of which is followed by several statements. Your task is to evaluate each statement in the light of the passage which precedes it, and to mark the appropriate circle on the answer sheet, following the rules given below.

Mark box A if the statement is clearly TRUE or follows logically given the information or opinions contained in the passage.

Mark box B if the statement is clearlyUNTRUE or the opposite follows logically, given the information or opinions contained in the passage.

Mark box C if you CANNOT SAY whether the statement is true or untrue or follows logically without further information.

On the day of the test you will have 25 minutes to complete the 48 questions in this test.

See how many of the following 8 example questions you can answer in 4 minutes. Remember to work quickly as well as accurately. You should mark your answers on the mini answer section presented on the bottom of each page.

Passage 1

1. Mobile phone users generally take a computer-like approach when operating their phones.
2. Internet features are becoming increasingly common in mobile phones.
3. The younger sector is more competent at using the audio-visual facilities in mobile phones.
4. The increasingly complex operation of mobile phones means there are few users who are naturally competent.

Q1.[A] [B] [C]

Q2.[A] [B] [C]

Q3. [A] [B] [C]

Q4.[A] [B] [C]

Passage 2

1. Organic food production is the fastest growing field in the food industry
2. The cause of enhanced organic food consumption is the higher general standard of living.
3. Consumers are now more conscious of the value of organic food than they were in the past
4. The consumption of organic food has tripled over the past decade

Q5.[A] [B] [C]

Q6.[A] [B] [C]

Q7.[A] [B] [C]

Q8.[A] [B] [C]

Answers to practice questions for Paper 1 – Verbal Reasoning Test

Suggested Explanations for Verbal Reasoning test practice Questions.

Q1.Statement: Mobile phone users generally take a computer-like approach when operating their phones.

According to the text, “users are now required to take a more computer-like approach”. However, the text doesn’t mention that mobile phone users actually do take a computer-like approach. In actual fact, the text also argues that, “some users are likely to find it increasingly difficult to operate these features”. The answer is cannot say.

Q2.Statement:Internet usage is becoming increasingly common in mobile phones.

According to the text, “new mobile phones often have high level features such as text messaging, audio-visual facilities, Internet and computer gaming”. This means that the Internet features are becoming increasingly common. The answer is true.

Q3.Statement: The younger sector is more competent at using the audio-visual facilities in mobile phones.

According to the text, “there is a large and growing sector of young users who seem more naturally competent at using them (these features). The answer is true.

Q4.Statement: The increasingly complex operation of mobile phones means there are few users who are naturally competent.

According to the text, “there is a large and growing sector of young users who seem naturally more competent at using them (these features)”. The answer is false.

Q5.Statement:Organic food production is the fastest growing field in the food industry.

According to the text, “The production of organic products …..continues to increase considerably” and “is likely to triple over the next decade”. However, the text never mentions that it is the fastest growing field in the food industry. The answer is cannot say.

Q6.Statement:The cause of enhanced organic food consumption is the higher general standard of living.

The text clearly states that “Health awareness and higher standards of living are both enhancing consumption”. Therefore a higher standard of living is only one of two main causes of enhanced organic food consumption. The answer is false.

Q7.Statement:Consumers are now more conscious of the value of organic food than in the past.

According to the text, “Health awareness (is) enhancing consumption”. Therefore, we can infer that consumers are now more conscious of the value of organic food than in the past. The answer is true.

Q8.Statement: The consumption of organic food has tripled over the past decade. The text states that, “the (organic food) market is likely to triple over the next decade. There is no reference to the past. The answer is false.

Test 2: Numerical Reasoning Test

This test is designed to measure the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data. Calculators will be allowed for this test.

Instructions

In this test you will be using facts and figures presented in various statistical tables to answer questions designed to assess your ability to evaluate numerical data.

In each question you are given five options to choose from. One, and only one, of the options is correct in each case.

• Note: The use of a calculator for this test is permitted. Staff will not have a supply of calculators with them at the test therefore you should ensure that the calculator you bring with you is functioning accurately.

• Mobile phones with a calculator function will not be permitted.

Try the following example questions - you should allow yourself approximately 5 minutes to complete these questions. You should mark your answers on the mini answer section. On the test day you will have 35 minutes to complete 35 questions

1. Which ISP scored 50 and below the least number of times?

1. ISP 1
2. ISP2
3. ISP 3
4. ISP 4
5. ISP 5

1. How many scores of 65-85 did ISP 1 and ISP 3 receive between them?

1. 1743
2. 2597
3. 369
4. 687
5. 1056

1. What proportion of scores were 50 and below for ISP 5?

1. 13.75%
2. 11.2%
3. 9.8%
4. 20%
5. 7.2%

1. Which ISP had the lowest percentage of 85 and above scores?

1. ISP 1
2. ISP2
3. ISP 3
4. ISP 4
5. ISP 5

1. Which ISP reached the highest overall score with regard to customer satisfaction?

1. ISP 1
2. ISP2
3. ISP 3
4. ISP 4
5. ISP 5

Mark your answers here:

Q1.[A] [B] [C] [D] [E]

Q2.[A] [B] [C] [D] [E]

Q3.[A] [B] [C] [D] [E]

Q4.[A] [B] [C] [D] [E]

Q5.[A] [B] [C] [D] [E]

Answers to practice questions for the Numerical Reasoning Test

Suggested Explanations for Numerical Reasoning Test Practice Questions.

1. Which ISP scored 50 and below the least number of times?

ISP 4 received only 25 scores of 50 and below, which is the lowest in comparison to all of the other ISP’s.The answer is D.

1. How many scores 0f 65-85 did ISP 1 and ISP 3 receive between them?

ISP 1 received 1056 scores of 65-85 and ISP 3 received 687 scores of 65-85.

Between them they received: 1056+687=1743. The answer is A.

1. What proportion of scores were 50 and below for ISP 5?

(Total number of scores 50 and below for ISP 5 / total number of scores for ISP 5)X100: (112/1540) x 100=7.2%. The answer is E.

1. Which ISP had the lowest percentage of 85 and above scores?

First we have to calculate the percentage of 85 and above scores for each category: (the number of scores that were 85 and above for each ISP/total number of scores for each ISP) x 100

ISP1: (458/2168) x 100=21.1%

ISP2: (470/1937) x 100=24.3%

ISP3: (75/1437) x 100=5.2%

ISP4: (124/1493) x 100=8.3%

ISP5: (389/1540) x100=25.3%

ISP3 had the lowest percentage of 85 and above scores with 5.2%. The answer is C.

1. Which ISP reached the highest overall score with regard to customer satisfaction?

In order to determine which ISP received the highest overall score, we have to calculate the percentage for each score category and then calculate the average score.

Since each category has a range of scores we need to assign each category a number. We will assign the lowest category, 50 and below, the number 1, and we will assign the highest category, 85 and above, the number 4.

Average score per ISP = [(number of ‘1’ scores x score) + (number of ‘2’ scores x score) + (number of ‘3’ scores x score) + (number of ‘4’ scores x score)]/total number of scores

Average Score ISP1: {(256x1)+(398x2)+(1056x3)+(458x4)]/2168 = 2.7

Average Score ISP2:= 2.81

Average Score ISP3:=2.52

Average Score ISP4:=2.45

Average Score ISP5:=2.94

ISP5 has the highest overall score of 2.94