About the UKCAT Verbal Reasoning Test
The UKCAT Verbal Reasoning test, which is part of the UKCAT Test, is an aptitude test that measures the ability to understand and analyse a passage. Test takers must determine whether the statements that follow are true or false in relation to that passage, or whether there is not enough information to say (can't say).
Why Is There a UKCAT Verbal Reasoning Subtest?
It is important for medical and dental practitioners to possess strong verbal reasoning skills in order to comprehend complicated information and relay it in a clear and concise manner to patients. Additionally, in order to practise medicine successfully, doctors and dentists need to be able to read, understand, and apply findings from published medical materials. Critiquing these published materials and arriving at one's own conclusions regarding the validity of such findings is crucial.
UKCAT Verbal Reasoning Subtest Format
Some of the questions in the Verbal Reasoning section of the UKCAT evaluate critical reasoning skills. For such items, it is necessary to arrive at a conclusion based on the provided information.
In the test, there are two question types:
Verbal Reasoning Question Type 1
You will be provided with passages which you will need to read carefully. After each passage, you will be presented with an item related to the passage, such as an incomplete statement or a question, each with four possible answers. You are to choose the best response (only one answer may be selected).
Each item may address a specific subject that was introduced in the passage. Alternatively, it may pose a question in a variety of phrasings:
- The author most likely agrees with all of the following except:
- Which of following claims is best supported by the passage?
- Which conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
- Which of the following assertions would strengthen/weaken 'some argument' that appeared in the passage?
- Which of the following statements is least likely to be true?
Your answer must be based on the provided information rather than on your previous assumptions and general knowledge.
Verbal Reasoning Question Type 2
The second question type may require you to determine if a provided statement is true based on the passage. The response options are as follows:
- True – Based on the provided information, the statement in the question is true.
- False – Based on the provided information, the statement in the question is false.
- Can’t Tell – Based on the provided information, you cannot determine if the statement in the question is true or false.
The UKCAT Verbal Reasoning section is comprised of 11 text passages, each followed by four questions, making a total of 44 questions. You have 21 minutes to complete this section (plus one minute for instructions).
UKCAT Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions
Read the short passage below and try to determine the correct answer.
A day of national mourning is a day marked by mourning and memorial activities observed among the majority of a country's populace. Most are designated by the nation's government. Sociologists claim that national mourning is both a symbolic political gesture as well as a meaningful expression of grief. On the one hand, predetermined mourning days reflect and create a national community, united in a feeling of sorrow. On the other hand, many mourning days instigated by the people, such as the day of Princess Diana’s funeral, reflect a spontaneous outbreak of pure grief manifested in the closing of shops and banks, the postponement of sports events, and the cancellation of theatre and cinema performances. Although the fervour of the mourning can differ dramatically from one country to another, there is no doubt that a day of collective grief is beneficial to national unity.
True, False, Can't Tell Question
Is the following statement true, false, or you can't tell based on the information in the text?
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Different countries have different manifestations of mourning.
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Multiple-Choice Question
Which one of the following provides the best summary of the main point of the passage?
A) National mourning days usually have a political agenda.
B) A day of national mourning creates national unity.
C) Mourning days are designated by the government or instigated by the people.
D) A national day of mourning is a day marked by memorial activities.
For more free samples, check out our free UKCAT practice test.
How To Prepare for the UKCAT Test
Our UKCAT test PrepPack™ offers comprehensive solving tips, a mock test, and a verbal reasoning practice test. These practice tests can be completed in either Timed or Step-by-Step Mode, in which each question comes with a detailed explanation. This method allows you to learn as you prepare for the test. Our online pack also contains a complete guide to the UKCAT, including specific tips for the Verbal Reasoning test. Learn more about UKCAT Verbal Reasoning tips here.
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