M&G Critical Thinking Test: Question Format
M&G's critical thinking test is the module that surprises 2027 intake candidates: short arguments followed by questions about assumptions, inferences and logical flaws. It is M&G's signature screen — most banks don't test this — and candidates who have never seen the format walk in blind. Here's the format and how each question type works.
What the M&G Critical Thinking Test Format Looks Like
This TestGorilla module presents a brief paragraph — an argument, a claim with supporting evidence, or a short business scenario — followed by statements you must evaluate. The recurring formats are: identifying the assumption the argument depends on, judging whether an inference validly follows, spotting the logical flaw, and evaluating whether additional evidence strengthens or weakens the argument. Each question is multiple choice with roughly 60 to 90 seconds on the clock. The passages are short; the thinking is not.
The Four Question Types, Explained
Assumption questions ask what must be true for the argument to hold — look for the unstated gap between evidence and conclusion. Inference questions ask what validly follows: the correct answer is the one that must be true given the passage, not merely plausible. Flaw questions ask what's wrong with the reasoning — classic flaws include confusing correlation with causation, generalising from one example, and attacking the person instead of the argument. Strengthen/weaken questions ask how new evidence affects the conclusion — the right answer directly targets the argument's weakest link. Our 2027 M&G Investments Online Assessment and Video Interview Exact Questions drills each type with worked explanations, so the patterns become recognisable on sight.
How to Prepare for the M&G Critical Thinking Test
Learn the standard flaw catalogue first — most questions recycle the same half-dozen logical errors. Then practise under time pressure: the skill isn't deep philosophy, it's fast, disciplined analysis. For every question, eliminate answers that go beyond the passage before choosing; the most common trap is the "true in real life but not supported here" option. Read each argument twice — once for the conclusion, once for the evidence — and the gap between them usually reveals the answer. Drill with real M&G-style items until spotting assumptions feels mechanical.
M&G's Signature Filter Catches the Unprepared
Every candidate expects numerical and verbal tests. Far fewer expect critical thinking — and that's exactly why M&G uses it. It separates candidates who can process an argument under pressure from those who just calculate quickly. A few days of targeted practice on the real question formats turns this from a blind spot into a scoring opportunity.
FAQ
Is the critical thinking test harder than numerical/verbal? It's different, not harder. Candidates with no exposure find it tough; candidates who drill the formats find it very scorable.
Do I need a philosophy background? No. The test measures practical reasoning, and the flaw patterns are learnable in days.
How many questions are in this module? Expect 15 to 20 questions at roughly a minute each, as part of the wider aptitude battery.
Can strong maths compensate for weak critical thinking? All modules feed the same benchmark, but a very weak module can sink you. Don't neglect it.
Preparing for M&G's critical thinking test? Our 2027 M&G Investments Online Assessment and Video Interview Exact Questions has the exact questions and answers — $79 one-time, instant download.
